Patrick Mahomes Reflects on His ACL Injury During Chiefs Game: A Personal Message

Patrick Mahomes sustains injury during the Chiefs-Chargers game on Dec. 14, 2025.
Credit:

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Patrick Mahomes spoke out after tearing his ACL during the Chiefs’ game against the Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 14
• “Don’t know why this had to happen,” the star quarterback wrote in a post on X
• Mahomes fell to the ground clutching his left knee in the final two minutes of the game and was then helped off the field

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is addressing the unfortunate end to his ninth season following a significant injury sustained during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14. The Chiefs later confirmed that an MRI revealed Mahomes has a torn ACL in his left knee. “Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options,” the team stated.

In this tense matchup, the Chiefs lost to the Chargers with a final score of 16-13, marking their exit from the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Chiefs medical staff tends to Patrick Mahomes on field during the Chiefs-Chargers game on Dec. 14, 2025.

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

In a heartfelt post on X, Mahomes reflected on the disappointing game, stating, “Don’t know why this had to happen.” He elaborated on his emotional state, saying, “And not going to lie [it] hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.”

The three-time Super Bowl champion also expressed gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support. “Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers,” he concluded, asserting his determination to “be back stronger than ever.”

Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs-Chargers game on Dec. 14, 2025.

Kevin Sabitus/Getty

Mahomes sustained the knee injury with just two minutes remaining in the game while attempting to secure a touchdown. After throwing an incomplete pass, he was tackled and fell to the ground, visibly in pain. He remained on the field as medical personnel attended to him, while teammates anxiously awaited updates on his condition.

This season, Mahomes had already faced various injury troubles with his knee. After being assisted off the field, backup Gardner Minshew took his place, but an interception thrown soon after dashed the Chiefs’ hopes for playoffs.

Immediately following the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed that Mahomes would undergo an MRI, adding that the injury “didn’t look good,” according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.

In a post-game interview, Minshew praised Mahomes’ commitment to the sport and his leadership. “I don’t think I’ve ever respected anybody I play with more,” he said. “I’ve never seen anybody give so much of themselves to the team. And to not get the results is hard. I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back and be better than ever.” Minshew added, “He’s the best.”