The world knows Patrick Mahomes as a two-time Super Bowl winner and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
But before he emerged as one of the faces of a billion-dollar industry, Mahomes established himself as one of the most prolific passers ever at the collegiate level. Were his numbers enough to win college football’s richest individual prize?
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Was Patrick Mahomes a Heisman Winner or a Heisman Finalist?
To answer the first question, Mahomes never laid claim to the coveted Heisman Trophy.
Even with 11,252 total passing yards, 93 touchdown passes, and just 22 interceptions at Texas Tech, Mahomes never heard his name called at Radio City Hall in New York City.
But was he ever invited to the event that honors the nation’s best collegiate players?
While Mahomes was shattering school and national records in Lubbock, Texas, he was never even considered a top-five or three finalist.
Who ended up getting the invite? Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, his wide receiver teammate Dede Westbrook, Michigan linebacker/safety Jabril Peppers, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, and the eventual winner, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Was there a reason why Mahomes was snubbed, even after throwing for 5,052 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions?
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Mahomes’ Red Raiders 2016 team never got the chance to play in a bowl game, as they finished 5-7. The downside with a college football player posting astronomical numbers is that the Heisman Trophy committee only recognizes the best players on the nation’s best teams.
What Honors Did Mahomes Receive?
Despite not winning the Heisman, Mahomes’ Red Raiders career still saw a collection of prestigious nods.
One was earning Academic All-American honors. But arguably, his top individual honor was earning the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 2016, which honors the nation’s best passer.
But since his college experience, Mahomes has accomplished way more in the pros. He’s earned five Pro Bowls, two All-Pro nods, Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and, of course, taking the Chiefs to three Super Bowls since the 2019 season, winning two titles.
Now, he has the Chiefs at 4-1 overall for the second straight season and is eyeing a return to the big game, this time at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.