Mahomes Embraces a Childhood Dream
For the first time in his NFL career, Patrick Mahomes will take the field on Thanksgiving as the Kansas City Chiefs face the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday afternoon. Speaking during his Tuesday press conference, Mahomes said the moment holds special meaning after spending his childhood watching holiday games featuring the Lions, Cowboys and the evening matchup.
“The kid in me wants to be able to go out there and play on Thanksgiving and find a way to win,” he said. With the short week compressing preparation time, Mahomes added that the team has been “grinding” to finalize the game plan and ensure everyone is ready for the national spotlight.
Holiday Spotlight and Short Week Challenges
Mahomes acknowledged the unique challenge of playing on a short week but said the team is energized by the opportunity. “We’re excited to get to go out there and play on Thanksgiving against a really good football team and the whole world watching,” he said.
Thanksgiving games draw some of the NFL’s highest viewership each season, and for Mahomes, appearing in one marks another milestone in a career already filled with marquee moments.
A Homecoming With Dozens of Supporters
With the game taking place in Texas, the Chiefs star will also have a large personal cheering section. Mahomes, a native of the state, said his wife Brittany organized more than 50 family members and friends to attend the game at AT&T Stadium.
“Getting to play back at home, and obviously have a lot of people in attendance that may not get to come up to Kansas City all the time and watch games, it will be a really cool experience,” Mahomes said. He added that playing in front of so many supporters on a major holiday makes the matchup even more meaningful.