
Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes is still coping with the fallout from the Philadelphia Eagles’ hits.
In Super Bowl LVII, the Kansas City Chiefs squared off against the Philadelphia Eagles in one of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent history. While the Chiefs came out victorious with a 38-35 win, the game was not without its physical and emotional toll on their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Known for his ability to improvise and lead the Chiefs to victory under immense pressure, Mahomes faced one of the most challenging defenses of his career in the form of the Philadelphia Eagles. Their aggressive and physical play left Mahomes battered and bruised, and he has spent the months following the game reflecting on the impact that the Eagles’ defense had on his health and mindset.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into how Mahomes is coping with the fallout from those hits, the physical effects he’s been dealing with, and how he has managed to overcome those challenges in his pursuit of continued excellence.
A Super Bowl That Took a Toll on Mahomes
From the outset of Super Bowl LVII, it was clear that the Eagles’ defense was going to be a major factor in the game. With one of the most formidable defensive lines in the NFL, Philadelphia had been a relentless force throughout the regular season and playoffs. Headlined by defensive stars like Haason Reddick, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham, the Eagles came into the game knowing that Mahomes’ mobility was one of his greatest assets.
Philadelphia was intent on neutralizing Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and escape pressure. They frequently sent multiple rushers toward him, trying to sack him while also hitting him on nearly every throw. This strategy seemed to disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm, particularly in the first half, where he was forced to play through discomfort and pain.
The most notable moment of physical anguish for Mahomes came in the second quarter when he suffered a high ankle sprain after being tackled by Eagles’ linebacker T.J. Edwards. As Mahomes hobbled to the sideline, it became clear that the injury would affect his ability to move freely for the remainder of the game. Despite his visible discomfort, Mahomes managed to finish the game, leading the Chiefs to a comeback victory with a clutch performance in the second half.
But while the victory was sweet, the physical toll was significant. Mahomes’ ankle injury, combined with the cumulative punishment from the Eagles’ defense, left him dealing with both physical and emotional challenges in the aftermath of the Super Bowl.
The Physical Impact: Dealing with the Injury
The ankle injury was the most pressing concern for Mahomes immediately following the Super Bowl. A high ankle sprain is no small matter, particularly for a quarterback whose mobility is central to his game. Mahomes is known for his ability to improvise, using his legs to extend plays and make miraculous throws on the run. The injury left him limited in that aspect for much of the game, and it also lingered afterward as he entered the offseason.
The recovery process for a high ankle sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mahomes, who prides himself on his durability, was determined to get back to 100% as quickly as possible. He underwent intensive rehab throughout the offseason, working with a team of medical professionals and trainers to strengthen his ankle and improve his range of motion.
However, the physical impact of the Eagles’ defense didn’t end with the ankle sprain. Mahomes had also taken several hard hits during the game, and the cumulative effect of those blows was felt long after the Super Bowl ended. Bruised ribs, a sore throwing shoulder, and general fatigue from playing through pain were all factors that Mahomes had to manage as he began preparing for the upcoming season.
Despite these obstacles, Mahomes remained focused on his rehabilitation. In interviews throughout the offseason, he expressed his commitment to staying in top shape and recovering fully, acknowledging that he needed to be at his best to lead the Chiefs in their quest for another Super Bowl title.
Emotional Fallout: The Mental Game
While the physical injuries were undoubtedly a challenge, the emotional fallout from the Super Bowl was perhaps even more difficult for Mahomes to process. As a player known for his toughness and ability to play through adversity, Mahomes has always been a source of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike. However, the harsh reality of playing through injury and taking brutal hits during such a high-stakes game took a toll on him mentally.
In the days following the Super Bowl, Mahomes spoke candidly about the mental challenges of leading his team to victory while in pain. “I wanted to be out there for my guys,” Mahomes said. “It was tough, but I had to push through. In the moment, you don’t think about the pain, but it’s there. It’s always there.”
Despite leading the Chiefs to a historic win, Mahomes admitted that he found himself replaying the game in his mind over and over. The physical limitations he faced, especially during the first half, made it difficult for him to play at the level he expected of himself. Even though the Chiefs won, Mahomes was critical of his performance in the early stages of the game, feeling like he wasn’t able to do everything he normally would under different circumstances.
This mental aspect of Mahomes’ recovery has been just as important as the physical. Learning how to accept that he was playing through injury, rather than being fully at his best, has been an emotional journey for him. As a leader, Mahomes takes pride in being the best version of himself for his team, and dealing with the reality that he wasn’t able to be perfect in the Super Bowl was a difficult pill to swallow.
The Support System: Team, Family, and Fans
One of the key factors that has helped Mahomes cope with the fallout from the Eagles’ hits is his strong support system. Whether it’s his teammates, family, or the unwavering support from Chiefs fans, Mahomes has always emphasized the importance of those around him in helping him through tough times.
Teammates like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones have been crucial sources of support for Mahomes. Kelce, who has been Mahomes’ close friend and confidant since they both entered the NFL, has often spoken about how the two have helped each other through their respective injuries and mental challenges. “Pat’s got this mindset that you just can’t teach,” Kelce said. “He’s a fighter, and he pushes through everything. But what you don’t see is how much he leans on us, and that’s how we get through these tough moments together.”
Mahomes’ family, including his wife Brittany and their children, has also been a major source of support. Brittany, a constant presence in Mahomes’ life, has been outspoken about the toll that the Super Bowl took on her husband, and how she’s seen him battle through the pain. “Pat’s always been a fighter, but it was hard to see him struggle like that,” she said. “But he’s got the right mindset. He’s tough, and he’ll get through it.”
Additionally, the Chiefs’ fanbase has played a significant role in Mahomes’ emotional recovery. Throughout the offseason, Mahomes has received countless messages of support from fans, both in Kansas City and across the NFL. The outpouring of love and admiration for Mahomes’ grit and determination has helped him keep his focus on the future.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Focus for the 2025 Season
As Mahomes enters the 2025 NFL season, he is determined to not let the fallout from the Eagles’ hits define him. He has used the offseason to both physically recover and mentally reset, ensuring that he is ready to take on whatever challenges come his way. Mahomes is already looking ahead to the new season, eager to prove that he is back to being the quarterback that the league knows and respects.
“I’m excited to get back on the field and show everyone what I can do,” Mahomes said. “Last season was a grind, but that’s what it takes to win a Super Bowl. I’m more focused than ever, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and this team. We’re going to keep pushing forward.”
While the hits he took in Super Bowl LVII will always be part of his legacy, they have only added to Mahomes’ resolve. He’s already preparing for the next chapter in his career, fully aware that the road to another championship will be just as difficult as the last one. But with the support of his team, family, and fans, Patrick Mahomes is poised to continue leading the Chiefs with the same resilience and determination that has made him one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
The aftermath of the Eagles’ hits on Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LVII was not just a physical battle—it was a mental and emotional one as well. Mahomes has spent the offseason working tirelessly to recover both physically and emotionally, drawing strength from his support system and his own inner resolve. As he looks ahead to the 2025 season, Mahomes is more motivated than ever to prove that the Super Bowl victory, despite the pain and adversity, was just the beginning of what promises to be an even greater chapter in his illustrious career.
Through pain, perseverance, and a relentless drive to succeed, Patrick Mahomes has shown that he is not only one of the NFL’s brightest stars but also one of the toughest competitors the league has ever seen. The challenges he faced against the Philadelphia Eagles will only fuel his fire as he continues to pursue greatness on the field.