The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 2025 season with a statement, beating the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in Brazil. But the victory hasn’t been without controversy — much of it surrounding defensive tackle Teair Tart and his hit on Travis Kelce.
In the third quarter, following a Kareem Hunt run, Tart struck Kelce in the helmet during the aftermath of the play. Officials penalized him for unnecessary roughness but stopped short of ejecting him, a decision that has left Chiefs head coach Andy Reid puzzled.
“I don’t understand that rule,” Reid told reporters. “I guess it’s open-hand, fist, whatever, I don’t know. I don’t know what their decision was on that. But he definitely got hit in the head pretty hard whether it was an open fist or a closed fist.”
When asked if he would seek clarification from the league office, Reid kept it brief: “I’ll work out that with the league. I can’t get into all that.”
Tart’s Role in Chargers’ Defense
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While the incident grabbed headlines, Tart’s performance was also a key part of the Chargers’ win. With Poona Ford departing in free agency, the veteran defensive tackle has been tasked with helping anchor Jesse Minter’s retooled defensive front. Against Kansas City, Tart delivered in the trenches, playing a role in holding off Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ late push.
The play also made waves beyond football circles. After the game, Tart leaned into the spotlight with lighthearted banter aimed at Taylor Swift fans online, further fueling the attention around the moment.
Chiefs Circle the Rematch
For Reid and the Chiefs, the focus now shifts forward. Still, the memory of Tart’s strike on Kelce won’t fade quickly, particularly given how important Kelce is to Kansas City’s offense. The two teams are set to meet again in Week 15, a matchup already primed to carry added tension.
Whether the league provides additional clarity on Tart’s actions remains to be seen. For now, the Chargers are moving on with momentum from their Week 1 upset, while the Chiefs are left with lingering frustration — and a note to watch Tart closely when Round 2 arrives.
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