First, he was crowned the No. 1 Super Bowl quarterback performance of the 21st century.
Then, hours later, he briefly set the internet on fire with a tweet that many fans believed “confirmed” Travis Kelce was returning for the 2026 season.

Spoiler: it didn’t.

Mahomes Ranked No. 1 in Super Bowl Performances This Century

According to an analysis by Steven Ruiz of The Ringer, Mahomes’ performance in Super Bowl LVII sits atop the list of the 50 best Super Bowl quarterback performances since 2000.

The raw numbers weren’t eye-popping — 182 passing yards in the Chiefs’ 38–35 win over the Eagles — but context is everything.

Ruiz wrote that while other quarterbacks have posted bigger stat lines, “we have never seen a passer carry a team like Mahomes did in this game.”

Some key details that pushed the performance to No. 1:

• Mahomes finished with the second-highest success rate of any QB on the list

• Nearly 50% of his dropbacks resulted in first downs

• Only three QBs averaged more EPA per dropback this century

• He played on a high ankle sprain, suffered just two weeks earlier

Despite limited mobility and constant pressure, Mahomes wasn’t sacked once and still averaged 6.4 yards per play under pressure.

Ruiz pointed to Mahomes’ late 26-yard scramble — setting up Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal — as the defining moment.

Mahomes Dominates the List

Super Bowl LVII wasn’t the only appearance for Mahomes. He landed five times on the list:

• No. 1 — Super Bowl LVII (vs. Eagles)

• No. 14 — Super Bowl LVIII (vs. 49ers)

• No. 18 — Super Bowl LIV (vs. 49ers)

• No. 30 — Super Bowl LV (vs. Buccaneers)

• No. 43 — Super Bowl LIX (vs. Eagles)

The rankings highlight Mahomes’ sustained excellence on the sport’s biggest stage — even in losses.

With three Super Bowl titles, Mahomes’ résumé continues to grow.

The Tweet That Set Chiefs Fans Off — Then Got Walked Back

Later the same day, Mahomes unintentionally fueled offseason chaos.

He tweeted:

“Let’s go!!!!!” @tkelce 🎯🎯🎯

With Kelce’s future still undecided, many fans immediately assumed the message hinted at a return for the 2026 season.

Within minutes, Chiefs Kingdom was buzzing.

About a minute later, Mahomes shut it down.

“Talking about ⛳️⛳️ 😂😂😂”

The tweet was actually celebrating Kelce’s impressive shot on hole 16 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale — not a football announcement.

The clarification quickly cooled the frenzy, though Kelce’s decision about returning remains unanswered.

Kelce’s Future Still Up in the Air

Kelce has not publicly confirmed whether he will play in 2026. What’s certain is his legacy:

• Three Super Bowl rings

• A future Hall of Fame résumé

• Record-setting production at tight end

For now, Chiefs fans will have to wait — and maybe think twice before reading too much into Mahomes’ emojis.