Cops have recovered Travis Kelce’s watch in their hunt for burglars who raided his mansion and the homes of other NFL stars last month. This incident has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, raising concerns about the safety of players and their properties.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose home was broken into on October 7, reported significant losses during the break-in. The burglars made off with jewelry worth over $100,000, his first Super Bowl jersey, and designer clothes. Police suspect that these crimes were orchestrated by an international crime ring that has been targeting professional athletes.
The investigation took a positive turn when police found Kelce’s watch in Providence, Rhode Island—over 1,400 miles from his home in Leawood, Kansas. Initially, authorities did not disclose that a watch was among the stolen items, but they did confirm that $20,000 in cash was also taken during the break-in. A source close to Kelce revealed, “Travis got upset as they stole some important items, including his first Super Bowl jersey.” The violation of his personal space left him feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable.
The FBI has joined the investigation, which has expanded due to a series of similar robberies at the homes of professional athletes. Just hours before Kelce’s home was targeted, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes experienced a break-in at his mansion on October 6. Cops arrived at Mahomes’ home in Belton shortly after midnight, reporting that the burglars had stolen jewelry and designer bags belonging to Mahomes’ wife, Brittany. Additionally, some of Mahomes’ jerseys, medals, and trophies were taken from his man cave.
The burglars appeared to know exactly what they were looking for, as they were in and out of Kelce’s mansion within 15 minutes, according to a security source. The swift nature of the crime has led police to believe that the culprits were well-prepared and possibly had inside information. Sources indicate that the criminals may have been monitoring the players’ schedules to determine when they would be away from home.
In a worrying trend, the NFL has issued alerts to team security directors and the players’ union about the organized and skilled criminals increasingly targeting athletes’ homes. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that this crime ring is “legit” and has been focusing on NBA and NFL players across the country. Police believe that the criminals are using tactics such as posing as delivery personnel or maintenance workers to gain access to the properties.
At around 7 PM on October 7, just an hour before the Chiefs were set to face the New Orleans Saints in a Monday Night Football matchup, Kelce’s house was broken into. The timing of the break-in, combined with the sophisticated methods employed by the burglars, has left many in the NFL community feeling uneasy.
Star quarterback Mahomes expressed his frustration about the situation last week, stating, “Obviously, it’s disappointing, but I can’t get into too many details because the investigation is still ongoing. It’s something that you don’t want to have happen to really anybody, but obviously yourself.” This sentiment resonates with many players who now find themselves reconsidering their home security measures.
Following the burglaries, Mahomes reportedly enhanced security at his home, a move that reflects the growing concern among athletes regarding their safety. The impact of such crimes extends beyond material losses; it affects the sense of security that players and their families should feel in their own homes.
Kelce’s superstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift, was understandably upset by the news of the burglaries. However, she remained unaffected personally, as she did not keep many belongings at Kelce’s mansion. A source close to the couple noted, “[Taylor] felt bad for what happened despite not having many belongings there, but felt bad for her man and for the Mahomes.”
The broader implications of these burglaries are significant. They highlight a troubling trend of professional athletes being targeted due to their wealth and public profiles. With additional robberies reported at the homes of athletes in cities like Minneapolis and Milwaukee, it’s clear that this is not an isolated issue.
As the investigation continues, the NFL community is left grappling with the reality of these crimes. The league has emphasized the importance of vigilance and security for its players, urging them to take precautions to protect their homes and families. The message is clear: while they may be stars on the field, off the field, they must also be proactive in safeguarding their personal spaces.
In light of these events, it’s crucial for athletes to remain aware of their surroundings and to take the necessary steps to ensure their homes are secure. The recent burglaries serve as a stark reminder that even in the world of professional sports, safety should never be taken for granted.
