“Erratic or even wrong NFL”: Andy Reid questions NFL rules after Teair Tart hits Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce got hit in a shocking moment during Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. In a play that startled spectators and caused difficulties for the Chiefs, Teair Tart, defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Chargers, smacked Kelce.

Though the Chargers won 28–21 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on September 7, 2025, the slap kept spectators enthralled long after the final whistle. Chiefs coach Andy Reid admitted the NFL rules on head blows can be perplexing and stated he still doesn't understand why Tart was not kicked out.

Teair Tart hits Travis Kelce during week 1 game

During the game, Teair Tart hit Travis Kelce in the head. Many thought it should have led to an ejection. Reid told NFL.com reporter Jeremy Bergman, “I don’t understand that rule. 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.”Even though the hit was controversial, Tart stayed in the game and played well. He helped the Chargers’ defense under Jesse Minter, which had lost Poona Ford in free agency. Tart made key plays that helped Los Angeles hold the lead and finish the game with a win over the Chiefs.

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Andy Reid Reacts and NFL officiating debate continues

Days after the game, Andy Reid hasn’t gotten clarity from the league about the slap.

His comments show frustration with inconsistent NFL rules. He said, “Erratic or even wrong NFL officiating isn’t exactly a shocker.” Meanwhile, Teair Tart joked online with Taylor Swift fans after the game about the moment, showing he didn’t mind the attention.https://x.com/mailsport/status/1965439519370449146?s=46The smack on Travis Kelce started discussion across sports media and raised issues concerning the NFL's management of head knocks. The occasion served as a sobering reminder for the Chiefs that little incidents can greatly influence a match. Still debating what could have happened are supporters, coaches, and commentators.