Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has addressed the notion that his team benefits from extra special treatment from the NFL refs.
The Chiefs have certainly benefited from their fair share of questionable officiating calls during their dynastic run. That includes the controversial defensive holding call against James Bradberry at the end of Super Bowl 57 two seasons ago, and of course what we saw against the Houston Texans in Saturday’s Divisional Round tilt.
The officials called two curious “Roughing the Passer” calls against the Texans on Mahomes, prompting ESPN analyst Troy Aikman to openly rip the officials on live TV. There was also an illegal hip-drop tackle against safety Bryan Cook on Houston tight end Dalton Schultz that went uncalled.
So, what does the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback have to say about the notion that the refs are favoring his team? Mahomes had a fascinating response during his latest appearance on 96.5 The Fan in Kansas City.
“I‘ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, that something’s going to come out about it if you win and you continue to win, so I don’t really pay attention to it. I mean, obviously I’ve been on both sides of it as far as how I felt the calls were made, but at the end of the day, man, those guys are doing their best to make the best calls and keep it to where the players are making the plays in the game. And that’s what decides the outcome.
And obviously there was a call here or there that people didn’t agree with, but at the same time, I think there was a lot of other plays that really decided the outcome of that football game.”
Henry To’oTo’o was flagged for hitting Patrick Mahomes late. Announcers did NOT like the call. pic.twitter.com/BRmu3WWhBw
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 18, 2025
Disgruntled fans, of course, said the same thing about Tom Brady and the New England Patriots during their dynastic run: That they got favorable treatment from the officials, especially the QB.
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Missed calls are part of the game. Each team benefits and suffers from officiating mistakes. But if the Chiefs continue to be on the right side far more often than not, the league will have to deal with more backlash. Plain and simple.
Refs Treatment Of Patrick Mahomes Will Be Followed Closely On Sunday
The Chiefs are set to host Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday evening, with Clete Blakeman and his crew receiving the assignment. The officials will be followed closely by fans, who will wait for an inevitable and controversial game-changing call.
