We already know that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a once-in-a-generation player, but adding Superman to his resume might be the next mantra we use for him. If he can get back on the field for OTAs, what else can we call him?
Head Coach Andy Reid said it was likely that Patrick Mahomes would be throwing the ball around during the upcoming OTAs at the end of this month. If true, that would mean double ligament surgery, full rehab, and a commitment to prove to his teammates he’s all in this season, which might be the craziest thing I’ll see this year.
In December, Mahomes had his MCL and ACL repaired, and reportedly, five days after surgery, he was already bending his knee to 90 degrees. In March, we saw a video of Mahomes throwing the ball, and he didn’t seem to favor his leg.
Mahomes has been working out at the Chiefs’ facility every day. When he travels to Texas for a weekend or to see family, GM Brett Veach says he brings one of the Chiefs’ trainers with him to continue his daily rehab.
Think about that for a second.
Some of us can’t even get out of bed in the morning because of normal aches and pains, and this Thirty-Something Unicorn, and I say it with utmost respect and jealousy, runs laps around our inability to stretch in the morning.
Mahomes didn’t care much for the 2025 season, and though he tried to carry this team on his back, his legs gave out, marking the start of the comeback tour. Most experts believe the Chiefs are not being viewed as the team to beat in the AFC.
However, they all agree that doubting Mahomes is the dumbest bet in sports. In other words, Mahomes could go smoke the league that doubts him and the Chiefs. After all, when you miss the playoffs for the first time in your NFL career, it tends to motivate you.
In the case of Mahomes, he takes that drive to levels never seen before in the NFL. If he’s able to practice, even on a limited basis, during OTA sessions, that would be an amazing accomplishment five months after surgery.
That also says a lot about modern medicine and the knee’s ability to recover more quickly from ACL injuries. After all, Mahomes had surgery the day after the injury, avoiding the natural swelling that would have occurred. In essence, he cut down the inflammation curve by weeks and chose to operate immediately.
If this is the new norm, Mahomes has shown other NFL players and athletes that these injuries don’t require a one-year rehab.
For the Chiefs, this is a double-edged sword of optimism. If Mahomes is limited but still throwing in OTA sessions, that would be a huge boost to the team, which has witnessed him work out daily at the Chiefs’ facility.
Second, it will force the rest of the league to take notice that the Chiefs intend to continue their dynasty.
I’m sure Reid will limit Mahomes, but it’s going to be hard to keep his quarterback from pushing the envelope every day. If he can shake off the rust and overcome miles and miles of rehab, there’s no doubt who the league MVP will be this season.
