Before Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs even got underway, emotions were already running high.
As Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was looking to get warmed up on the same side of the field as the Chiefs, Kansas City tight end Tavis Kelce tossed Tucker’s ball and helmet to the side.
NFL Network’s James Palmer captured the whole thing on video.
Travis Kelce told Justin Tucker he needed to move because their QB Patrick Mahomes had to warm up. So Kelce kicked his ball away and threw his helmet. 😂 pic.twitter.com/pFF0DC1yA7
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 28, 2024
To Tucker’s credit, he didn’t seem too bothered by it. There’s a good chance he chose to go warm up directly next to them on purpose in the first place.
Mahomes also added to the situation by kicking Tucker’s tee away.
Patrick Mahomes and Justin Tucker going at it pregame 😂. Mahomes keeps kicking Tuckers holder away. pic.twitter.com/KeqhYyle4t
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 28, 2024
There was another incident between the teams, as well, with a couple of Chiefs and Ravens players getting in a brief shoving match before it was broken up.
An AFC Championship pregame fight between the Chiefs and Ravens, and commentary from the CBS 'NFL Today' crew. 🏈🥊 pic.twitter.com/McVBSrVPvA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 28, 2024
While the incident between Mahomes, Kelce, and Tucket was mostly just gamesmanship on both sides, the shoving match between the two teams means it’ll be interesting to see if any chippiness or hostility carries over into the actual game.
At this time of the season with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, everything feels more impactful and elevated, including emotions. Both sides could be looking to send a message after what has transpired so far in the pregame.
