Patrick Mahomes — Rise of an NFL Superstar

Patrick Mahomes has built a notable career in a short period of time. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has led his team to multiple Super Bowl titles and has shaped the NFL with productivity, consistency, and on‑field creativity. This article traces his path from Texas to Texas Tech and into the NFL, explains the key milestones, and places both successes and setbacks in context. The sections proceed chronologically and focus on biographical and sporting aspects.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire / Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass in the third quarter of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 14, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Youth and College

Patrick Lavon Mahomes II was born on September 17, 1995, in Tyler, Texas. His father, Pat Mahomes, spent over a decade as an MLB pitcher, so athletic talent was present from the start. At Whitehouse High School, Mahomes stood out in football, baseball, and basketball; as a senior, he posted outstanding football numbers. Despite being selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2014 MLB Draft, he accepted a football scholarship from Texas Tech.

From 2014 to 2016, Mahomes developed into one of the most productive college quarterbacks. As a freshman, he took over the starting role after an injury and set records. In 2016, he recorded 819 yards of total offense against Oklahoma, including 734 passing yards — a statistical milestone. After the season, he declared for the 2017 NFL Draft.

IMAGO / Newscom World / Richard W. Rodriguez / Baylor vs. Texas Tech Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (5) fires a touchdown pass against Baylor in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016.

NFL Draft 2017 and First Breakthrough

In the 2017 draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Mahomes 10th overall after trading up. He spent most of his rookie year behind Alex Smith but made a successful Week 17 start in 2017. Mahomes became the starter in 2018 — the beginning of a rapid rise.

That year, he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, led one of the league’s best offenses, and was named NFL MVP. The Chiefs reached the AFC Championship Game but lost in overtime to New England. Individually, the season marked a turning point: Mahomes established himself as a top‑tier playmaker.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire / The Kansas City Chiefs select Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech with the 10th pick at the 2017 NFL American Football Herren USA Draft at the 2017 NFL Draft Theater on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA.

Super Bowl Triumph and Setbacks (2019–2021)

In 2019, Mahomes missed time with an injury yet guided the Chiefs to Super Bowl LIV and defeated the San Francisco 49ers. He was named Super Bowl MVP and delivered the franchise’s first title in 50 years. In 2020, Kansas City extended his contract long‑term; on the field, the team returned to the Super Bowl but lost to Tampa Bay. In 2021, Mahomes reached another AFC Championship Game, falling to Cincinnati.

IMAGO / Newscom World / JillxToyoshiba / Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes hoists the Lamar Hunt AFC Championship trophy over his head after the Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans 35-24 to take the title and earn a trip to the Super Bowl after the AFC championship game on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Return to the Top (2022–2024)

After adjusting aspects of the passing game, Mahomes led the league in yards and touchdowns in 2022 and won his second NFL MVP. In the 2023 season (Super Bowl LVIII, played on February 11, 2024), the Chiefs beat the 49ers 25–22 in overtime; Mahomes earned his third Super Bowl MVP. Kansas City also became the first team since the early‑2000s Patriots to win back‑to‑back titles.

Third Straight Final (2025)

In 2025, Mahomes and the Chiefs reached a third consecutive Super Bowl. In Super Bowl LIX, they lost decisively to the Philadelphia Eagles, 40–22. The hoped‑for three‑peat did not materialize, but the run of consecutive finals underscored the team’s sustained competitiveness.

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Charles Trainor Jr / August 16, 2023: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Playing Style and Impact

Mahomes combines arm strength, mobility, and football intelligence with notable improvisation skills. Hallmarks include precise throws on the move, varied arm angles, and rapid decisions under pressure. From 2022 onward, he showed greater efficiency in the short passing game without sacrificing explosiveness, keeping defenses guessing and driving the Chiefs’ offensive consistency.

His impact is also reflected in benchmarks. In September 2025, he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 250 touchdown passes (his 116th regular‑season game), surpassing Aaron Rodgers’s 121‑game mark.

Community Work and Private Life

Off the field, Mahomes is active through his “15 and the Mahomies” foundation and holds stakes in Kansas City sports organizations. He married Brittany Matthews in 2022. They have three children: daughter Sterling Skye (2021), son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III (2022), and daughter Golden Raye (born January 12, 2025).

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Tammy Ljungblad / February 10, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 slides and his tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham 55 in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.

Honors and Records (Selected)

• Three Super Bowl titles (LIV, LVII, LVIII) and three Super Bowl MVP awards.
  
  
• Two NFL MVP awards (2018, 2022).
  
  
• Multiple Pro Bowl and All‑Pro selections.
  
  
• Fastest player to 250 passing touchdowns.
  
  

Patrick Mahomes has shaped the NFL in recent years. His combination of consistency, productivity, and creativity has led Kansas City to multiple championships and repeated finals. The 2025 loss does not change the fact that his performance and development continue to set benchmarks. How he approaches the next phase of his career remains significant — the available data and achievements point to a lasting impact.

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