During the Houston Texans’ playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, cornerback Kris Boyd shoved special teams coach Frank Ross. The confusing and shocking incident took place directly after the opening kickoff and was fully captured by the cameras.
Boyd mistakenly thought he had forced a fumble and was celebrating by removing his helmet, which led to a penalty. He explained his actions post-game, stating he was “just turnt” and excited, believing his team had recovered the turnover.
“I got the ball out,” Boyd said. “And as I’m getting up, I look at the screen, I see nothing but white and they’re all pointing that way. So I was like, ‘Oh yeah, we got the ball, too. Turnover.’ And I was just turnt.”
Video of the incident had football fans beyond confused. What reason could there be to shove your own coach exactly one play into a playoff game?
I guess we now know.
If I was coaching I’d sent Kris Boyd straight to the locker room then straight out of the stadium. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. #HOUvsKC #HTownMade #ChiefsKingdom
— Michael D (@MichaelD8) January 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/U6M85n2PcE
Kris Boyd Should Be ‘Turnt’ Right Out The Door
Kris Boyd later apologized for the incident, emphasizing that it was out of character and not meant with any disrespect towards Ross.
Texas coach DeMeco Ryans, who didn’t witness the shove, condemned the helmet-throwing as not what the team teaches or stands for. Boyd, in his second year with the Texans, is known mostly for his contributions on special teams.
“What I saw is we can’t come out on the first play and throw our helmet,” Ryans said. “That’s not what we teach. That’s not what we’re about at all.”
“I was just too excited, did something that I shouldn’t have done. Learning from it,” Boyd commented. “Keep my helmet on.”
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Special Teams Coach Responds
For his part, Ross seems to be moving beyond the incident. At least, according to Kris Boyd himself.
“He told me, ‘Hey, listen, don’t worry about that,'” Boyd said. “We had a whole ballgame to play, but I was just trying to get my point across. Like I said, I’m not that type of person.”
After the altercation, Boyd remained in the game and was back on the field for the next kickoff, suggesting any punishment going forward seems unlikely.
The Texans lost the contest by a score of 23-14, thanks in part due to controversial officiating calls benefitting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Boyd had two solo tackles in the game. He had five for the entire season. Perhaps he should have been awarded half a tackle for his move on the coach.
