The quarterback tore the ACL in his left knee towards the conclusion of the Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday (14.12.25) and took to social media to express his anguish at the way his season ended.

Mahomes wrote on X: "Don't know why this had to happen.

"And not going to lie [it] hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again."

The three-time Super Bowl winner went on to thank fans for their support and declared that he will "be back stronger than ever" as the Chiefs missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Mahomes wrote: "Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers."

The NFL star was injured in the closing moments of the game and replaced by backup Gardner Minshew, who praised the quarterback for his ability and dedication.

Minshew said: "I don't think I've ever respected anybody I play with more. I've never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team. And to not get the results is hard.

"I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back and be better than ever.

"He's the best."

Mahomes previously described how he was trying to "cherish every moment" with Chiefs team-mate Travis Kelce amid speculation about the tight end's - who is engaged to pop star Taylor Swift - future in the sport.

He said: "Every season I've had with him these last few years, I try to cherish because you never know [if this will be Kelce’s last season].

"He got himself in great shape this year and he's played great football. He'll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season."