Travis Kelce and Justin Tucker had an interaction of sorts in the lead-up to the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. The altercation quickly spread across the NFL social media world, and Kelce shared his insight on the situation Thursday.
Travis Kelce Dishes on Justin Tucker Altercation
Travis and his brother Jason Kelce spoke on the matter during Thursday’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, which the pair co-host on a weekly basis.
Travis explained how the pregame process works, with each team having an assigned half of the field to warm up on, though specialists are allowed to warm up on both ends to prepare for potentially different conditions kicking or punting the ball.
The interaction between Kelce and Tucker occurred pregame when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was warming up, and Tucker had placed his helmet and footballs in the same vicinity. Kelce picked up Tucker’s helmet and footballs and tossed them into the end zone from the goal line where they were sitting.
The incident quickly made the rounds on social media, and Kelce explained why he reacted the way he did on Thursday.
“If you’re trying to go onto the other team’s designated area, you kind of stay out of their way,” Travis said. “You don’t interfere with what they have going on. That’s the unwritten rule. If you want to be a f—— d— about it, you keep your helmet and your footballs and your f—— kicking tee right where the quarterbacks are warming up.”
Tucker, for his part, also addressed the incident with reporters. The longtime NFL kicker said it’s not something he’s ever had an issue with but understood it was an intense environment before a big game and did not seem to have any ill will toward Kelce for his actions.
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“I thought it was all just some gamesmanship, all in good fun, but they seemed to be taking it a little bit more seriously,” Tucker told reporters. “I’m totally willing to let it all go, but I just wanted to explain that that’s just what I’ve done for 12 years, and it’s not like I’m out there trying to be problematic. I’m just trying to get ready for the football game, just like they are.”
Kelce acknowledged Tucker’s comments on the podcast and explained that he and Mahomes were simply not in a mindset to handle Tucker’s gamesmanship any differently.
“We just weren’t in a joking mood,” Travis said. “We were ready to get after it. Justin, sorry if we took it to a level that you didn’t think it’d get to, but if you’re going to be a d—, I promise you I can one-up you every time.”
It does not appear that Kelce or Tucker hold any long-term ill will regarding their interaction.
Ultimately, this seems to be an incident that will soon be forgotten as the Chiefs play for a Super Bowl and the Ravens aim for a strong showing in 2024 as their season came to an end.
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