Travis Kelce has had it up to here with the relentless narrative of an officiating advantage favoring the Kansas City Chiefs.
The star tight end addressed the media’s relentless focus on NFL officiating controversies during Super Bowl week, making it clear he believes the narrative is overblown. With pundits and fans scrutinizing calls that seemingly favor Kansas City, Kelce pushed back.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Calls Out Media for Overplaying Officiating Controversy
Kelce’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment within the Chiefs organization that officiating unfairly diminishes their success. The three-time Super Bowl champion has never been one to shy away from being vocal, and his latest comments signal that he’s ready to shift the conversation away from officiating and back to football.
Travis Kelce on if he could ask the media one question:
"Why are you guys leaning into this whole ref thing?" pic.twitter.com/pLF8qf5AR6
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 4, 2025
On Feb. 3, Kelce was asked what question he would have if he could flip roles with the media.
“Why are you guys leaning into this whole ref thing?” Kelce responded with a grin.
Kelce Peeved By Reporter’s Question at Super Bowl Media Week
Kelce had a tense exchange with a reporter during Super Bowl media week when asked about the perceived favoritism. The moment came when media member Rich Shertenlieb took aim at Kelce with a pointed question.
“Travis, what do you love more? Taylor Swift or Phantom 15-yard roughing the passer penalties in the playoffs?” Shertenlieb asked, pushing the envelope.
The question referenced Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift and the ongoing debate about officiating benefiting the Chiefs, which appeared to rile Kelce. Without engaging, he swiftly dismissed the inquiry.
“That’s a good question. Anybody else?” Kelce replied, shutting down the topic and redirecting the media session elsewhere.
Do they not understand that they’re just adding fuel to the fire pic.twitter.com/rNAct5b9gU
— Rasheebeers (@RasheeClears) February 4, 2025
NFL officials have been criticized throughout the regular season and playoffs for favoring Kansas City, but Kelce made it clear he had no interest in entertaining the conversation.
Patrick Mahomes was also in Shertenlieb’s crosshairs with questions about his favorite referee and the ones he sends Christmas cards to.
As the Chiefs gear up for the Super Bowl, Kelce, Mahomes, and company remain focused on securing another championship rather than fueling speculation about officiating controversies.
Chiefs Fans, Players Push Back Against Officiating Narrative
Kelce isn’t alone in his irritation. Many Chiefs fans have voiced their displeasure with how the media and opposing fan bases have latched onto the officiating debate. Social media has been flooded with clips from past games highlighting calls that have gone against Kansas City, reinforcing the idea that the narrative of referee favoritism is selective and misleading.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ locker room remains focused on three-peating and wants to shift the discussion toward their on-field performance on Super Sunday.