Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN ‘Monday Night Football’ analyst Troy Aikman seemingly endorsed the growing conspiracy theory that Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs receive extra assistance from the NFL refs.

Over the past two years, NFL referees have faced growing accusations of favoring Patrick Mahomes and the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, a recent study by UTEP supports the notion that Kansas City benefits from questionable NFL officiating.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell even addressed the conspiracy theory at Super Bowl 59 week in February, calling the claims “ridiculous.”

But during Kansas City’s ‘Monday Night Football’ contest against the Washington Commanders, Troy Aikman hinted that he supports the notion of the Chiefs getting extra help from the refs.

Late in the fourth quarter, Commanders defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton was flagged for “unnecessary roughness” after bringing Patrick Mahomes to the ground. The Dallas Cowboys legend said Newton’s contact wasn’t “a lot”, but uttered the hard truth for the anti-KC fans.

“When it comes to quarterbacks, especially this one, they’re gonna protect them,” the Hall of Famer said.

You can argue that Newton’s contact with Mahomes shouldn’t have resulted in a flag, yes. But everyone knows that the NFL and its officials have made it a priority to “protect” quarterbacks, and Newton’s roughness on Mahomes was certainly unnecessary.

Patrick Mahomes Has Regained His MVP-Like Form

Patrick Mahomes (Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

Many were quick to write off Mahomes and Kansas City after a sloppy 0-2 start, but the dynasty is clearly far from over. Despite being without star wideout Rashee Rice for the first six games of the season, Mahomes is having an MVP-like season with a 67.0 completion percentage for 2,099 yards, 17 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

The MVP race is wide open right now, with Jonathan Taylor, Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen also in the mix. But the MVP usually goes to the quarterback with the best stats, and Mahomes has been near-perfect since Week 3.

Mahomes will get another chance to strengthen his MVP case when the Chiefs visit the archrival Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.