Travis Kelce hit with $14,000 fine but NFL icon has vowed to help him pay it

Fortunately, Kansas City Chiefs star Tony Gonzalez will pay the $14,000 fine that Travis Kelce received for his unlawful Christmas Day party.

By defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29–10 on Christmas Day, the Chiefs secured the first seed in the AFC. Throwing for over 320 yards and three touchdowns, including a historic one to Kelce, Patrick Mahomes dominated the renowned Steelers defense.

Mahomes spun free from Steelers defensive pressure early in the fourth quarter, when the Chiefs were ahead 22–10, and flung a floating 12-yard touchdown throw to the wide-open Kelce in the end zone. With the score, Kelce broke his tie with Gonzalez, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking a historic event.

Kelce now leads all Kansas City players with 77 receiving touchdowns. The three-time Super Bowl champion is regarded as an all-time great Chief and has built a resume worthy of the Hall of Fame over his remarkable career.

Kelce celebrated the momentous occasion by honoring Gonzalez after hauling in the pass. He paid homage to his fellow great tight end by dunking the ball over the goalpost, imitating Gonzalez’s celebration.

The celebration was unlawful, though, and Kelce was fined $14,069 for his unsportsmanlike behavior. Gonzalez wrote on social media after the game, “Congratulations to my man @tkelce on becoming the all-time @Chiefs leader in touchdowns! My friend, keep breaking new ground! Nice dunk, by the way.

Kelce commented on the potential fine in reply, writing: “You know I had to show love to the greatest of all time!! you did mention you’d help me with the fine tho.”

Gonzalez understood the point, adding: “lol! I got you!”

Kelce was aware that the fine was not a concern for him. The NFL icon declared, “If he dunks it, I will pay that fine,” as he was about to surpass Gonzalez’s record after recording his 76th touchdown reception.

It’s obvious that the two respect each other. The 48-year-old posted a video on X after breaking Gonzalez’s record, saying, “What’s up, Travis? Well done for shattering the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown record. I’m among the many well-known people you passed, but I just wanted to congratulate you, guy. I’m really proud of you and happy for you, having watched you develop as a player both on and off the field and for everything you’ve done for the game and the position.