NFL has a Patrick Mahomes problem, league exec admits

TL;DR

The NFL faces a scheduling dilemma as it approaches the 2026 season release. NFL Vice President Mike North indicated that while mid-May is the target for the schedule release, flexibility exists for dates into the third week of May.

Key points

NFL faces a scheduling dilemma for the 2026 season.
Patrick Mahomes is the face of the NFL.
NFL schedule typically releases in mid-May.
Flexibility exists for the release date into the third week of May.
Mike North commented on the schedule release timeline.

Patrick MahomesKansas City ChiefsDenver Broncos

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the face of the NFL, but the league has a significant problem on its hands as it prepares to release its schedule for the 2026 season.

While there is no firm or consistent release date, the NFL schedule typically comes out in the middle of May, which means we’re just a few days away from its potential release.

“Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out in mid-May now,” NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North said during a recent interview. “That’s what we’ve done the last five or six years. That’s sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don’t think it’s coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don’t know that it’s impossible to think about that third week in May.”

Mahomes and the Chiefs are perhaps the best ratings draw of any team in the league consistently, which means an early-season showdown with another contender or high-profile team would typically be appointment television, drawing massive ratings. However, there’s one problem: Mahomes might not be ready to play.

Back in December of 2025, Mahoems suffered a torn ACL. While he has been rehabbing and recovering since then, there are some questions about whether or not he will be ready to return to the team by the start of the season, and that’s obviously a problem for the NFL.

Mahomes is still not ready to begin practicing, leading the Chiefs to sign veteran starting quarterback Justin Fields, who has been taking all of the first-team reps in practice with Mahomes still injured. If Mahomes can’t go by the start of the season, Fields would get the start.

Q&A

What is the expected release date for the NFL 2026 schedule?

The NFL typically releases its schedule in mid-May, but it could extend into the third week of May.

Who is the face of the NFL and what team does he play for?

Patrick Mahomes is the face of the NFL and plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.

What did NFL Vice President Mike North say about the schedule release?

Mike North stated that while mid-May is the target for the schedule release, there is flexibility for dates into the third week of May.

Why is the NFL schedule release significant for fans?

The NFL schedule release is significant as it informs fans about game dates and matchups for the upcoming season.