On September 6 in São Paulo, before the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Los Angeles Chargers game, Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr publicly backed Patrick Mahomes. Speaking in Portuguese, Neymar Jr said [translation]:
“I’m a huge Patrick Mahomes fan.”
The Chiefs did need that kind of global boost after falling 21-27 in their season opener at Arena Corinthians. It was only KC’s third loss in 13 season openers under Andy Reid. With Xavier Worthy exiting early after a collision with Travis Kelce, the reigning AFC champions never fully found their rhythm. Also, Kelce had aheated exchange with Chargers DT Teair Tart.
After the loss, Mahomessaid to the press:
“We’ll go back to the drawing board and be ready to go at practice, knowing that it’s going to take everything we’ve got.”
Andy Reid talked about his team’s sluggish start, accepting that they were flat in the first half.
“I’ve got to make sure I get my team in a better state there coming out and playing with more emotion,” Reidsaid. “We were a little flat in that first half, and it cost us.”
Justin Herbert, though, controlled the tempo for LA. He completed three touchdown passes and threw for 318 yards. Plus, a decisive 23-yard strike to Quentin Johnston late in the fourth quarter. Herbert also ran 19 yards on a critical third down to burn the clock and end Kansas City’s comeback bid.
Patrick Mahomes flashed moments of brilliance, too. The three-time Super Bowl champ scrambled for an 11-yard score that cut the deficit to 20-12 after a Teair Tart facemask penalty extended the drive. But Harrison Butker’s missed extra point blunted the momentum.
The Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 14 to host the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl LIX rematch.
Patrick Mahomes Loses Top Target as Xavier Worthy Exited Early With Shoulder Injury
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Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with former communications personnel Ted Crews after the game against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
WR Xavier Worthy left the game after just three plays with a shoulder injury. He collided with Travis Kelce on a third-down route and stayed down in pain.
Trainers worked on his right shoulder on the sideline. The team, however, gave no details but ruled him out. Worthy walked off with a towel over his head. Soon after, the Chiefs trailed 10-0 and only managed two Harrison Butker field goals before halftime.
Kansas City’s 28th pick was Worthy in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas. As a rookie, he had 59 catches, 638 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games. In the playoffs, he led the team with 287 yards and three scores, including one in the 40-22 Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia.
His quick return is key with Rashee Rice suspended and the Eagles coming to Arrowhead next week.