### NFL Stars Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons Urged to Sit Out 2026 Season for ACL Recovery In a surprising turn of events, two of the NFL's biggest stars, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons, have been advised to sit out the entire 2026 season. This recommendation comes from former Pro Bowl quarterback Robert Griffin III, who has firsthand experience with ACL injuries. Both players suffered significant knee injuries during Week 15 of the 2025 season, leading to season-ending surgeries. Griffin's advice is rooted in his own struggles with similar injuries, emphasizing the importance of a full recovery before returning to the field. ### Breakdown of the Situation and Recommendations 1. **Injury Context**: - Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL during a critical game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended his season prematurely [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/two-nfl-stars-told-sit-154927212.html]. - Micah Parsons sustained a similar injury while attempting to sack the Denver Broncos quarterback [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/robert_griffin_iii_doesnt_want_patrick_mahomes_and_micah_parsons_to_play_next_season_for_recovery_of_acl_injuries/s1_17325_43220823]. 2. **Griffin's Perspective**: - Robert Griffin III, who faced multiple knee injuries in his career, suggests that both players should prioritize their health and sit out the 2026 season to ensure complete recovery [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-news-robert-griffin-urges-patrick-mahomes-micah-parsons-sit-out-2026-season-amid-acl-injuries]. - He argues that returning too soon could jeopardize their long-term careers, as recovery from ACL injuries can be complex and varies from player to player [https://www.si.com/nfl/rg3-patrick-mahomes-micah-parsons-absolutely-sit-out-2026-season]. 3. **Public Reaction and Implications**: - The suggestion has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the best practices for recovery in professional sports [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/news/why-former-pro-bowl-qb-wants-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-sit-out-2026-season/9248de28e5182a57886a5c19]. - Many agree that while the desire to return to play is strong, the health of the players should take precedence [https://firstsportz.com/robert-griffin-iii-doesnt-want-patrick-mahomes-micah-parsons-play-next-season-recovery-acl-injuries]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Statistics**: - ACL injuries are common in football, with recovery times typically ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity and the player's rehabilitation process [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/micah_parsons_injury_robert_griffin_iii_suggests_green_bay_packers_star_sit_out_all_of_2026_season/s1_17236_43217942]. - Griffin's own experience shows that rushing back can lead to further complications, as he faced setbacks during his recovery [https://www.si.com/nfl/rg3-patrick-mahomes-micah-parsons-absolutely-sit-out-2026-season]. ### Conclusion: Prioritizing Health Over Competition In summary, **the recommendation for Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons to sit out the 2026 season is grounded in the need for complete recovery from ACL injuries**. 1. **Injury Context**: Both players suffered significant injuries that ended their 2025 seasons. 2. **Expert Advice**: Robert Griffin III emphasizes the importance of taking time off to heal fully. 3. **Public Discourse**: The suggestion has ignited conversations about player health and recovery protocols in the NFL. Ultimately, the decision to prioritize health over immediate competition could have lasting benefits for both players' careers [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rg3-urges-patrick-mahomes-micah-195035677.html].