NFL issues security alert to teams after series of home burglaries

Feb 1, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; The NFL shield logo is seen at midfield at SoFi Stadium. Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals will be played on Feb. 13, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce had their homes burglarized last month, and the NFL believes the incidents were connected to an organized international crime group.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the NFL issued a security alert to teams and players on Wednesday regarding skilled criminals who are believed to be targeting the homes of pro athletes. The FBI has been investigating the incidents and believes they may be linked to a South American crime syndicate.

“It’s legit,” a source familiar with the investigation told Pelissero. “It’s a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they’ve focused on NBA and NFL players, and it’s all over the country.”

Mahomes and Kelce had their homes broken into on consecutive days last month. TMZ reported that police were alerted to a burglary at Mahomes’ estate in Belton, Mo., at around midnight on Oct. 6. That was the night before the Chiefs hosted the New Orleans Saints. Kelce’s home in Leawood, Kansas, was then burglarized the day of the game on Oct. 7.

Another series of break-ins occurred last weekend, one of which took place at the home of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. also had their homes burglarized recently, and authorities believe the crimes are all connected.

Investigators believe the perpetrators have used public records to learn the addresses of professional athletes. The group then tracks the residents of the home using team schedules, social media accounts and other means. When the criminals are confident no one will be home (often during games), the burglary is carried out.

It is not uncommon for professional athletes to have their homes burglarized, but in this case the incidents seem to be part of a concerning crime ring.