(The Lion)–A pair of the NFL’s top players say they’re leaning on their faith in God as they recover and rehab from season-ending injuries that brought their campaigns to an unexpected halt.
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained an injury against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday that was later diagnosed as a torn ACL and LCL, ending his season just as the Chiefs were battling for a postseason spot. The Chiefs lost, 16-13, ending their playoff hopes and compounding the defeat with Mahomes’ setback.
Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowl selection who is widely regarded as one of the best-ever to play the game.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie [it] hurts,” he wrote on X. “But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers.
He added, “I will be back stronger than ever.”
Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025
The injury casts doubt on Mahomes’ availability for the start of next season, as ACL injuries typically require at least nine months to fully heal and allow a return to football activities. The 2026 season is scheduled to kick off in early September – roughly nine months after the date of the incident.
Mahomes underwent surgery Monday.
“Every player is different, every sport is different, every position is different, and with him [Mahomes], traditionally, he’s going after it so hard, and he’s so in tune with what he does, he does it a little quicker,” Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, told Chiefs Wire. “Ballpark on this thing is nine months. It could be a month or two less or a month or two more.”
Green Bay star defensive lineman Micah Parsons is also leaning on God as he recovers from a similar ACL injury – this one sustained in a 34-26 loss to Denver Sunday. The Packers, 9-4-1 and still in playoff contention, obtained Parsons during an August blockbuster trade with Dallas.
Parsons is a four-time Pro-Bowl selection and is in his fifth year in the league.
“I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated,” Parsons wrote on X. “This injury is my greatest test – a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I’m deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love, and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose. I will rise again.”
The Packers have not announced a timeline for Parsons’ rehab, although he – like Mahomes – could miss the first few games of the 2026 season.
