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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Stands Firm Amid Backlash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 2:11 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to start the 2025 season. Through five games, Mahomes has completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,257 yards and eight touchdowns with two interceptions. The Chiefs have a 2-3 record and are coming off a "Monday Night Football" loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mahomes had a costly error in Monday's 31-28 loss, a 99-yard pick-six in the third quarter that gave the Jaguars a seven-point lead at the time.

Mahomes has been experiencing backlash from fans and analysts around the league on social media for his play in the loss.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.© Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, Mahomes was asked about his critics on social media and if they affect him in any way.

"If you are going to be on it, I would use it as motivation more than anything," Mahomes said, according to A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman.

"Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says social media can be toxic, but he never has issues with it because he knows how much work he puts in and can live with the results of wins and losses," Goldman wrote.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says social media can be toxic, but he never has issues with it because he knows how much work he puts in and can live with the results of wins and losses: "If you are going to be on it, I would use it as motivation more than anything."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) October 8, 2025

The 30-year-old quarterback has responded to haters throughout his career. He was drafted with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chiefs and has been breaking records ever since.

Now in his ninth year in the league, Mahomes has made six Pro Bowl appearances, earned two First-Team All-Pro selections, won two AP NFL MVP awards and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.

He has averaged 287.3 yards per game in his career, which is an NFL record, to go along with 253 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing scores.

While people on social media have been critical of Mahomes and the Chiefs for their struggles to begin the season, the future Hall of Famer has silenced doubters time and time again.

Kansas City faces another tough test when the Detroit Lions (4-1) visit Arrowhead Stadium for "Sunday Night Football" at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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