In a candid interview, former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith revealed the moment he knew Patrick Mahomes was destined to take his job. Smith, who led the Chiefs from 2013 to 2017 and helped guide the team to multiple playoff appearances, admitted that he could see Mahomes’ potential early on during their time together in Kansas City.

The Rise of Patrick Mahomes

Smith, the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, was brought to the Chiefs in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite. The three-time Pro Bowler led the Chiefs to the playoffs four times but fell short of reaching the Super Bowl. His time in Kansas City took a turn when the Chiefs selected Mahomes in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, giving the young quarterback the backup spot behind Smith.

The Chiefs went 10-6 in the 2017 regular season and earned another trip to the playoffs, but Mahomes’ time to shine came sooner than anyone expected. In the season finale, with the playoffs already secured, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave Mahomes his first real taste of action under center. Mahomes delivered an impressive performance, completing 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards in a 27-24 win over the Denver Broncos.

The Moment of Realization

Speaking to The Rich Eisen Show in a 2025 interview, Smith recalled the exact moment when he realized his time as the starting quarterback for the Chiefs was coming to an end. “You’d see on the practice field and you’d start to see how fast he was processing,” Smith explained. “And then certainly that last game of the 2017 season… To go out there in an NFL game and play the way we did, I think everybody that was there that day knew that he was ready.”

Smith’s recognition of Mahomes’ readiness came after watching the rookie quarterback thrive under the bright lights of an NFL game. Mahomes’ poise, accuracy, and ability to process the game at such a high level convinced many that he was ready to take over the reins of the Chiefs’ offense.

The Transition and the Titans Game

Despite Mahomes’ clear potential, the Chiefs’ 2017 season ended with a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Tennessee Titans. Shortly after the season, the Chiefs made the decision to trade Smith to Washington, where he would later face a devastating injury that nearly cost him his leg. Remarkably, Smith made a triumphant return in 2020, earning the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award.

For Mahomes, the transition from backup to starting quarterback was swift, and he quickly became the face of the franchise. In just his first season as the starter in 2018, Mahomes led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship and established himself as one of the NFL’s brightest stars. Since then, Mahomes has won three Super Bowl titles (2020, 2023, and 2024) and continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Mahomes’ Journey to Greatness

Mahomes’ rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. With his dynamic playmaking ability and ability to perform in clutch situations, he has set numerous records and earned accolades, including MVP honors and Super Bowl MVP awards. His success has helped revitalize the Chiefs, who had long struggled to reach the pinnacle of the NFL.

However, the 2025 season was a setback for Mahomes and the Chiefs. The team suffered a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs, with Mahomes also going down with a torn ACL. Despite the injury, Mahomes is hopeful to suit up for Week 1 of the 2026 season as he continues his recovery.

The Legacy of Patrick Mahomes

From his first NFL game to winning Super Bowls and breaking records, Mahomes has proven to be one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play the game. His rise to dominance in the NFL has mirrored the Chiefs’ resurgence as one of the league’s elite teams. As Mahomes continues to lead the Chiefs into the future, his story remains one of determination, hard work, and excellence.

For Alex Smith, the transition from starter to mentor may have been tough, but it’s clear that he played a crucial role in Mahomes’ development. Smith’s self-awareness and recognition of Mahomes’ abilities demonstrate his understanding of what it takes to be a successful leader and teammate. As Mahomes embarks on the next chapter of his career, it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead, and his impact on the NFL will be felt for years to come.

What’s Next for the Chiefs?

The Chiefs are looking to bounce back from a rough 2025 season and are preparing for the upcoming year with a renewed sense of purpose. With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs remain one of the favorites to compete for another Super Bowl title in 2026. As they continue to build around their star quarterback, Kansas City’s future remains incredibly bright, and the legacy of Patrick Mahomes continues to grow.

As for Alex Smith, his career may have ended, but his influence on Mahomes and the Chiefs will never be forgotten.