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Ex-Broncos Star Backs Mahomes
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A Rivalry Rewritten
Divisional rivalries in the NFL tend to breed animosity, but every now and then, mutual respect shines through. In a surprising but refreshing plot twist, former Denver Broncos star cornerback Chris Harris Jr. recently threw his support behind none other than Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It’s one thing for players to acknowledge greatness from afar, but it’s another when an ex-rival steps up to defend a player who continues to dominate the AFC West. And when someone as respected as Harris speaks, people listen.
The Mahomes Disrespect? Harris Won’t Stand for It
While Mahomes has already cemented himself as one of the greats, public discourse about his legacy never really calms down. Some skepticsperhaps seeking engagement more than offering informed opinionsstill question his standing among the all-time greats. Harris, a Super Bowl champion himself, isn’t having any of that nonsense. Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Harris let his thoughts be known, and he did not mince words. *”When you play against a guy like Mahomes year in and year out, you know firsthand how great he is. People who doubt him either don’t watch enough football or don’t know the game as well as they think they do.”* That’s high praise from someone who spent years scheming to stop Mahomes at his best. The Chiefs quarterback hasn’t just been a problem for Denverhe’s been a problem for the entire league.
Mahomes’ Impact on the AFC West
The Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West has been unprecedented in the Mahomes era. Kansas City has rattled off eight consecutive division titles, and Mahomes has personally never lost to the Broncos in his career. That resume alone should silence doubters, but as sports debates go, some people just won’t give credit where it’s due. Harris, however, lived it. He spent nine seasons with the Broncos, earning four Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection. He didn’t need to watch Mahomes on TV from a couchhe lined up against him. He saw the arm angles, the improbable completions, and the backbreaking plays that make Mahomes such a nightmare for defenses.
More Than Just Stats
Mahomes isn’t just a stat-padder or a quarterback benefitting from a great system. With two MVPs, three Super Bowl rings, and countless highlight-reel moments, he’s already in rare company. Still, his style of play often leads to debates about where he ranks among the greatest to ever do it. Harris, having played his fair share of elite quarterbacks, believes Mahomes is already on a path that few have traveled. *”You don’t win at the level he’s winning without being special. The man is as good as it gets, and the Chiefs will stay in this Super Bowl conversation as long as he’s under center.”* It’s that simple.
A Rival’s Respect Speaks Volumes
Typically, support like this comes from analysts or former teammates, but when a longtime rival steps in to back you up, it carries extra weight. Harris spent his career trying to slow down Mahomes, and if someone like him is willing to acknowledge the quarterback’s greatness, that should say everything Chiefs fans (or skeptics) need to know. The Broncos-Chiefs rivalry might continue on the field, but this particular battleover whether Mahomes is an all-time greatseems to be one that even former foes aren’t willing to fight. In the end, some debates just aren’t worth having. Chris Harris Jr. knows it. Most of the NFL knows it. And deep down, even the doubters probably know it too. Patrick Mahomes is that guythe best in the league, and possibly one of the best to ever play the game.
