Patrick Mahomes Sends Message After Retirement Decision on Wednesday

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes Sends Message After Retirement Decision on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jun 3, 2026 7:44 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs endured a disappointing 2025 NFL season, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs entirely. Now, the Chiefs will look to bounce back in 2026, opening the season on "Monday Night Football" against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14, with hopes of having a fully healthy Mahomes under center.

The former Texas Tech quarterback tore his ACL in the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last season. During Kansas City's OTAs, Mahomes was back on the field, though he was wearing a knee brace, which he insisted "is not an issue." And while the Chiefs quarterback hopes to be ready for the Week 1 matchup, another NFL star has decided to call it a career.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson, after a college career with NC State and Wisconsin, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Wilson earned the starting quarterback role immediately and remained in Seattle for 10 seasons, helping the franchise win its first Super Bowl in 2013.

But Wilson has spent the past four seasons bouncing around the NFL, including stints with the Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and, most recently, the New York Giants, where he eventually lost the starting job to rookie Jaxson Dart. Following the 2025 season in New York, Wilson became a free agent, only to sign with CBS Sports as an analyst for its Sunday pregame show.

With Wilson beginning his television career, many expected the 10-time Pro Bowler to retire from football. And on Wednesday, the 37-year-old made it official, confirming his retirement after 14 NFL seasons.

"Thank You, Football. Love, #3," Wilson wrote on Instagram with a video of a lengthy goodbye from the quarterback.

Mahomes took notice of the future Hall of Famer's retirement, sharing his support for Wilson in the comments: "Congrats on a helluva career man! ."