Mahomes Confesses: ‘I’m the One Who Hit Him’ – What Really Happened to Rashee Rice?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sent shockwaves through the NFL when he admitted, “I was the one that hit him,” referring to an incident that left wide receiver Rashee Rice sidelined with a knee injury. The collision, which occurred during a September 2024 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, has sparked intense speculation about the circumstances and its impact on the Chiefs’ season.

The play unfolded in the first quarter when Mahomes, scrambling to make a tackle after an interception, collided with Rice, who was attempting to pursue the ball carrier. Rice crumpled to the turf, clutching his knee, and was later carted off the field. Mahomes, visibly shaken, later shared his immediate reaction: “I didn’t know exactly what happened because I was trying to make the tackle, but I know Rashee and how tough he is, so him being down like that, I knew it wasn’t good.” His candid confession came during a press conference, where he expressed guilt and concern, adding, “All we do is pray that the X-rays are better than what it looked.”

Initial reports suggested a possible season-ending injury, with fears of a torn ACL, though the Chiefs have not yet confirmed the diagnosis. Rice, a second-year receiver and a key target for Mahomes, had been showing significant improvement in 2024, with Mahomes praising his route-running and ability to win one-on-one matchups. Before the injury, Mahomes had said, “I think he’s going to be a lot better this year, honestly, just the way he’s able to run routes.”

The incident has raised questions about the risks of star quarterbacks engaging in defensive plays, with some analysts arguing Mahomes’ hustle, while admirable, led to unintended consequences. For now, the Chiefs are adopting a “next man up” mentality, with players like Travis Kelce expected to fill the void. Mahomes remains optimistic about Rice’s recovery, emphasizing his resilience.

As the Chiefs navigate this setback, the focus remains on Rice’s health and Mahomes’ leadership. The quarterback’s accountability and support for his teammate highlight the camaraderie within the team, even as fans await updates on Rice’s return to the field.