Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Lavon Mahomes (born September 17, 1995) is an American professional football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Since becoming the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, he has led the team to seven consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and five Super Bowl appearances, winning three. He is one of only five quarterbacks in NFL history to win three or more Super Bowls as a starter. Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He is often considered the best quarterback of his generation, with many outlets ranking him as the league’s top player at the position.

(source: Wikipedia)

The ACL injury

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the sports world watched as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, and two-time MVP, Patrick Mahomes, sustained a devastating ACL injury during the team’s home game in Arrowhead Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter (with 1:53 left in regulation), during a critical drive as the Chiefs were attempting a comeback, trailing 16-13. The injury was a result of a direct, low hit compounded by an awkward twisting motion, a common mechanism for ACL ruptures in American football. Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand tackled Mahomes. As Mahomes was spun to the ground by the tackle, his left knee buckled awkwardly. The force applied to his leg while his foot was seemingly planted or caught caused a valgus force and rotation beyond the ligament’s capacity. Mahomes immediately grabbed his left knee in obvious and significant pain. He required assistance to leave the field, limping gingerly to the locker room for evaluation.

The ACL surgery

On Monday, 15 December, Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery to reconstruct his torn left cruciate ligament in Dallas, Texas.
The season-ending ACL tear is a major blow that effectively ended the Chiefs’ playoff hopes for the 2025 season. Mahomes successfully underwent surgery performed by Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas and is facing a typical recovery timeline of 9 to 10 months, which places his potential return around the start of the 2026 NFL season. His rehabilitation process will be a closely watched case study for ACL recovery in elite, highly mobile quarterbacks.

The initial injury to Patrick Mahomes’ left knee was immediately season-ending, but the surgical repair marked the crucial first step on his long road to recovery. The Chiefs organization ensured their star quarterback received care from one of the most trusted names in orthopedic surgery. The surgery was performed shortly after the injury—specifically, on the evening of Sunday, December 14, 2025. The procedure took place in Dallas, Texas. The operation was successfully carried out by Dr. Dan Cooper, the head team physician for the Dallas Cowboys and a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee injuries. Dr. Cooper is highly respected for his work on elite athletes. The primary focus of the surgery was the repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Mahomes’ left knee. Public reports also indicated an accompanying tear to the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), meaning the procedure involved a complex, multi-ligament reconstruction.

The ACL surgery

The season-ending ACL tear is a major blow that effectively ended the Chiefs’ playoff hopes for the 2025 season. Mahomes successfully underwent surgery performed by Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas and is facing a typical recovery timeline of 9 to 10 months, which places his potential return around the start of the 2026 NFL season. His rehabilitation process will be a closely watched case study for ACL recovery in elite, highly mobile quarterbacks.

The initial injury to Patrick Mahomes’ left knee was immediately season-ending, but the surgical repair marked the crucial first step on his long road to recovery. The Chiefs organization ensured their star quarterback received care from one of the most trusted names in orthopedic surgery. The surgery was performed shortly after the injury—specifically, on the evening of Sunday, December 14, 2025. The procedure took place in Dallas, Texas. The operation was successfully carried out by Dr. Dan Cooper, the head team physician for the Dallas Cowboys and a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee injuries. Dr. Cooper is highly respected for his work on elite athletes. The primary focus of the surgery was the repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Mahomes’ left knee. Public reports also indicated an accompanying tear to the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), meaning the procedure involved a complex, multi-ligament reconstruction.

Based on the news and reports following the injury and subsequent surgery, here are the key quotes from Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid regarding the injury and the daunting road to recovery:

Patrick Mahomes’ Personal Commitment:
Mahomes used social media to address the team’s fanbase, “Chiefs Kingdom,” focusing immediately on his mental state and determination:

“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s 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. I Will be back stronger than ever.” (Via his X account)

Coach Andy Reid on Mahomes’ Determination
Head Coach Andy Reid commented on Mahomes’ characteristic drive and his approach to the daunting rehabilitation:

“He’ll attack it, just like he does everything else. There have been some pretty good quarterbacks who have had the same injury, and they’ve done pretty well after they came back. He’ll get after it, and he’s got good people here to rehab him.” — Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach

Reid also touched upon Mahomes’ mental state directly after the injury, a common feeling among injured athletes:

“He’s in a good place. He always feels like he let people down, but then he comes back and he’s ready for the challenge ahead, which is what’s real right now.”

Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes: The two greatest quarterbacks of all time have had nearly identical careers.

History repeats itself:
• Brady Season 8: 4th ring attempt, Super Bowl loss
• Mahomes Season 8: 4th ring attempt, Super Bowl loss

• Brady Season 9: ACL injury, misses playoffs
• Mahomes Season 9: ACL injury, misses playoffs