Tom Brady Shares Thoughts on Patrick Mahomes’ Tough Road to Recovery After ACL Injury

Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
Credit :

Mitchell Leff/Getty; Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Tom Brady shared advice for Patrick Mahomes following the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s ACL injury.
• Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee during the final minutes of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
• Brady emphasized, “You got to get through rehab mode as fast as possible.”

Tom Brady has extended his support to Patrick Mahomes after the Kansas City Chiefs confirmed that Mahomes underwent successful knee surgery for a torn ACL.

Brady, who faced a similar injury during the opening game of the 2008 NFL season and later returned to secure four more Super Bowl victories, described Mahomes’ situation as challenging. On his podcast, *Let’s Go!*, Brady expressed confidence in Mahomes’ resilience. “He’s going to work extremely hard to get back,” Brady stated to host Jim Gray.

When asked what advice he would impart to Mahomes, Brady encouraged him to view the injury as part of the journey of a professional athlete, noting that “other people have gone through it.” He stressed the importance of dedicating effort to rehabilitation: “You’ve just got to put as much diligence into the rehab process.”

Brady urged Mahomes to transition swiftly back into training mode. “I think sometimes people will pace themselves. Instead of training mode, they’re in rehab mode. I think you got to get through rehab mode as fast as possible, and then you get back to training mode,” he remarked.

Patrick Mahomes.

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

In explaining the rehab process, Brady emphasized the importance of commitment. “It’s the same commitment that the great professional athletes make to be great at their profession,” he said, acknowledging that recovery can be arduous. “It’s one of the toughest rehabs,” he added.

Mahomes sustained the injury while the Chiefs were trying to execute a crucial drive against the Chargers, resting at 16-13. A replay indicated that his left leg appeared to buckle, a move often associated with torn knee ligaments. He remained on the field for several minutes before being helped off while the Chiefs ultimately lost, marking their first playoff absence in over a decade.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also expressed confidence in Mahomes’ recovery, referencing other quarterbacks who have endured similar injuries and returned successfully. “He’ll get after it, and he’s got good people here to rehab him. He’ll be right on top of all of that,” Reid stated.

Brady experienced a full season away from football following his injury but made a successful return in 2009, leading the New England Patriots back to playoff contention. He reassured that while the rehab process was demanding, he never feared for his career’s continuation.

Tom Brady.

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Brady revealed that even years later, he still feels the effects of his injury: “My [left] knee, it doesn’t feel like my right knee, so there’s always a little reminder in my left knee.” Reflecting on his recovery, he noted the psychological challenges faced: “You feel like, every day it doesn’t feel right—except you’re gaining range of motion and strength, and you’re on the road to recovery.”

In a social media post addressing his own injury, Mahomes vowed to return “stronger than ever,” expressing gratitude for the support he received. He wrote, “Don’t know why this had to happen. 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. Thank you, Chiefs kingdom, for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers.”