Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, said Thursday that his own mistakes proved decisive in the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
“These are mistakes I hadn’t made before, and everything ended the way we all know,” said the quarterback.
Patrick Mahomes was speaking publicly for the first time since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee on December 14 during the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (16–13). He underwent successful surgery two days later.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP reflected on a Chiefs season that ended with a 6–11 record, snapping a streak of 10 consecutive playoff appearances, the second-longest run in the NFL, trailing only the record set by the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady from 2009 to 2019.
“It was a different kind of season. Offensively, we weren’t consistent enough,” Mahomes admitted. “We had stretches and games where we played well, but we didn’t show what we’ve been used to showing in recent years.”
Kansas City dominated the past decade of the NFL, winning nine straight AFC West titles, reaching six consecutive AFC Championship Games (winning five of them) and appearing in five of the last six Super Bowls, capturing three titles.
According to Mahomes, widely regarded as the best quarterback currently playing, the Chiefs’ dynasty is far from over, and the team is confident it will return in 2026 ready to extend its reign.
“I see coaches and players who are motivated to get better next year,” he said. “It’s awful watching the playoffs from the outside. I want to be playing, especially this time of year, which is the best. All of this will give us more fuel to come back stronger next season.”
Regarding the lengthy recovery process from his injury, Mahomes expressed confidence that he will be ready for the start of the next campaign.
“Rehab is going great. I’ve passed all the medical checkups, regained strength, range, and mobility,” he said.
“The doctor gives me targets, and sometimes I feel like they’re holding me back because I always want to push further. I hope to be ready for Week 1 to give this team the best chance to win.”
