Patrick Mahomes, the $460 million quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, has found himself under fire from NFL fans after expressing frustration with the team’s upcoming grueling Christmas schedule. The Chiefs are set to play three games in just 11 days, a stretch Mahomes described as physically taxing and “not a good feeling.”
Mahomes Speaks Out
In a press conference earlier this week, Mahomes voiced his concerns about the demanding schedule, saying:
“I’m excited to play on Christmas to hopefully get back from what we did last year [a loss to the Raiders], but you never want to play this many games in this short of a time. It’s just not great for your body. But at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it.”
While Mahomes acknowledged the importance of his role and the need to rise to the challenge, his comments about the physical toll sparked backlash on social media.
Fans React with Criticism
Fans quickly took to social media to criticize Mahomes, with many perceiving his comments as tone-deaf given his lucrative contract and relatively cushy profession compared to the average worker.
One fan sarcastically tweeted: “Is whittle Mahomes going to be ok with a toughy woughy schedule coming up? Try working my schedule, you crybaby. Someone get this baby his passy [pacifier] to ‘suck it up, buttercup.’”
Another quipped: “Aww, Mahomes has to ‘work’ 3 days in 11 days and is only getting paid $961k in that span. How will he survive?”
Others pointed out that teams like the Steelers, Ravens, and Texans are also enduring similar schedules without generating as much attention as the defending Super Bowl champions.
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The Chiefs’ Grueling Stretch
The Chiefs, currently atop the AFC with a 12-1 record, are entering one of the toughest stretches of their season. Their three-game sprint begins Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, followed by a home matchup with the Texans on December 21 and concluding with a Christmas Day showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Chiefs haven’t had a rest since their Week 6 bye, leaving players feeling the strain as the season progresses. Despite their dominant position in the standings, Mahomes admitted that the stretch is daunting:
“All you can do is focus on the game and the practice that you had that day. I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch by tailoring my workouts, tailoring how you practice and prepare.”
Chris Jones Adds to the Debate
Chiefs defensive star Chris Jones echoed Mahomes’ concerns, suggesting the NFL should consider changes to the bye-week schedule for teams with late-season stretches like Kansas City’s. Jones advocated for mandatory late-season byes in such cases:
“With our schedule, it’s kind of awkward, to say the least. That’s a conversation to have this offseason. If a team has somewhat of a schedule like that, they should get a late-season bye. We don’t need a Week [6] bye … Give it to us in Week 8, Week 10, something like that.”
Potential Silver Linings
Despite the challenges, the Chiefs could find some respite. If they secure the AFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye, Mahomes and other starters may rest during their Week 18 game against the Broncos on January 5. This would give the team a much-needed break before the divisional playoffs on January 18 or 19.
Balancing Criticism and Context
While Mahomes’ complaints drew ire from fans, the physical demands of playing three NFL games in 11 days shouldn’t be underestimated. The NFL’s grueling schedule can have long-term effects on players’ health and performance, even for elite athletes like Mahomes.
However, fans’ reactions highlight the disconnect between millionaire athletes and everyday workers who often face their own demanding schedules without the perks or paychecks of a professional sports career.
As the Chiefs push through their challenging stretch, Mahomes will have a chance to silence critics on the field, where his leadership and talent will be key to maintaining Kansas City’s dominance in the AFC.
