In the wake of the Kansas City Chiefs’ frustrating Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos, one of the NFL’s most recognizable voices stepped forward to defend Patrick Mahomes. Rob Gronkowski — former All-Pro tight end, future Hall of Famer, and one of the most influential figures in modern football — delivered a passionate message on national television: “The way he’s being treated is wrong for the game of football.”
With the Chiefs sitting at a precarious .500 record and their offense struggling to find rhythm, Mahomes has become a lightning rod for criticism. But Gronkowski insists the narrative has gone too far.
Gronkowski: “He’s Still the Best Player in the League”
Speaking on FOX NFL Sunday, Gronkowski didn’t hesitate when asked about Mahomes’ recent struggles.
“Everyone’s acting like Mahomes forgot how to play football,” he said. “It’s ridiculous. The kid is still the most talented quarterback in the league. One rough stretch doesn’t erase six years of excellence.”
Gronkowski added that the criticism directed at Mahomes has shifted from fair analysis to “personal attacks,” something he believes undermines the integrity of the sport.
“You can critique performance — that’s part of the job. But the tone right now? It’s gotten out of control. It’s not good for the game. It’s not good for young players watching at home.”
Chiefs’ Offensive Issues Go Deeper Than Mahomes
Kansas City’s Week 11 loss wasn’t solely on Mahomes, despite the quarterback throwing two interceptions and missing several deep-shot opportunities. Analysts across the league have pointed to three factors:
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Receiver inconsistency and drops
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Red-zone inefficiency
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Protection breakdowns in key moments
During the Broncos game, Mahomes was pressured on 41% of his dropbacks — one of his highest rates of the season. Rookie receivers struggled to gain separation, and multiple drives stalled due to penalties and communication breakdowns.
Gronkowski acknowledged those issues, saying the Chiefs’ offense “doesn’t look like Kansas City football,” but emphasized that Mahomes has been forced to compensate for structural problems.
“He’s trying to make magic happen every drive. Anyone would press in that situation,” Gronkowski said. “You fix the supporting cast, and Mahomes will look like Mahomes again.”
Mahomes Shouldering the Blame — and Earning Respect
After the loss, Mahomes stunned fans by taking full responsibility in his postgame press conference.
“This one’s on me,” he said. “I’ve got to play better. I’ve got to lead better. I’ve got to fix this.”
That accountability resonated with Gronkowski.
“Listen, when your superstar says that, that’s leadership. That’s maturity. He didn’t throw his teammates under the bus. He didn’t deflect. He owned it,” Gronkowski explained. “How many quarterbacks in this league are willing to do that on the biggest stage?”
Gronkowski added that the criticism Mahomes faces isn’t proportional to the mistakes he’s actually making.
“If any other QB had the same stat line, nobody would blink. But because it’s Mahomes, people think the sky is falling,” he said.
Chiefs Kingdom Reacts: “Mahomes Is Still Our Guy”
Across Kansas City, fans echoed Gronkowski’s message.
#ChiefsKingdom, #GoChiefs, and #chiefsnews trended on social media as supporters defended their franchise quarterback.
Many pointed out that Mahomes has carried the team through countless chaotic moments, playoff comebacks, and championship runs. For them, a challenging midseason slump doesn’t change his status as the face of the organization — and arguably the league.
“Mahomes gave us two Super Bowls and the best years of our lives,” one fan wrote. “We ride with 15. Period.”
What Comes Next for the Chiefs?
Kansas City’s margin for error is shrinking. With games against the Chargers, Raiders, and a late-season duel against the Bills, the Chiefs must regain their offensive identity quickly to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time in Mahomes’ career.
But Gronkowski believes the Chiefs are far from finished.
“They still have the best quarterback in football. They still have Andy Reid. They still have championship DNA,” he said. “If they clean up the small things, they’re going to be just fine.”
A Message the NFL Needed to Hear
In an era where star players are scrutinized endlessly and the media cycle demands instant reaction, Gronkowski’s defense of Mahomes stands out as a call for perspective.
“Let the man breathe,” he said. “Let him fix it. Football needs Patrick Mahomes — and he’s not going anywhere.”
Whether the Chiefs rebound or continue spiraling, Mahomes now finds himself at the center of both criticism and protection. But if Gronkowski’s words are any indication, the league’s brightest stars aren’t ready to let the narrative bury him just yet.
