Patrick Mahomes leaves no doubt as to his greatness, even in Chiefs preseason: He’s in a world of his own

Patrick Mahomes has made a living out of doing things scarcely before seen on an NFL field — a quality that apparently extends even to preseason action.  Mahomes on Saturday dazzled legions of NFL fans during the Kansas City Chiefs’ second preseason game, against the Detroit Lions. During the first half at Arrowhead Stadium, Mahomes tossed a behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce for a first down, a decision that received near-universal praise on social media and cemented Mahomes even further as the league’s premier quarterback — and its premier attraction.

Kelce, RGIII among the strongest reactions

Travis’ older brother, the recently-retired Jason, called Mahomes a “son of a gun” for even attempting the audacious behind-the-back pass — let alone for completing it — and referred to him with an adjective that many before him have used: “magic”.

This son of a gun actually did it!! Magic Mahomes

— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) August 17, 2024

Mahomes has the power to inspire that kind of reaction from even the most hardened NFL veterans, players who have been there and done that. Robert Griffin III — recently dismissed as an analyst at ESPN — posted on X/Twitter that it was impossible for any other quarterback to warrant a comparison to Mahomes when the three-time Super Bowl champion is pulling off passes like that.

Patrick Mahomes took that NFL players can’t play in the NBA debate seriously and brought the basketball court to the football field with this BEHIND THE BACK BEAUTY. Don’t compare any QBs to him, he is in A WORLD OF HIS OWN. pic.twitter.com/rbod8t4Fov

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 17, 2024

Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP, is clearly in a confident mood entering the 2024 season — in which the Chiefs could make history by becoming the first team ever to win the Super Bowl in three consecutive seasons. Maybe he won’t break out the behind-the-back pass during an official game that counts in the standings, but Mahomes’ boldness and trust in his teammates are two more qualities that will see him earn induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday.

Put Patrick Mahomes in the Hall of Fame right now.

— Patrick Allen (@RPatrickAllen) August 17, 2024