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Kansas City, Missouri – January 8, 2026
In a moment that has captured the hearts of college football fans nationwide, Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes stepped in to defend Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton after ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit delivered sharp criticism of Morton’s performance during a live broadcast — and Morton’s gracious response has earned admiration across the NCAA landscape.
The exchange began during ESPN’s College GameDay coverage of a high-stakes Big 12 matchup, where Herbstreit questioned Morton’s decision-making under pressure, saying the young QB “froze at critical moments” and “lacked the poise needed for big games.”
The comments drew immediate backlash from fans, but it was Mahomes — watching from home during the Chiefs’ bye week — who delivered the most powerful rebuttal.
Taking to social media shortly after the broadcast, the three-time Super Bowl MVP posted: “Behren Morton is a baller. Kid’s got heart, arm talent, and fights every snap. Easy to critique from the booth — harder to do it on the field with the world watching. Keep grinding, young king. The real ones see it.”
Mahomes, a Texas Tech alum himself, has long been a vocal supporter of his alma mater’s program. His defense carried extra weight given his status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and a former college star who faced similar scrutiny early in his career.
Morton, visibly moved by the support, responded with a classy message that has since gone viral:
“Thank you, Pat. Coming from you — a Red Raider legend and the best to ever do it — that means everything. I’m just trying to make my team and my school proud. Criticism comes with the position, but support like this keeps me going. Raider Power!”
The exchange has been praised as a masterclass in leadership and humility. NCAA coaches and players flooded the thread with respect, with one prominent head coach commenting: “This is what college football is about — legends lifting the next generation.”
Herbstreit has not directly responded, but sources say the veteran analyst stands by his in-game assessment while acknowledging the passion surrounding young quarterbacks.
For Morton, a rising star in the Big 12, Mahomes’ public endorsement serves as a powerful boost amid a season of highs and lows. For Mahomes, it’s another example of using his platform to mentor and protect the next wave of talent.
In a sport often defined by rivalry and critique, this moment reminded everyone why Patrick Mahomes is more than a superstar — he’s a leader who understands the weight of words, both critical and kind.
College football bows in respect — and Behren Morton just got the ultimate co-sign from the GOAT. 🏈❤️
