Travis Kelce might be facing a hefty fine next time he pulls off his famous celebration, which has been adopted by his girlfriend Taylor Swift.
Kelce, known for his “bow and arrow” celebration after scoring touchdowns in the NFL, was featured in a Kansas City Chiefs video back in January, practicing his end zone routine against a white backdrop.
Swift paid homage to Kelce’s move during her first London concert of the Eras Tour in June. While belting out “So High School,” she drew back an imaginary bow and arrow, causing a frenzy on social media, reports the Mirror US.
Swift had previously used the archery motion while performing “The Archer,” with lyrics that resonate: “I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey.” But it seems Kelce will have to put his signature move on hold for now.
During the second quarter of the Week 2 game where the Cincinnati Bengals narrowly lost to the Chiefs 26-25, Bengals’ wide receiver Andrei Iosivas celebrated his touchdown with several imaginary arrows shot into the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium, after officials confirmed his successful catch.
The NFL chiefs weren’t too pleased with the gesture. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Iosivas was slapped with a $5,305 fine for what was considered “unsportsmanlike conduct/violent gesture.”
The fine sparked debate among fans online, with one X user suggesting that such celebrations should be exclusive to Kelce and Swift: “Tayvoodoo next time they should learn not to mess with them and leave the Archer to Taylor and Travis,” they commented.
Others criticised the NFL for penalising Iosivas for an act that Kelce appears to have done without consequence throughout his career. With the new precedent set this season, it seems Kelce might face fines if he repeats the celebration in future touchdowns.
“Kelce does it all the time, never fined. Roger’s favorite team has different rules than the rest of the no fun league,” remarked another fan. A third chimed in: “Yet Taylor Swift’s boyfriend can do it every time for his entrance @NFL? Where’s Travis’ fine? (To be clear, I don’t think either one should be fined).”
Iosivas wasn’t alone in facing a hefty fine for a “violent” celebration; Falcons receiver Drake London was charged $14,069 for simulating gun firing after scoring the decisive touchdown in Atlanta’s 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Following the incident, officials slapped London and the Falcons with a 15-yard penalty on the subsequent extra point attempt. The 23 year old later expressed remorse when speaking to journalists.
“It’s a trend around football right now to do that type of celebration,” he admitted to ESPN. “It was my first Monday Night Football game. I kind of lost myself in there. I wasn’t happy with the position I put my team in.”
“There’s a lot of stuff going around in the world with gun violence that I don’t think I should have displayed there. So, I’m not too happy with it and [you] probably won’t see that again from me.”