Travis Kelce’s Touchdown Nullified by Controversial Facemask Penalty Against Colts

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — November 23, 2025 — A touchdown by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was overturned due to a facemask penalty that officials called questionable during the team’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to authorities. The penalty erased what would have been a significant scoring play for the Chiefs.

The incident occurred in the second quarter when Kelce caught a pass and appeared to secure a touchdown, energizing the Chiefs’ offense. However, officials flagged a facemask infraction on the play, negating the score and forcing Kansas City to replay the down from an earlier spot.

The call sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans, with many questioning the validity of the penalty. The facemask rule is intended to prevent players from grabbing the face area of an opponent’s helmet, which can lead to injuries. In this instance, the officials determined that Kelce’s defender made contact with the facemask, resulting in the penalty.

Despite the reversed touchdown, the Chiefs maintained their focus and continued to compete strongly throughout the game. The penalty, however, represented a setback in their offensive momentum.

Officials did not provide detailed explanations beyond confirming the facemask infraction. Video replays showed minimal contact, leading to discussions about the consistency of facemask calls in the NFL this season.

Kansas City’s coaching staff declined to comment extensively on the call immediately after the game, emphasizing the need to move forward and focus on upcoming matchups.

Travis Kelce remains a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense, and this incident marks one of the few times a scoring play involving him has been nullified due to a penalty. The team’s performance in the game continued to reflect their competitive standing in the league despite the setback.

The NFL has periodically reviewed its officiating standards, including how penalties like facemask infractions are assessed. This play may add to ongoing discussions about the balance between player safety and fair officiating.

The Chiefs are scheduled to play their next game on November 30, where they will look to build on their current season’s progress. The outcome of the game against the Colts and the controversial call will likely be a topic of analysis in the days leading up to their next matchup.