Patrick Mahomes Brutally Reacts to Tom Brady’s Decision Firing Antonio Pierce
The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders rivalry is one of the fiercest in the NFL, and Patrick Mahomes has once again found himself at the center of the drama. The Chiefs quarterback recently reacted to the Raiders’ decision to part ways with head coach Antonio Pierce, sparking fresh debate among fans. With Pierce’s controversial tenure and the ongoing competition in the AFC West, this rivalry continues to grab headlines. Let’s take a closer look at what happened and its implications for both teams.
Antonio Pierce’s Firing: A Short-Lived Tenure
The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Tuesday that they were parting ways with Antonio Pierce, who served as the team’s head coach during a difficult 4-13 season. After stepping into the role full-time following his interim tenure, Pierce struggled to deliver the success fans had hoped for.
In their official statement, the Raiders expressed gratitude for Pierce’s efforts: “Antonio grew up a Raiders fan, and his Silver and Black roots run deep. We are grateful for his ability to reignite what it means to be a Raider throughout the entire organization. We wish nothing but the best for Antonio and his family in the future.”
The decision signals the Raiders’ intent to rebuild yet again, but Pierce’s exit also captured the attention of rivals. Patrick Mahomes, fresh off a first-round playoff bye with the Chiefs after a dominant 15-2 season, reacted by “liking” an Instagram post from ESPN announcing Pierce’s firing.
Mahomes and Pierce: A History of Heated Rivalry
The Chiefs and Raiders have long been at odds, but recent seasons have intensified the tension—thanks, in part, to Antonio Pierce and his outspoken approach. Over the past two years, Mahomes and Pierce have exchanged their fair share of trash talk, further fueling the AFC West rivalry.
During an appearance on Maxx Crosby’s “The Rush Podcast,” Pierce outlined his strategy for dealing with Mahomes. He likened their approach to how the Detroit Pistons famously defended Michael Jordan in the 1980s, using physicality to disrupt his game.
“We’ve got what I’m calling now; from now on, as long as I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes rules,” Pierce said. “You remember when Jordan was going through it with the Pistons? Anytime he came to the hole—elbows, feeling him, love taps. We’re in his head mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m touching you.”
This aggressive mindset added fire to the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry and made every matchup between the two teams a must-watch football. With Pierce gone, some wonder whether the Raiders will maintain the same level of intensity against their division rivals.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
Mahomes’ Instagram activity didn’t escape the notice of NFL fans, many of whom were quick to share their opinions. Some viewed his “like” as a subtle dig at Pierce, referencing past moments of tension. “Well, he did talk a lot of trash on Patrick,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. Another chimed in: “After beating Mahomes and almost doing it again in back-to-back Arrowhead trips, I’d be happy for him to be gone too.”
Others, however, downplayed the situation, suggesting Mahomes was simply engaging with the news like any other social media user. “Is he not allowed to react to national sports news?” one fan asked. Another joked, “He’s scrolling through Insta like everyone else and liking what he sees. You trying to tell me you don’t do the same?”
Regardless of intent, the reaction highlights how every move from a star like Mahomes is scrutinized—especially in the context of a heated rivalry like Chiefs vs. Raiders.
What’s Next for the Chiefs-Raiders Rivalry?
With Pierce’s departure, the Raiders are entering another period of transition as they search for a new head coach. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are riding high after a stellar season, cementing their dominance in the AFC West.
While Pierce may no longer be part of the equation, the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry is unlikely to fade. The Raiders remain eager to dethrone the Chiefs, who have become the gold standard of the division. For Mahomes, Pierce’s exit may have been a small victory, but it’s clear that he and the Chiefs are focused on bigger goals—another Super Bowl championship.
The Raiders’ coaching change may shake up their strategy, but the fire of this rivalry will remain. As both teams prepare for next season, fans can expect more heated matchups and dramatic storylines in one of the NFL’s most enduring rivalries.
