On December 30th, a significant milestone in NFL history was quietly etched into the records as a young Patrick Mahomes made his mark. It was on this day, years ago, that Mahomes showed the world why he would eventually become one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. While his eventual dominance is no longer in question, many fans may not realize that this pivotal moment came during a game where Mahomes was still finding his footing.

Though Patrick Mahomes is now considered the face of the Kansas City Chiefs and one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the sport, his rise to stardom did not happen overnight. The turning point for Mahomes came when he was still in the early stages of his career. This moment in history, which took place on December 30th, 2017, would serve as an early glimpse of what was to come.

The Context: A Rookie Making His First Start

December 30th, 2017, marked a critical moment in Mahomes’ career as he made his first start for the Kansas City Chiefs. At the time, the Chiefs were still led by veteran quarterback Alex Smith, a respected figure who had helped the team to the playoffs in 2017. The Chiefs had already clinched a playoff spot and decided to give Mahomes a chance to start in the final game of the regular season. With nothing left to lose, Mahomes entered the game with the pressure of trying to prove that he was ready for the big time.

This game against the Denver Broncos wasn’t just another meaningless regular-season contest; it was an opportunity for Mahomes to showcase his potential. The Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by Andy Reid, had been high on Mahomes ever since they traded up to select him with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. But a question still lingered: Could Mahomes transition from his college style of play at Texas Tech to the highly tactical and cerebral world of the NFL?

The Game: A Glimpse of the Future

On that day, Patrick Mahomes delivered a performance that had Chiefs fans buzzing. While the 27-24 victory over the Broncos wasn’t a masterpiece in itself, Mahomes’ performance was. He finished the game with 22 completions on 35 attempts, throwing for 284 yards and 1 touchdown, while also showcasing his trademark improvisational skills. More importantly, Mahomes displayed an uncanny ability to perform under pressure, showing poise that belied his youth.

For those who had doubted Mahomes’ ability to translate his college success into the NFL, this game was a solid proof of concept. He was able to execute Andy Reid’s complex offensive system with ease, and his natural playmaking ability was evident in his quick release, deep throws, and uncanny knack for avoiding the pass rush. Fans and analysts alike began to take notice: this kid could be special.

But while Mahomes showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t just the numbers that made this performance stand out. What set Mahomes apart on that day was his ability to make plays outside the pocket, his confidence in throwing deep balls, and his exceptional football IQ. He wasn’t playing like a typical rookie—he was playing like a future MVP, even if no one fully realized it at the time.

The Fallout: A Glimpse of the Future MVP

Fast forward to today, and that game against the Broncos looks like nothing more than a preview of the legendary career that Mahomes would go on to have. After taking over the starting role in 2018, Mahomes led the Chiefs to an explosive season, earning the NFL MVP award in just his first full year as a starter. His incredible 50-touchdown season was just the beginning. Mahomes has since delivered the Chiefs their first Super Bowl championship in 50 years and has continued to rewrite the record books with his astonishing playmaking ability.

In many ways, that game against the Broncos, where Mahomes showed flashes of greatness, was the turning point that allowed Kansas City fans to believe their team had finally found a long-term solution at quarterback. Little did anyone know that Mahomes would go on to establish himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks the game has ever seen, with comparisons to the likes of Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Brett Favre.

However, in retrospect, it’s easy to see that this game did more than just introduce Mahomes to the league. It exposed a glaring flaw in the NFL system: the bias against rookie quarterbacks who play in an unconventional style. Mahomes’ incredible skill set and improvisational playmaking were often seen as raw and unrefined. Critics of Mahomes believed that his reliance on athleticism and a strong arm would be his downfall in the NFL, especially when compared to more polished quarterbacks like Mitchell Trubisky (drafted ahead of him in 2017) and Deshaun Watson. Yet, Mahomes’ performance on December 30, 2017, would prove that these criticisms were nothing more than outdated thinking in a rapidly evolving game.

The Controversial Take: Should the Chiefs Have Moved On from Alex Smith So Early?

The most controversial aspect of Mahomes’ early start is the timing of it all. While it was the right decision for the Chiefs to give Mahomes a shot in his rookie season, many believe the team’s decision to move on from Alex Smith so quickly after the 2017 season was premature. Smith had led the Chiefs to the playoffs and posted a career-best year in terms of efficiency. In fact, some argue that Smith was still good enough to keep the Chiefs competitive for at least another season.

Yet, in an era of NFL history where quarterbacks are expected to win now, the Chiefs took a calculated gamble on Mahomes—and it paid off in spades. But was it necessary to abandon Smith’s leadership so soon? Some believe it was an act of impatience that could have led to disastrous consequences. If Mahomes hadn’t been as good as he turned out to be, the Chiefs might have found themselves in quarterback purgatory, something many teams still struggle with today.

Conclusion: A Mark Made, But the Journey is Far From Over

On December 30th, 2017, Patrick Mahomes did more than just take the field—he set the stage for a future filled with MVP awards, Super Bowl titles, and a legacy that may one day rival the greats of the sport. While this game may not have been the most dazzling performance of his career, it was an important moment in proving to the world that Mahomes had something special.

But as with any great story, the true impact of this game is still being written. With every passing season, Mahomes continues to break records and defy expectations. As he enters his prime, the NFL and its fans can only wonder just how much higher he can go. And as for that game on December 30, 2017? It wasn’t just a start—it was a harbinger of greatness.