Patrick Mahomes Criticizes NFL for Scheduling Games on Christmas
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has voiced his discontent with the NFL’s decision to schedule games on Christmas Day this year. Mahomes, along with his teammates, will spend the holiday at work as they face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game marks the second consecutive year the Chiefs will play on Christmas, following last year’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This holiday clash also comes with an intense workload, as the Chiefs are set to play three games in just 11 days. They’ll face the Cleveland Browns on December 15, the Houston Texans on December 21, and then square off against the Steelers on Christmas. The condensed schedule leaves minimal time for recovery and preparation between games, raising concerns about player health and performance.
Mahomes Speaks Out
When asked about the grueling schedule, Patrick Mahomes expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s not a good feeling. Playing this many games in such a short span isn’t ideal for the body. But at the end of the day, it’s our job, and we have to show up and perform.”
Mahomes also shared that he has never experienced such a condensed schedule in his football career, emphasizing the physical toll it could take on players.“I’ve never played this many games in such a short period,” Mahomes admitted. “It’s a challenge, but you focus on the games and adapt your preparation accordingly.”
Balancing Faith and Football
Beyond the physical strain, Mahomes and his family, who are devout Christians, will once again spend Christmas away from home. Mahomes previously highlighted the importance of his Christian faith in guiding his career, saying, “My faith plays a huge role in everything I do. It helps me focus on who I am and why I play football. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about honoring God through my actions.”
Despite the demanding schedule, Mahomes remains committed to giving his best on the field, ensuring his performance aligns with his faith and professional responsibilities.
Coach Andy Reid Weighs In
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the challenges of the unusual schedule but stressed the importance of adapting and making the best of the situation.“It’s a unique situation. You manage it the best you can,” Reid said. “It’s important to get everyone ready for the game and provide them the opportunity to succeed.”
Reid emphasized that while the schedule is difficult, it’s vital for the team to focus on each game’s significance, especially given the playoff implications tied to these matchups.
High-Stakes Christmas Matchups
The Chiefs have already secured the AFC West title, but their Christmas game holds critical importance for securing the top seed in the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye. The Steelers, meanwhile, are fighting for their playoff lives, with a tough battle against the Ravens looming in the AFC North.
The Texans, who also feature prominently in this stretch of games, are locked in a competitive race in the AFC South, adding further pressure to the Chiefs’ already hectic schedule.
Historical Context
The NFL rarely schedules games on Wednesdays, but the league made an exception to ensure Christmas Day games this season. Historically, Wednesday games have been rare, with the most recent occurring in 2020 due to COVID-19 rescheduling. Before that, Wednesday games had not been seen since 2012, when the NFL season opener was moved to avoid a conflict with the Democratic National Convention.
As the Chiefs prepare for this demanding stretch, Mahomes and his team are focused on staying resilient, knowing that the stakes are high in every game they play. Patrick Mahomes remains dedicated to leading his team while navigating the challenges posed by the unusual holiday schedule.
