Johnny Manziel Admits He Almost Cost Patrick Mahomes His Spot with the Chiefs

Few draft picks in NFL history have transformed a franchise as profoundly as the Kansas City Chiefs’ selection of Patrick Mahomes in 2017. In just eight seasons, Mahomes has thrown for over 32,000 yards and 245 touchdowns, claimed two league MVP awards, and led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles—earning Super Bowl MVP honors each time. At just 29 years old, he’s not only the face of the Kansas City dynasty but arguably the entire NFL.

But what if history had taken a different turn? According to Johnny Manziel, the former first-round pick whose NFL career fizzled after a tumultuous stint with the Cleveland Browns, he was nearly in line to join the Chiefs just before Mahomes arrived. This revelation, shared by Manziel on Maxx Crosby’s “The Rush” podcast, offers a fascinating “what if” scenario that could have altered the destiny of both the Chiefs and the league.

Manziel’s Near Miss in Kansas City

Reflecting on his post-Browns journey, Manziel said,
“I thought I was going to sign in Kansas City the same year that Mahomes got drafted. So, I think they wouldn’t have taken a quarterback, which thank God they did. I think I could have ended up there.”

After being cut by the Browns in 2016, Manziel was searching for a second chance in the NFL. He revealed that he had several conversations with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid—renowned for his willingness to give talented players a fresh start.
“I took a couple meetings there and flew up to Kansas City and kicked the tires on it,” Manziel recalled. He believed that Reid “had seen something” in him during their interactions.

Despite these meetings and mutual interest, a deal never materialized. The Chiefs decided against signing Manziel, instead turning their attention to the NFL Draft.

The Pivotal Draft Decision

Kansas City originally held the 27th overall pick in the 2017 draft. Sensing a rare opportunity, the Chiefs orchestrated a bold trade, sending their first-round pick, a third-rounder, and their 2018 first-round pick to move up to No. 10. Their target: Patrick Mahomes, a strong-armed, improvisational quarterback out of Texas Tech.

Mahomes became the first quarterback the Chiefs had selected in the first round since 1983. Both General Manager John Dorsey and Andy Reid were convinced of his potential. Reid later described how the team had “buried him with the kitchen sink” during interviews to test his football IQ, and Mahomes passed every challenge with ease.

What Might Have Been

Had the Chiefs signed Manziel, it’s very possible they would have opted not to draft a quarterback in the first round. Manziel’s arrival could have changed the entire trajectory of the franchise—and the NFL itself. Would Andy Reid’s coaching have revived Manziel’s career, tapping into the brilliance he showed at Texas A&M? Or would the Chiefs have missed out on the generational talent that Mahomes has become?

Ultimately, Manziel never got his second NFL shot in Kansas City. The Chiefs’ decision to pursue Mahomes instead stands as one of the most consequential choices in recent football history. While Manziel’s career faded, Mahomes has redefined the quarterback position with his combination of arm strength, creativity, and leadership.

The Legacy of a Near Miss

For Chiefs fans, the thought of “what might have been” is both fascinating and unsettling. Had Manziel joined the team, the Mahomes era—and the Chiefs’ current dynasty—might never have happened. Or perhaps Andy Reid could have unlocked Manziel’s college greatness and changed his story.

In the end, no one will ever know how things might have played out. But as the Chiefs continue to dominate the NFL with Mahomes under center, it’s clear that their decision in 2017 was the right one—and a reminder of how a single choice can reshape the future of an entire franchise.