Travis Kelce has landed in trouble. Recently, news broke that the star tight end signed a deal worth $20 million with Pfizer, and many NFL fans aren’t happy. To make matters worse, his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, is off to a rough 0‑2 start, with Kelce making some high‑profile mistakes on the field. Critics say the timing could not be worse.
The backlash has been quick and harsh. Social media is filled with people saying Kelce went too far, taking pharmaceutical money while holding such a public role, especially during a season when fans expect leadership and consistency. With every stumble on the field, those doubts seem to grow louder.
Fans Say Kelce’s $20 Million Pfizer Deal Crossed the Line
When the news came out that Kelce would get $20 million in a deal with Pfizer, many fans didn’t just react; they exploded online. The main complaint is simple: fans think a deal this big comes with responsibility that Kelce hasn’t really shown.
COVID‑19 and vaccines are still sensitive topics. Having a famous player work with a drug company feels heavy. Some say it makes him look like he’s fully endorsing them, which can look bad if he’s also seen making mistakes or giving mixed signals. With debates already heated, it doesn’t take much for fans to get critical when someone in the spotlight seems to gain from such a partnership.
On top of that, fans argue that Kelce should be focusing more on football. They want him leading his team, not cutting big business deals. To them, this makes him look less like a player committed to winning and more like a businessman. It’s not just about the money; it’s about whether those checks change what he does, says, or cares about when fans expect him to put football first.
Some fans didn’t hold back with blunt comments online: “Hmm did he actually take it or just agree to be a paid actor for them.”
Another wrote, “You can be sure he never took the shot.”
Others piled on with lines like, “Everyone has their price,” and even, “He should be jailed.”
On-Field Mistakes Add Fuel to the Fire After Chiefs’ 0-2 Start
After the Chiefs opened with a 0‑2 start, Kelce has been under extra scrutiny. Plays that would normally be ignored are now replayed, critiqued, and picked apart. The margin for error is small at the pro level, and when expectations are high, every missed route, block, or read feels magnified.
Kelce has built a reputation over many seasons as one of the most reliable tight ends in the NFL. That’s why these mistakes don’t look like small blips; they feel like cracks in his armor. Fantasy analyst Ben Cummins pointed this out on X, highlighting that Kelce’s errors are dragging the Chiefs down at the worst possible time. With a strong roster around him, many thought this would be one of the Chiefs’ best years. So when things don’t work out, it hurts even more.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that Kelce isn’t the only one at fault. Even the best go through slumps. Some of his mistakes come from scheme issues, pass protection breakdowns, or questionable play‑calling, not always entirely on the players. But in a landscape where every play is under a microscope, Kelce’s off moments are being held up as evidence that maybe he isn’t invincible after all.
Published: Sep 18, 2025 10:17 am