Feb 1, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Radio personality Colin Cowherd broadcasts on radio row at the Moscone Center in advance of Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Cowherd called out the NFL and the referee’s decision to support Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Here’s a look at what the analyst said.

Sports Analyst Colin Cowherd is known for speaking his mind whenever necessary. Cowherd was in a similar situation when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans to make it to the AFC Championship game.

The Chiefs won the Texans after putting up a good show, but their success brought in a lot of controversy. Cowherd wasn’t surprised when a few calls went the Chiefs way. Patrick Mahomes is undoubtedly one of the best NFL players of his time. He helps the team in crucial situations, but Cowherd believes that he can manipulate the referees when needed.

The 61-year-old never hesitated to speak what he felt was true. While some believe it was harsh, Colin Cowherd spoke whatever he felt was right.

“This is the way it is. You know, with the Patriots, it was Spygate, it’s Deflategate. Let’s not mention that Brady was actually better, statistically, post-Deflategate. But nobody likes somebody at the mountaintop forever, and so now it’s always the refs. The NFL is very protective of quarterbacks, very protective, and most fans think they are overly protective of Patrick,” Cowherd said .

“They say in baseball, tie goes to the runner. In the NFL, tie goes to the QB. If you’re not sure, call it… It’s not challengeable. It’s not going to be.”

— @ColinCowherd on Patrick Mahomes drawing two controversial personal fouls pic.twitter.com/DNrewCa1PJ

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 20, 2025

The Chiefs are onto the next round and they probably don’t care what Cowherd has to say. Many believe that the Chief’s success involved two late-hit penalties and Mahomes persuaded the referee.

Colin Cowherd Continues To Call Out Patrick Mahomes

Cowher continued to call out Mahomes saying he does a remarkable job to sell it on the field. He further stated that players should not be officiated differently. He took a jibe at the refs saying that players manipulate officials.

“Mahomes does a remarkable job to sell it. Like Dee Wade and James Harden did in the NBA. They sold it till the NBA had to change the rules. What Patrick Mahomes does is what great players do. It could be Messi, Ronaldo, Dwayne Wade, Mahomes. They leverage and manipulate officials,” Colin Cowherd continued.

According to Cowherd, the NFL has favored the Kansas City Chiefs. Both penalties were controversial and unfair to the Texans. The analyst also believes that such situations damage the integrity of the game.

Mahomes executed a late slide, and Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o was charged for roughness, which many feel was unnecessary. Several fans were upset with the game’s outcome. However, the league’s Vice President supported the referee’s decision. Houston fans were disappointed with their loss and the decision that they believe favored Mahomes and his squad.