Las Vegas (AFP) – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes garnered his third Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award Sunday after piloting the Kansas City Chiefs to a stirring 25-22 overtime triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.
Mahomes completed 34 of 46 passing attempts for 333 yards and two touchdowns to help the Chiefs overcome an early 10-point deficit and become the first team since the New England Patriots in 2003-04 to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
They have now won three Super Bowl crowns in five years — Mahomes earning MVP honors in each of those victories.
“Preparation,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said of why Mahomes is so good in crunch time.
“This guy works harder than anybody I’ve ever met in my life.
“That only makes me want to play harder for them guys.
We know that he’s prepared and his instincts just take over.
“And he leads us to another one.”
As the confetti flew, Mahomes told broadcaster CBS the victory “means a ton.
“I’m proud of my guys, man, this is awesome,” said Mahomes, who connected with Mecole Hardman for the game-winning touchdown with three seconds left in overtime.
“It’s legendary.”
Mahomes is now tied with Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana for the second-most Super Bowl MVP awards, two behind Tom Brady.
Mahomes, who was also named Super Bowl LIV and LVII MVP, is the third player ever to win three Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards, joining Tom Brady (five) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana (three).
The Chiefs were down 19-16 with 1:53 left in regulation when Mahomes led an 11-play, 64-yard drive capped by Harrison Butker’s 29-yard field goal that tied it with three seconds left in regulation.
The 49ers took a 22-19 lead with a field goal on the opening possession of overtime, but Mahomes responded again, pushing the Chiefs 75 yards in 13 plays.
Mahomes ran for 27 yards on two carries during the game-winning drive.
“Kansas City, I’ll see you at the parade,” Mahomes said as he brandished the Lombardi Trophy during the presentation ceremony.
“Let’s do it, baby.”
