After kickoff in Saturday’s divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd took off his helmet and shoved special teams coordinator Frank Ross in the chest.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio initiated the kickoff return and waltzed through the Texans’ coverage as the Texans battled for the end zone. Boyd appeared to lunge at Remigio, pulling him down and causing him to lose his grip on the ball. Boyd then took off his helmet, tossing it around in apparent celebration.

But Boyd’s celebration was premature, as Chiefs running back Samaje Perine recovered the fumble. Boyd was given a half-distance penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in throwing his helmet. An irate-looking Ross then approached Boyd on the field, who pushed him back to the sideline, much to the chagrin of some spectators. (Related article: College football brawl leaves referee bloodied and several players ejected)

Boyd’s charge drew criticism. “This guy, Chris Boyd, we have to take the pads and the helmet, and we don’t have to give him a plane ticket. [but] Bus tickets back to Houston. What a loser,” says Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports. commented.

Chris Boyd should be cut on the spot. https://t.co/7aQMuTTw7f pic.twitter.com/oZHuwlTMad

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) January 18, 2025

others proposed By Monday, Boyd will either be unable to go to practice or work at McDonald’s. Still, some argued that Boyd was just getting excited and pushing Ross in celebration.

The Chiefs continued to make field goals and the Texans fought back on their own. In the end, the Chiefs defeated the Texans 23-14.

Boyd was not benched and instead returned to special teams, ESPN reported. reported.