Why Teair Tart Wasn’t Ejected For Hitting Chiefs TE Travis Kelce
The NFL opener on Thursday night saw an ejection right as the game was getting underway. Many NFL fans were waiting for a second ejection in two nights as Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart struck Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the third quarter of the game on Friday.

Tart was charged with a big penalty in the game for the Chiefs, but was allowed to stay in the game.
That left many curious as to why he was not removed from the game and allowed back in. A long-time NFL official, Terry McAulay, discussed the situation and gave a great explanation on why he was not disqualified.
https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1964151249957183968
McAulay went on record:
"According to Walt Anderson, they said because it was an open hand contact to the head, that was not a disqualifying action."
While the rule book is one that many common fans do not understand, this seemed like a punch, but according to the NFL, it is more of a slap, and that is not something that can cause an ejection. Regardless, much like Thursday night's ejection, it was an action that caused the team an unfortunate situation.
Ironically, Tart staying in the game was a big deal, as he was able to get that exact "open hand" on a Mahomes pass that would have led to the two-point conversion to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter.
The two-point conversion came on a Travis Kelce touchdown, which was his first of the season, and just his second reception.
The Kansas City Chiefs head home and host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, while the Los Angeles Chargers are on the road for another game, this time with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
Geno Smith Doesn’t Give Up: "Failure is a Valuable Lesson, Success Will Come When We Keep Pushing"

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is no stranger to adversity. After a challenging start to the season, Smith’s resilience has been on full display as he continues to push forward with an unwavering commitment to his team, his fans, and his own personal growth. In a recent reflection, Smith shared his mindset on handling setbacks and how every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Mùa giải này không hề dễ dàng, nhưng tôi không bao giờ từ bỏ. Mỗi thất bại, mỗi trận đấu không như ý đều là một bài học quý giá. Tôi biết rằng để thành công, tôi cần phải tiếp tục làm việc chăm chỉ, không ngừng hoàn thiện bản thân và đội bóng. Dù đối mặt với thử thách lớn, tôi luôn giữ niềm tin vào khả năng của mình và khả năng phục hồi của đội. Tôi tin rằng nếu chúng tôi không ngừng nỗ lực, kết quả sẽ đến, và khi nó đến, nó sẽ xứng đáng với mọi cố gắng," Smith said.

Turning Setbacks into Lessons
For Smith, the challenges faced this season have only strengthened his resolve. Every defeat or setback is a lesson that pushes him to work harder and focus more on improvement. This attitude reflects the kind of leadership that has helped him bounce back from previous struggles, both in his career and in his personal life.
Smith’s philosophy goes beyond just focusing on the game itself; it’s about personal development and team cohesion. "I know that to succeed, I need to keep working hard, constantly improving myself and the team. It’s about building something together," Smith added. The quarterback understands that every small improvement adds up to a bigger picture of success. It’s about staying committed to the process, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Belief in His Team
Despite the ongoing challenges, Smith remains confident in his own ability and the Seahawks’ collective potential. "I always keep faith in my abilities and in the team’s ability to bounce back," Smith said. His belief in the team’s resilience is a reflection of the leadership role he has embraced, even when things are tough.
In the face of a tough season, Smith’s confidence and ability to remain positive are infectious. His leadership style has earned him the respect of his teammates, who look to him as a role model of perseverance. He’s demonstrated that success is not just about physical ability but also about mental toughness and the willingness to continue pushing forward, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Looking Ahead
With a season still ahead, Geno Smith’s words remind us that every game is an opportunity to improve. The Seahawks, under Smith’s leadership, are not backing down from the challenge. As Smith continues to focus on growth, both individually and as a team, he remains confident that success will follow.
"I believe that if we don’t stop working hard, the results will come," Smith concluded. His resolve to keep pushing, even in the face of adversity, embodies the very essence of what it takes to be a leader in the NFL.
As the Seahawks move forward, Geno Smith’s determination and leadership will continue to play a crucial role in their efforts to turn their season around. His mentality—of learning from every setback and trusting the process—will undoubtedly inspire his teammates as they continue their quest for victory.