Reid on Mahomes hit: 'Every bone in his body cracked'

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid stated that "every bone in [Patrick Mahomes'] body cracked" during a controversial hit by Dolphins defensive lineman Chop Robinson on Sunday. The play, which drew a roughing-the-passer penalty, sparked debate among fans and media who questioned whether Mahomes received preferential treatment.

Robinson hit Mahomes as the quarterback released the ball, subsequently falling on him with his full body weight. Mahomes, who was playing less than a year after suffering torn ACL and MCL ligaments that ended his 2025 season, got up after the play. "I think it was more than a chiropractor could do," Reid said about the hit, adding, "But he got back up and kept firing."

Reid defended penalties on such plays, citing the quarterback's vulnerable position and importance to the game's popularity. "Listen, the thing with the quarterbacks is it's a very vulnerable position. It's also a position that everybody wants to see that quarterback play in the game," he explained. "It attracts attention to the game. Attention is good for everybody... So, you want to try to keep these guys as upright as you possibly can."

Robinson expressed uncertainty about how he could have avoided the penalty. "I'm honestly not too sure, but either way, that's what they called, so that's what we got to play on. Next play," he said. "Just put my hands out earlier, but it's a football play. That's what the refs called, so I had to move on from it."

When asked if he could practice hitting quarterbacks without landing on them, Robinson noted the difficulty, stating, "When you can't really work it, you can't hit a quarterback in practice." He added, "But I did what I was taught and told to do, and that's what they called, so that's what it is."

The penalty proved significant in the game, occurring on a third down when the Chiefs were leading 14-10 in the third quarter. Instead of forcing a punt from their own end zone, the Dolphins were penalized 15 yards, extending the Chiefs' drive, which ultimately resulted in a field goal.