In a playful move that has stirred up controversy, the Las Vegas Raiders made a surprising statement during their training camp in Costa Mesa, California. A video of defensive back Trey Taylor holding a Kermit the Frog doll, dressed in a Patrick Mahomes Chiefs jersey, went viral on social media, catching the attention of football fans across the nation.

The connection between Patrick Mahomes and Kermit the Frog is not a new one. Mahomes' distinctive voice has often been compared to the famous Muppet character, leading to lighthearted jokes and playful banter. During a pre-game interview earlier this year, when asked to do a Kermit impression, Mahomes responded with a chuckle, stating, "I'm talking right now, that's it."

However, this recent gesture by the Raiders has not been taken lightly by Mahomes' personal trainer, Bobby Stroupe. In response to the video, Stroupe posted a quote on social media, along with the caption "We will remember." It seems that the Raiders' playful antics have struck a nerve with Mahomes' camp, and the rivalry between the two AFC West teams may intensify as a result.

This is not the first time the Raiders have attempted to provoke their division rivals. In 2021, former Las Vegas defensive end Yannick Ngakoue delivered a passionate speech at Arrowhead Stadium, leading his team to the Chiefs' logo at midfield before a game. However, the Chiefs dominated that game, emerging victorious with a commanding 48-9 win.

Although the Raiders managed to upset the Chiefs on Christmas Day last year with a 20-14 victory, Kansas City had the last laugh by clinching a Super Bowl title. The upcoming season promises an exciting rematch for these two fierce opponents, with their first meeting scheduled in Las Vegas for a Week 8 matchup.

As the anticipation builds for this showdown, the Raiders' playful gesture with the Kermit the Frog doll has not been taken lightly by Mahomes' camp. It remains to be seen how this rivalry will further unfold on the football field. The NFL world waits eagerly to see if the Raiders' unconventional tactics will backfire or ignite a new level of intensity between these bitter adversaries.