Travis Kelce sparks NFL threat over Taylor Swift-inspired celebration now flagged as weapon gesture

Time of India

27-07-2025

Travis Kelce sparks NFL threat over Taylor Swift-inspired celebration now flagged as weapon gesture (Image Via X)
Travis Kelce
might get in trouble with the
NFL
if he keeps doing his famous 'bow and arrow' celebration. The Kansas City Chiefs' star performs the move following touchdowns, and his lover
Taylor Swift
even imitated it at her London concert.
The NFL, however, has strict prohibitions against motions resembling weapons; Kelce could incur a fine or worse if he acts it again on the pitch.
Travis Kelce could get fined for doing his Taylor Swift-style touchdown dance
Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce might be in trouble if he keeps doing the famous 'bow and arrow' celebration that his girlfriend Taylor Swift also performed during her concerts. The NFL may punish Kelce with a fine or even worse if he uses the move again during games.
This
'bow and arrow'
gesture, which Travis Kelce uses after scoring touchdowns, has caught the attention of NFL officials. The league has been strict about players using hand gestures that look like weapons. In the past season, several NFL stars were fined for using the same pose.
Travis Kelce first talked about his special move in October 2023, on his podcast New Heights. He noted the stance draws motivation from shooting for the stars and dreaming large.
"One of my favorite quotes from Deion Sanders is, 'If your dreams aren't bigger than you then there's a problem with your dreams,'" he added.
Travis Kelce's celebration could cost him just like other NFL stars
The trouble started because the NFL has rules about making
'weapon-related gestures'.
Even if it's done as part of a dance, the league sees it as breaking the rules. In January 2024, the NFL fined Andrei Iosivas of the Cincinnati Bengals and Jalyx Hunt of the Philadelphia Eagles for using the bow and arrow move after big plays.
Other big names like Ja'Marr Chase, George Pickens, Drake London, Allen Lazard, Malik Nabers, and even Travis Kelce's teammate Patrick Mahomes were also fined for similar moves.
Also Read:
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Baby Name Reveal In Missouri Sparks A Viral Fan Frenzy
The league didn't say exactly how much Travis Kelce might have to pay, but based on other cases, it could be a few thousand dollars.
Back in October 2023, Travis Kelce spoke out against the rule. He said,
'I know we don't want this to look like NFL players are shooting guns, I get that.
But this is so small and subtle. Unless you're doing it at someone, it shouldn't be a flag.'
When Taylor Swift did the same move during her London Eras Tour concert in June 2024, fans loved it and shared it everywhere. She pulled the imaginary bow while singing her new song
'So High School,'
which many believe is about Kelce.
But now, if Travis Kelce brings it back on the field in the upcoming 2025 season, he could pay the price, literally.
FAQs
1. Why could Travis Kelce get fined by the NFL?
Because the NFL bans celebration gestures that look like weapons, and Kelce's 'bow and arrow' move breaks that rule.
2. Did Taylor Swift really copy Travis Kelce's celebration?
Yes, Taylor Swift did the 'bow and arrow' move during her London Eras Tour in June 2024.
3. Has the NFL fined other players for similar celebrations?
Yes, players like Patrick Mahomes and Ja'Marr Chase were also fined for weapon-style gestures.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!