STWF | KANSAS CITY, Mo. | Nov. 8, 2025  — After a physical Week 9 showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, tight end Travis Kelce has opened up about a moment that left both fans and teammates holding their breath — his brief exit for concussion testing late in the first half. The 36-year-old star has now shared his side of the story, expressing frustration over the NFL’s concussion protocol and the way it interrupted his rhythm in the Chiefs’ 28-21 loss on Sunday.

Kelce’s First-Hand Account: “I Knew I Was Fine”

Speaking on the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast with brother Jason Kelce, the future Hall of Famer pulled back the curtain on what happened during halftime after a hard hit in the end zone.

Kelce took a shot from Bills defensive back Cole Bishop while attempting to reel in a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes. The impact sent him sprawling to the turf as Arrowhead Stadium collectively held its breath. After staying down briefly to catch his breath, Kelce walked off under his own power, accompanied by Chiefs medical staff.

“It [the hit] knocked the wind out of me,” Kelce said, reenacting the play. “I got kind of sandwiched in there. You know you’re OK, but you gotta just kind of catch your breath. Then they’re like, ‘Go into the blue tent, you got the wind knocked out.’”

But according to Kelce, what followed next was what truly irked him.

“No, it was at halftime,” he said. “I had to get evaluated in the locker room. I just said, ‘Why? What is this?’ They’re like, ‘What day is it?’ I said, ‘It’s f***ing Sunday!’”

He continued jokingly, “Before a concussion or after a concussion, I don’t know who we played last week. We’re in Week 9! Are you kidding me? You’re gonna make me sit here and f***ing—who did we play last? The Commanders.”

Kelce clarified that he was cleared to return and finished the game, but admitted the process threw off his focus. “I get the importance of safety, but sometimes it feels like overkill,” he said.

A Game of Highs and Lows

Despite his temporary exit, Kelce returned in the second half to finish with four receptions for 66 yards, including a crucial third-down conversion that helped Kansas City keep pace with Josh Allen and the Bills.

It wasn’t enough, however, as the Chiefs fell 28–21, snapping a two-game winning streak. Kelce, who recently became the franchise’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 83 in Week 8 against Washington, described the defeat as “a tough one to swallow.”

Buffalo’s defense contained Kansas City’s explosive offense for much of the night, limiting Mahomes to 218 passing yards and intercepting him once. Kelce’s end-zone collision symbolized a physical and emotional battle between two AFC heavyweights that have grown accustomed to late-season clashes.

Bills Mafia and the “I Love It” Moment

As he exited the field for evaluation, Kelce couldn’t resist engaging with the Bills Mafia, known for their passionate — and sometimes brutal — heckling of opposing players.

In a now-viral moment, Kelce cupped his hands to his ears and shouted, “I love it! I love it!” as boos rained down from the crowd at Highmark Stadium.

“Man, they bring it,” he said on his podcast. “Buffalo fans talk trash, but they do it with passion. It’s an honor to play there — always has been. That atmosphere is electric.”

Kelce also acknowledged the significance of playing in Orchard Park one last time before the Bills move into their new Highmark Stadium in 2026. “That crowd, that place, it’s special. You respect it, even when they’re booing you,” he added.

WWE’s Grayson Waller Weighs In

Adding to the postgame headlines, WWE star Grayson Waller reignited his playful feud with the Chiefs’ tight end, saying he’d “love another shot” at Kelce after their memorable exchange on SmackDown earlier this year.

“Travis talks a big game — but if he wants to step into the squared circle, I’m right here waiting,” Waller said on Friday. “He might be a champ on the football field, but the ring’s my world.”

Kelce, who has long expressed admiration for WWE and even made a surprise appearance alongside Patrick Mahomes at WrestleMania 39, laughed off the challenge during his podcast. “Tell Waller I’ll see him after the Super Bowl parade,” he joked.

Looking Ahead

The Chiefs (7–2) still sit atop the AFC West, but Sunday’s loss — combined with Kelce’s brief scare — served as a reminder of how fragile momentum can be in a grueling NFL season.

Kelce, who continues to defy age and expectation, remains one of the most productive and polarizing figures in the sport. His candid take on the NFL’s concussion protocol adds another layer to the ongoing debate about player safety and over-regulation.

As for what’s next, the Chiefs will regroup ahead of Week 10’s divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders, and Kelce is expected to be a full participant.

“I’m good,” he said, wrapping up his podcast segment. “Just a little winded, a little pissed off, but still having fun. That’s football, baby.”