NFL-Chiefs QB Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP award for third time

Football – NFL – Super Bowl LVIII – Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States – February 11, 2024 Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII REUTERS/Mike Blake

By Rory Carroll

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) -Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes won his third Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award on Sunday after leading the Chiefs to a thrilling 25-22 overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.

The three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time league MVP marched his team down the field in overtime, rushed to convert on fourth down and capped the comeback win with a three-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mecole Hardman.

Football – NFL – Super Bowl LVIII – Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States – February 11, 2024 Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LVIII REUTERS/Mike Blake

Mahomes was quick to credit his team mates for the triumph in Las Vegas.

“What we’ve come through, dealt with this year, the guys never faltered,” he said.

“I just got to give God the glory man, he challenged us to make us better. I’m proud of my guys man, this is awesome, it’s legendary.

Football – NFL – Super Bowl LVIII – Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States – February 11, 2024 Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII with his wife, Brittany Mahomes, daughter, Sterling Skye and son, Patrick REUTERS/Brian Snyder

The Chiefs have now won three Super Bowls in the last five seasons.

“It’s the start of (a dynasty), we’re not done. I know we’re going to celebrate tonight but we got a young team, we going to keep this thing going.”

Mahomes and the Kansas City offense got off to a poor start and trailed 10-3 at halftime against a swarming 49ers defense.

But they regrouped in the second half in a back-and-forth battle to send the game to overtime, and when the 49ers were forced to settle for a field goal it opened the door for some Mahomes magic.

Tight end Travis Kelce said he always believed Mahomes would get it done.

“Never a doubt in my mind,” he said.

“I guess at this point I take it for granted but I know we’re in every single game I’ve ever played with him no matter what the score is or how much time is left.

“That guy has magic in his right arm.”

After what was by his standards a sub-par season, where he was never in the league MVP conversation, the 28-year-old found his groove in the playoffs.

He led the Chiefs to impressive road victories against the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens to reach the Super Bowl where, just as he did in the title game four years ago, broke 49ers hearts.

“Battling through the adversity that we battle through this year, guys staying with the process and keeping believing, you never know how it’s going to happen,” he said.

In only six years as a starter in the NFL, Mahomes has already built a resume worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

And he said he has no intention of slowing down.

“I’m going to celebrate tonight, I’m going to celebrate at the parade and then I’m going to do whatever I can to be back in this game next year,” he said.

“Go for that three-peat.”

(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Edmund Klamann and Peter Rutherford)