Players for the Kansas City Chiefs are waking up the same way all of us in Chiefs Kingdom did this morning—at least emotionally.
There’s the confusion and frustration following such an unbelievable meltdown. There’s the grief over missing a chance to make the Super Bowl. Then there’s the appreciation for the game itself—for a memorable year with teammates, playing in front of passionate fans at Arrowhead, and playing the game they love.
Several Chiefs players took to Twitter following the team’s 27-24 loss in the AFC Championship game to the Cincinnati Bengals to express their thoughts and emotions at the moment.
The Chiefs’ biggest star took to Twitter to share the mix of emotions we all felt, as Patrick Mahomes admitted the sting and yet felt he love for the fans and the game at the same time.
Love y’all #ChiefsKingdom. This one hurts but we will be back! See y’all next year!
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 31, 2022
Chris Jones kept his focus on the bigger picture with a short statement after the game.
Thank you God!
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) January 30, 2022
chiefs kingdom i love you!
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) January 31, 2022
Speaking of gratitude, some other Chiefs players just thanked the team’s fans for the overall season they’d had without any added commentary following the painful loss. Armani Watts added his thanks knowing he’s heading into free agency, too. This might be his final season with the Chiefs.
Thank you #chiefskingdom
— The Chosen Juan👑🙇🏽♂️ (@Juan_Thornhill) January 31, 2022
Thank you #ChiefsKingdom ❤️
— Armani Watts (@ArmaniWatts23) January 31, 2022
Khalen Saunders remained in his own lane following the game on Twitter. He was inactive for the game itself, but he should play a bigger role next season after some free agent losses along the line. After the loss, he was still clearly excited to not only be playing football but to be on the Chiefs.
Boy i FUCKIN LOVE THIS SHIT!!!!!!! This is a beautiful game. I’m lucky to be playing in this league.
— Saint Binky 2x (@khalenNOTkaylen) January 31, 2022
https://twitter.com/khalenNOTkaylen/status/1487930541747830785
Among former players, there was a mixed bag of being let down by the Chiefs’ failure to win combined with excitement for the Cincinnati Bengals or other positive aspects.
Have to be honest, didn’t see this one coming. Should have known tho, it’s the 2 best AFC teams fighting it out. Good game until next time my guys. #ChiefsKingdom
— Derrick Johnson (@superdj56) January 30, 2022
Damn good season fellas
— Ron Parker (@ghost_0836) January 30, 2022
Seriously, congrats to Cincy. Just an incredible performance by them all season, these playoffs, and especially this game. They deserve it.
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) January 30, 2022
Didn’t love the outcome but today was a W for me pic.twitter.com/RzdXQy3wDW
— Andy Studebaker (@AndyStudebaker) January 31, 2022
As for former Chiefs offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, he’s committed to altering his activities next year at this time, as no one wants to be a part of any jinx going forward.
One thing I'm not doing again...
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 30, 2022
I was on the radio when the Chiefs blew a 21-3 lead against the Titans
I'm on the radio now when the Chiefs blew a 21-3 lead to the Bengals.
I will no longer work when the Chiefs are in the playoffs
And as for former Chiefs lineman Jeff Allen, he’s ready to take back something he said earlier.
https://twitter.com/JeffAllen71/status/1487931900090060803
We all feel the same way, Jeff. It was a helluva season with an exciting young team that left us with a stomach punch of an ending. We’ll all be feeling this for a while.