Trump’s favorite NFL is in distress.
Kansas City finally received a bit of relief after what was one of the toughest weekends the franchise has faced in over a decade.
Just one day after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a serious knee injury — and the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014 — new medical information provided cautious optimism for fans and teammates alike.
According to head coach Andy Reid, an MRI performed after Sunday’s narrow 16–13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers confirmed that Mahomes tore his ACL in his left knee. However, doctors found no additional damage to surrounding ligaments, a key factor that significantly improves his outlook.
Mahomes is expected to undergo surgery later this week after seeking a second opinion from Dr. Daniel E. Cooper, a highly respected physician who works closely with the Dallas Cowboys organization.
“He’ll attack this the same way he attacks everything,” Reid told reporters Monday. “There have been plenty of great quarterbacks who’ve had this injury and come back strong. Patrick has the mindset, the support system, and the medical team to handle this the right way.”
Reid emphasized that avoiding damage to other ligaments was critical. Had there been further complications, Mahomes’ surgery — and eventual return — could have faced significant delays.
“If the surgery goes as expected, I would anticipate a solid recovery,” Reid said. “He’s disciplined, he listens, and he has excellent people guiding his rehab.”
The injury occurred during a familiar Mahomes play — scrambling outside the pocket while extending a drive. After releasing a completed pass, his knee buckled awkwardly, immediately drawing concern from players and fans across the league.
This marks the first major injury of Mahomes’ professional career, one that has been defined by mobility, durability, and an ability to turn broken plays into highlights. That style of play helped lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowl appearances in the last four seasons, cementing Mahomes as one of the most influential quarterbacks of his generation.
Despite the setback, Reid said Mahomes remains mentally focused, though understandably disappointed.
“He feels like he let people down,” Reid said. “But he’s in a good place mentally. He’s ready to face what’s ahead and come back stronger.”
Mahomes, now 30 years old, signed what was then the largest contract in NFL history in 2020 — a 10-year, $450 million agreement that made him the face of the Chiefs franchise for the long term.
Over nine seasons and 126 games, Mahomes has become Kansas City’s all-time leader in passing yards (35,939) and touchdown passes (267). During the 2024 season, he threw for 3,587 yards with 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while also posting career highs with 422 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Mahomes addressed the injury directly on social media, striking a message of faith and determination.
Mahomes acknowledged the pain of the setback, saying he doesn’t understand why it happened but remains committed to putting his faith in God and pushing forward each day. He also thanked Chiefs fans for their prayers and support, adding that he plans to return stronger.
While the Chiefs now face an uncertain future without their star quarterback on the field, both the organization and its fans are holding onto hope that Mahomes’ discipline, faith, and leadership will once again define his next chapter.