Kansas City, MO – December 6, 2025
NFL legend Tony Gonzalez isn’t staying silent.
Just days after Michael Strahan’s jaw-dropping live comment — predicting that Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs would miss the playoffs for the first time in Mahomes’ career — the Hall of Fame tight end stepped into the fray, calling the remarks “short-sighted” and “disrespectful to what Mahomes represents.”
“You can’t count out greatness just because of a tough stretch,” Gonzalez told ESPN Radio on Wednesday morning. “Patrick’s one of the best to ever do it, and I’d take him in December and January over almost anyone who’s ever played.”
The fiery defense came in response to Strahan’s appearance on FOX NFL Kickoff, where he bluntly answered “yes” when asked if Mahomes would miss the playoffs this year — a stunning prediction considering Mahomes’ 5 straight AFC Championship appearances, 3 Super Bowl trips, and 2 Lombardi Trophies since becoming a starter.
Gonzalez, who played 12 seasons with the Chiefs and still holds a strong connection to the organization and fanbase, didn’t mince words.
“There’s a difference between analysis and provocation,” he added. “If you’re trying to stir things up, fine. But don’t sit there and act like Mahomes isn’t still that guy.”
While Kansas City is reeling from a 6–6 start and a painful Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys, Gonzalez emphasized that Mahomes thrives under pressure — and warned fans and analysts alike not to bet against him.
“When the lights are brightest, that’s when he shows up,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve seen it too many times. The guy’s built for this.”
Chiefs fans were quick to rally behind the former tight end, flooding social media with support for Gonzalez’s comments. One popular post read, “Tony said what we were all thinking — never count 15 out.”
With five games left and the margin for error gone, the Chiefs must win out to control their playoff destiny. And while the pundits may be split, Tony Gonzalez made his message crystal clear:
Patrick Mahomes isn’t done. Not even close.
