Ravens’ Justin Tucker brushes aside questions about pregame dust-up with Chiefs
Don’t be surprised if you see updates on where Ravens kicker Justin Tucker practices at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before Thursday’s game against the Chiefs.
That sounds odd, until you remember what happened ahead of the Chiefs’ 17-10 win over the Ravens in January’s AFC Championship Game. Tucker had irked tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Tucker had placed equipment where Mahomes was warming up, and Kelce voiced his displeasure before moving the items.
A day after the game, Tucker said the pregame dust-up was no big deal.
Mahomes, however, said Tucker was trying to get under the skin of the Chiefs.
Kelce said Tucker broke an unwritten rule.
“Specialists because of the wind factor get a chance to kick it at both field goals and kind of punt from both sides of the field,” Kelce said on his podcast. “But it’s always if you’re trying to go on to the other teams designated area, you kind of stay out of their way, you know?
“You don’t interfere with what they have going on. That’s the unwritten rule. If you want to be a (jerk) about it, you keep your helmet and your football and your ... kicking tee right where the quarterbacks are warming up. Eyes are looking left and they’ve got a helmet down by their feet.”
After Ravens practice on Sunday, Tucker was asked again about the kerfuffle.
This time, Tucker declined to talk about what happened in January or if he will change how he prepares for Thursday’s game.
“I’m excited to go into a great environment, play against a great football team, with great players, great coaches, and do everything I can to contribute to the Ravens winning a football game,” Tucker said, per ESPN. “That’s all I’ve got to say about it.”
This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 10:25 AM.
