Each year, NFL training camps bring familiar themes to the forefront: players holding out for new contracts, rookies and newly signed players making their debut, and the occasional skirmish during joint practices. These elements have become staples on social media, capturing the essence of training camp. A recent incident involving the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes highlights the playful rivalries that also emerge.
A spectator at the Raiders’ camp introduced a Kermit the Frog puppet dressed as Mahomes. The prank was well-received, especially by rookie safety Trey Taylor, who amused everyone by mimicking Kermit’s voice, often compared to Mahomes’ distinctive tone. Both Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid had the last word on the matter, responding in a manner that was both clear and slightly humiliating for the Raiders.
Mess with the Bull, Get the Horns
“Yeah, I mean, it’s still early in the year kind of stuff like that happens,” Mahomes said, indicating that as a league veteran and superstar, such antics don’t bother him. In fact, they likely motivate him even more. Reid added, “We don’t spend a lot of time here with puppets,” emphasizing that the Chiefs are a serious franchise, focused on trophies and victories rather than distractions.
Mahomes boasts a dominating 10-2 record against the Raiders, with a passer rating of 109.6, 3,573 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions in those 12 games. His performance has been so consistent that one might say he owns the Raiders, alongside their owner Mark Davis. Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Reid are aiming for their ninth consecutive AFC West title, just two shy of the NFL record set by the Patriots with 11 straight from 2009 to 2019.
Given the Chiefs’ recent dominance over the Raiders, it’s likely that this playful rivalry will fuel their competitive spirit in the upcoming season. Fans can expect Mahomes and Kelce to have an extra edge in their two divisional matchups against the Raiders. And if the Chiefs win, don’t be surprised if Mahomes pulls out a puppet in a nod to this pre-season prank, reinforcing their superiority on and off the field.
