Travis Kelce(Image via Getty Images)
“Travis Kelce might have gotten away with a hold,” Aikman said. The score, however, did not pass without controversy. “But Patrick Mahomes, he does not protect himself as he thought he might. He takes it into the end zone. But here’s a look at what looked to be a hold by Travis Kelce at the end of the play. Once a replay of the play circulated online, criticism quickly followed. Some fans argued that the contact was clear enough to warrant a penalty, while others pointed out that holding can happen on numerous NFL plays without being called.
Patrick Mahomes’ long-awaited return to competitive football came with a huge moment for the Kansas City Chiefs, but Travis Kelce quickly became part of a heated debate. Mahomes found the end zone during the opening quarter against the Denver Broncos, yet an apparent holding penalty involving Kelce went uncalled. The decision immediately drew attention from analysts, former players and frustrated NFL fans online.
Under NFL Rule 12, offensive holding occurs when a player uses his hands or arms to restrict an opponent’s movement. Had Kelce been penalized, Kansas City would have faced a 10-yard penalty under the applicable enforcement rules. For Kansas City, the bigger story was getting its star quarterback back and building an early lead. Yet Kelce’s uncalled contact ensured the Chiefs’ opening touchdown came with a side of controversy, giving NFL fans another officiating debate to dissect.