Patrick Mahomes' controversial nomination from the NFL has fans outraged — and a defiant promise that could shape his season

Patrick Mahomes' controversial nomination from the NFL has fans outraged — and a defiant promise that could shape his season

Kansas City — Patrick Mahomes just had one of the worst performances of his career, and the timing couldn’t have been worse. In a 28–21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar completed only 15 of 34 passes for 250 yards, threw zero touchdowns, and was intercepted once. For the first time in his career, Mahomes’ incompletions outnumbered his completions — a stat line that left both fans and analysts stunned.

Yet, despite the poor showing and Kansas City’s 5–4 record, the NFL still included Mahomes in its shortlist for the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Year — an award he previously won back in 2018. That decision has sparked massive backlash online, dividing fans across social media. Some see it as a show of respect for Mahomes’ overall excellence; others call it “pure favoritism” and “a joke” given his latest struggles.

“This is ridiculous,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “How can a QB with no TDs and a loss even be in the conversation? The NFL’s playing favorites again.” Another fired back: “He’s still Patrick Mahomes — one bad game doesn’t erase years of greatness.” The heated debate reflects the growing frustration among Chiefs fans, who have watched their team slip out of playoff contention in a shocking midseason collapse.

Mahomes himself, however, isn’t hiding from criticism. Speaking to reporters after the loss, he said quietly but firmly, “One bad game doesn’t define me or this team. We’ve been here before. We’ll respond — and it starts with Denver next week. No excuses, just action.” It was a rare moment of vulnerability and leadership from a quarterback under intense scrutiny.

Head coach Andy Reid quickly backed his star: “Pat’s our guy. We believe in him, 100%. A rough week doesn’t erase what he’s done for this team.” Even rival QB Josh Allen offered a measured take, saying, “I respect Pat. But at this stage, promises don’t mean much — performance does.”

Now, all eyes are on November 16, when the Chiefs face the Broncos in what could be the turning point of their season. For Mahomes, it’s more than just a game — it’s a chance to prove that the NFL’s faith in him wasn’t misplaced, and that the legend of Mahomes still has chapters left to write.