Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently suffered an ACL injury, but that didn’t stop him from facing a public defeat after his alma mater, Texas Tech, was shut out 23-0 by Oregon in the Capital One Orange Bowl. As a result of the humiliating loss, Mahomes had to pay up on a bet he made with his teammate Jeffrey Bassa, who played for Oregon.
Following the Orange Bowl, Bassa shared a video of Mahomes wearing an Oregon Ducks jersey as part of the bet. Mahomes, seated on a medical bench, sported the Ducks’ “Generation O” white jersey while his teammates playfully teased him. Bassa captioned the video with “Sco Ducks 🤣🦆,” highlighting the good-natured banter between the two NFL players.
Mahomes, who played for Texas Tech from 2014 to 2016 before being drafted as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, had to honor the bet due to Oregon’s dominant defensive performance in the game. The Ducks forced four turnovers, held Texas Tech’s high-scoring offense scoreless, and ultimately secured a spot in the CFP semifinals at the Peach Bowl.
Despite the loss, Texas Tech finished the season with a strong 12-2 record, while Oregon’s victory propelled them into the next stage of the playoffs. The game showcased Oregon’s defensive prowess and solid offensive performance led by quarterback Dante Moore and kicker Atticus Sappington.
Meanwhile, as Mahomes begins his road to recovery from his ACL injury, the Kansas City Chiefs are stressing the importance of patience. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and head coach Andy Reid have expressed confidence in Mahomes’ rehabilitation process and are optimistic about his return. While there is hope for Mahomes to be back on the field around the start of the 2026 season, the team is refraining from setting concrete timelines.
Mahomes is dedicated to his recovery and is putting in the necessary work to get back to full health. He will not travel with the team for Week 18, focusing instead on his rehab efforts. The Chiefs are taking a cautious approach with their star quarterback, prioritizing his long-term well-being over rushing his return to the field.
In conclusion, Mahomes’ bet with Bassa and Oregon’s victory over Texas Tech added an entertaining twist to the college football postseason, showcasing the camaraderie and competitive spirit among NFL players. As Mahomes navigates his recovery journey, the Chiefs are standing by him with patience and support, eager to see him back in action when he is fully ready.
