Roger Goodell, NFL ref and Patrick Mahomes (Photos by Getty Images)

As the football world turns its attention to Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the biggest off-field storylines has captured the headlines once again: the persistent conspiracy theories claiming that NFL referees have been favoring Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped up to the podium during the league’s annual Super Bowl week press conference, addressing a range of questions from reporters. Among the many inquiries, one topic stood out—the notion that officials have been deliberately making calls in favor of the reigning AFC champions.

Goodell, who has faced his fair share of controversies over the years, dismissed the theory outright, even likening it to another long-standing claim: that the NFL season follows a pre-written script.

“It reminds me of the script theory,” Goodell said, with a slight chuckle. “That I write a script for the entire season. It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously.”

Despite Goodell’s dismissal, the controversy has only intensified as fans, analysts, and players continue to debate the integrity of NFL officiating. The Chiefs, aiming for back-to-back Super Bowl titles, have been at the center of several high-profile, game-changing calls throughout the 2024 season.

Questionable Calls Fueling the Conspiracy

Throughout the year, the Chiefs have been involved in numerous moments that critics claim demonstrate a bias in officiating. Among the most contentious instances was a series of penalties in Kansas City’s Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. Two crucial calls—a highly questionable unnecessary roughness flag and a debatable roughing the passer penalty against Mahomes—swung momentum in Kansas City’s favor, allowing them to escape with a narrow victory.

The controversy only escalated in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills. With Buffalo leading by one point late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Josh Allen attempted a crucial fourth-and-inches QB sneak deep in Chiefs territory. The officials ruled that Allen was short of the marker, a call that stood upon review despite replays showing the spot might have been favorable to the Bills.

These moments have only fueled the perception among fans that Mahomes and the Chiefs receive preferential treatment. Social media platforms exploded with outrage, with fans and even some former players suggesting that the league benefits from Mahomes continuing to play on the biggest stage.

The NFL’s Ongoing Officiating Dilemma

This is not the first time the NFL has faced accusations of bias or rigged officiating, and it certainly won’t be the last. Goodell and the league office have long battled allegations that they manipulate outcomes to favor certain teams, whether for ratings, revenue, or to bolster the legacy of the sport’s biggest stars.

While there is no concrete evidence to support these theories, the NFL’s officiating problems are undeniable. Referees are under constant scrutiny, with every call analyzed, debated, and dissected from multiple angles. The league’s replay system, while designed to correct clear mistakes, has often led to more controversy, as many rulings remain subjective and dependent on the officials’ interpretation.

Former players and analysts have called for significant changes to the NFL’s review process. Some have suggested a centralized officiating system similar to the NBA’s, where all critical reviews go through a dedicated replay center rather than being left solely in the hands of on-field officials. Others believe that implementing full-time referees, rather than the current system of part-time officials, could improve consistency and accountability.

The Chiefs’ Dynasty and the Perception of Favoritism

At the heart of the debate is the Kansas City Chiefs’ unprecedented success. Since Mahomes took over as the team’s starting quarterback in 2018, the Chiefs have become the most dominant franchise in the NFL, reaching four Super Bowls in six seasons and constantly finding themselves in deep playoff runs. When a team wins as frequently as Kansas City does, it inevitably breeds suspicion and resentment among rival fan bases.

The Chiefs’ ability to execute in critical moments, coupled with a few questionable officiating decisions in their favor, has only exacerbated the belief that they receive special treatment. Fans of teams like the Bills, Bengals, and Ravens have been particularly vocal, pointing to moments where controversial calls seemingly went against them in crucial matchups against Kansas City.

Can the NFL Restore Trust in Its Officiating?

As long as officiating remains inconsistent and controversial calls continue to impact high-stakes games, Roger Goodell and the league will have to navigate ongoing skepticism. The NFL’s challenge is twofold: improving the quality of officiating while also addressing the perception of bias.

Implementing clearer rules, enhancing referee training, and increasing transparency in the review process are steps that could help restore faith in the league’s integrity. Until then, the speculation surrounding officiating and accusations of favoritism—whether real or imagined—will persist.

For now, Goodell remains firm in his stance. “Football is unpredictable,” he reiterated at the press conference. “Officials make the best calls they can in real-time. The idea that there is some grand conspiracy to favor one team or one player is simply not true.”

But with the Chiefs preparing for another Super Bowl showdown, and with officiating decisions under more scrutiny than ever, the debate is far from over. The only thing that remains certain is that, win or lose, the Kansas City Chiefs—and the referees—will once again be at the center of every conversation.

See More: Patrick Mahomes Says He’s Not Sure If Travis Kelce Will Return to Chiefs Next Season After 2025 Super Bowl Loss

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” Mahomes said of Kelce after a disappointing Super Bowl loss

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LIX; Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LIX . Photo: Michael Owens/Getty; Graythen/Getty

Patrick Mahomes isn’t sure if Travis Kelce will return to the Chiefs next season.

Following a disappointing defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl, Mahomes, 29, was asked if he has spoken to Kelce, 35, about whether he will retire from football or return to play another season in the NFL.

Speaking to reporters after the 40-22 loss, Mahomes said he’s going to “let Travis make that decision on his own” after he deserves some well-deserved rest following a long season.

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” Mahomes said of the superstar tight end. “And he’s been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch.”

The quarterback continued, “And he knows he still has a lot of football left in him,” citing that fans “can see it” because Kelce “always makes plays in the biggest moments.”

But whether or not Kelce returns to the NFL will depend on “if he wants to put in that grind” again to dedicate the time and energy it takes to play pro football, Mahomes explained.

If Kelce were to hang up his cleats, Mahomes said his friend and teammate is already a lock to be a “gold jacket guy” and a “first ballot Hall of Famer” with his three Super Bowl wins. “But I know he still has a love for the game,” Mahomes continued, “and he’ll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own.”

Kelce and Mahomes looked defeated at several moments during the game as the Eagles continued to score, pushing their lead to double digits.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field at half time against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LIX.Jamie Squire/Getty

Leading up to the Super Bowl, Kelce said he’s the “happiest” he’s ever been.

”I think I found it all. I just gotta, you know, keep it all. I absolutely love where I am in life. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m enjoying coming in to work and what I do for a profession in my career. And I have an unbelievable support of family and friends who are chasing me down here for yet another Super Bowl,” he said in an interview with Westwood One Sports on Saturday, Feb. 8.