ss After suffering a devastating ACL injury in the loss to the Chargers, few knew that behind the darkest moment of his career, Mahomes had someone quietly standing by his side — a former Chiefs star, an ex-teammate who never stopped encouraging him, lifting his spirits, and staying ready to support him when everything seemed to fall apart
Kansas City, Missouri – December 20, 2025
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The moment Patrick Mahomes left the field in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers not only closed a painful night for the Kansas City Chiefs, but also brought an abrupt end to his 2025 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Amid the emotional storm and the long recovery process ahead, Mahomes received an outpouring of support. Yet one name carried deeper meaning than all the rest — a former teammate and close friend who once stood beside him during the franchise’s greatest years.
That person was Tyreek Hill. Although Hill no longer wears a Chiefs uniform, the bond between him and Mahomes has never faded. As soon as news broke of Mahomes’ serious injury, Hill reached out, offering constant encouragement and making it clear he was ready to help his former teammate in any way possible. It was not obligation or courtesy — it was care born from a friendship forged through historic seasons.
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Mahomes later publicly expressed his gratitude to Hill in a deeply emotional message. “He was the first voice I heard when everything went quiet,” Mahomes shared. “He didn’t need to say much — just reminding me I wasn’t alone was enough. When someone who once fought alongside you in the biggest moments is still there when you fall, it means more than anything.”
The partnership between Mahomes and Hill once formed one of the most feared offensive duos in the NFL, delivering a Super Bowl, records, and countless explosive moments. But for Mahomes, the greatest value never lay in deep throws or lightning-fast touchdowns. “What we have goes beyond football,” he said. “It’s trust, it’s brotherhood — and that doesn’t disappear just because we no longer wear the same colors.”
Closing his message, Mahomes delivered a promise that moved Chiefs Kingdom. “I’ll fight to come back,” he vowed. “And I know I have people like Tyreek behind me, ready to help me stand back up.” As Mahomes begins the long road to recovery, the presence of a former teammate has become a powerful source of strength — a reminder that sometimes, the greatest force in football isn’t found on the field, but in relationships built over time.
