Travis Kelce couldn’t believe it, and neither could the referees.
Kelce was one of the Chiefs’ midfield captains at the coin toss before overtime in the 2024 Super Bowl, but was stunned when the 49ers’ Fred Warner chose to receive after San Francisco won the toss.
“That’s what you get when you win the coin toss. You had a chance to get an advantage, and they just gave it to us.” Travis told his brother Jason on the brothers’ podcast, “New Heights,” released Wednesday.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has been under a lot of criticism since the decision backfired in the first overtime game of the playoffs since the rules were changed after the 2021 season.
San Francisco kicked a field goal, but Kansas City knew exactly what it needed to win the game and drove it down the field for the game-clinching touchdown.
“I’m not trying to woo that player…but when they said we wanted to receive, the referee looked at Fred and said, ‘Are you sure?'” Do you really receive? Then he said, “Yes, I would like to receive it.” I want the ball,” Kelce said.
Shanahan has repeatedly stated that he believed that if both teams were tied in points, the 49ers would get the third possession and have a chance to win the game no matter the score.
The issue being pointed out is that even if the 49ers score a touchdown, the Chiefs can still elect to score two touchdowns if they reach the end zone.
Chiefs players were taught the overtime rules by coach Andy Reid after the game, but at least some 49ers players said they were unaware of the rules.
“While we were waiting for the coin toss, I told everyone to check before they left,” Shanahan said. “So we asked our position coaches to do that. But we didn’t bring it up in our Super Bowl week meetings. I don’t think that changes anything.”
“Inside the NFL” shared a clip of Chiefs players reacting in real time, appearing surprised by the 49ers’ decision.
Kelce admitted it created excitement throughout the team.
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“I jumped out of my seat and said, ‘Come on, guys. They want to receive, but we get second possession…Defense, keep it to three. We’re here. We’re going to go and win this,” Kelce said.
Mahomes completed all eight of his passes for 38 yards in overtime and ran for another 21 yards, including an 8-yard dash on a 4-and-1 play.
“Through the roof,” Travis said when asked how he felt after the 49ers kicked a field goal to start overtime.
“I saw it on Pat’s face and said, ‘Oh yeah, that kid’s on the phone right now.’ He knew they couldn’t slow him down right now. ing.”
