Bleacher Report · Jan 19, 2025
NFL Ref Explains Penalty on Patrick Mahomes Hit in Chiefs' Playoff Win vs. Texans
NFL referee Clay Martin explained the penalty he called on the Houston Texans during Saturday night's Divisional Round game by saying Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was "considered defenseless" while sliding.
"He slid, obviously, and when he slides, he is considered defenseless," Martin told KPRC2's Aaron Wilson (h/t NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.) "The onus is on the defender. I had forcible contact there to the hairline, to the helmet."
Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o was flagged for a 15-yard penalty after hitting a sliding Mahomes in the third quarter.
The Chiefs went on to score a touchdown on the drive before clinching a spot in the AFC Championship Game with a 23-14 win.
