KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game, Patrick Mahomes found himself in the unusual position of feeling the need to apologize. Not for the win, which marked the Chiefs’ third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl, but for an embarrassing moment during the game when he attempted what could be considered one of the worst ball spikes in NFL history.
Late in the fourth quarter, while the Chiefs were driving for a crucial go-ahead score, Mahomes raced to the right and made a determined effort to get into the end zone. Overflowing with excitement, he sprang to his feet and attempted to spike the ball, only to have it slip from his grip and bounce awkwardly towards the sideline. “That is why I don’t try to spike the ball,” he quipped in retrospect.
Despite this mishap, Mahomes’s overall demeanor was one of calmness and control, traits his teammates appreciate during high-stakes moments. As the Chiefs prepare for their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans next weekend, his laid-back yet competitive nature has earned him the nickname “Laid-Back Pat” among his teammates and coaching staff.
“Under pressure, he really knows how to flourish,” stated Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “He’s wired to thrive in those tight moments.” It’s clear that Mahomes belongs to an elite group of athletes who excel under pressure. Currently, he holds three Super Bowl championships and is in pursuit of a fourth, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title. With two league MVP awards under his belt, he is consistently breaking records and has positioned the Chiefs as a formidable dynasty in the NFL.
“He’s the best player I ever played with,” admitted Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has played alongside other legends, including J.J. Watt. “Pat is definitely the best.” And Mahomes undeniably steps up when it matters most.
The Chiefs have astonishingly won an NFL-record 17 straight games decided by single digits. Furthermore, Mahomes has a winning record in games where his team was behind entering the fourth quarter—27 wins and 26 losses—whereas the next closest quarterback has a mere 38.6% winning percentage in similar situations.
In playoff scenarios, where tension rises considerably, Mahomes demonstrates even greater prowess. When the Chiefs find themselves within one possession in the fourth quarter or overtime, Mahomes has driven them to score on 13 out of 14 attempts. Statistics reveal he is 40 of 56 passing for 552 yards, boasting five passing touchdowns, no interceptions, and one rushing touchdown during these critical drives.
Throughout his nine postseason games featuring fourth-quarter deficits, he has orchestrated six comeback victories. Even in the most challenging losses, he has brought Kansas City to overtime. “Whatever it takes for us to win, Pat will make it happen,” noted Travis Kelce, Chiefs tight end.
Mahomes’s calmness under pressure perhaps stems from his upbringing as the son of former Major League Baseball pitcher Pat Mahomes Sr. This background instilled a sense of poise in him during sports from a young age. Reid commented, “Growing up around his dad’s locker room definitely played a part, but some of it is innate. The tighter the situation, the looser he tends to play.”
As Mahomes gears up for his fifth Super Bowl appearance, he carries a legacy of success. In his inaugural Super Bowl against San Francisco in 2020, he led the Chiefs from a 20-10 deficit in the final minutes to clinch a 31-20 win. Fast forward to last year, Mahomes orchestrated a comeback against the Eagles, clinching a 38-35 victory after trailing 27-21 in the fourth quarter. Not to forget, in a dramatic rematch against the 49ers, he managed another comeback victory despite falling behind multiple times.
The Chiefs would undeniably prefer a decisive victory against the Eagles on February 9 instead of another nail-biter. Nonetheless, with Mahomes at the helm, they have an unwavering confidence in their quarterback’s ability to deliver in clutch situations. “He has a knack for making plays at critical moments; that’s just who he is,” beamed Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, showcasing the team’s faith in their star quarterback.
