Chiefs Newcomer Fined $10K for Fashion Shoot on Off-Day Before Seahawks Game

Kansas City, MO – August 16, 2025 –
The Kansas City Chiefs have made headlines ahead of their preseason clash with the Seattle Seahawks after issuing a significant fine to a newcomer for an off-day decision that raised eyebrows.

Sources within the organization confirmed that the penalty came after the player took part in a commercial engagement just 48 hours before kickoff. While technically within league rules, the timing clashed with the team’s internal standards.

The incident quickly drew attention among coaches and teammates, sparking conversations about professionalism and focus during game week. In Kansas City’s culture, even small lapses can be viewed as signs of misplaced priorities.

"When you wear red and gold, every choice you make needs to put the team first — off-day doesn’t mean off-focus," a team insider told reporters, framing the fine as a clear message to the locker room.

The player in question, Elijah Mitchell, spent several hours in a downtown Kansas City studio participating in a photoshoot for a high-profile fashion brand. The Chiefs viewed the session as a distraction from necessary rest and game preparation.

Team officials have long enforced a policy discouraging non-football commercial work during game week, especially in the 72-hour window before kickoff. Coaches believe those final days are critical for recovery, focus, and mental sharpness.

Mitchell is still expected to take meaningful snaps against the Seahawks, though this incident has placed him under added scrutiny. His ability to respond on the field could determine how quickly he regains trust within the building.

For now, Chiefs Kingdom waits to see whether this fine becomes a footnote in a promising tenure — or an early sign that discipline, not talent, will be the storyline for the running back’s first season in Kansas City.