Patrick Mahomes is the heart and soul of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Of course, you can argue that he has a solid roster and one of the best coaching staff in the game, and you’d be right.
But none of that would’ve meant a thing if it wasn’t for his generationally-impactful play.
Mahomes’ ability to turn broken plays into big games, his determination to step up when it matters the most, and his seemingly unfazed nature when trailing have turned him into an all-time great already, compiling a Hall of Famer résumé in just five full years as a starter.
All of that was on full display again during Super Bowl LVII when he took off for a 26-yard scramble to set up his team on field-goal range late in the fourth quarter, all while nursing a high ankle injury.
That scramble eventually led to the Chiefs going up by 3 points and winning the game, which is why, considering the context, his health, and what it meant, NFL analyst Nick Wright believes it was the greatest play of his career:
“I think that’s the best play of his career,” Wright said. “I actually think that is the singular best play of his career. Because I don’t think they win without that moment. I mean, the fact that as all of the true all-time legendary players, when they’re compromised, almost seem to keep one extra gear in reserve.”
“In back-to-back playoff games on a high ankle sprain, for the biggest moment oft he game, Mahomes finding a gear with his legs when he’s been dicing you up with his arms is what makes him special. And not the comeback stuff with this guy, is — the numbers don’t seem possible,” Wright said.
"That's the best play of his career."
— @GetNickWright puts perspective to Patrick Mahomes' late game scramble pic.twitter.com/ZBcRyyaXBT
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 14, 2023
Mahomes was literally limping during the AFC Championship Game, and he wasn’t as explosive or prone to scramble during the Super Bowl, yet none of that mattered.
Once again, he rose to the occasion when his team needed a miraculous play, just like he’s done throughout his entire career.
Pat is already the greatest player in NFL history when it comes to overcoming 10+ deficits, and he did it again on the biggest stage.
So, yeah, that might be his greatest play just yet, but you better believe he’s got countless left in his bag.
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