Mahomes: Herbert comment taken 'out of context'
Patrick Mahomes cleared the air regarding his playful jab at division rival Justin Herbert.
“Watch out for Justin Herbert next year.” @PatrickMahomes : “I’ll see it when I believe it.”pic.twitter.com/11WI4uxyoC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 12, 2021
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback said no harm was meant to the Los Angeles Chargers' star passer when he responded to a heckle from a fan this week during a celebrity golf tournament.
"Yeah, I think it got taken out of context," Mahomes said of the reaction to the clip on social media, according to Jori Epstein of USA Today Sports.
"I was talking some trash to all those Raiders and Broncos and Chargers fans out there," he added. "I have a ton of respect for (Herbert) as a player."
Herbert won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, cementing himself as a franchise player. He threw a rookie record 31 touchdown passes against just 10 interceptions.
Mahomes will need to face Herbert twice each season as part of their AFC West rivalry.
"For him to come out in Year 1 and play at that level is a special thing," the Chiefs signal-caller said. "Not a lot of guys can do it. And I know I'll have a lot of tough games against him in the future.
"So it was kind of a joking matter that I think blew up on Twitter like most things (tend) to do."