Chiefs’ Dynasty Stalls as Mahomes Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Written by b87fm on 12/15/2025
The Kansas City Chiefs’ long run of dominance came to a stunning halt Sunday following a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, officially eliminating the team from postseason contention for the first time since 2014.
The defeat marked a rare downturn in the Patrick Mahomes era. Since becoming the team’s starter in 2018, Mahomes — a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP — had led Kansas City to the AFC Championship Game every season.
The setback was compounded by devastating news after the game: Mahomes sustained a season-ending ACL injury.
“It didn’t look good,” head coach Andy Reid said when asked about the quarterback’s condition. “We’ll just see where it goes.”
Mahomes later addressed fans directly on X, offering a raw and emotional update.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie, it hurts,” he wrote. “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. And for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I will be back stronger than ever.”
Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s 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 and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025
Teammates echoed that sentiment in the locker room.
“I just hugged him, man,” pass rusher Chris Jones said. “That’s my brother. We’ve been through so much. We love Pat.”
Jones reflected on the broader disappointment of the season. “Success is rented every year,” he added. “Sometimes it doesn’t go the way you planned for it to go. I think we learned a lot this year.”
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of tight end Travis Kelce, 36, who is in the final year of his contract. Kelce has said he plans to decide whether he’ll return to the Chiefs in March, ahead of NFL free agency.
“Sorry, guys, it’s not the time,” Kelce said when asked about his future after the game. “I’ll catch you guys during the week.”
The Chiefs entered the season chasing history, hoping to become just the second franchise to reach four Super Bowls. Less than a month ago, Kansas City was widely viewed as the Super Bowl favorite.
Now, at 6–8, the Chiefs are playing out the string. They’ll travel to Tennessee to face the Titans (2–12) in Week 16, closing a season that unraveled far sooner than anyone expected.
