Patrick Mahomes issued a bold statement after the Chiefs' 31-10 win over the Broncos and his injury return

Patrick Mahomes vowed to be ready for Week 1.

He was better than that as the Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2026 season by dominating the defending AFC West champion.

Patrick Mahomes was back on the field less than 300 days after an ACL injury
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Patrick Mahomes was back on the field less than 300 days after an ACL injuryCredit: getty

Mahomes returned from two major knee injuries to lead the Chiefs to a 31-10 home win over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.

The 30-year-old quarterback was already one of the best field generals in NFL history before he was unable to complete a frustrating 2025 campaign for the Chiefs.

On Monday, Mahomes reminded NFL fans across the world why Showtime should never be underrated.

Mahomes completed 15-of-27 passes for 184 yards, two touchdowns and an 86 rating.

But the most encouraging sign was Mahomes sprinting for a 15-yard rushing TD in the first quarter that made it 7-0 Chiefs.

"Want to give all glory and thanks to God!" Mahomes posted after Kansas City started 1-0.

"Letting me be out there doing what i love again! ChiefsKingdom this is just the start see yall next week!"

Fans loved Mahomes' enthusiasm, while also praising the contributions of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker (23 carries, 173 yards, TD) and Travis Kelce (three catches, 71 yards).

"Thank you for being such a massive piece of our community!!" one fan tweeted. "We’re so lucky to have you!!"

"Glad to see you healthy GOAT," a second fan wrote.

Patrick Mahomes issued a bold statement after the Chiefs' 31-10 win over the Broncos and his injury return
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Mahomes issued a bold statement after the Chiefs' 31-10 win over the BroncosCredit: getty
The Chiefs blew out the Broncos 31-10 and started 1-0
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The Chiefs blew out the Broncos 31-10 and started 1-0Credit: getty
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs lays on the ground after sustaining an injury during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on December 14, 2025
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Chiefs fans feared the worst after Mahomes' knee buckled in 2025Credit: Getty

"15 being 15," a third fan posted. "WELCOME BACK GOAT."

"Ice that knee. I know it's sore. Short week," a fourth fan said.

Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on December 14, 2025, crumpling to the ground during a season that saw the Chiefs finish 6-11.

On Monday, he turned a 274-day recovery period into a 1-0 start and potential second era of the Chiefs' dynasty.

“Once you put him in the game, he's going to play and you better be confident in that," Kansas City head coach Andy Reid said.

Mahomes has three Super Bowl rings and MVPs, and followed Tom Brady as the face of the NFL.

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Nine months ago, there was no guarantee that he'd be cleared for Week 1.

Showtime Mahomes returned on national TV while the Chiefs blew out the Broncos, then told the world that it was 'just the start' of a new era for No. 15 in Kansas City.

"You did the thing," a fan tweeted. "Great job!"

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