Patrick Mahomes’ kids deliver emotional message before his Chiefs return, revealing the special bond behind his ACL comeback
Mahomes Set for Week 1 Return After Injury Recovery
Patrick Mahomes will return to the field for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos, following a nine-month rehabilitation from torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee.
Mahomes sustained these injuries during a Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2025, requiring surgery the next day. He focused on recovery throughout the offseason to achieve his goal of being ready for the season opener. The Chiefs confirmed that Mahomes was a full participant in practice leading up to the game, and the NFL reported that he has no injury designation for Monday’s contest.
In a heartfelt voicemail shared by The Players’ Tribune, Mahomes’ children, Sterling and Bronze, expressed their excitement for his return to football, stating, “Hello Daddy. Daddy, I love you. I’m so happy that you get to go back to playing football. I love you so much. Good job for all your rehab; we’re so happy that you get to play football again, and we get to watch you. You’re the best daddy in the world. I love you.”
Reflecting on his recovery, Mahomes shared, “Honestly, the toughest part was at the beginning, not being able to get up and chase my kids around. I always want to be around my kids and playing. That was tough. But once I was able to do that, it kinda motivated me to keep getting better and better.”
The Chiefs had planned for Mahomes to return in Week 1, but his availability depended on how his knee responded. He stayed focused on reaching that target and did not play in the preseason as the team managed his comeback. Now, Mahomes is ready to return against Denver. His children’s message shows why this comeback is about more than football. Before his first game, they gave him a simple reminder of why all that work mattered.