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Travis Kelce questions media 'leaning into' refs favoring Chiefs controversy narrative

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•02/04/25•

NickGeddesNews

Travis Kelce
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce fielded an array of questions during Monday’s Super Bowl Opening Night in New Orleans.

But at one point during his media availability, a reporter asked Kelce if there was one question he’d like to ask the media. Kelce thought about it for a few moments and then fired away. The 35-year-old wanted to know why there’s so much media discussion about whether the Chiefs receive favorable treatment from NFL referees.

“If I could ask the media one question — why are you guys leaning into this whole ref thing?” Kelce asked, via FOX Sports. “You know what I mean? Like, why are you guys leaning into it? That’s all I got, though.”

Roger Goodell speaks out on public perception that officiating benefits Kansas City Chiefs

The subject of officiating and how much the Chiefs’ success is tied to favorable calls has long been a topic of discussion during their recent dominance. Kansas City certainly doesn’t see it that way, but here are the numbers: The Chiefs have been penalized nine times for 50 yards in their two playoff games, while their opponents have been penalized 14 times for 130 yards.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday the public perception that the Chiefs benefit from officiating is a “ridiculous theory” born on social media.

“This sort of thing reminds me of the script, right, that I write a script, and I have the script for the entire season,” said Goodell, speaking with the media in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX. “Listen, I think from a lot of those theories are things that happen in social media, and they gain a new life. As you said [reporter], it’s not your theory but it’s out there. Nobody wants it to be their theory and so, I understand it. I think it reflects a lot of the fan’s passion and it’s also a reminder for us of how important officiating is.

“I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding. They have the highest possible standards. That’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day, that’s something we always have to continue to work on how do we make our officiating better at all times.”