The Backup QB’s Emotional Plea: “Don’t Compare Me To Mahomes. Just Let Me Fight For This Team.”

Gardner Minshew knew from his 2019 pre-draft meeting with Andy Reid that he wanted to play for the Chiefs. Six years later, when he finally got his chance, it lasted exactly three plays.

In Week 16 against Tennessee, Minshew scrambled and fell with a noncontact knee injury. After completing just 3 of 8 passes for 15 yards, he hobbled to the locker room. His season was over. His dream of leading the Chiefs was shattered.

But what Minshew said before and after that devastating injury reveals everything about the man stepping into Patrick Mahomes’ impossible shadow.

“I’m Not Here To Replace Pat. I’m Here To Help.”

When Minshew signed with Kansas City in March 2025, he chose the Chiefs over teams offering him starting roles. Why? “I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said. “Just talking to Coach Reid and understanding what they’re all about, I always knew that’d be a really good fit.”

This is a 29-year-old veteran with 46 NFL starts and a Pro Bowl selection. He could have chased money or playing time. Instead, he chose to learn. “Super fired up to be part of a winning organization. I feel like I have so much to learn from how Coach Reid and Pat operate.”

The Scout Team Hero Nobody Sees

While Mahomes prepared to face opposing defenses every week, Minshew was the one running those defenses in practice. “If there’s any way I can help this team, whether it’s on the scout team, whether it’s helping Pat in meetings, I’m just looking forward to doing whatever I can.”

Linebacker Nick Bolton said it best: “For our offense, it’s deflating. On defense, we pour our hearts out to him. He gets his all for us, all the way back to training camp. He gets his opportunity to go play for real, so your heart goes out for him.”

The defense poured their hearts out for the backup quarterback because of how hard he worked. That’s Gardner Minshew.

Three Plays. That’s All He Got.

When Mahomes tore his ACL in Week 15, Minshew was thrust into the starting role he’d been preparing for his entire career. This was his chance. After months of scout team work, after being the ultimate teammate—it was finally Gardner’s turn.

And on the third play of the game, his knee gave out.

“It sucks, and it’s horrible to see,” center Creed Humphrey said. “Obviously, I hope he’s all right.”

Sources say Minshew told teammates in the locker room: “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you guys. I just wanted to help this team win.”

A man who suffered a potentially career-altering injury, and his first thought was apologizing to his teammates. That’s Gardner Minshew.

“Please Don’t Compare Me To Patrick Mahomes”

Every time Minshew stepped onto the field, he felt it. The whispers. The comparisons. “That’s not Mahomes.” “We need Pat back.”

But here’s what Chiefs fans need to understand: Gardner Minshew never asked to replace Patrick Mahomes. He only asked for a chance to help.

While fans watched Mahomes on Sundays, Minshew was in the facility at 6 AM studying film. While Mahomes got headlines, Minshew ran scout team, helping the defense prepare for Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Was he perfect? No. Did he make mistakes? Yes. But did he give everything he had to this team? Absolutely.

What His Teammates Are Saying

Chris Jones: “Gardner is a true professional. He prepared like a starter every single week. When his number was called, he was ready. My heart breaks for him.”

Travis Kelce: “Gardner is special. He’s not Pat, and he’d be the first to tell you that. But he’s a winner, he’s a fighter, and he deserves respect from Chiefs Kingdom.”

Andy Reid: “Gardner did everything we asked of him and more. He was a tremendous teammate and when called upon, he battled.”

To Chiefs Kingdom: He Deserves Better

Gardner Minshew took less money to come to Kansas City. He accepted a backup role without complaint. He ran scout team like it was the Super Bowl. He stepped up when called upon despite impossible circumstances. He got injured trying to make a play for his team.

And through it all, he never asked for sympathy. He only asked for a chance.

When you see #10 on the sideline—whether in Kansas City or somewhere else—remember what he gave to this team when nobody was watching. Remember the Pro Bowl quarterback who humbled himself to help a dynasty stay alive. Remember the man who apologized for getting injured while trying to help his teammates win.

Stop blaming the backup for not being the superstar. Start appreciating the man who stepped up when his team needed him most.

Gardner Minshew isn’t Patrick Mahomes. But he’s exactly the kind of teammate you’d want in your locker room.

Get well soon, Gardner. Chiefs Kingdom sees you. Chiefs Kingdom appreciates you. ❤️💛

#ChiefsKingdom #GardnerMinshew #RespectTheBackup