Las Vegas, United States (AFP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he’s “okay” with his team being cast as Super Bowl villains as they chase a third NFL crown in five seasons on Sunday.

Mahomes and the Chiefs were widely celebrated by neutrals for defeating San Francisco to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in Miami four years ago.

But the feel-good factor that accompanied that breakthrough success has gradually given way to antipathy amongst some fans who see the team as worthy successors to the New England Patriots.

At Monday’s Super Bowl opening night, Mahomes and teammate Travis Kelce were booed lustily by fans crowded into the Allegiant Stadium.

Mahomes, who will be playing in his fourth Super Bowl on Sunday, shrugged off the “villains” tag when talking to reporters on Wednesday.

“I just like winning,” Mahomes said. “If you win a lot and it causes you to be the villain, I’m OK with that.

“At the end of the day, I’m going to enjoy playing the game and try to win as much as possible.”

Other Chiefs players are similarly nonplussed.

“For some reason, everybody used to love us,” defensive tackle Chris Jones said.

“We used to be one of the most favourite teams, and now everybody’s like, ‘We’re ready for the Chiefs to lose.’ I don’t know why what changed. But that’s okay. They can continue hating.”

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce meanwhile said he revelled in the catcall.

“Y’all are firing me up, making me want to play right now,” Kelce told 49ers fans booing him on Monday.

“I love the boos more than I love the cheers. Keep them coming, Niner’s gang, keep them coming.”