KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce drew criticism from fans and media observers on Monday after exiting Arrowhead Stadium without addressing reporters following the team’s 23-17 victory over the Houston Texans. The departure occurred during a period of heightened tension surrounding the franchise’s newly announced relocation to Kansas for the 2031 season.
Kelce, a nine-time Pro Bowler and one of the most visible figures in the NFL, was not present at his locker during the designated period when media members are granted access to the clubhouse. According to team staff and stadium security, Kelce had already exited the facility shortly after the game concluded. The move is a departure from the veteran’s typical postgame routine, as he is generally one of the more accessible players on the roster for official league-mandated media windows.
The silence from the veteran leader comes as the Kansas City community continues to process the franchise’s landmark announcement that it will move across state lines to a new $3 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County. While several other Chiefs players and head coach Andy Reid addressed the game and briefly touched upon the relocation news, Kelce’s avoidance of the microphone left fans on social media questioning his stance on the departure from Missouri.
On the field, Kelce remained a productive element of the Kansas City offense, recording six receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown in the win over Houston. Despite the on-field success, the postgame optics triggered a wave of negative sentiment among a segment of the fan base still reeling from the news that the team will vacate Arrowhead Stadium after nearly six decades.
Under NFL media policy, players are required to be available to the media during the postgame window unless they are receiving medical treatment for an injury. The league has not yet commented on whether Kelce will face a fine for the missed availability. Historically, the NFL has issued fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for high-profile players who repeatedly bypass their media obligations.
The Chiefs (12-3), who have already secured their ninth consecutive AFC West title, are currently focused on maintaining the top seed in the AFC playoff race. However, the off-field narrative regarding the team’s future home has continued to overshadow recent performances. Head coach Andy Reid declined to elaborate on Kelce’s early exit during his Monday afternoon press briefing, stating only that he had not yet spoken with the tight end about his postgame schedule.
Kelce is expected to address the situation, as well as the team’s relocation, during his next scheduled media appearance later this week or via his “New Heights” podcast. For now, the lack of immediate commentary from one of the franchise’s most influential voices has added to the complex atmosphere surrounding the team’s transition period.
