The countdown to a new NFL season often sparks speculation about marquee matchups and primetime openers, especially when a key player is recovering from injury. That is the case for the Kansas City Chiefs as they hope to bounce back next season while Patrick Mahomes continues his rehabilitation. Amid the ongoing injury updates, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt recently shared his thoughts on the team’s potential opening game.
Hunt, who serves as chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, attended the league’s annual meetings in Phoenix. Among the many topics discussed was Kansas City’s season opener. Hunt quickly dismissed the possibility of facing the Seattle Seahawks in the opening game, suggesting the NFL might hesitate because of uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ availability.
At one point, a reporter suggested that the Chiefs could start the 2026–27 season on Monday Night Football. The idea would mirror Tom Brady’s highly anticipated return with the Patriots in 2009 after recovering from a torn ACL. However, Hunt clarified that the team has not pushed for that scenario. “It’s not a request we’ve made,” he said.
Hunt added, “It sounds like a good idea [for the NFL], although it’s only one [more] day.” In other words, an extra day of rest would not significantly change the timeline as the Chiefs continue monitoring Mahomes’ recovery.
The comparison comes from Brady’s comeback season. In 2008, the future Hall of Famer suffered a devastating ACL injury in Week 1 against the Chiefs that forced him to miss the entire season. When he returned in 2009, the NFL immediately placed the Patriots in the spotlight by opening their season at home on Monday night.
The move generated massive attention as fans watched Brady step back onto the field after a year-long recovery. A similar storyline could develop for Mahomes this year. The Chiefs quarterback suffered a season-ending injury during a Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams, and updates about his health have been closely followed across the league.
While Kansas City remains confident in his recovery and readiness, the narrative of a superstar returning fully healthy could make for a compelling national broadcast.
