In a startling incident during the NFL season opener in Brazil, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce was slapped by Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart, sparking widespread outrage among fans, particularly Taylor Swift’s devoted followers. The altercation occurred on September 5, 2025, at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, during the third quarter of the game, which the Chargers won 27-21.
Teair Tart struck Kelce’s helmet with an open hand after a play, resulting in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. Referees did not eject Tart, ruling that the slap was not a disqualifying action, as it lacked the force of a closed-fist punch. This decision was supported by rules analysts who noted that open-hand contact to the head, while penalized, does not typically warrant ejection under NFL guidelines.
Following the game, Tart took to social media to mock the incident, posting a clip from Dave Chappelle’s show with the caption ‘What did the five fingers say to the face? Slap!’ and adding laughing emojis. This move further inflamed tensions, drawing criticism for its lack of sportsmanship and escalating the backlash from fans online.
Despite the altercation, Kelce had a mixed performance, scoring a 37-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and celebrating with a playful dance模仿 a bull. However, he was also involved in an accidental collision with teammate Xavier Worthy earlier in the game, which led to Worthy being escorted off the field for medical evaluation. Chiefs coach Andy Reid stated that Worthy’s status would be updated after further assessment, including MRI results.
The game was part of the NFL’s initiative to expand internationally, with high anticipation for this matchup in Brazil. Notably, Taylor Swift did not attend due to security concerns, as reported by sources, missing the event where her fiancé was targeted. Her absence was felt, but it did not dampen the intense fan reactions that followed.
Swifties, Taylor Swift’s fan base, reacted vehemently online, flooding Tart’s social media profiles with threats and references to Swift’s lyrics, such as ‘I don’t like your little games’ from ‘Look What You Made Me Do.’ This backlash highlighted the deep emotional investment fans have in Kelce’s well-being and the broader cultural impact of celebrity relationships in sports.
This incident raises questions about player conduct and officiating standards in the NFL, echoing ongoing debates about violence and sportsmanship in professional football. It also marks Kelce’s first game since the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss and his recent engagement to Swift, adding a personal narrative to the professional context.
As the season progresses, attention will likely remain on how the league addresses such conduct and whether further disciplinary actions are considered, reflecting broader concerns about maintaining integrity and safety in the sport.