In the opening game of 2008, Tom Brady faced a tough blow: he tore his ACL in his ninth NFL season. Fast forward to last Sunday, and Patrick Mahomes experienced a similar setback, suffering the same injury in his own ninth season.
Brady recently shared some advice for Mahomes on SiriusXM’s Let’s Go! podcast. He emphasized focusing on the road ahead. “This is part of your career,” he explained. Many athletes have gone through this and come out stronger. The key is committing fully to rehab.
Brady noted that it’s crucial not to linger in “rehab mode.” Instead, he encouraged Mahomes to push through the pain with determination. “It’s a tough rehab,” Brady admitted, recalling his own experience. Day after day, he had to deal with discomfort while gradually making progress. It’s a mental challenge, balancing pain with improvement, but it’s necessary for recovery.
However, the circumstances differ for both athletes. Brady was primarily a pocket passer, while Mahomes relies on mobility and agility, putting different stress on his knee. This might mean Mahomes has to adjust his playing style during recovery.
Additionally, Brady’s road to recovery took a full year, including battling an infection. In contrast, Mahomes has less than nine months before the 2026 season kicks off, which adds urgency to his rehab.
The journey back from an ACL injury is never easy, but with the right mindset and effort, athletes like Mahomes can rise above the challenge. A study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported that athletes who are dedicated to their rehabilitation often see better outcomes, underscoring the importance of determination in this process.
As fans and analysts watch closely, the focus will be on whether Mahomes can return to form or if he could face limitations as he adapts. The sports world is filled with stories of comebacks, and it’ll be exciting to see how this chapter unfolds for him.
