NFL divisional round action got off to a hot start on a chilly late afternoon in Kansas City. But the heat was mostly on the Houston Texans sideline as tempers flared in the early moments of the high-stakes game against the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

Kris Boyd forced a fumble on the game's opening kick, but then was penalized for throwing his helmet and reacted by shoving coach Frank Ross on the sidelines.

Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd drew a lot of attention after he appeared to shove special teams coach Frank Ross following the opening kick in Saturday’s Divisonal Round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Boyd pushed special teams coordinator Frank Ross during the Texans' divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

No one had a busier opening kickoff — or a worse opening kickoff — in the Texans-Chiefs game than Kris Boyd. At the onset of the AFC divisional game in Kansas City, the Texans cornerback/special-teams player watched Nikko Remigio take the kick and return it to the Houston 32-yard line before Boyd chased him down from behind.

Texans cornerback Kris Boyd provides explanation, apology for bizarre helmet toss, losing composure, shoving special teams coordinator Frank Ross

The Houston Texans had an eventful start to their divisional round game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It's tough to have a total breakdown on a play, a dumb penalty and a shove from a player to coach all within the first 13 seconds of the game.

Kris Boyd was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taking off his helmet. He was then seen shoving Frank Ross.

They got great field position thanks to a 63-yard kickoff return by Nikko Remigio, who made it deep into Houston territory before being tackled by Texans cornerback Kris Boyd. Boyd was flagged on the play for throwing his helmet after tackling Remigio and forcing a fumble.

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) rolls out to throw against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round. Here's what DeMeco Ryans said postgame.