Chargers derail season-opening clash in São Paulo with win, heat, and slap drama

Slap That Changed the Momentum

September 6, 2025: In a tense Week 1 showdown held at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was unexpectedly slapped by Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart during a heated exchange. The open-handed swipe to Kelce’s helmet drawn by officials resulted in a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty—crucial field position that led to an 11-yard touchdown run by Patrick Mahomes. Although the call narrowed the score to 13–12 at the time, it ultimately wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Teair Tart was not ejected for slapping Travis Kelce during Chargers-Chiefs in Brazil (Image: YouTube/NFL)

Fight to the Finish

Kelce didn’t let the rough play stop him. He later hauled in a highlight 37-yard touchdown pass and celebrated in the endzone with a spirited bull-inspired dance with teammates Tyquan Thornton and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Yet, despite the late spark, Kansas City couldn’t close the gap—falling to the Chargers 27–21 in a rollercoaster opener.

Chargers’ Offense Steals the Show

L.A.’s offense took center stage all night, led by quarterback Justin Herbert’s dominant performance—318 yards passing, three touchdowns, and a decisive late-game 19-yard scramble. Kansas City’s defense kept fighting, but couldn’t fully contain Herbert or the Chargers’ aerial attack as they left Brazil with the upset.

Bounce-Back Hopes

Saturday’s result gives the Chargers an early edge in the AFC West rivalry. For the Chiefs, it’s a sobering reminder that even star power—like Kelce and Mahomes—can’t always deliver when needed most. They’ll need a fast turnaround heading into next week’s matchup if they hope to avoid a slow start to the season.

Fans were buzzing over both the slap moment and the high-scoring action of this international opener, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense—and drama-filled—season.