Patrick Mahomes father’s ‘smoking Joe Burrow’ celebration fans the flame of Chiefs-Bengals rivalry
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals have forged one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries, particularly after the decline of the New England Patriots’ dominance. Their AFC battles, especially in the AFC Championship, have defined the conference’s competitive landscape and delivered unforgettable moments—one of the most iconic being Patrick Mahomes’ father, Pat Mahomes Sr., and his celebratory cigar moment.
Chiefs-Bengals: The Rivalry That Redefined the AFC
The Chiefs-Bengals rivalry has electrified the AFC in recent years. While the Bengals missed the playoffs this season, their January 29, 2023, AFC Championship clash with the Chiefs remains a pivotal moment.
Kansas City secured a narrow 23-20 victory, earning their coveted spot in the Super Bowl and avenging their previous AFC Championship loss to the Bengals, where Cincinnati had triumphed 27-24. For the Chiefs, this win wasn’t just about advancing—it was about redemption and proving they could overcome one of their toughest challengers.
Pat Mahomes Sr.’s ‘Smoking Joe Burrow’ Celebration
Pat Mahomes Sr. added a memorable chapter to the Chiefs-Bengals rivalry with his playful and iconic postgame celebration. During an interview with KSHB-TV, he lit a cigar and quipped, “Smoking this Joe Burrow,” a direct reference to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s well-known victory tradition of celebrating with a cigar.
This lighthearted jab was a nod to Burrow’s ritual, dating back to his LSU days when he celebrated winning the 2019 national championship with a cigar. For Pat Mahomes Sr., it was also a proud moment as he watched his son, Patrick Mahomes, lead the Chiefs to victory. “Feels great. My baby boy did what he always does. You know, he is going to show up and show out, and I’m just glad he did it,” Mahomes Sr. said.
The cigar celebration became a defining symbol of the Chiefs’ triumph, adding an extra layer of personality to the already fiery rivalry between Kansas City and Cincinnati.
Patrick Mahomes: A Hard-Earned Victory Over the Bengals
For Patrick Mahomes, defeating the Bengals was a personal mission. In the Netflix series Quarterback, Mahomes voiced his frustration with Cincinnati’s dominance, saying, “I think we match up better versus the Bills, but I wanna play the Bengals. I just wanna play ’em. We haven’t beat ’em. I’m tired of them talking.”
Despite playing on an injured ankle, Mahomes delivered an extraordinary performance, completing 29 of 43 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns. His determination and leadership under pressure were instrumental in securing the Chiefs’ victory.
Meanwhile, Joe Burrow struggled to overcome the Chiefs’ defense. He threw for 270 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while enduring five sacks. The game reached its dramatic conclusion when Harrison Butker kicked a 45-yard field goal with just three seconds remaining, sealing Kansas City’s 23-20 win.
A Celebration That Ignited the Rivalry
Pat Mahomes Sr.’s cigar-smoking celebration has become an enduring symbol of the Chiefs-Bengals rivalry, reflecting the passion and pride of the Kansas City franchise. This moment, coupled with the Chiefs’ hard-fought victory, showcased the intensity of this matchup and its significance within the AFC.
For Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, this win was more than just a ticket to the Super Bowl. It was a statement of dominance and a way to silence their fiercest rivals. As the Chiefs-Bengals rivalry continues to grow, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in one of the NFL’s most exciting storylines.
