Chiefs Negotiator Unveils Hidden Note That Sealed Patrick Mahomes Deal — A Move That ‘Changed the NFL’ Forever
In a remarkable twist of fate, the Kansas City Chiefs stumbled upon what would become a generational quarterback, Patrick Mahomes , setting the stage for the franchise’s success with three Super Bowl victories. This story was highlighted in ESPN Originals’ documentary series The Kingdom , which debuted on Monday and chronicles Kansas City’s quest for a three-peat.
The Discovery of Patrick Mahomes
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach shared how Mahomes first came onto his radar during a scouting trip. At the time, Veach was co-director of player personnel, focusing on different position groups. He initially set out to evaluate a left tackle prospect from Texas Tech , where Mahomes was playing at the time.
“I started out with tackles and was watching a left tackle prospect from Texas Tech. As you’re watching the tackle, you’re saying ‘oh that’s a pretty cool throw’ and then you’re like ‘who is this guy?'” Veach recounted. Intrigued, he began researching the Texas Tech roster and discovered Mahomes, leading him down a rabbit hole of film study.
Coach Andy Reid walked in as Veach was watching Mahomes’ highlights. “I said, ‘I’m watching our next quarterback,'” Veach recalled, as Reid joined him in reviewing Mahomes’ impressive college reel.
Mahomes’ Unique Playing Style
Despite his talent, Mahomes was largely under the radar compared to other highly regarded quarterbacks in the 2017 draft class, like Mitchell Trubisky and Deshaun Watson . His unconventional playing style made it difficult for scouts to evaluate him properly. “People didn’t know how to scout Patrick Mahomes because he played this crazy, inventive, non-traditional style of football,” noted Peter King , a former Sports Illustrated writer.
Mahomes spent three seasons at Texas Tech, throwing for 11,252 yards , completing 63.5% of his passes, and recording 93 touchdowns against 29 interceptions . However, skepticism remained among some NFL front offices about whether his style would translate to the professional level.
Taking a Leap of Faith
On draft day, Veach was determined to advocate for Mahomes, despite the doubts circulating in the league. A pivotal moment came when his daughter handed him a note that simply read, “Pat no matter what.” This gesture served as a reminder to be relentless in pursuing what he believed was the future of the franchise.
“My daughter… she did see that one part in Draft Day where [Kevin] Costner’s character has the name written down,” Veach explained. “It was a special moment.”
The Chiefs, initially slated to pick 27th, made a bold move to trade up to the 10th overall pick , giving up future first and third-round selections to secure Mahomes. Reflecting on that decision, Veach acknowledged its monumental impact: “Looking back on it, we had the smallest of windows to execute something that would completely change the landscape of, not just the NFL, but – more importantly – this city and the community.”
The Transition to Starting Quarterback
This marked the first time since the 1983 draft that the Chiefs selected a quarterback in the first round, having previously chosen Todd Blackledge . Veteran quarterback Alex Smith , who started for the Chiefs in 2017, sensed that Mahomes was the future. After a disappointing postseason exit against the Tennessee Titans , Smith’s time as the starter came to a close.
In his debut season as the starter, Mahomes threw for an astounding 50 touchdowns and was named NFL MVP , with teammates praising his extraordinary talent. “Everyone was blown away [by Mahomes],” said all-time great tight end Travis Kelce . “That was the first time I had ever been on the field and felt magic happen.”
A Legacy in the Making
Mahomes’ journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite falling short in his first AFC Championship appearance against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots , Mahomes has since led the Chiefs to five Super Bowl appearances, winning three championships. He has earned accolades as a two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP.
At just 29 years old, Mahomes continues to dominate the league, currently ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in ESPN’s annual poll. His leadership and skill ensure that the Chiefs remain a formidable force in the NFL, and as long as he is at the helm, the prospect of another Super Bowl run is always on the horizon.
In retrospect, the decision to draft Mahomes, driven by a combination of keen scouting and a heartfelt note, has not only transformed the Chiefs franchise but also reshaped the landscape of the NFL itself.
