Super Bowl LIX - page 48

# **Patrick Mahomes College Stats** Before Patrick Mahomes became a household name and a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, he was lighting up the college football world at Texas Tech. Known for his rocket arm, playmaking ability, and knack for extending plays, Mahomes made his mark in Lubbock, Texas, before taking his talents to the NFL. From record-breaking performances to mind-boggling stats, his college career was a glimpse into the superstar he would become. Here’s a deep dive into the college stats, highlights, and unforgettable moments that made Mahomes a legend at Texas Tech.—## **Patrick Mahomes’ College Career Overview** Patrick Mahomes played three seasons at **Texas Tech (2014-2016)**, where he established himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. Despite playing for a Red Raiders team that often struggled defensively, Mahomes consistently put up jaw-dropping numbers, cementing his status as a future NFL star. #### **Texas Tech Career Summary:**
– **Years:** 2014-2016
– **Position:** Quarterback
– **College:** Texas Tech Red Raiders
– **Record as a Starter:** 13-16
– **Coaches:** Kliff Kingsbury While Texas Tech didn’t enjoy massive team success during Mahomes’ tenure, the quarterback’s individual brilliance was undeniable. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and fearless play made him must-watch entertainment every weekend.—## **Patrick Mahomes’ College Stats** Mahomes’ numbers at Texas Tech were absolutely staggering. Playing in the Red Raiders’ high-powered Air Raid offense, he shredded defenses with ease. ### **Career Stats at Texas Tech (2014-2016)**
– **Passing Yards:** 11,252
– **Touchdowns:** 93
– **Interceptions:** 29
– **Completion Percentage:** 63.5%
– **Rushing Yards:** 845
– **Rushing Touchdowns:** 22 These gaudy numbers placed him among the all-time greats in Texas Tech history. More impressively, Mahomes accumulated **5,052 passing yards in 2016 alone**, proving he could dominate at the highest level of college football.—## **Season-by-Season Breakdown** ### **2014: The Freshman Introduction**
Mahomes arrived at Texas Tech as a highly regarded recruit but started the season behind Davis Webb. However, injuries pushed Mahomes into action, and he made an immediate impact. – **Games Played:** 7
– **Passing Yards:** 1,547
– **Touchdowns:** 16
– **Interceptions:** 4
– **Completion Percentage:** 56.8% His breakout moment came against **Baylor**, where he threw for **598 yards and 6 touchdowns** in a thrilling loss. That game gave a glimpse of what was to come. —### **2015: Full-Time Starter**
Mahomes took over as the full-time starter in his sophomore season, and the results were electrifying. – **Games Played:** 13
– **Passing Yards:** 4,653
– **Touchdowns:** 36
– **Interceptions:** 15
– **Completion Percentage:** 63.5% One of his most impressive performances came against **TCU**, where he threw for 392 yards and 2 touchdowns in a narrow **55-52** loss. The Air Raid offense under Kliff Kingsbury was the perfect system for a gunslinger like Mahomes.—### **2016: Record-Breaking Junior Season**
Mahomes’ junior year was the ultimate showcase of his talent. He led the nation in passing yards and delivered one of the greatest individual performances in NCAA history. – **Games Played:** 12
– **Passing Yards:** 5,052
– **Touchdowns:** 41
– **Interceptions:** 10
– **Completion Percentage:** 65.7%
– **Rushing Yards:** 285
– **Rushing Touchdowns:** 12 The highlight of the season? A **mind-blowing performance against Oklahoma** where Mahomes threw for **734 passing yards and 819 total yards**an NCAA record for total offense in a single game. Even in a **66-59** loss, Mahomes’ display of talent was unforgettable.—## **Notable Records & Achievements** Mahomes set multiple records during his collegiate career, many of which still stand today:

The eye-popping numbers highlight Mahomes’ ability to take over games single-handedly.—## **Patrick Mahomes’ NFL Draft Decision** After his electrifying junior season, Mahomes declared for the **2017 NFL Draft**. He was selected **10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs**, signaling the start of what would become an NFL dynasty. His college days laid the foundation for the **MVP-caliber** quarterback he is today. Despite critics questioning whether the Air Raid offense would translate to the pros, Mahomes proved that his skill set was far from system-dependent. His ability to throw off-platform, read defenses, and improvise under pressure made him an elite talent well beyond the schematic advantages of college football.—## **Legacy at Texas Tech** Even though Texas Tech didn’t win a national championship or make a significant postseason run during Mahomes’ tenure, his impact on the program was undeniable. His style of play energized the fanbase and drew national attention to Lubbock. Texas Tech later honored Mahomes by **retiring his jersey in 2021**, ensuring his place in program history **alongside Red Raider legends like Graham Harrell and Kliff Kingsbury**.—## **Final Thoughts** Patrick Mahomes’ time at Texas Tech was nothing short of legendary. While he didn’t enjoy massive team success, his **video game-like numbers, record-breaking performances, and jaw-dropping moments** made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football history. Today, as a Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP, it’s clear that Texas Tech was the launching pad for one of football’s all-time greats. His college career wasn’t just about statsit was a preview of the generational talent that would take over the NFL stage. **Lubbock knew it first, then the world found out.**

Ranking Chiefs Super Bowl Teams

Few teams in NFL history have dominated an era quite like the Kansas City Chiefs under Patrick Mahomes. Since 2018, Mahomes has transformed the Chiefs into a perennial powerhouse, and in that time, they’ve made four Super Bowl appearanceswinning three of them. Each championship squad had its own identity, strengths, and defining moments that solidified its place in NFL history. But not all Super Bowl-winning (or contending) teams are created equal. Some had more firepower, others relied on defensive grit, and a few had to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. So, where do they all rank? Let’s break it down.

#4 – 2020 Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 14-2
Super Bowl Result: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-9
Defining Trait: A broken offensive line that met a relentless Buccaneers pass rush. In terms of regular-season dominance, the 2020 Chiefs looked like a juggernaut. Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill were practically unstoppable, cruising to a 14-2 record. But as the Super Bowl approached, cracks began to form. Injuries to key offensive linemen Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz left Mahomes running for his life against the Buccaneers’ overwhelming pass rush. The result? One of the ugliest Super Bowl performances in franchise history. Mahomes still made some incredible throws (including the now-iconic parallel-to-the-ground pass that should’ve been a touchdown), but without protection, the offense never stood a chance. This team had all the talent in the world but simply wasn’t built to withstand the kind of pressure Tampa Bay applied. Unlike some of the other Chiefs’ squads on this list, they just didn’t have the championship resilience to overcome such a glaring weakness.

#3 – 2019 Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 12-4
Super Bowl Result: Defeated San Francisco 49ers, 31-20
Defining Trait: The comeback kids. The 2019 Chiefs will always have a special place in franchise history. This was Mahomes’ first Super Bowl squad, and they solidified themselves as one of the most exciting and clutch teams ever. Almost every playoff game featured a dramatic, come-from-behind victory. They trailed 24-0 against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round before unleashing a 51-7 avalanche to win. They fell behind the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship but rallied again. And of course, the Super Bowl itself saw them down 20-10 with just over seven minutes left. Then, Mahomes Magic happened. In one of the greatest closing sequences ever, the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points behind clutch throws to Kelce and Sammy Watkins, securing Kansas City’s first Lombardi Trophy in five decades. What keeps them from ranking higher? They weren’t as dominant throughout the season as some of their successors. This was the beginning of the dynasty, but they weren’t at full power just yet.

#2 – 2022 Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 14-3
Super Bowl Result: Defeated Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35
Defining Trait: The post-Tyreek era proved Mahomes as an all-time great. After trading away Tyreek Hill in the offseason, many doubted whether the Chiefs could sustain their dominance. Yet, this team proved that Mahomes didn’t need an elite deep-threat receiver to be successfulhe was the elite deep-threat creator all along. Despite losing one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons, Kansas City’s offense hummed, thanks in large part to Mahomes’ brilliance and Andy Reid’s masterful play-calling. Kelce took on an even bigger role, while JuJu Smith-Schuster and a collection of role players helped fill the void. But what truly set this team apart was the Super Bowl itself. Matched up against an Eagles team with arguably the best roster in football, the Chiefs still found a way to win despite Mahomes re-injuring his ankle just before halftime. The second-half performance was a masterpiece, highlighted by flawless play calling, a perfectly executed game-winning drive, and of course, the now-infamous holding penalty that sealed the deal. This was a team that faced adversity, retooled on the fly, and still walked away as champions.

#1 – 2023 Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 11-6
Super Bowl Result: Defeated San Francisco 49ers, 25-22 (OT)
Defining Trait: A battle-tested squad that silenced the doubters. At points during the 2023 season, it looked like the dynasty was finally crumbling. The Chiefs’ receiving corps struggled mightily, with drops becoming a recurring nightmare. After years of torching defenses, Kansas City suddenly lacked its usual firepower and ended up logging an uncharacteristic 11-6 record. Yet, when the playoffs arrived, this team did what great champions doit found a way to win. Behind a vastly improved defense and Mahomes operating in “Terminator Mode,” the Chiefs grinded their way through tough playoff battles. They took down the high-flying Miami Dolphins, knocked off the No. 1-seeded Baltimore Ravens on the road, and delivered another heartbreaking loss to the Buffalo Bills. Then came an epic Super Bowl rematch against the 49ers. This game had everythingelite defensive plays, clutch throws, and a dramatic overtime finish. Mahomes’ late-game heroics once again stole the show, as he orchestrated the game-winning drive to secure his third title. Why does this team take the top spot? Unlike past iterations, the 2023 Chiefs weren’t just about overwhelming offensive firepower. They won with grit, defense, and the ability to execute in high-pressure moments. They weren’t the flashiest Super Bowl team of the Mahomes era, but they were undoubtedly the most battle-tested.

Final Thoughts

Ranking these teams isn’t just about stats or final scoresit’s about the journey. Each of these Super Bowl squads left its mark on Chiefs history in a unique way. Mahomes’ first title in 2019 proved Kansas City could reach the mountaintop. The 2022 championship showed that they could reinvent themselves. And the 2023 title? That cemented the dynasty. The story of the Patrick Mahomes era is still being written, but if history is any indication, this ranking might need an update sooner rather than later. Which Chiefs Super Bowl team do you think was the best? Let the debate begin!

Brady’s Ex Teammate Praises Mahomes

A Hall of Fame Endorsement for the Chiefs’ Superstar

Whenever the name Patrick Mahomes comes up in NFL conversations, particularly among former players, the praise is often incredibly high. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has already carved out a career that puts him on a path to being one of the all-time greats, and now, a former teammate of Tom Brady is adding his voice to the chorus of respect. Former New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson recently weighed in on Mahomes, offering significant praise for the Chiefs’ superstar, and his words carry weight. After all, Watson spent years alongside Brady, witnessing firsthand what greatness at the quarterback position looks like.

Watson Compares Mahomes to the Best

During a recent appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, Watson didn’t hold back when talking about what makes Mahomes special. “When you look at Mahomes, the way he’s able to extend plays, the way he can make throws from anywhere on the field, his leadershiphe just has that ‘it’ factor,” Watson said. Watson, who played in the NFL for 15 seasons, spent much of his career catching passes from Tom Brady. He knows what elite quarterback play looks like and understands the nuances that separate the good from the legendary. By comparing Mahomes to the best he’s ever played with, Watson’s endorsement stands as a noteworthy compliment.

Mahomes Continues to Cement His Legacy

At just 28 years old, Mahomes has already compiled a résumé that most quarterbacks could only dream of.

His ability to make clutch throws, extend plays with his legs, and perform under pressure has drawn comparisons to Brady on multiple occasions. But for a former Patriot to recognize Mahomes in this manner is a further testament to just how highly he’s regarded around the league.

A Rivalry That’s More Than Just Stats

Brady and Mahomes had their fair share of battles on the field, including the famous AFC Championship showdown in 2019 and the Super Bowl LV matchup where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Chiefs. While Mahomes fell short in that clash, it was clear that he was carrying the torch of the league’s next great quarterback era. Now, with Brady retired and Mahomes continuing to build his legacy, the comparisons won’t stop anytime soon. Watson’s praise only reinforces the idea that Mahomes is on a trajectory to join the all-time elite in NFL history.

What’s Next for Mahomes?

With two Super Bowl rings already in his collection and one of the best coaches in Andy Reid guiding him, Mahomes isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Chiefs have positioned themselves as perennial contenders, and their quarterback remains the biggest reason why. Hearing high praise from a player who spent years playing with Brady only solidifies what most of the football world already believesMahomes isn’t just great; he’s on his way to legendary status.