If you have ever wondered how long Patrick Mahomes has been in the NFL, the simple answer is that he entered the league in 2017 after being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Although he joined the NFL in 2017, Mahomes became the Chiefs’ full-time starting quarterback in 2018 and quickly transformed into one of the greatest players of his generation. In less than a decade, he has built a remarkable career filled with MVP awards, Super Bowl victories, passing records, and unforgettable performances. His combination of arm strength, creativity, leadership, and consistency has made him one of the biggest stars in professional football.
As of the 2026 NFL season, Patrick Mahomes has completed nine seasons in the league and is playing his tenth season. During that time, he has established himself as one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, earning multiple championships while continuing to compete at the highest level.
Patrick Mahomes Entered the NFL in 2017
Patrick Mahomes officially became an NFL player in April 2017 when the Kansas City Chiefs traded up in the first round of the NFL Draft to select him with the 10th overall pick. The organization believed he had the talent to become the franchise quarterback for years to come.
Coming out of Texas Tech University, Mahomes was already known for his incredible passing ability and strong arm. During his college career, he produced impressive offensive numbers and showed the ability to make difficult throws from almost any angle. While some experts questioned his playing style because it differed from traditional quarterbacks, the Chiefs believed his unique skills could change their offense.
His rookie season was mostly spent learning behind veteran quarterback Alex Smith. Rather than rushing Mahomes into the starting lineup, Kansas City allowed him to study the professional game, develop his decision-making, and become comfortable with the team’s offensive system. He appeared in only one regular-season game during the 2017 season but gained valuable experience that prepared him for the future.
Becoming the Chiefs’ Starting Quarterback
The biggest turning point in Patrick Mahomes’ career came in 2018 when the Chiefs named him their starting quarterback after trading Alex Smith. Expectations were high, but very few people predicted just how quickly Mahomes would become one of the NFL’s biggest stars.
In his first season as the starter, Mahomes threw for more than 5,000 passing yards and 50 touchdown passes. Those numbers immediately placed him among the league’s elite quarterbacks and earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. His exciting playing style attracted fans around the world as he regularly completed passes that many quarterbacks would never even attempt.
The Chiefs also became one of the league’s most explosive offensive teams, scoring points at an incredible pace while Mahomes demonstrated exceptional leadership despite his young age.
Super Bowl Success Changed His Legacy
Winning championships is often what defines legendary quarterbacks, and Patrick Mahomes achieved that goal early in his career. During the 2019 season, he led the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV, giving the franchise its first Super Bowl championship in fifty years.
Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP after helping the Chiefs overcome a double-digit deficit against the San Francisco 49ers. His calm leadership under pressure became one of the defining moments of his career.
That championship was only the beginning. Mahomes continued leading Kansas City deep into the playoffs almost every season. He helped the Chiefs win additional Super Bowl championships, further strengthening his reputation as one of football’s greatest winners. Multiple appearances in the NFL’s biggest game showed that his early success was not simply a one-time achievement but the start of a remarkable era.
Individual Awards and Career Achievements
Patrick Mahomes has collected numerous individual honors throughout his NFL career. Winning multiple NFL MVP awards confirmed that he was consistently performing at the highest level against the best competition in professional football.
His statistics continue to rank among the league’s best in passing yards, touchdown passes, quarterback rating, and playoff victories. Mahomes has also earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors, recognizing him as one of the NFL’s elite players.
Perhaps even more impressive is how quickly he reached these milestones. Many quarterbacks spend an entire career trying to win a single MVP award or Super Bowl championship, while Mahomes accomplished both within his first few seasons as a starter.
Why Patrick Mahomes Is Different From Other Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes is known for playing the quarterback position differently than almost anyone before him. His creativity allows him to throw accurate passes while running, jumping, or avoiding defenders. He frequently completes passes without setting his feet and can deliver the football from unusual arm angles.
His athletic ability also makes him dangerous outside the pocket. Instead of relying only on passing, Mahomes extends plays with his mobility and often creates opportunities after a play appears to have broken down.
Another important strength is his football intelligence. Mahomes reads defenses quickly, adjusts to changing situations, and makes smart decisions under pressure. These qualities have helped him consistently perform in important playoff games where mistakes can determine championships.
Patrick Mahomes’ Leadership on and Off the Field
Leadership has become one of Patrick Mahomes’ greatest strengths. His teammates regularly praise his confidence, preparation, and ability to inspire the entire team during difficult moments. Even when the Chiefs fall behind in games, Mahomes maintains his composure and encourages his teammates to stay focused.
Off the field, Mahomes has become one of the NFL’s most recognizable athletes. Through charitable work and community programs, he has supported education, health initiatives, and opportunities for young athletes. His foundation has helped numerous families while promoting positive change within local communities.
His popularity has also made him one of the most marketable athletes in professional sports, leading to endorsement partnerships with several major companies.
Career Timeline From 2017 to 2026
Patrick Mahomes’ NFL journey demonstrates steady growth and remarkable consistency. After entering the league in 2017 as a backup quarterback, he became the starter in 2018 and immediately won the NFL MVP Award. During the following seasons, he led Kansas City to multiple AFC Championship Games and several Super Bowl appearances while winning multiple championships and earning additional MVP honors.
Each season added another chapter to his growing legacy. Whether setting passing records, delivering game-winning drives, or leading comeback victories, Mahomes consistently proved why many analysts consider him the face of the modern NFL.
By the start of the 2026 season, he had completed nine NFL seasons and entered his tenth year as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
How Long Has Patrick Mahomes Been in the NFL?
The answer depends on how the question is asked. Patrick Mahomes officially joined the NFL in 2017, making the 2026 season his tenth year in the league. However, he has been the Kansas City Chiefs’ full-time starting quarterback since 2018, meaning he has spent nine seasons leading one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.
During that time, he has transformed from a promising young prospect into one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in football history. His career includes multiple MVP awards, several Super Bowl championships, Pro Bowl selections, playoff records, and countless memorable performances.
Because he entered the league at a young age and continues to perform at an elite level, many experts believe Mahomes still has many productive seasons ahead of him.
Patrick Mahomes’ Lasting Impact on the NFL
Patrick Mahomes has already changed the way many coaches and young quarterbacks view the position. His creativity has encouraged teams to embrace more athletic quarterbacks who can extend plays and make throws from unconventional angles.
Young football players frequently study Mahomes’ techniques, while NFL teams increasingly search for quarterbacks with similar mobility and versatility. His influence extends beyond statistics because he has helped redefine modern offensive football.
Fans also appreciate his exciting style of play. Every game offers the possibility of a remarkable pass, an unexpected comeback, or another highlight-reel moment. That excitement has helped attract new fans to the NFL while making Kansas City one of the league’s most popular teams.
Conclusion
Patrick Mahomes has been in the NFL since 2017, making the 2026 season his tenth year in professional football. What began as a promising rookie season spent learning behind a veteran quarterback quickly evolved into one of the greatest starts to an NFL career. Since becoming the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, Mahomes has consistently ranked among the league’s best players while leading Kansas City to multiple championships and establishing himself as one of football’s biggest stars.
His career has been defined by exceptional talent, outstanding leadership, remarkable consistency, and an ability to perform under pressure. Whether measured by championships, awards, statistics, or influence on the game, Patrick Mahomes has already secured his place among the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks. As he continues his career, football fans around the world will watch closely to see how many more records, championships, and milestones he adds to an already legendary legacy.
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