Before the MVP awards, the Super Bowl rings, and the jaw-dropping no-look passes became commonplace, Patrick Mahomes was a highly-touted, yet somewhat raw, quarterback prospect from Texas Tech. His journey from promising college athlete to NFL phenom officially began on April 27, 2017, a date that would forever alter the trajectory of the Kansas City Chiefs franchise and the league itself.
The Chiefs made a bold move, trading up from the 27th overall pick to the 10th spot in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft to select Mahomes. This decision raised eyebrows for some, as the team already had a Pro Bowl quarterback in Alex Smith. However, General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid saw something special, a transcendent talent with an arm unlike any other, and they weren't afraid to invest heavily in their future.
From Rookie to MVP: A Rapid Ascent
Mahomes' rookie season was a masterclass in patience and preparation. He spent the entire 2017 campaign largely on the sidelines, learning the complex NFL system under Smith and Reid, making only one start in Week 17 after the Chiefs had already clinched a playoff berth. This "redshirt" year proved invaluable, allowing him to absorb the playbook and mature without the immediate pressure of being the starter.
When the 2018 season arrived, the keys to the Chiefs' offense were officially handed to Mahomes, and he wasted no time making history. He exploded onto the scene, throwing for an incredible 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, becoming only the third player in NFL history to reach both milestones in a single season. His spectacular play earned him the NFL MVP award in his first full year as a starter, solidifying his status as a bona fide superstar and ushering in a new era of offensive football.
From a strategic draft pick to an immediate MVP, Patrick Mahomes' early career trajectory was nothing short of meteoric. The rest, as they say, is history still being written.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.