The ESPY announced the NFL Player of the Year award on July 12th, 2023. And Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has emerged as the winner. He has won the award by defeating many other strong contenders.
Patrick Mahomes has won two Super Bowl trophies in the 5 seasons he has played. And he had also won the title of MVP of the game in both of those victories. After he won the award, NFL on ESPN posted a tweet about the same. And in no time, the comments section got filled with reactions from fans.
The 2023 ESPYs NFL Player of the Year:@PatrickMahomes 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zZSW0c1QOz
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 12, 2023
On that tweet, Mahomes himself commented expressing his belief in himself. “Of course. Lol,” he wrote, cheekily showing his happiness.
Of course. Lol
— stevooo (@StevoBassCadet) July 13, 2023
There were some happy and positive comments for Patrick Mahomes. But there were many fans who didn’t seem pleased with the winner. While one fan simply expressed his displeasure by posting a GIF saying “No”. Another one said that he should give the award to the referees.
— GPOgiants has cunceled the Mets (@GPOGiants1999) July 12, 2023
bro should give his award to the refs. without them he would’ve 0 rings 💀
— harry (@harryharjot18) July 12, 2023
Star player Lionel Messi was also one of the contenders for the award. And due to his popularity, many fans questioned whether Patrick Mahomes deserved to win over Messi.
Over Messi tho?
— MileHigh (@MileHigh715) July 13, 2023
None of those guys are better than Messi
— Ryan (@FromThe300s) July 13, 2023
Can someone please explain how Mahomes beat Messi? Honest question
— Matt Hanley (@MattHanley97936) July 13, 2023
An NFL player over Messi lmao what a joke
— Heisenberg 🃏 (@VacationEddie) July 13, 2023
One user even tweeted that a quarterback can never be “the best player in NFL”. And another fan claimed that Patrick Mahomes winning the award doesn’t make any sense. Moreover, one user even raised a question on his journey asking “What has he done”.
A QB can’t be the best player in the NFL.
— Rémy Martin (@215GtownKid) July 12, 2023
how did he win like genuine question what has he done
— Chri$ 𖤐 (@ChrisWithTheW) July 13, 2023
Does that make sense? pic.twitter.com/DMKr3VGP3I
— Zach (@Zach_Gold__) July 13, 2023
All these reactions and tweets from fans and non-fans make it clear that many people are not happy with Mahomes’ win. But keeping his NFL journey in mind, the win doesn’t seem that unfair.
What did Patrick Mahomes say after winning the ESPY award?
Patrick Mahomes won two awards at the ESPY event. And it was surely an honor for Mahomes and it was quite obvious in his speech. He talked about how he had seen players win that award as a child. And now that he himself was there receiving it, it was a “tremendous honor” for him.
“I’ve grown up watching the ESPYS and seeing a lot of great athletes win awards, and to be on this stage winning this award is a tremendous honor,” he said in his winning speech.
Patrick Mahomes also reflected on how the journey to that win was not an easy one. He also talked about how he has faced many ups and downs. The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback thanked God, his teammates, coaches, and family as well for their support.
“It all wouldn’t be possible without God. So I want to thank him first… There are many ups and many downs as well. Thank my teammates and coaches for basically just making me look good… I want to thank my family. Brittany, Bronze, Sterling,” Mahomes said.
He then gave some credit to himself and the efforts he has put into the game. And then, as an idol player, he went on thanking his franchise. And in the end, he expressed his gratitude towards his fans and lovers who always support him.