In a lighthearted moment that has NFL fans buzzing, NFL Network took a playful jab at Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes during a recent broadcast, poking fun at his infamous Combine moment. The clip, which has circulated on social media for years, shows a younger Mahomes—then a draft prospect in 2017—struggling through a few drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
While Mahomes’ Combine performance is hardly a blemish on his career (after all, he turned out to be one of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks), NFL Network couldn’t resist taking a humorous look back at the “awkward” footage. The network’s segment, which aired during a pre-game show, featured a slow-motion replay of Mahomes attempting a footwork drill, accompanied by cheeky commentary and exaggerated music.
A Lighthearted Roast
In the segment, the hosts quipped about Mahomes’ unconventional style at the Combine, drawing comparisons to “a quarterback who’d never seen a football drill before.” One of the hosts joked, “It’s like he was trying to figure out how to use his legs in a way he’d never done before, and, well… that’s why we have the Combine.”
While the joke was all in good fun, it’s a reminder that Mahomes’ journey to NFL stardom wasn’t as seamless as his current on-field dominance might suggest. The former Texas Tech standout, who was drafted 10th overall by the Chiefs, had questions surrounding his mechanics coming into the NFL—questions that he’s more than answered since leading Kansas City to two Super Bowl titles and earning two MVP awards.
A True Testament to Growth
Despite the playful jab, Mahomes has come a long way since those pre-draft days. Since entering the league, he’s become the face of the NFL, showcasing his incredible arm strength, mobility, and clutch performances in some of the league’s biggest games. But even with his MVP-caliber play, Mahomes hasn’t forgotten the lighthearted moments from his early career.
In a recent interview, Mahomes reflected on his Combine experience, saying, “It was a tough day, but I try not to take myself too seriously. I’ve always known that I had a lot to work on, and I’m thankful for the people around me who’ve helped me get where I am.”
Taking It in Stride
The best part of the whole segment? Mahomes himself took it all in stride. When asked about the clip on social media, Mahomes responded with a playful tweet: “Ahh, the good ol’ Combine days. Guess I wasn’t a footwork expert back then, huh? 😂 Still got the job done though!” Fans immediately jumped into the conversation, with many expressing their admiration for Mahomes’ ability to laugh at himself while continuing to dominate on the field.
While Mahomes’ Combine moment may have been far from perfect, it’s clear that he’s evolved both as a player and as a leader. And given his track record in the NFL, it’s safe to say that what really matters isn’t how he looked in drills five years ago—it’s how he performs on Sundays.
A Career Still on the Rise
Looking forward, Mahomes shows no signs of slowing down. With the Chiefs remaining one of the top contenders in the league, the 28-year-old quarterback continues to rewrite the record books while keeping his sense of humor firmly intact. As NFL Network’s segment demonstrated, Mahomes’ journey from Combine uncertainty to NFL royalty is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and ability to laugh at the bumps along the way.
In the end, it’s all part of the charm that makes Mahomes not only one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch but also one of the most beloved figures in the NFL today.
