KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes is finding himself in unfamiliar territory this holiday season: the center of a character controversy. The three-time Super Bowl champion, currently sidelined due to injury, is “taking heat” from fans and media analysts following his appearance at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Broncos.
While Mahomes was unable to suit up, cameras frequently panned to his luxury suite at Arrowhead Stadium throughout the afternoon. Critics were quick to point out that Mahomes appeared “uninterested” and “disengaged” while the Chiefs’ offense—led by third-stringer Chris Oladokun—struggled to move the ball in a 20-13 loss. In several viral clips, Mahomes was seen looking at his phone or conversing with others in the box while the team was in the midst of critical drives.
The backlash on social media was swift. Many fans compared Mahomes’ demeanor to other injured superstars who typically remain on the sidelines to mentor their backups and provide vocal leadership. The “disengagement” was viewed by some as a sign of frustration with the team’s lackluster 6-10 season, or worse, a lack of investment in his teammates during a difficult stretch.
“I’ve never seen Patrick look so checked out,” one prominent Chiefs fan account posted on X. “We know he’s hurt, but the team needs his energy on the sideline, not him scrolling through his phone in a suit while the season slips away.”
However, supporters of the star quarterback have rushed to his defense, arguing that the criticism is a reach. They point out that players in suites are often undergoing recovery protocols or are simply trying to stay out of the way of the active roster and coaching staff. Furthermore, others suggested that Mahomes’ frustration is likely directed at his inability to help a team that has been decimated by injuries and offensive inconsistency throughout the 2025 campaign.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the franchise. Between the announcement of the team’s eventual move to Kansas and a losing record that has eliminated them from the playoffs, the “vibe” in Kansas City is at an all-time low. For the face of the franchise to be perceived as “checked out” during a holiday showcase has only added fuel to the fire for those questioning the team’s current culture.
Head coach Andy Reid was asked about Mahomes’ presence during the postgame press conference but quickly downplayed any concerns. “Patrick is a leader through and through,” Reid said. “He’s doing everything he can to help these guys behind the scenes. Where he sits during the game doesn’t change what he means to this locker room.”
As the Chiefs prepare for their final regular-season games, the focus remains on Mahomes’ health and the team’s 2026 rebuild. However, the viral images of a “checked out” superstar on Christmas Day may linger as a defining image of a season many in Kansas City wish to forget.
