# Kelce's holding penalty that wasn't

> Travis Kelce admits he got away with a hold that helped Mahomes score in the Chiefs' season opener.
- Title: Kelce's holding penalty that wasn't · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Travis Kelce admits he got away with a hold that helped Mahomes score in the Chiefs' season opener. Kelce acknowledged committing a holding penalty on…
- Keywords: travis kelce, patrick mahomes, kansas city chiefs, denver broncos, nfl, holding penalty, touchdown, new heights podcast, season opener, uncalled penalty, Kelce's, holding
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/travis-kelce-makes-surprising-admission-about-mahomes-touchdown-in-chiefs-win-12450692
- Author: Matthew Couden
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: travis kelce, patrick mahomes, kansas city chiefs, denver broncos, nfl, holding penalty, touchdown, new heights podcast, season opener, uncalled penalty
## Chiefs dominate Broncos in opener
Kansas City beat Denver 31-10 in their season opener, with Patrick Mahomes returning from a torn ACL and MCL. Mahomes ran for a diving touchdown early in the game to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.
## Commentators spot a missed hold
During the broadcast, analysts flagged that Travis Kelce appeared to hold a Broncos defender on the play, allowing Mahomes to score. The referees didn't throw a flag.
## Kelce admits to the hold
On his New Heights podcast, Kelce acknowledged the play was questionable and admitted he committed a hold. He called it risky business and said it almost cost the team.

> It was definitely a questionable play, that's one of those where you get up slowly like please don't be any laundry on the field.
## Would have been Mahomes' second call
Kelce noted that if the hold had been called, it would have been Mahomes' second rushing touchdown negated in just two plays. The penalty would have pushed the Chiefs out of the red zone.

> Can't do it. Almost cost us.
## Chiefs' dominance made it moot
Despite the controversial non-call, Kansas City dominated the game. The Broncos' defense struggled to contain running back Kenneth Walker, a new offseason acquisition.
## Kelce had solid first game
Kelce finished with three receptions for 71 yards, including one 59-yard catch. The Broncos stopped him short of the end zone on another play.
## Key takeaway

Kelce acknowledged committing a holding penalty on Mahomes' diving touchdown that went uncalled, calling it risky and admitting it almost cost the team.