Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations, but their campaign is already clouded by controversy. Following a 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, star tight end Travis Kelce is facing intense criticism from fans over his involvement in Xavier Worthy’s injury during the opening minutes of the game.
A costly collision in Brazil
The incident occurred at Corinthians Arena, where Worthy collided with Kelce while running a crossing route. The second-year wide receiver took the brunt of the impact and exited the field with a shoulder injury. Kelce, who appeared visibly shaken after the play, quickly became the target of fan outrage online.
Although the collision was accidental, many fans vented their frustration on social media. One user bluntly posted,
“Kelce can retire now,” while another claimed, “He’s washed, so he takes out WR1 to get a few more targets. Disgusting.”
Adding fuel to the fire, some even drew comparisons to past misfortunes. “Last year, Mahomes took out Rice against the Chargers. This year, Travis Kelce takes out Worthy—also against the Chargers,” a fan pointed out.
Social media turns personal
The backlash didn’t stop with Kelce alone. His fiancee, Taylor Swift, was unexpectedly dragged into the conversation.
One fan referenced her excitement during the 2024 draft, joking, “Taylor said she was running around in excitement after the Chiefs drafted Worthy, so Travis Kelce had to take matters into his own hands.”
While these remarks were largely tongue-in-cheek, they highlight the growing frustrations within Chiefs Kingdom as the team stumbles out of the gate.
Coach Reid and team concerns
After the game, head coach Andy Reid declined to share details about Worthy’s injury, saying the team would wait for a full diagnosis upon returning home. Until then, fans are left speculating about the severity and how long the dynamic receiver might be sidelined.
Worthy’s potential absence looms large for Kansas City. In his rookie season, he recorded 59 catches for 538 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 104 yards and three scores. His versatility made him one of the Chiefs’ most dangerous offensive weapons, and losing him would further compound the team’s early struggles.
Chiefs under pressure
The Chiefs’ performance against the Chargers exposed deeper issues beyond Worthy’s injury. Struggles in the red zone, a lack of rhythm in the running game, and overall poor execution left the reigning AFC powerhouse looking vulnerable.
For now, the focus remains on Worthy’s health and whether the Chiefs can regroup quickly. But the growing criticism directed at Travis Kelce underscores just how high tensions are as Kansas City looks to steady its season.