Patrick Mahomes’ 2025 season ended in painful fashion on Sunday, but there is already a reason for cautious optimism. The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed that the star quarterback tore his left ACL during their Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, an injury that ended both his season and the team’s playoff hopes. While the setback is serious, history suggests Mahomes has a clear path back — and potentially an even stronger return.
Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Officially Ended the Chiefs’ Season
The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter as Mahomes tried to extend a play during Kansas City’s final drive. Rolling to his right, Mahomes threw the ball away just before his left leg twisted awkwardly as Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand brought him down. Mahomes immediately grabbed his knee as the Chiefs’ medical staff rushed onto the field.
Mahomes needed help getting to his feet and draped his arms over trainers’ shoulders as he limped off. Broadcast footage showed him being escorted to the locker room after a brief stop in the medical tent.
An MRI later confirmed the diagnosis. “Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options,” the Chiefs said in a statement.
Mahomes addressed fans shortly after the news broke, posting on X: “Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it 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. I will be back stronger than ever.”
The loss sealed a 16-13 defeat and officially eliminated Kansas City from postseason contention for the first time since 2014 and the first time in Mahomes’ career as a starter.
Tom Brady ALC Tear Comparison Brings Hope
While ACL injuries are serious, Mahomes’ situation closely mirrors one of the most famous comebacks in NFL history.
As Trey Wingo pointed out on X, “So this is crazy… both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes won 3 Super Bowls early in their careers and then tore their ACLs in their 9th seasons with both teams missing the playoffs that year.”
Brady missed the entire 2008 season but returned in 2009 to win NFL MVP. Over the next decade, he added four more Super Bowl titles and became the gold standard for post-ACL recovery.
Brady’s injury became a benchmark, proving that elite quarterbacks can return from ACL surgery without losing longevity or dominance. His comeback reshaped how teams and fans view season-ending knee injuries.
Mahomes’ injury also came after weeks of punishment behind an overwhelmed offensive line. The Chargers pressured him on 48.6% of his dropbacks and sacked him five times, according to Next Gen Stats. The physical toll had been building.
What Comes Next for Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City
Gardner Minshew replaced Mahomes for the Chiefs’ final drive but threw a game-ending interception to Derwin James. Kansas City fell to 6-8 and now faces a reset as it closes the season without its franchise quarterback.
Despite the disappointment, Mahomes’ track record suggests this setback does not define his future. He remains a two-time NFL MVP, three-time Super Bowl MVP, and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks ever at this stage of a career.
The Chiefs are scheduled to play the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, but the focus has already shifted to Mahomes’ recovery and long-term outlook.
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