The NFL Divisional Round kicked off on a cold late afternoon in Kansas City. But the heat was largely focused on the Houston Texans' sideline, where tempers were short in the early stages of a high-stakes game against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
Television cameras showed Texans defensive back Chris Boyd nearly pushing Houston special teams coach Frank Ross to the ground shortly after the playoff kickoff.
The Texans kicked the ball to the Chiefs to start the game. Chiefs returner Nico Remigio caught the ball and quickly beat some would-be Texans tacklers.
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Kris Boyd, No. 17 cornerback of the Houston Texans, stands during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on December 25, 2024. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Remigio quickly found his way into the open field and sprinted toward the end zone. However, Boyd eventually caught up to him and took the ball away.
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He then ran toward the Texans sideline and celebrated the fumble by ripping off his helmet and sliding it toward the bench. However, there is one caveat - the Chiefs actually recovered the fumble.
Nico Remigio (left) of the Kansas City Chiefs drives a kickoff pass over the Houston Texans' card during the first half of an NFL Football AFC divisional playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. Imi Fairbairn (15). (AP Photo/Charlie Riddell)
Boyd pushed Rose to the sideline.
The 28-year-old cornerback was eventually flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for taking off his helmet.
January 18, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Photo shows signage during the 2025 AFC Divisional Round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Danny Medley - Image)
The Texans advance to Saturday's divisional round after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in last week's wild-card round.
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Houston was the underdog in Saturday's game against the Chiefs, but trailed by just seven entering the locker room at halftime. At the end of the third quarter, Kansas City led 13-12.
The winner of the game at Arrowhead Stadium will await the outcome of Sunday's other AFC divisional game between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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