Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has responded to rapper Lil Wayne’s public accusations that his team cheated during their divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans on January 18. The controversy unfolded after Lil Wayne, a devoted football fan and Green Bay Packers supporter, called out the Chiefs on social media, sparking a heated debate among fans and analysts.
Lil Wayne’s Accusations
During the playoff game, the rapper, 42, took to X (formerly Twitter) to air his grievances, writing, “I hate the cheating azz Chiefs.” He followed up with another post, saying, “It’s not even impressive when u cheat and then clearly try to cheat. Just win baby.”
The comments were directed at a long-running narrative surrounding the Chiefs, accusing the team of benefiting from favorable officiating. This criticism gained momentum after a controversial roughing-the-passer call and alleged flopping by quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the game.
Table of Key Details
| Detail | Description |
| Event | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans (NFL Divisional Playoff Game) |
| Date | January 18, 2025 |
| Accuser | Rapper Lil Wayne |
| Accusation | Claiming the Chiefs cheated during the game |
| Travis Kelce’s Response | Addressed the controversy on the New Heights podcast |
| Outcome of the Game | Chiefs won 23-14, advancing to the AFC Championship Game |
| Patrick Mahomes’ Role | Faced accusations of flopping on the sideline |
| Next Opponent | Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game |
| Date of AFC Championship Game | Sunday, January 26, 2025 |
| Broadcast Details | CBS, 6:30 PM ET |
Travis Kelce’s Reaction
Kelce and his brother Jason, who co-host the New Heights podcast, addressed the controversy on the January 21 episode. Jason, 37, humorously read Lil Wayne’s posts aloud, poking fun at the rapper’s spelling of “ass” as “azz.”
“Shoutout to Tunechi, man,” Travis Kelce, 35, said, referencing Lil Wayne’s nickname.
The brothers then discussed a post defending Kelce and the Chiefs, which argued that the Texans’ defensive lapses were more to blame for their loss than officiating.
“Literally folks will see stuff like this and say, ‘Yup, just like I thought. Refs vs. Texans,’” Jason said, laughing. “Bro, the Texans left the all-time leading playoffs receiver wide booty butt naked open for four quarters, and yet the Chiefs needed those calls?”
Kelce added, “They did. They left me butt naked open.”
The Chiefs tight end had an impressive game, racking up 117 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown in the 23-14 victory. When asked about the officiating, including the roughing-the-passer calls, Kelce opted to stay diplomatic, saying he would “plead the fifth.”
Patrick Mahomes Weighs In
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, 29, also addressed the controversy during an interview with Kansas City’s 96.5 The Fan. Mahomes acknowledged that officiating criticism is a common occurrence for winning teams, saying, “I‘ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, that something’s going to come out about it if you win and you continue to win, so I don’t really pay attention to it.”
While Mahomes defended the referees’ efforts to make fair calls, he admitted to overacting during one specific moment on the sideline.
“I would say that the only one I felt like I probably did too much was the one on the sideline where I didn’t get a flag,” Mahomes said. “The ref saw it, didn’t throw a flag, and I understood it immediately—I probably shouldn’t have done that.”
The Bigger Picture
The Chiefs’ victory secured their spot in the AFC Championship Game, where they will face the Buffalo Bills on January 26. While the controversy has generated buzz, the team remains focused on their pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
Lil Wayne’s criticism reflects broader fan frustrations about officiating in the NFL, particularly regarding high-profile teams like the Chiefs. However, as Mahomes and Kelce pointed out, the players themselves remain focused on their performances, rather than external narratives.
Travis Kelce’s Net Worth and Career Highlights
Travis Kelce, a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s premier tight ends, has built an impressive career both on and off the field. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $30 million, derived from his football salary, endorsement deals, and media ventures, including his popular podcast.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Travis Michael Kelce |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1989 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Position | Tight End |
| Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| NFL Debut | 2013 |
| Super Bowl Wins | 2 (2019, 2022) |
| Pro Bowl Appearances | 8 |
| Podcast | New Heights, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce |
| Endorsements | Nike, Bud Light, Old Spice |
| Estimated Net Worth | $30 million |
Kelce’s dominance on the field and charisma off the field have made him a fan favorite. His podcast, New Heights, has further cemented his place as a media personality, offering fans an inside look at his life and career.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs’ upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills will be another opportunity for Kelce to showcase his skills and lead his team to victory. Despite the controversy, Kelce and his teammates remain focused on their ultimate goal: another Super Bowl ring.
Travis Kelce’s Net Worth and Biography
As of 2025, Travis Kelce has an estimated net worth of $30 million. The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end has become one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL, thanks to his impressive performance on the field and his media ventures off the field.
Sources of Income
- NFL Salary: Kelce signed a four-year, $57 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020. His annual salary makes him one of the highest-paid tight ends in NFL history.
- Endorsements: Kelce has lucrative deals with major brands like Nike, Bud Light, Old Spice, and McDonald’s. These endorsements contribute significantly to his income.
- Media Ventures: Kelce co-hosts the popular New Heights podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, which has gained a large audience and adds to his net worth.
- Merchandising: Kelce’s official merchandise, including jerseys and branded apparel, generates additional revenue.
- Investments: Kelce has been strategic in managing his wealth, with investments in real estate and startups, further diversifying his income streams.
Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Travis Michael Kelce |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1989 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Westlake, Ohio, USA |
| Height | 6’5” (196 cm) |
| Weight | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Position | Tight End |
| College | University of Cincinnati |
| NFL Debut | 2013 |
| Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Super Bowl Titles | 2 (2019, 2022) |
| Pro Bowl Appearances | 8 |
| Career Milestones | Fastest tight end to reach 10,000 career receiving yards |
| Podcast | New Heights, co-hosted with brother Jason Kelce |
| Endorsements | Nike, Bud Light, Old Spice, McDonald’s |
| Hobbies | Golf, fashion, music |
| Estimated Net Worth | $30 million |
| Philanthropy | Operates the “Eighty-Seven & Running” foundation, supporting underserved youth |
Travis Kelce’s Rise to Fame
Born in Westlake, Ohio, Travis Kelce grew up as a multi-sport athlete alongside his brother Jason Kelce, who is now a star center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Travis attended the University of Cincinnati, where he developed into one of the top tight ends in college football.
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Kelce quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s offense. Over the years, he has set numerous records, including being the first tight end in NFL history to record seven consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Kelce played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory in 2019, and again in their Super Bowl LVII win in 2022, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends of all time.
Career Highlights
- Super Bowl Titles: Kelce’s two championships (2019, 2022) have cemented his place in NFL history.
- Record-Breaking Seasons: Kelce holds the record for most 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end in NFL history.
- Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors: Kelce has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and named to multiple All-Pro teams.
Off the Field
Travis Kelce is more than just a football star. His charismatic personality has made him a fan favorite beyond the NFL. From starring in commercials to co-hosting the New Heights podcast with his brother Jason, Kelce has successfully expanded his brand into the entertainment world.
Kelce is also deeply involved in philanthropy. His Eighty-Seven & Running foundation focuses on providing resources and mentorship for underserved youth, particularly in Kansas City and his hometown of Cleveland.
Future Prospects
At 35, Kelce continues to dominate the NFL, and his career shows no signs of slowing down. With his sharp football IQ and unmatched work ethic, Kelce is expected to remain a key player for the Chiefs in their pursuit of future championships.
Beyond football, Kelce’s investments, endorsements, and media ventures position him for long-term success, ensuring that his legacy will extend far beyond his playing years.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information, social media posts, and interviews as of January 22, 2025. The estimated net worth and other financial figures are approximations and subject to change. The content provided does not represent legal, financial, or professional advice.
