Leigh Steinberg, the legendary NFL super agent behind Patrick Mahomes’ rise to superstardom, has shared new insights about the pivotal moments that led to Mahomes being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 and the negotiation of his groundbreaking $503 million contract in 2020.

A Surprising Draft Night for Mahomes

Steinberg, 77, has represented numerous NFL stars, including Troy Aikman and Steve Young, and his career is the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. However, his work with Mahomes stands out as one of the most significant moments in the history of the draft. On the night of the 2017 draft, Mahomes was selected by the Chiefs with the 10th overall pick — a move that Steinberg says changed the course of the NFL.

Recalling the moment Mahomes was picked, Steinberg shared, “Every minute seems like an hour, every second seems like a minute.” As the Chiefs’ pick was announced, the room erupted with joy, and the Mahomes family’s emotions were palpable. Mahomes, ever grounded, didn’t show the typical signs of excitement, and instead, he sat calmly in a country club in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by his closest family and friends.

At the time, Mahomes was known for his incredible arm strength and ability to “visualize the field” like he had X-ray vision, as Steinberg put it. Yet, many NFL teams overlooked his potential, particularly due to his time at Texas Tech, where his team often gave up high scores, leaving Mahomes to fight for every touchdown.

“People underestimated him because he played at Texas Tech and they would give up 50 points a game,” Steinberg recalled. “But if you project him into the NFL, that’s a different picture.”

Steinberg had a deep belief in Mahomes’ ability to compartmentalize his thoughts and perform under pressure, a quality shared by the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, such as Steve Young and Troy Aikman.

Why the Chiefs Were Right to Take Mahomes

While the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints were reportedly interested in Mahomes, the Chiefs made the trade to move up and select him, bypassing other top talent. The decision was eventually validated as Mahomes became the MVP in his second season and led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl victories.

Steinberg, however, wasn’t shocked by Mahomes’ success, though he admits he didn’t anticipate just how quickly it would come. “I knew he was going to be successful but not as quickly as he was,” he said. The Chiefs’ bold move has proven to be a defining moment for both Mahomes’ career and the franchise.

The Record-Breaking Contract Negotiation

After leading the Chiefs to Super Bowl victories, Mahomes’ value skyrocketed, culminating in the largest contract in sports history at the time — a 10-year, $503 million deal in 2020. Steinberg, the mastermind behind the negotiation, reflected on how he crafted this deal by understanding the mindset of the Chiefs’ ownership.

“How can you craft a win-win scenario where you’re accomplishing their goals at the same time you’re representing your player?” Steinberg explained. “For the player, the secret for me is listening. I think the most important skill in life is the ability to draw another person out.”

In the end, Steinberg’s negotiation allowed Mahomes to become the highest-paid player in sports, securing his future and solidifying his position as the face of the franchise for the next decade.

A Personal and Professional Journey

Steinberg’s new book, The Comeback, chronicles his life both professionally and personally, revealing not only the highs of his career but also the lows, including a battle with alcoholism and a period of financial ruin. His journey of redemption serves as a testament to resilience, and the book aims to inspire others who face setbacks in life.

“Life will have a way of setting us all back,” Steinberg says in the book. “It could be financially, it could be health, marital, substance abuse. So what do you do when that happens, when there is a crash and collapse? Can you find optimism, light at the end of the tunnel?”

His story of recovery and success, much like Mahomes’ career, is about overcoming challenges and emerging stronger on the other side.

Looking Ahead: Mahomes and the Chiefs’ Future

As Patrick Mahomes continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in December 2025, the focus now shifts to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The Chiefs hold the No. 9 pick, providing them an opportunity to land a key player to help their roster bounce back after a disappointing season.

Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ management are eager to rebuild and set themselves up for another run at the Super Bowl, with Mahomes leading the charge. While Mahomes’ knee injury remains a concern, his relentless work ethic and determination make him poised for a strong return in 2026.

The Road to Redemption

For both Patrick Mahomes and Leigh Steinberg, their stories have been about more than just football. It’s about overcoming adversity, making bold decisions, and forging paths to greatness. As Mahomes prepares for the next chapter of his career, and Steinberg continues to share his life’s lessons, the legacy of their partnership is one of both perseverance and success.