Patrick Mahomes lost like a champion which can be harder to do than win like one

James Jones breaks down the Kansas City Chiefs' horrendous performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, then decides whether Patrick Mahomes or Andy Reid (or anyone else) is to blame for the team's Super Bowl LIX loss.

The lasting memory Patrick Mahomes left of the 2024 NFL season is that he ultimately lost. 

He failed.

That, rather than continue his chase of Tom Brady's record seven-ring Super Bowl domination and set an unprecedented mark by winning three consecutive championships, Mahomes fell short. And not just fell short because his team betrayed him, but because he played poorly and wasn't what anyone, including himself, expected.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and wide receiver JuJu Smith- Schuster (9) walk off the field after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.  (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

So, yes, bitter disappointment.

And do you know how, amid all that defeat and failure and disillusion, Mahomes handled the moment?

Like a champion.

He took his beating, as did all the Kansas City Chiefs in that 40-22 final that wasn't really as close as the score, and handled it like a grown man afterward. Like a professional.

Like a winner.

Mahomes sought out opposing quarterback Jalen Hurts, shook his hand and offered congratulations. He also shook hands with a couple of other victorious Philadelphia players, including offensive tackle Lane Johnson, and then he ran off the field.

Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Confetti falls as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field after Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

No big deal?

Tom Brady