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Troy Aikman Reacts to Controversial Penalty That Favored Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Texans

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 6:51 PM ET

The No. 1 seed Kansas City Chiefs are hosting the No. 4 seed Houston Texans on Saturday night. After a close, back-and-forth contest, the game was marred by significant controversy over officiating decisions—particularly those that appeared to benefit the Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

In the first half, social media erupted when Texans defensive star Will Anderson Jr. sacked Mahomes on third down, only for a late flag to be thrown for roughing the passer. Despite minimal contact, the penalty gave Kansas City an automatic first down.

Fast forward to the second half, when Mahomes scrambled out of the pocket. As he attempted to slide, two Texans defenders collided over the top of him, making minimal contact with Mahomes. Despite this, a flag was thrown for unnecessary roughness.

ESPN announcer and former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman was critical of the call, expressing his disagreement with the penalty on live television.

"Oh, come on. I mean, he's a runner. I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit." Aikman said. "They've got to address this in the offseason."

Check it out:

"Oh, come on! I mean, he's a runner. I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit." - Troy Aikman

"The two Houston players hit each other. That should not have been a foul." - Russell Yurk

"They've gotta address it in the offseason..." - Aikman ️ #NFL https://t.co/vXj2v7VTKg pic.twitter.com/QioQ5IQwhg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 18, 2025

The Chiefs are chasing their third consecutive Super Bowl title, a feat never before accomplished. However, a growing theme in their games has been controversial calls, and Troy Aikman is never one to shy away from voicing his disagreement with on-field decisions — and this one certainly fell into that category.

Others were equally frustrated with the call, as it ultimately set up a Mahomes-to-Kelce touchdown just a few first downs later.

"Enough already. Why play? Just give the win to the chiefs. Pathetic." A fan said.

"Give the chiefs the Super Bowl now. No one wants to continue watching the cheating" Another commented.

"Not a controversial call. Just a straight up terrible one." An NFL fan posted.

One more fan said, "NFL should just hand the trophy to the Chiefs. Fix is in!"

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

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