Rice, 25, was sentenced in July to 30 days in jail and five years probation following his involvement in a March 2024 car crash in Dallas. Authorities reported that Rice was driving a Lamborghini SUV at speeds exceeding 115 mph while racing a Corvette along North Central Expressway. The two cars lost control and collided with four other vehicles, injuring several people. Two children, ages three and four, were in one of the cars struck, though they were not hurt. Rice and others involved were later seen leaving the scene without rendering aid.
The wide receiver, drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, had already faced adversity after suffering a season-ending knee injury last October during a game against the Chargers. His suspension, announced in August, further weakened the Chiefs' offense, which also lost star receiver Xavier Worthy to injury after an accidental collision with Kelce during the season opener in Brazil.
Kelce's decision to wear the shirt quickly stirred outrage on social media and from those directly impacted by the crash. Attorney Marc Lenahan, representing crash victim Kathryn Kuykendall, criticized the move, telling TMZ he respected the players' loyalty but found the gesture misguided. The controversy was heightened by public attention on Kelce's high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, which has kept him in the spotlight off the field as well.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid came to the defense of his players, suggesting the show of support was simply about making Rice feel included. Reid told reporters that Kelce, Thornton, and others were expressing care for a teammate rather than making a broader statement.
Despite the gesture, Kelce and the Chiefs struggled during the game. In the fourth quarter, with the team trailing 13-10, Kelce bobbled a pass near the end zone that was intercepted by the Eagles, leading to a decisive touchdown and sealing the Chiefs' loss.
