In a bold social media challenge, former Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari called out Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, adding a new twist to his post-Packers life. While his friendly wager may have seemed lighthearted, it signals deeper undercurrents of a career shaped by close bonds and cut short by injury—and a possible return to the NFL.
The challenge went like this: Bakhtiari dared Mahomes’ alma mater, Texas Tech, to beat Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes. The OT jokingly wagered that if they lost, he’d consider coming out of retirement. As luck would have it, Colorado emerged victorious, meaning Bakhtiari could stay comfortably on the sidelines, for now. Yet, his Twitter exchange didn’t go unnoticed by fans, with one teasing, “So you’re cheating on Aaron Rodgers now, huh?” A quick response hinted at Bakhtiari’s bittersweet feelings about Rodgers’ move to the New York Jets.
The Bakhtiari-Rodgers bond was legendary on and off the field. Together, they were Green Bay’s powerhouse, with Bakhtiari fiercely protecting his QB and friend. Rodgers’ departure to the Jets left a sting for Bakhtiari, who stayed loyal to the Packers but has since been sidelined, his career altered by injuries.
After an impressive five-year run, earning consecutive All-Pro honors from 2016 to 2020, Bakhtiari’s career trajectory changed with a devastating ACL tear in late 2020. Recovery was grueling, and he never fully returned to form. The Packers, facing salary cap constraints, released him as he entered the final year of his $92 million deal. While Bakhtiari is eager for a comeback, teams are wary of his injury history.
As speculation rises, fans and analysts wonder: Could Kansas City’s GM Brett Veach take a calculated risk on Bakhtiari? With the Chiefs in need of a seasoned offensive tackle, Bakhtiari’s experience and chemistry with a high-caliber quarterback like Mahomes could be exactly what the team needs to reinforce their line.
Bakhtiari’s future is uncertain, but his comeback ambitions and his continued connection to the NFL scene keep fans hopeful for a final chapter in his storied career.
