Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

NFL Reacts to Patrick Mahomes Decision on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 5:22 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs had their worst NFL season in over a decade in 2025. After starting the year with a 5-3 record, the Chiefs dropped eight of their last nine games, ending the season with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. On the bright side for Kansas City, it will be selecting with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a much higher pick than normal.

Despite the disappointing season for the Chiefs, Mahomes continued to shine in his ninth NFL season. The quarterback completed 315-of-502 passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers ended Mahomes' season early, potentially putting his start of the 2026 season in jeopardy.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Houston Texans.© Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

Before Mahomes became a star with the Chiefs, the quarterback made a name for himself in college with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. From 2014 to 2016, while recording a 13-16 record, Mahomes completed 857-of-1,349 passes for 11,252 yards, 93 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. His college play was good enough to earn him the No. 10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

And on Thursday, Mahomes returned to his alma mater in Lubbock, Texas, for Texas Tech’s pro day. The Chiefs star was seen speaking with numerous Red Raiders players hoping to hear their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with members of the coaching staff. Mahomes wasn’t the only NFL presence in attendance, as Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was also there.

Some of the major names to perform or speak at the Texas Tech pro day include quarterback Behren Morton, wide receiver Reggier Virgil and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. But arguably the top prospect at the event was edge David Bailey, who is projected to go as high as No. 2 in the upcoming draft.

The NFL reacted to Mahomes' decision with a social media post, sharing a couple of photos of the quarterback at the Texas Tech pro day.

"Supporting the alma mater," the NFL wrote on X. "@PatrickMahomes checking in at Texas Tech for Pro Day"

Supporting the alma mater@PatrickMahomes checking in at Texas Tech for Pro Day

(via @TexasTechFB) pic.twitter.com/cLpBv2GGOa
— NFL (@NFL) March 26, 2026