Alex Smith Froze Mid-Practice—What He Saw Mahomes Do Left Him Speechless

When Alex Smith first witnessed Patrick Mahomes in action during Kansas City Chiefs’ practices in 2017, he saw something extraordinary—a talent so rare it left veterans speechless. Smith, the Chiefs’ starting quarterback at the time, recalled Mahomes executing no-look passes and drilling 20-yard routes with pinpoint accuracy. “Rare, rare talent,” Smith declared, a sentiment echoed when teammate Eric Berry, awestruck by one of Mahomes’ throws, urged Smith to come see for himself. This moment marked the beginning of Mahomes’ ascent to NFL superstardom, a journey defined by jaw-dropping skill and unrelenting brilliance.

Mahomes, the Chiefs’ 2017 first-round pick, didn’t just impress with flashy plays. His ability to make the impossible look routine—sidearm throws, cross-field lasers, and improvisational scrambles—set him apart. Smith, a seasoned quarterback with a keen eye for talent, recognized Mahomes’ gifts as generational. Those practice-field heroics foreshadowed Mahomes’ 2018 breakout, where he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning NFL MVP honors in his first season as a starter. His arm strength and creativity redefined the quarterback position, making him a nightmare for defenses.

Beyond raw talent, Mahomes’ mental acuity shone through. Smith noted his ability to quickly grasp Andy Reid’s complex offense, a testament to his football IQ. By 2025, Mahomes had already secured multiple Super Bowl MVPs and led the Chiefs to consistent playoff runs, proving his early flashes were no fluke. His no-look passes, once a practice spectacle, became signature plays that thrilled fans and baffled opponents, cementing his status as a once-in-a-lifetime player.

Smith’s early endorsement of Mahomes underscores the veteran’s foresight. Berry’s reaction, shared by countless others since, reflects the universal awe Mahomes inspires. From practice fields to Super Bowl stages, Mahomes’ rare talent has transformed the Chiefs into a dynasty. As Smith watched Mahomes carve his legacy, he saw what everyone now knows: a quarterback whose brilliance transcends the game, leaving an indelible mark on NFL history.