LeBron James makes his feelings known about Travis Kelce's $14,069 fine for viral Tony Gonzalez TD celebration

Modified Jan 15, 2025 14:33 GMT

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos - Source: Imagn — LeBron James makes his feelings known about Travis Kelce's $14,069 fine for viral Tony Gonzalez TD celebration (Credits: IMAGN)

NBA superstar LeBron James wasn't pleased that Travis Kelce got fined for his viral Tony Gonzalez touchdown celebration. After Kelce scored a touchdown on Christmas Day, setting the Chiefs' record for most receiving touchdowns (77), he dunked the ball through the uprights, a move famously associated with Gonzalez.

However, the NFL fined Kelce $14,069 for the celebration, a decision that James wasn't happy about. Despite the fine, Kelce said Gonzalez helped the tight end out by donating the same amount to his foundation.

The exchange happened on Kelce's New Heights podcast (at 8:23):

Travis: I used to love [Tony Gonzalez's] celebration when he used to dunk on the goal post too.

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LeBron: Oh, I actually saw you do [that one].

LeBron: “I know the NFL had the nerve to fine you for that shit. I’m like come on man, relax.”

Travis: "Tony G, helped me out with that one. He um, but instead of throwing any money me, I just told him to send it to the foundation. Shout out to Tony G."

Kelce passed Gonzalez for the Chiefs' all-time touchdown receiver at 77, passing Gonzalez's 76.

Travis Kelce wanted to honor Tony Gonzalez

After Travis Kelce scored his 77th career receiving touchdown, he wanted to honor Tony Gonzalez for breaking his record. Kelce says the plan was to do Gonzalez's celebration, even though he knew it would be a 15-yard penalty and a fine.

"I knew the score, and I knew that my guy Harrison had my back on the [PAT],'' Kelce said, via ESPN. "So, it's showing Tony some love and just a big tribute to who he's been in this, not only this organization but who he's been for football, and we know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time. I gave my best effort. I don't know if I did it quite like him.''

Travis Kelce ended up finishing the year with 97 receptions for 823 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Chiefs will next host the Houston Texans in the divisional round on Saturday.