KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' stardom took a national turn during the Kansas City Chiefs game last month against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
That's when play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore gave Mahomes the nickname "Showtime."
If Mahomes is playing, it's the game of the week that you can't miss.
It's a question first poised earlier this week in a piece from The Big Lead.
Before this NFL season, and with this Chiefs offense, the must-see athlete was playing on a different team in a completely different sport.
The colors were different, blue and gold, as was the number, 30. He’s one of the “Splash Brothers,” “The Golden Boy,” “Chef Curry,” or simply, Stephen Curry.
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It was the 2014-15 Warriors season that Curry took off as a superstar. That’s also when rookie head coach Steve Kerr developed an unstoppable offense. Every game was a Curry highlight reel. If you missed one, you were sure to catch highlights on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays.
It's starting to feel a lot like Golden State here in Kansas City.
Like Curry, Mahomes has been given the keys by head coach Andy Reid to the Chiefs' dynamic offense. Not only are the Chiefs winning games (7-1), but Mahomes is orchestrating an offense that’s drawing new fans to the game.
Mahomes looks to continue his MVP-caliber season against the Cleveland Browns in Week 9.
His first eight games of the season have been like no other, at least when it comes to touchdown passes. Mahomes threw four scoring passes against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium, giving him 22 touchdown passes through the first 8 games to break the NFL record of 21 set by Kurt Warner.
Sitting at 26 touchdown passes so far this season, Mahomes is closing in on the Chiefs' single-season record for touchdowns. Len Dawson threw 30 touchdown passes in 1964, and Mahomes is only at the halfway point.
Compare that to Curry.
Many sports fans say Curry is the must-see athlete because of the way he can shoot. Basically, every time he shoots from literally anywhere on the floor, there’s a greater percentage he’s making it. Not to mention, Curry’s doing it with style. So far this NBA season, he’s averaging 36 points, 54.5% from the three and earned his 13th Player of the Week honor.
It may be too soon to rank Mahomes up there with Curry, but from the looks of it, these two athletes have a lot in common, starting with their range. Curry can shoot the rock from nearly anywhere in the arena.
Mahomes may arguably have the best QB arm in history. We haven’t seen it yet, but many believe he can throw 100 yards.
Their stardom is also in their genes. Curry’s dad, Dell, played 16 seasons in the NBA. Mahomes’ dad, Pat, was a major league pitcher for 11 seasons. Steph and Patrick both grew up surrounded by superstars.
Last but definitely not least, the two ultimately brought hope to their respective teams. Curry delivered championships and Mahomes could potentially hand Kansas City a second-ever Super Bowl.
Bottom line: When the Chiefs are NOT playing, flip the channel to the Warriors. Between the two, you’re sure to get a show.
