As Michael Jordan’s “Flu” Trend Looks Set to Catch Patrick Mahomes, Let’s Look at a List of 5 NFL Players Who Battled the Same Conundrum Previously

In news that devastated Chiefs fans, on Sunday morning the Chiefs put Patrick Mahomes on their injury list citing “Illness” as the reason. Later it was revealed that the 2x SB MVP had caught the flu. With the Broncos game as their next stop, hopes were high that just like last time, the Chiefs would again beat the Denver team. However, with the keystone of Kansas City battling an illness, the Broncos will look to break the Chiefs’ 16-game winning streak over them.

But what if Mahomes decided to just push through and play despite his illness? How will his performance on the field be affected? With the questions lingering ahead of the QB, the mind races back to the NBA legend Michael Jordan who faced a similar crisis during his time on the court. And it surely takes more than flu to get a true sports lover away from the playing field.

NFL players who proved that they are built differently

When the Lombardi Trophy is on the line, some players are willing to risk it all. That’s what happened on February 6, 2005, during Super Bowl XXXIX when the Eagles’ Terrell Owens donned his cleats just seven weeks after undergoing surgery on a broken leg. That didn’t stop him from recording 9 catches for 122 yards. Though the Eagles lost the Championship that night, you can’t say they didn’t give it their all.

The Super Bowl pumps adrenaline into players that is laced with motivation. This time, it was Terrell Davis who battled severe migraines while playing for the Broncos in the SB XXXII. He was rewarded for the risk he took as he recorded 3 TDs, and 157 rushing yards. In fact, he was even named SB MVP!

Another name on this resilient list is that of Chicago Bears Walter Payton ran a temperature of 101 degrees while playing a game against the Vikings. Not only did he score 1 TD and 275 rushing yards, he also broke the single-game rushing record. Next star who showcased what strength looked like was Dallas Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith. Straight out of a horror movie,  he separated his shoulder just before halftime.

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But that didn’t stop him from going back on the field; trainers taped his arm to his side and the league’s all-time leading rushing yards leader recorded 229 yards in a game that the Cowboys won in overtime. Additionally, Brett Favre beat the Washington Commanders (then known as Washington Redskins) 17-13, despite battling what was thought to be pneumonia. Has the precedent been set for Mahomes?

As Patrick Mahomes battles the flu, will he play like the legends before him?

Every NBA fan knows about “The Flu Game”. Michael Jordan was struggling with the flu during the NBA 1997 finals. He played 44 minutes in the game and finished with 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. With just 25 seconds left on the clock, the NBA legend made a 3-point basket that sealed the victory for the Chicago Bulls.

According to NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, #15 will be playing the game against the Denver Broncos. But, it is snowing in Denver with the field covered in 6 inches of snow. It will be a game to watch as the ill Mahomes takes on the Broncos at their home stadium in these tough conditions that are sure to make his symptoms worse. Just a few minutes remain for the kickoff at 4:25 PM ET and fans will be eager to witness this showdown.

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