NFL issues alert to teams about crime ring targeting players

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FILE-A detailed view of an NFL shield logo painted on the field during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

NFL officials issued a memo alerting teams and the players’ union about an organized crime ring targeting the homes of players.

This memo was released amid recent burglaries at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a separate incident, former Minnesota Viking and current Dallas Cowboy Linval Joseph’s Minnesota home was also burglarized, NFL media reporter Tom Pelissero reported, citing a memo.

FOX4 in Kansas City reported that $20,000 in cash was stolen from Kelce’s home, and it is unknown what was taken from the Mahomes residence.

FBI officials are investigating the Mahomes and Kelce home burglaries to determine if the incidents are connected to an international organized crime ring.

The NFL, the Players Association, and team security units are keeping track of the crime wave, which is reportedly tied to a South American crime organization.

Peliserro reported that people with knowledge of the incidents explain that the criminals are nonconfrontational and do not burglarize the home while the homeowner is inside.

But they use public records to locate players’ addresses and perform detailed surveillance. They also track team schedules and the social media accounts of players and their families, and they wait until the homes are empty, usually during NFL games, and obtain access to the property to steal goods like money, jewelry, watches, and handbags, primarily targeting master bedrooms and closets.

NFL Security issued an alert Wednesday offering several recommendations to teams and players, including not posting in real time on social media, installing security systems and placing valuable items in a safe space.