The Kansas City Chiefs lost 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers in their season opener in São Paulo, Brazil, streamed live on YouTube.
During the game, Chargers player Teair Tart, 28, hit Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, 35, on the helmet, as reported by ESPN. The referees issued a 15-yard penalty but allowed Tart to stay in the game, prompting anger from Taylor Swift fans watching online.
Kelce raised his hands in frustration after the hit. Tart later posted a Dave Chappelle Show skit clip on social media, referencing Rick James’ line, “What did the five fingers say to the face? Slap!”
Teair Tart somehow not ejected for slapping Travis Kelce ☠️
pic.twitter.com/dXChWM1laf
— JPA (@jasrifootball) September 6, 2025Swift, Kelce’s fiancée, was not at the game, but her fans, known as Swifties, flooded X with criticism. One wrote, “You set a bad example for my son,” using a poop emoji. Another shared a Mean lyric gif, saying, “Why you gotta be so mean?” Others posted Karma lyrics, with one stating, “I’m here to virtually slap this man with Swifties.”
Some fans supported Tart, with comments like, “Thank you for upsetting the Swifties,” and “You’re my hero.” The mixed reactions highlight the divide between Swift’s fanbase and others.
Chargers lineman Teair Tart trolls Travis Kelce after smacking Chiefs star in shocking scene https://t.co/SSTkYHyQnb pic.twitter.com/mf9xWAXgpa
— New York Post (@nypost) September 6, 2025The Chiefs struggled in their NFL international opener, with Kelce’s incident adding to the drama. Swifties’ outrage, fueled by loyalty to Kelce, clashed with rival fans praising Tart’s bold move. The incident has sparked heated online debates.
Read: Chiefs Lose to Chargers in Brazil, Kelce Faces Backlash Over Worthy Injury
The Kelce-Tart incident amplifies Swift’s influence on NFL culture and highlights tensions in fandoms. It underscores the Chiefs’ rocky 2025 start.
