The story of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs began in 2015, almost entirely by accident. Brett Veach, in his role as the Chiefs co-director of player personnel, was studying some game film to scout one of the Texas Tech offensive tackles, yet he was distracted by their sophomore quarterback. Arm strength, bravery and cannily elusive in the pocket — could this young man be the real deal?
We know now, of course, that’s exactly what he is. Mahomes is the closest thing the world has seen to a perfect quarterback and on Sunday he will attempt to win back-to-back Super Bowls, emulating what Tom Brady — his opposite number for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend — achieved 17 years ago.
At 25, he has the NFL in the palm of his hand and a career in front of him that will feature more MVP awards and tilts at the Lombardi Trophy. He signed a ten-year, $500 million (about £365 million) contract with Kansas City last summer and is one of the most coveted sporting faces in the world for endorsements. From insurance companies to shampoo, a commercial break in any NFL game rarely goes by without Mahomes making an appearance.
So, how is it that this global superstar and generational talent from Tyler, Texas was ignored by numerous colleges and passed over by nine different teams in the NFL Draft? With the great benefit of hindsight, it is a story that leaves plenty of people looking foolish and even more wondering what might have been, including two of the coaches tasked with halting Mahomes on Sunday night.
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‘He’s not ready for the NFL and may never be’ – how the world misjudged Patrick Mahomes
Some thought he would play baseball like his father, others considered him too much of a maverick. @paddyvb https://t.co/rRnTmH1YLW
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 3, 2021