Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson has become the latest high-profile athlete to fall victim to burglars who targeted his home while he was playing an NFL game.
A Disturbing Homecoming
Watson returned to his residence late on Sunday night, 17th November 2024, following his team's 26-9 defeat to the Tennessee Titans, only to discover a break-in had occurred. The player took to social media to share the news, posting: 'Welp get home and my house got broken into.' He did not immediately disclose what items were stolen, and the Daily Mail has contacted the Chiefs organisation for further comment.
A Troubling Pattern of Crime Against Athletes
This incident is far from an isolated event. Watson is now the third Kansas City Chiefs star to be targeted in a little over a year, following similar invasions at the homes of tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2024.
Kelce's $6 million mansion in Leawood, Kansas, was raided on 7th October 2024, the same day the Chiefs beat the New Orleans Saints while his fiancée, Taylor Swift, watched from the stands. A source revealed that the incident left Kelce shaken, leading him to 'spare no expense' on enhanced security, including a more advanced in-home system and reinforced locks. Thieves made off with an estimated $100,000 in jewellery and his first Super Bowl jersey.
Just hours before Kelce's home was hit, Mahomes' Missouri property was also burgled. Items stolen from the quarterback included jerseys, medals, trophies, awards, and jewellery and designer bags belonging to his wife, Brittany.
A Nationwide Spree Targeting Sports Stars
This crime wave extends far beyond the Chiefs' roster and appears to be part of a coordinated, nationwide effort. Other prominent victims include:
- Jeffery Simmons: The Tennessee Titans defensive tackle was burgled on 10th November 2024 while playing against the San Francisco 49ers. Metro Nashville PD reported six suspects were seen entering his home after smashing a window.
- Sabrina Ionescu: The WNBA star and her husband had their Los Angeles-area home broken into just last week.
- Shedeur Sanders: The Cleveland Browns quarterback had $200,000 worth of items stolen from his house during his NFL debut last month.
- Joe Burrow: The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback's Ohio home was broken into during a game last season.
Authorities believe a sophisticated South American crime ring is responsible, travelling across the United States to target affluent neighbourhoods and jewellery vendors. In February 2024, prosecutors charged seven alleged members of this group in connection with the burglaries of Mahomes, Kelce, and other professional athletes.
Furthermore, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, 43, a pawn shop owner, pleaded guilty earlier this year to buying and selling stolen items from athletes' properties. His co-defendant, Juan Villar, 48, pleaded guilty to the same charge in June.
Investigations into these brazen crimes, including the latest targeting Jaylen Watson, are ongoing.
