The Kansas City Chiefs have had plenty of happy days over the last few years, but Sunday was not one of them. Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury in their 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and he posted a statement via social media postgame.

"Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts," the three-time Super Bowl champion admitted. "But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever."

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. reposted the message with a "praying hands" emoji.

The Chiefs and Royals have commonalities, but also one key difference between them. The Chiefs have won three championships in the last six years, while the Royals haven't won one since 2015.

The two teams do share the same city and each have a superstar: Mahomes and Witt. However, Witt has yet to lead the Royals past the AL Division Series, while the Chiefs have made the AFC Championship each year since Mahomes took the starting quarterback role in 2018. 2025 ends that run, as the team was eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday's loss.

While Witt hasn't experienced nearly the same team success as Mahomes, that's because of the differing circumstances for each player. Mahomes has been surrounded by elite talents like wide receiver Tyreek Hill, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive lineman Chris Jones over the years, and Witt hasn't had the same level of support.

The Royals do have core pieces like third baseman Maikel Garcia, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, and aging catcher Salvador Perez. Signing Garcia to a five-year contract extension with an option for a sixth (per Spotrac) this offseason was a step in the right direction, but there's still work to do. 

In order for the Royals to reach the Chiefs' heights, they need more players like Garcia. The 25-year-old notched an .800 OPS this past season, only trailing Witt's .852 mark among the full-time starters.

Top prospect Carter Jensen did notch a .941 OPS in 20 games, so he could be the club's next star if he stays hot next season. Conversely, 2024 first-round pick Jac Caglianone had just a .532 OPS in 62 games, so he has plenty to prove. 

If the Royals' emerging players don't develop into stars, they'll have to acquire more talent from outside the organization to support Witt, Garcia, and Pasquantino long-term.