Mahomes cleared for full participation at Chiefs training camp after ACL/MCL recovery
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he feels stronger than ever and is ready to practice, while noting that missing time with his children was the hardest part of his rehab.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was cleared by head coach Andy Reid to take part fully in the team's training camp, which began on July 24 at Missouri Western State. The 2026 season opener against the Denver Broncos remains a possibility despite Mahomes’ ACL and MCL tears sustained in December.
Mahomes told reporters he feels “stronger than I’ve ever felt” and expressed excitement about returning to the practice field. He added that being able to chase his three children – Sterling, 5, Bronze, 3, and Golden, 1 – after the early stages of rehab helped motivate his recovery.
"Honestly, the toughest part was at the beginning, not being able to get up and chase my kids around," Mahomes said.
He said that once he could participate in his kids’ activities, it reinforced his mindset and aided his progress. Mahomes plans to wear a knee brace during camp for comfort, noting he has used similar support in college and will decide its use based on how he feels.
The quarterback and his wife, Brittany, also attended teammate Travis Kelce’s wedding and spent time with their family during the offseason, including a video from their son Sterling’s fifth-birthday celebration.