Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes doesn't believe the narrative that Kansas City gets extra protection from referees.
"I don't feel that way. I just try to play football, at the end of the day," Mahomes said Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. "The referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they can."
The Chiefs took the third-fewest penalties per game this season, according to nflpenalties.com. Outrage and conspiracy theories erupted online after Kansas City benefited from two personal foul penalties during its divisional-round matchup against the Houston Texans.
In the first quarter, pass-rusher Will Anderson was called for roughing the passer on a third down, extending the Chiefs' drive.
Refs throw a flag already for helmet to helmet to Mahomes. Roughing the passer for the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/7RYlHeYQh4
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 18, 2025
Then linebacker Henry To'oTo'o was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter after attempting to tackle a sliding Mahomes. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce subsequently scored a touchdown, putting Kansas City up 20-12.
You can't make this up.... Mahomes draws another flag for this "late hit" pic.twitter.com/a5egiZytDe
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 18, 2025
Former senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson said Sunday that both calls were the correct ones.
Mahomes had the second-most roughing the passer penalties called on him this season, behind only Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, per nflpenalties.com.
The Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game.
