Travis Kelce Criticized for Wearing “Free 4” Shirt Supporting Suspended Teammate

On September 14, 2025, before the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, tight end Travis Kelce, along with teammates Ty’Quan Thornton and Hollywood Brown, arrived at warmups wearing shirts that said “Free 4.”

The “4” refers to Rashee Rice’s jersey number. Rice is currently suspended by the NFL for six games after a serious hit-and-run incident in 2024 involving high-speed driving and recklessness. Kelce’s shirt is seen as a gesture of support or solidarity with Rice.

Why People Are Upset at Travis Kelce

Many fans and observers believe the shirt was inappropriate given the severity of Rice’s actions:

• Rice was involved in a dangerous collision, fleeing the scene, and causing injuries. The legal consequences—jail time, probation, fines, and an outstanding settlement—make public support controversial.
• Moreover, one of the attorneys representing one of the crash victims criticized the decision, calling it insensitive. The view among critics is that wearing such a shirt glosses over the harm done and the responsibility Rice has for his actions.
• Others worry this sends a message that loyalty to teammates excuses dangerous behavior, or at least undermines the seriousness of traffic safety, injury, and accountability.

Defense & Team Response

Coach Andy Reid defended the showing of support, saying that the gesture came from a place of loyalty and compassion, not from condoning what Rice did. He suggested players felt for Rice during his suspension and wanted him to feel part of the team despite being sidelined.

Kelce and others seem to be framing the action as personal support—not a political statement or legal endorsement of Rice’s behavior. It’s more about solidarity and team culture, in their view. However, critics see that as not enough when there are victims involved.

Broader Impacts & Reactions

• Public perception: Because Kelce is a high-profile athlete and in the public eye, his actions are scrutinized; what he wears or says often gets politicized. The shirt created more talking points than just the game.
• Victims’ response: Some victims or their representatives feel hurt seeing public displays of support for someone involved in an incident that harmed others. They argue that acknowledgment and accountability should come first.
• Image implications: Given Kelce’s and Swift’s visibility (his relationship with Taylor Swift draws extra attention), fans and media are watching closely—some see it as tarnishing his image, others argue people should be able to support teammates without being judged.

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