The NFL has decided not to fine Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor for a face mask penalty that nullified a touchdown by Travis Kelce in the team's recent game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs still secured a 23-20 victory in that matchup on November 23, 2025. Taylor avoided a potential fine of up to $17,389 as part of the league's Week 12 fines announcement.
The Kansas City Chiefs, currently standing at 6-6 in the 2025 season, have faced challenges in maintaining consistency despite entering the year as favorites to win the Super Bowl, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce in his 13th NFL season. Their most recent high-profile game was a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but attention also turned to their narrow win over the Indianapolis Colts.
In that game, which went down to the wire, Kelce appeared to score a touchdown, running into the end zone for the Chiefs. However, the play was quickly overturned due to a face mask penalty called on Taylor, the Chiefs' offensive tackle. A tweet from Rate the Refs captured the moment: "Chiefs called for a face mask and it brings back a touchdown from Travis Kelce."
The penalty backed up the Chiefs, presenting a tough situation for head coach Andy Reid. Despite this, the team converted on the drive and held on for the 23-20 victory, a must-win effort against one of the NFL's top teams.
Under NFL guidelines, a first-offense face mask penalty carries a fine of $11,593, while a second offense would result in $17,389. Following the Week 12 fines announcement on November 29, 2025, Taylor was not penalized financially, allowing him to keep his earnings intact.
This decision aligns with other recent NFL disciplinary actions, though specifics on Taylor's prior penalties were not detailed in the announcement.