In the afterglow of the locker room following the Chiefs 27-24 overtime win over Baltimore on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, Patrick Mahomes couldnt resist razzing Tyreek Hill about, uh, failing to score on their mere 48-yard phenomenon on fourth and 9 that saved the game.
I thought you were fast, he called out with a smile to Hill.
The flash who is likely the fastest player in the NFL laughed and said, Im not fast no more.
He is ridiculously so, of course. But he demonstrated anew how he is so much more than simply that with his eight-catch, 139-yard effort despite lugging two injuries that would have sidelined someone with less grit and resolve.
Anyone watching closely has known for a while now that Hills speed is just one of his gifts. He also has incredible body control and agility, terrific hands and footwork, a keen grasp of the offense and the ability to track the deep ball that Mahomes says would make him the best center fielder of all time.
In other words, all the ingredients to be a stellar wide receiver not to mention a penchant for celebrations that make the whole package mesmerizing.
On Sunday, he made another dimension more obvious.
If you had any doubts about Tyreek Hill … just being a football player, today he put that doubt to rest, fellow Chiefs receiver Chris Conley said. Because he played through some stuff today. He played through some hits today that would have taken a lot of people out of the game.
He later added, He was definitely feeling it. Hes just continued to amaze me, and Im sure hes continued to amaze yall.
On the receiving end of the play that provided further proof of why Mahomes should be the NFL MVP, Hill was limping with a heel injury that necessitated taping over his shoe at halftime.
The tape, he said with a straight face, was just for the show, man. I like to look good when I play.
The wounded heel came after Hill earlier had been forced out of the game when, as he put it, he was unfortunate enough to get my hand smashed between (the helmets of) two linebackers running full speed.
Each sent a shudder through Chiefs fans and limited Hill to playing 76 percent (65 snaps) of the Chiefs offensive plays. But they didnt keep him from having the fortitude to be a force with the game on the line as the Chiefs rallied from down 24-17 to tie it in the final minute of regulation.
As Mahomes pass came his way, Hill thought, If I dont make this play, we lose.
He also had three catches for 39 yards in what proved to be the game-winning drive in overtime.
