Favre urges Mahomes not to rush back following concussion

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains in concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Favre urges Patrick Mahomes not to rush back following concussion: 'You've got to be smart'

By Blake Harper | Last updated 1/19/21

Brett Favre was the epitome of tough during his NFL career, starting an NFL-record 297 consecutive regular-season games while battling through whatever injury he had at the time. But the legendary iron man had some surprising advice for Patrick Mahomes, saying that the quarterback should only play in the upcoming AFC Championship Game if he feels like he's at 100%.

"It kind of goes against everything I stood for when I played," Favre told TMZ Sports. "But, you got to be smart. You've got to be smart."

Mahomes is currently in concussion protocol after exiting the Chiefs' divisional-round win over the Cleveland Browns. The quarterback appeared to suffer the injury while being tackled on a short run, as he seemed to have trouble walking after the play. In Favre's era, a quarterback likely would have been expected to play. but the growing awareness of CTE's long-term effects on players has shifted the focus on player safety.

Favre acknowledged that during his career, he felt like no injury could keep him off of the field, but now he knows how important it is to ensure that players are medically cleared before returning to the action.

"When you're in the moment, and you're young, you're bulletproof, man," Favre said. "But, I'm 51 years old, and I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring because of concussions more than anything."

If Mahomes is unable to play against the Buffalo Bills, backup quarterback Chad Henne will take his place. Henne took over when Mahomes was ruled out against the Browns and did just enough to help the Chiefs hold onto their lead and win the game.

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