Tag: Mahomes

Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes practices again, signs point to start vs. Texans

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Patrick Mahomes was a full participant in practice Wednesday, taking all of his usual reps for the second consecutive day to mute conversations about the Chiefs’ quarterback sitting out Kansas City’s game Saturday against the Houston Texans.

Mahomes hurt an ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win at Cleveland but said Tuesday his dedicated treatment plan was paying off.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy took a cautious angle on Wednesday saying the workouts the past two days were light in comparison to usual practices because of the shorter week and games four days apart. The Chiefs (13-1) play Christmas Day — Wednesday — at Pittsburgh.

“I thought for him, it’s a lighter day for us with the schedule that we have. So I thought, all things considered, he did well,” Nagy said.

Head coach Andy Reid outlined a plan for making decisions on player gameday participation later this week. That includes Mahomes and possibly wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who hasn’t played since a training camp shoulder injury forced him to injured reserve in September.

Mahomes and the Chiefs can clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a win over the Texans and a Buffalo Bills’ loss or tie against the Patriots.

“We know our schedule this week, a little bit of a shorter week, so there’s a balance there to that,” Nagy said. “But so far, I think his mindset is to do everything he can. But at the same time, you still have to be able to see how he does throughout the week.”

Carson Wentz is the No. 2 quarterback for the Chiefs and would get his 94th career start if Mahomes sits. Wentz played the final two possessions last week.

“I got my feet wet a little bit at the end of the last game and felt good out there, and nothing’s going to change this week,” Wentz said. “Obviously, Patrick’s had some nicks and bruises all year, and I’ve prepared like I was going to play every week. So, on my end, nothing’s really going to change.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes wants to face Texans but might not

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After sustaining a high right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of a victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left open the possibility that he could play on Saturday when Kansas City hosts the Houston Texans.

Initially saddled with a recovery period described as week-to-week, Mahomes was listed as a full participant in practice on Tuesday and said he aims to start for the Chiefs (13-1) this weekend. However, backup Carson Wentz fully is in play.

“That’s the reason you play this game is to push to play,” Mahomes said. “So I’ll get the work in practice and try to push it to see where I get to. But at the end of the day, I’m not going to put our team in a bad position. So if I feel that I can play and go out there and win a football game, I’ll play. If I don’t feel that’s the best-case scenario, I’ll let Carson play.

“It’s just about pushing it this week, seeing where I’m at and making the best decision then.”

Mahomes projected optimism despite the injury, noting the progress made with treatment that followed the Sunday victory. With the AFC West title already in the bag and a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the race for the top seed in the AFC, the Chiefs aren’t exactly pressed to insert a hobbled Mahomes into their starting lineup.

Yet he is still willing to give it a shot.

“Obviously we’ve put ourselves in a good position where I wouldn’t say it’s dire that I play,” Mahomes said. “We have a little bit of room to spare, but at the end of the day, we’re trying to win. And I’m a competitor and I want to go out there and play.

“I’ll push myself to get to the best place possible over these next few days and we’ll make a decision then.”

Like Kansas City, the Texans (9-5) already have clinched a playoff berth, securing their second consecutive AFC South crown with their 20-12 home win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

While the Texans could elevate their seeding with a strong closing kick, the likelihood that they remain fourth in the standings seems as plausible as igniting a sudden, late-season surge.

That leaves Houston facing the annual predicament plenty of teams face after locking up a postseason berth while a handful of games remain in the regular season: How will the Texans approach the final three contests in advance of a wild-card tilt once the schedule is complete?

“Even though we’ve clinched the AFC South, it still doesn’t change our approach,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “When we line up and play, we’re still trying to improve as a football team in all areas and try to play our best ball when playoffs time hits. So, we’re trying to still improve, still do our best.”

The first game for the Texans with the playoffs guaranteed will hinge as much on Mahomes’ availability as their effort. Even considering the Chiefs’ overall excellence, Mahomes remains the ultimate game-changer, and the Texans’ odds for success are greater if he rests.

“I have no idea on if he’s playing or not, so I really can’t focus on it or be concerned about it,” Ryans said. “… The light shines on Patrick a lot, but if you watch the Chiefs play, their defense is an outstanding unit.

“Coach (Andy) Reid and the offense, they’re going to find a way no matter who is there, they’ll find a way to move the football. And so, we just have to be on it in all areas of the game whether Patrick is there or not.”

The Texans’ quarterback, C.J. Stroud, threw a combined three touchdown passes and no interceptions over the past two games, but his yardage total in that span (373 combined) wasn’t massive. And Joe Mixon was held to 23 yards on 12 carries against the Dolphins after topping 100 yards in six of the previous eight weeks.

Houston had six players absent from practice on Tuesday: defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (ankle), wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder), linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (foot), center Juice Scruggs (foot), tight end Cade Stover (illness) and backup quarterback Davis Mills (illness).

Tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and defensive back Chamarri Conner (concussion) missed the Chiefs’ Tuesday practice. Wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, nearing a return from an injured-reserve stint caused by a shoulder ailment, was a full practice participant.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) walks to the sideline during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Ankle responded, feels ‘push to play’

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes began treatment for his injured right ankle on the flight home from Cleveland on Sunday and continued Monday with a plan of practicing this week.

Mahomes said Tuesday he was ready to take the field, shaking off concern that his “mild high-ankle sprain” could derail Kansas City’s push to the playoffs.

Head coach Andy Reid tempered the mood slightly, noting the most important time for Mahomes will be the hours and days after practicing to assess any limitations caused by the discomfort expected from testing his mobility.

The Chiefs (13-1) practiced on their typical day off because they play the Houston Texans (9-5) on Saturday and face another tight turnaround with a Week 17 Christmas Day game at Pittsburgh (10-4) on Wednesday. With a win Saturday and a loss or tie by the Buffalo Bills (11-3), the Chiefs would clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

“Let’s just see what he does (in practice),” Reid said.

Mahomes said the injury in the fourth quarter of a 21-7 win at Cleveland on Sunday was a normal football play. He was connected to electric stimulation hours after the game ended and has iced the ankle religiously.

“I feel it really responded really well,” Mahomes said Tuesday.

Without Mahomes, No. 2 quarterback Carson Wentz would be in line to start. Reid said the Chiefs have “full confidence in Carson if he has to step in and play” this week.

“My hope is to go out there to play,” Mahomes said of his prognosis for the week. “The reason you play this game is to push to play.”

But Mahomes also said he wants to be able to protect himself. He was battered by the Browns last week and was hit 12 times. Houston is second in the NFL with 45 sacks and has the only pass-rushing tandem with at least 10 sacks apiece in Danielle Hunter (12.0) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.0).

“I want to be able to move,” Mahomes said. “I want to be able to get out of the way. [Houston’s] is a good pass rush, a good defense. They fly around. You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way. Obviously, it’s football and you’re going to take hits, but you want to be able to protect yourself. So that’ll be where I’m at and I don’t want to limit the game plan.”

Reid said wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown would participate in workouts again this week with a chance to make his debut against the Texans.

Brown has been on injured reserve since Sept. 13 with a sternoclavicular joint injury sustained in the preseason.

He signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Chiefs in March after playing three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2019-21) and two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (2022-23).

Brown faced the Texans last season as a member of the Cardinals and caught two passes for 18 yards.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) and linebacker Devin Bush (30) rush Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes (ankle) leaves Chiefs’ latest win in fourth quarter

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of a 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and was replaced by veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz.

Mahomes got caught up under Cleveland defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson after firing an incompletion with 7:57 left in the game. He hobbled off the field and had his ankle taped on the sideline before Kansas City said he was questionable to return.

However, Mahomes never did, finishing the day with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 19-for-38 passing.

Since the Chiefs were leading 21-7 at the time of the injury, it is unknown if Mahomes was really unable to continue playing or if Kansas City made the change under center for precautionary reasons.

Wentz threw only two passes, completing both for 20 yards.

In 14 games (all starts) this season, the 29-year-old Mahomes has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 3,348 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Chiefs improved to 13-1 with the win on Sunday and have a busy schedule coming up. They will face the Houston Texans on Saturday, then travel to Pittsburgh for a meeting with the Steelers four days later.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets tight end Travis Kelce (87) during player introductions against the Cincinnati Bengals prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Home burglary ‘frustrating’

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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce had their homes burglarized last month and authorities have yet to make an arrest in either incident.

Mahomes confirmed his home in Cass County, a gated community which requires visitors to clear through two access points to enter the neighborhood, was hit around midnight on Sunday, Oct. 6. Police reports credit a bodyguard with alerting authorities.

“Obviously, it’s frustrating. It’s disappointing. I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing,” Mahomes said Wednesday. “But obviously it’s something that you don’t want to happen to, really anybody, but obviously yourself.”

Mahomes’ sprawling residence in Belton, Mo., was burglarized not long before Kelce’s Leawood, Kan., home was broken into early in the morning of Oct. 7 on the night of the Chiefs’ win over the New Orleans Saints on “Monday Night Football.”

Police reports state Kelce claimed damage to an entry door and the theft of $20,000 cash.

Kelce and celebrity girlfriend Taylor Swift stayed at a downtown hotel that night, according to the police incident report.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Unbeaten Chiefs get first look at Broncos QB Bo Nix

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes kept the Kansas City Chiefs perfect with an overtime win against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.

While Mahomes is dealing with a sore left ankle, he insists it won’t be a concern Sunday as the unbeaten Chiefs host the Denver Broncos.

“When you have a little bit of a roll, it’s a little bit sore,” Mahomes said of his ankle ailment, which he aggravated on Monday. “But I’m able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on.”

Kareem Hunt scored a 2-yard touchdown run in OT to give the Chiefs a 30-24 victory and cap a 106-yard day on the ground.

Despite hobbling off the field against Tampa Bay due to the ankle injury that first occurred a week earlier, Mahomes went 34-for-44 for 291 yards and three touchdowns.

Recent acquisition DeAndre Hopkins had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns while tight end Travis Kelce enjoyed his biggest game of the season, catching 14 passes for 100 yards.

Now Kansas City will take aim at AFC West rival Denver (5-4). Off to an 8-0 start for the third time in franchise history, the Chiefs enter with a 14-game winning streak dating to last year, including the postseason.

With Mahomes’ mobility possibly in question due to the ankle issue, the quality of the footing on the field might turn into an issue on Sunday. Not only is there a chance of rain this weekend in Kansas City, but the game will follow a Saturday college contest between Kansas and Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Jayhawks are playing four games in Kansas City, Mo., this season (plus two in Kansas City, Kan.) as their campus venue in Lawrence, Kan., is renovated.

Kansas City boasts a stranglehold on the recent series with Denver, earning victories in 16 of the past 17 matchups since 2015. The only Broncos win in that span was the latest meeting, a 24-9 decision in October 2023 at Denver.

Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix already figured to face an uphill climb in a hostile environment against the two-time reigning Super Bowl champs. The challenge could accelerate given the Chiefs’ successes against first-year signal-callers. Since 2019, Kansas City is 11-1 versus such passers, losing only to the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert during that run.

“I think these games are fun because there’s a level of excitement, a level of passion going into the game,” Nix said. “Again, I go back: These are the games you grew up watching and dreaming about playing, and so if you’re not ready for these games, you probably don’t belong in the league.”

With Baltimore Ravens counterpart Lamar Jackson posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating last week, Nix nearly was assured to look flawed by comparison. Nix passed for 223 yards and an interception in Denver’s 41-10 road defeat but caught a touchdown pass on a trick play.

“There are still so many learning moments for him,” Denver coach Sean Payton said. “In other words, each week is another classroom, another test, and I like the way he’s progressing. I like the poise after each series and after the game. You feel his maturity.”

The Chiefs had two players sit out practice on Wednesday: wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee). Mahomes was a full participant.

No Broncos were absent for all of practice on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs turn page, tag in play for top free agents

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INDIANAPOLIS — Winning the Super Bowl again put a strain on the Kansas City Chiefs’ front office, but the extra five weeks of football made general manager Brett Veach easy to find.

“They’ve been locked in a room, grinding to get ready for this thing,” head coach Andy Reid said of Veach and the scouting staff cramming for the NFL Scouting Combine, which takes place this week in and around Lucas Oil Stadium.

Reid and Veach opened their separate interview sessions at the event by expressing appreciation for the uniformed officers and public safety officials who sprang into action at the Lombardi Trophy parade in Kansas City three days after the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.

The Chiefs quickly shifted from celebrating their Super Bowl LVIII win to keeping the team together.

“We’re chasing that ever-elusive three-peat,” Veach said of the front office focus on 2024.

Headlining free agents include defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Jones said during the victory parade that he intends to return.

“He’s at the top of the list,” Veach said of Jones and his scheduled visits with player agents in Indianapolis before prospect workouts begin.

The pecking order might leave the Chiefs shorter on cash to sign Sneed. The shutdown corner was described during Super Bowl media availability as “the reason we can do what we do on defense” by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

With the salary cap rising to $255.4 million, there is concern for the Chiefs and other teams about players waiting for the “new market” to be set by contracts early in free agency.

“When you win this much, you’re paying a lot of players a lot of money,” Veach said. “We do have one tag. I anticipate probably using it to keep one of those guys.”

Reid said he’s not sweating the notion of complacency, the buzzword from Patrick Mahomes when the then-reigning MVP and Super Bowl MVP arrived at training camp last summer.

“The margin in this league,” Reid said, closing his thumb to his pointer finger, “is this narrow.”

–Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and other players in 2023 during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Reid to coach Chiefs in 2024; QB Patrick Mahomes thinking No. 3

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LAS VEGAS — Andy Reid woke up as the fifth head coach to win at least three Super Bowls, a class that includes Bill Walsh, Joe Gibbs, Chuck Noll and Bill Belichick.

Reid confirmed he will be back next season as head coach but is leaving dynasty and three-peat talk up to others.

“Honestly, I haven’t even thought of it. I get asked it. I’m still kind of in awe of the game. I haven’t thought why or what,” Reid said Monday when asked why he wouldn’t ride off into the sunset. “It’s not going to just be easy. We’ll have changeover on our team, there’s always the unexpected, have to keep battling through it. I just asked (quarterback Patrick Mahomes), has anyone done in three (consecutive) times? He said no. It’d be great.”

Super Bowl LVIII MVP Patrick Mahomes ended his seventh season with his third Lombardi Trophy, and hit the pillow early Monday morning thinking about becoming the first team in NFL history to three-peat.

“It’s legendary — no one’s ever done it,” Mahomes said Monday of his trophy mindset. “Only eight teams have done it back-to-back. We felt like we had the best opportunity we’ve ever had. All you can do is come back next year with the best mindset and try to do it again. I know how hard these guys work. I know how hard they get after it. I know how hard these coaches work.

“To be able to have our stamp on NFL history is something I’ll never take for granted.”

Mahomes said the Chiefs entered the halftime locker room trailing 10-3 on Sunday night very confident because they weren’t executing.

“For us, we just had to be us. Give it everything we have and live with the results after,” Mahomes said.

Reid said Mahomes’ performance and excellence can be easy to take for granted, but he’s still getting better.

“He makes it look easy,” Reid said. “This is a fluid game with the best athletes in this sport in the world. You’ve narrowed it down to the top two. And he’s out there playing like he’s in the back yard, like it’s nothing. From a head-coaching standpoint, guy that works with offensive guys, all you can ask for.”

–Free agency begins with the franchise tag window running from Feb. 20 to March 5. Seven players were tagged last year.

Teams can retain their own free agents prior to the start of the unrestricted free agency negotiating period, which begins at Noon ET on March 13. Contracts can become official on March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

Among top players eligible for free agency are Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and 49ers defensive end Chase Young.

“I know how hard it is to do and how hard the season was,” Reid said. “The ups and downs of the season and how proud I am of the guys for just hanging with each other and staying positive with each other. The young guys grew up, and nobody ever pointed fingers at the offense when the offense was growing. It all kind of came together during the playoffs and worked out well. Great leaders in Patrick, Chris and Trav (tight end Travis Kelce), the job that they’ve done.”

Mahomes said he’ll work with the Chiefs to remain “as flexible as possible as far as the cap and stuff like that” to keep the franchise in position to add talent to the roster.

–Kicking off LIX: New Orleans will host the Super Bowl for the 11th time next February, tying Miami for the most in league history, which included three games at Tulane Stadium before the Superdome was unveiled.

“I think it’s 363 days until Super Bowl (LIX) 59 begins,” Goodell said. “We look forward to being there.”

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson was on hand for the “handoff” from the Las Vegas host committee on Monday morning.

“I am confident we will pull together as we always do to deliver our guests from around the country and world the greatest experience possible,” Benson said.

–Field Level Media

February 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is displayed on Super Bowl LVIII signage on The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs, QB Patrick Mahomes willing villains if it’s price of winning

Posted on | by Field Level Media

LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Chiefs head coach Andy Reid leads his team back to the practice field on Wednesday for the first of three consecutive on-field workouts before Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

“We try to have fun within the intensity of the game within the week,” Reid said Wednesday morning at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort prior to practice. “There is time to focus in and there is time to mess around. We don’t have to keep it uptight when they’re coming into practice.”

Players were off Tuesday but are scheduled through Saturday’s final walkthrough to return to their typical game-week routine. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes reminded teammates of the importance of physical and mental rest before taking “the business trip” seriously when they clock back in Wednesday.

Reid said players were informed of the temptations in the near vicinity, even though the Chiefs and 49ers are at neighboring resorts 35 minutes from The Strip. An NFL security representative was on the scene to speak to players about rules and regulations with regard to gambling and other “distractions” in Las Vegas.

“It’s a normal week now,” Mahomes said on Wednesday. “We’re going to get back to practice and do what we do for a normal gameday.”

The Chiefs won’t be distracted on Sunday. After wrapping up video review of the challenger, Reid said he’s confident this version of the 49ers is superior to the San Francisco team that lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl LIV. To Reid, it boils down to star power with two MVP finalists Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey.

Reid and the Chiefs have 14 playoff wins since 2018 and are appearing in the Super Bowl for a fourth time in six seasons. But it’s Kansas City’s first without franchise matriarch Norma Hunt, a point Reid and others have made this week.

“She leaves a great legacy behind. I think this is the first one she hasn’t been here for,” Reid said. “That speaks for itself, but her heart was the biggest thing. A great person.”

Because of their track record in games like this one, Mahomes and the Chiefs are being cast as villains in some circles, much in the same way the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Yankees and New England Patriots were often rooted against.

Still a fan favorite, Mahomes said he doesn’t enjoy or embrace being the bad guy.

“I just like winning,” he said. “If you win a lot and it causes you to be the villain, I’m OK with that. At the end of the day, I’m going to enjoy playing the game and try to win as much as possible.”

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs off the field after throwing an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wants to play 15 more seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

LAS VEGAS — Inspired by the equation of longevity plus success Tom Brady used to play quarterback into his mid-40s, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans on going deep.

Deep into his 40s, that is.

Mahomes wouldn’t single out a target retirement age because he wants to “play as long as they’ll let me play,” and thinks another 15 years is truly possible.

“Brady did it, some other guys have done it, I’m going to try to do it as well,” Mahomes said. “I don’t want to play until I’m hurting the team. If I’m still having success and still loving it, that’s the biggest thing.”

Mahomes starts his fourth Super Bowl at age 28 on Sunday when Kansas City meets the San Francisco 49ers in a runback of the Lombardi fight between the same teams after the 2019 season.

That puts him at a pace all his own, and a full two years ahead of Brady’s track. Brady started his fourth Super Bowl at age 30, winning a total of seven with 10 appearances.

The Chiefs are underdogs to the 49ers this time, and Mahomes said he will count rings one at a time so as to avoid getting ahead of himself or becoming complacent with constant championship-level performances.

“I mean, I’m not even close to halfway (to seven Super Bowl rings),” Mahomes said. “I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. Your goal is to be the best player you can be. I know I’m blessed to be around a lot of great players around me. Right now, it’s doing whatever I can to beat a great 49ers team and try to get that third ring. And then, you ask me that question in like 15 years, I’ll see if I can get close to seven. Seven seems like a long way away still.”

Brady was remarkably healthy in his 23 NFL seasons before retiring for good in February 2023. He took a mulligan on his first retirement a year after a Super Bowl win with the Buccaneers over Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Brady remains the standard at quarterback by every statistical measure. He holds NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins, passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during his career with the New England Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

With seven seasons in the books, Mahomes has 33,226 passing yards (including 4,802 postseason) and 258 TD passes (39 in the playoffs).

Mahomes is 2-1 in three Super Bowl appearances.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media