Patrick Mahomes Fined $14K by NFL After Controversial Touchdown Celebration Against Bills

Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes isn’t just licking his wounds after the team’s 31-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills—he’s also taking a financial hit. The NFL has fined Mahomes $14,069 for an unsportsmanlike conduct violation stemming from his celebration during Sunday’s matchup.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the fine was issued for a “violent gesture” Mahomes made after throwing a fourth-quarter touchdown pass that narrowed Buffalo’s lead to 23-21. “The NFL fined #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture) as he celebrated a touchdown pass last week in Buffalo,” Pelissero reported.

The controversy centers around Mahomes’ celebratory move, which appeared to mimic shooting a gun. The league has been adamant this season about eliminating such gestures, warning players during preseason meetings and in the NFL rulebook that gun-related celebrations would result in penalties and fines.

The Athletic’s Mike Jones noted the league’s zero-tolerance stance on these actions. “Players are warned every year that such gestures will result in penalties and fines,” Jones explained. “The league shows a video to players each year instructing them on acceptable and unacceptable forms of celebration.”

Mahomes isn’t the only player penalized for these actions this year, as the NFL—and even the NCAA—has ramped up enforcement. Other players across the league have faced similar punishments for making gun-related gestures during games.

This isn’t the first time Mahomes has been fined in a game against the Bills. Last December, he was slapped with a $50,000 fine for criticizing officials following a critical offside call during a potential go-ahead play. At the time, Mahomes admitted his actions warranted the penalty. “There’s going to be consequences to that,” Mahomes said via ESPN. “Now you’ve just got to live with those consequences, learn from it, become better from it.”

Mahomes wasn’t the only one paying up after Sunday’s intense game. Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa was fined $15,400 for a controversial hip-drop tackle on Chiefs running back Carson Steele. Meanwhile, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones was hit with an $11,255 fine for a facemask grab.

The Bills’ victory pushed their record to an impressive 9-2, their best start through 10 games in over three decades, as they head into their bye week.