Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips found himself at the center of controversy during Sunday’s AFC Championship Game after headbutting Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The altercation occurred after Kelce was seen exchanging words with Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who had missed a chance to block a Patrick Mahomes touchdown. Phillips‘ aggressive response earned him an unnecessary roughness penalty, but Kelce escaped any repercussions.
This isn’t the first time Phillips has locked horns with the Kelce brothers. In November 2023, Jason Kelce, Travis‘ older brother and a former Philadelphia Eagles lineman, accused Phillips of intentionally trying to injure Cam Jurgens during a game. Jason publicly criticized Phillips, calling the move “a disgrace” and urging the NFL to take action.
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Past tensions with the Kelce family
Phillips didn’t hold back in his response, highlighting Jason Kelce’s own controversial plays. “You look at the tush push, and he dives at people’s knees every play,” Phillips said. “For him to call someone dirty is just hypocritical.”
The Bills star also defended his actions, explaining that the pace and intensity of the game make it impossible to avoid every collision. “I’m 335 pounds-how am I supposed to stop immediately? Football is a physical game, and sometimes things happen,” Phillips said.
What lies ahead for Jordan Phillips
Phillips, now 32, faces an uncertain future in the NFL as he approaches free agency. Despite the controversy, he expressed a desire to continue playing, but only if it’s with the Buffalo Bills.
The AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs marked another chapter in the ongoing tensions between Phillips and the Kelce brothers. While the Chiefs prepare to chase their third consecutive Super Bowl title, Phillips may be reflecting on both his actions and what’s next in his career.
This latest incident has further fueled debates about player conduct and fairness in officiating, particularly as the Chiefs continue to be at the center of contentious calls during the postseason. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the NFL reviews its policies heading into the offseason.
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