Alex Smith reveals the moment he knew Patrick Mahomes was taking over as the starter for Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes succeeded Alex Smith after the 2017 season and went on to lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles.

Alex Smith reveals the moment he knew Patrick Mahomes was taking over as the starter for Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, Alex Smith (Images via NBC News/LA Times)

After spending more than seven years on the West Coast, the 2005 NFL first overall pick, Alex Smith, shifted bases in 2012. The Bremerton native joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 for a second-round pick in the same year and a conditional pick in the next year’s draft.

Smith quickly became the starting quarterback after impressing the team with his high football IQ and skills. In his first season, he led the Chiefs to nine straight wins to start the year and remained the last unbeaten team. He remained consistent through these years in the Kansas City Chiefs, with 3000+ passing yards in all seasons. In 2017, Alex Smith moved aside as the Chiefs introduced now-legendary Patrick Mahomes into the fray.

During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the now former NFL quarterback reflected on his Kansas City exit. Smith discussed the moment he knew change at the Chiefs’ QB spot was inevitable. That realization came during the final game of the 2017 season when rookie Patrick Mahomes took the field.

At the time, Smith had just finished a 10–6 regular season, leading Kansas City to the playoffs again. Despite consistent success, the team had failed to advance past the divisional round under his leadership. Meanwhile, the organization had selected Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, signaling a future transition.

In Week 17, with their playoff seeding already secured, head coach Andy Reid gave Mahomes his first NFL start. The rookie completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards and led the Chiefs to a narrow 27–24 victory. Smith described that performance as the moment he—and many others—recognized Mahomes’ readiness.

There were throws he made in practice and moments that caught everyone’s attention. But after that final game, everybody that was there knew he was ready.

Alex Smith said

In an earlier interview, Alex Smith noted that he knew his time was up when Mahomes was drafted by the Chiefs. Just weeks later, following Kansas City’s wild-card loss to Tennessee, Smith was traded to Washington, and Mahomes assumed the starting role.

Patrick Mahomes changed the trajectory of the Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes’ ascension as Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2018 marked a historic shift for the Chiefs franchise. Before Mahomes, the Chiefs had consistently been playoff participants under Alex Smith but rarely as serious contenders. The transition to Mahomes transformed the team into an offensive powerhouse and a perennial Super Bowl threat.

Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes (Via Imago)

The reason behind the same is Patrick Mahomes’ work ethic and the standards he set for himself. Alex Smith, in his Rich Eisen interview, also detailed the same as well.

There was one thing… his work ethic. This guy beat me into the office almost every morning. He was not afraid of work. He did the little things, I knew the writing was on the wall. Could he have (played right away?) Of course. I think he’s the best quarterback in the NFL at the line of scrimmage.

Alex Smith said

In his first full season as a starter, Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, winning the league MVP. The following year, he led Kansas City to its first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

The Kansas City Chiefs have won all division titles since Patrick Mahomes took over – a legacy they will look forward to continuing in the upcoming season as well. In the short span, Mahomes has established himself as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to five Super Bowl appearances and winning three (LIV, LVII, LVIII). With a postseason record of 17–4, Mahomes has thrown for 5,814 yards and 71 touchdowns in the playoffs. 

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