Kevin Durant BLASTS Critics, Defends Patrick Mahomes With Fiery Message Amid Chiefs’ Chaotic Season

The Kansas City Chiefs are navigating one of the most turbulent seasons of the Patrick Mahomes era — but not everyone is willing to accept the criticism thrown at their superstar quarterback. One of the strongest voices coming to Mahomes’ defense comes from outside the NFL entirely: NBA legend Kevin Durant.

Fresh off a heartbreaking 31–28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Chiefs dropped to 6–6, sitting third in the AFC West and facing the very real possibility of missing the playoffs. Just one year removed from losing Super Bowl LIX, their sudden collapse has sent shockwaves across the NFL. Analysts have begun asking the unthinkable: Would missing the playoffs damage Patrick Mahomes’ legacy?

Durant shut that conversation down instantly.

Appearing on Up & Adams, the two-time NBA champion fired back with zero hesitation:

“What kind of question is that? That makes no sense at all.”

He doubled down even harder:

“If anybody is questioning Patrick Mahomes’ legacy after one off year… I don’t give a damn if he misses the playoffs. This man is Patrick Mahomes. He’s still an all-time great — maybe the greatest ever.”

It was one of the boldest public defenses Mahomes has received from a fellow superstar athlete — and Durant delivered it just as the Chiefs prepare for a near must-win showdown against the Houston Texans, the NFL’s No. 1 defense.

A Dark Season — But Far From a Final Chapter

Kansas City has already taken losses to the Jaguars, Bills, Broncos, and most recently the Cowboys. And there are no easy games ahead: Texans, Chargers, Titans, Broncos, Raiders. To stay alive in the AFC playoff race, the Chiefs may need to win out.

But according to Durant, none of this changes who Mahomes is.

While some analysts are counting mistakes or focusing on the standings, Durant is focused on the résumé:
Three Super Bowl wins, five appearances, six straight years of dominance, and countless comeback performances that rewrote NFL history.
One down year doesn’t erase all that — not even close.

Why Is Durant So Fired Up?

Even though they play different sports, Durant and Mahomes share the same burden:
Genius comes with pressure. Greatness comes with scrutiny. One off night becomes a headline. One off year becomes a debate.

Durant has lived under that spotlight for over a decade. He recognizes what Mahomes is experiencing — and he’s not letting critics rewrite the narrative.

That’s why his message wasn’t just defensive — it was a reminder:
Mahomes is still that guy.
Still elite.
Still historic.

Mahomes’ Pressure — and His Opportunity

This is the toughest test the Chiefs have faced since Mahomes became QB1. But these are the types of moments that define legends.
Even with doubts swirling and the league’s top defense standing in front of him, Mahomes still has a chance to drag Kansas City back into contention.

If he does it?
It would be one of the greatest turnarounds of his career.

Kansas City: Explode or Collapse — No In-Between

Beat the Texans, and playoff hopes stay alive.
Lose, and the Mahomes era faces its first true setback.

But one thing is certain:

Kevin Durant isn’t doubting Patrick Mahomes.
And neither is Chiefs Kingdom.