7 Years Ago Today: Patrick Mahomes Makes His NFL Debut Against the Broncos, Harrison Butker Kicks a 30-Yard Game-Winning Field Goal

 

 

On January 2, 2018, Patrick Mahomes made his much-anticipated NFL debut, taking the field as the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The game would mark the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career for Mahomes, though at the time, it was a moment of great significance for him as a young player stepping into the spotlight.

Patrick Mahomes’ Debut Performance

While the Chiefs had already secured a playoff spot and were resting their star quarterback, Alex Smith, Mahomes was given the opportunity to start in the season finale. Mahomes, who was a highly touted rookie quarterback out of Texas Tech, was eager to showcase his talent.

Despite being a rookie, Mahomes showed flashes of the brilliance that would later define his career. His debut was a mix of highs and lows. He passed for 284 yards, completing 22 of 35 attempts, but he also threw one interception. He demonstrated his arm strength and ability to make impressive throws on the move, something that would become a hallmark of his playing style in the years to come. His performance, while not flawless, gave Chiefs fans a glimpse of the future.

Harrison Butker’s Game-Winning Field Goal

The game was tightly contested, with both teams fighting for pride in the final game of the regular season. As the clock ticked down, the game was tied at 27. With just under a minute remaining, the Chiefs found themselves in a position to win the game. Harrison Butker, the Chiefs’ reliable kicker, came onto the field to attempt a 30-yard field goal to give the Chiefs a victory.

Butker’s kick was true, sailing through the uprights and giving the Chiefs a 30-27 win. It was a thrilling finish to Mahomes’ first game as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, and it highlighted Butker’s clutch ability in a crucial moment.

 

 

A Historic Beginning

While Mahomes’ debut wasn’t necessarily a spectacular individual performance, it set the stage for what would come. A year later, Mahomes took over the starting role full-time and led the Chiefs to new heights, including winning the NFL MVP award in 2018. His debut against the Broncos remains a key milestone in his journey toward becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

This game also marked the beginning of the Chiefs’ new era under Mahomes, with the franchise embarking on a path that would eventually lead them to Super Bowl glory in 2020. For Chiefs fans, Mahomes’ debut remains a memorable and historic moment in the team’s history. It was a reminder of the promise he brought, even if it took a few more years for him to fully realize his potential.

Looking Back on the Impact of Mahomes’ Debut

Seven years later, Mahomes is now considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, with a Super Bowl victory, multiple MVP awards, and numerous records to his name. But his debut against the Broncos stands as a reminder of how far he’s come, from the young rookie quarterback stepping onto the field for the first time to the superstar who now leads the Chiefs on a quest for more championships.

Meanwhile, Harrison Butker’s game-winning kick remains a key moment in that season, helping the Chiefs close out the year on a positive note. His clutch performance was a precursor to his later success as a reliable kicker in Kansas City.

As Mahomes and the Chiefs continue to build on their success, that 2017 debut will always be remembered as the day the NFL saw the first steps of a future legend.