Shattered Helmet, Unstoppable Mahomes: The Iconic Shot That Won 2024’s Best Sports Photo

In the midst of a frigid AFC Wild Card game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins, one photographer captured an unforgettable moment that has since been hailed as the best sports photo of 2024. Emily Curiel, a photojournalist for The Kansas City Star, perfectly captured Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback of the Chiefs, with his helmet cracked after a brutal hit by Dolphins’ safety DeShon Elliott.

The game, played at GEHA Field in Arrowhead Stadium, was nothing short of intense, with temperatures plunging to a bitter -4°F due to a fierce cold front. Mahomes, known for his resilience, was at the center of the action, fighting for every yard. However, it wasn’t just his athleticism that made this moment iconic—it was the precise timing of Curiel’s shot that immortalized Mahomes in a way no one could have predicted.

Curiel, who was the only photographer to capture the precise moment the helmet cracked, described the chaos of the scene in her own words. “I focused on Mahomes as he struggled with the ball, trying to lock in my shot through the whirlwind of action,” she said. “It wasn’t until later, when I saw him change his helmet, that I realized just how significant the moment was.”

Her photo not only froze a tense moment in time but also highlighted the raw toughness of Mahomes, a quarterback who has become a symbol of perseverance for the Chiefs. The image was later selected as one of the best in 2024 by CNN, and it went on to win the World Press Photo Award in the Sports Action category.

This powerful photograph has been celebrated worldwide for its ability to capture the emotion and drama of the game. It serves as a testament to the grit and determination that Mahomes exemplifies, even in the most challenging conditions. This moment will surely be remembered for years to come as one of the most iconic sports images in history.