Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes congratulated referee before Sunday’s game for his promotion

Earlier this year, the NFL announced that umpire Alan Eck had been promoted to referee, the type of move that, frankly, doesn’t generate a lot of interest among fans.

Eck replaced Jerome Boger, who retired after the 2022 season, Football Zebras reported.

Many fans may have been unaware of Eck’s new job title, but one person certainly knew about it: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In a mic’d-up video from the Chiefs’ 41-10 win over the Bears, Mahomes made a point of acknowledging Eck.

“How are you doing, man? Congratulations to you,” Mahomes said to Eck, who said he appreciated the kind words.

Mahomes then quipped about tight end Travis Kelce: “I’ll keep Kelce under control this week.”

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Good luck with that, Patrick.

Mahomes also loved the flyover by four Apache helicopters from Fort Riley, talked about getting hyped during team introductions and told people on the Chiefs’ sideline about his touchdown pass to Kelce and their special connection.

These mic’d-up videos are fun, and the part with Mahomes and Eck is at the beginning.