When Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes fell to ground and grabbed his knee in Week 15, it was clear he was dealing with a severe injury. That injury happened to be a torn ACL and LCL that ultimately ended his season. However, what happened immediately after Mahomes damaged both ligaments speaks to the kind of competitor he is.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, the star quarterback revealed that his initial reaction was to try and get back in the game. He, obviously, knew something was wrong, but he said that once he got on his feet and started walking, he asked one of the doctors if he could get a brace and finish the game. They didn’t allow him to, but even attempting shows the mindset the quarterback has.
After his injury Patrick Mahomes said he asked the trainers if he could put on a brace and finish the game.
— Jason Anderson (@J810Anderson) January 15, 2026
Patrick Mahomes tried to continue playing after tearing ACL
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to Chiefs fans, who have watched their quarterback battle through seemingly countless injuries. Mahomes has dealt with a lot in his career, but as long as he can limp around on the field and make plays, he’ll do so to help the team win. In fact, the veteran quarterback was already dealing with a left knee injury when he suffered the severe ACL and LCL tear.
That's just the kind of competitive identity Mahomes has, and one of the things that makes him special. He didn’t care if the Chiefs were 6-7 at the time, and if he had just suffered a severe knee injury; he wanted to return to the field and try to get the job done.
The quarterback is now leaning on that same mindset as he rehabs towards his goal of being ready by Week 1 of the 2026 season. During that same call with the media on Thursday, Mahomes said his rehab had been going great, explaining that he’s pushing so hard, doctors have to hold him back. He’s committed to working through the process, but he’s doing his part to responsibly push his body, in an attempt to return from he injury in nine months.
How Mahomes’ body responds will ultimately determine when he returns to the field. Whenever it is, the star quarterback will be ready to give his all to the Chiefs, like he always has.