Patrick Mahomes has run into another awkward moment in what’s already been a turbulent stretch for the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, as he was left off the 2026 ESPY Awards nominations for the second straight year.

The snub arrives after growing debate around his recent standing in NFL rankings, including CBS Sports placing him behind Joe Burrow in a recent quarterback list, which only added fuel to discussions about whether the Chiefs star is still operating at his peak.

Kansas City Chiefs stars reveal their favorite soccer players and try Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrations

For a player who was once a constant presence in award conversations, the absence is striking. Mahomes was a regular fixture at the ESPYS in previous years, earning nominations across multiple seasons and categories, including Best NFL Player and even Best Male Athlete.

His biggest moment came in 2024 when he swept major honors after another Super Bowl-winning campaign with Kansas City, cementing his status as the league’s defining superstar. That’s what makes the recent back-to-back omissions feel so notable.

The context, however, goes beyond award shows. The Chiefs’ 2025 season unraveled in a way few expected. After years of dominance in the AFC West, Kansas City finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs entirely, marking their first losing season since 2012.

Their offense struggled to maintain its usual explosiveness, and the team’s overall efficiency dropped across multiple categories. The Chiefs averaged just 4.2 yards per play, ranked near the bottom of the league in net passing efficiency, and scored only 21.3 points per game.

Their third-down conversion rate also dipped to 37.4%, reflecting an offense that couldn’t sustain drives like it used to.

Defensively, the issues weren’t much better. Opposing teams converted over 43% of third downs against Kansas City, while the pass rush finished with just 33 sacks, placing them outside the NFL’s elite defensive tier. Altogether, it created a season where even Mahomes’ individual brilliance couldn’t mask broader structural problems.

At a personal level, Mahomes also battled significant injury setbacks. A torn ACL and LCL suffered in a late-season matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers forced him out for the final stretch of the year.

Before the injury, he managed 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in 14 games, numbers that, while solid, fell below his usual MVP-level production and marked his lowest output since 2018.

Injury concerns and a rebuilding push in Kansas City

Heading into the new season, Kansas City has taken steps to reshape its roster and address key weaknesses.

The front office added running backs Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado to strengthen the ground game, while also bringing back receiver Tyquan Thornton and re-signing veteran tight end Travis Kelce to stabilize the offense.

Still, injury management remains a major storyline. Xavier Worthy has been carefully handled after playing through a torn shoulder labrum and ankle injury last season, while Rashee Rice continues recovering from knee surgery.

Mahomes himself has not yet returned to full-contact drills, as the Chiefs remain cautious with his recovery and are targeting full clearance around training camp.