Patrick Mahomes Makes History, but Not the Way You’d Expect: Pro Bowl Snub Despite 15-1 Record
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best players, has set another record—though this time, it’s not one to celebrate. Mahomes has become the first quarterback since 2004 to miss the Pro Bowl despite leading his team to a 15-1 or better regular-season record.
The Pro Bowl Snub
The AFC quarterbacks selected for the 2025 Pro Bowl were Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens). While all three had stellar seasons, Mahomes’ omission raised eyebrows across the league.
Mahomes finished the season with:
- 4,700+ passing yards
- 40+ touchdowns
- A league-leading QBR
His performances helped the Chiefs secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed, making the snub even more puzzling.
Historical Context
The last quarterback to be in a similar position was Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Despite leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 15-1 record in his rookie season, Roethlisberger was left off the Pro Bowl roster, sparking controversy at the time.
Fans and Analysts React
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Chiefs Kingdom Outrage:
- Chiefs fans expressed their disbelief on social media, with hashtags like #MahomesDeservedBetter trending.
- “How do you snub the guy who’s dominating the league? This is ridiculous,” one fan tweeted.
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Analyst Confusion:
- Many analysts were baffled, with some suggesting voter fatigue or a bias toward newer narratives like Allen and Burrow.
- “Mahomes might be a victim of his own success. He’s set the bar so high that voters may have overlooked him this year,” one NFL analyst speculated.
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Support for Mahomes:
- Even rival players chimed in, with Bengals QB Joe Burrow saying, “Patrick’s one of the best in the game. This doesn’t change that.”
- Even rival players chimed in, with Bengals QB Joe Burrow saying, “Patrick’s one of the best in the game. This doesn’t change that.”
Mahomes’ Response
Mahomes, known for his calm demeanor, downplayed the snub when asked by reporters:
“It’s not about individual accolades; it’s about winning championships. That’s my focus.”
However, insiders close to the Chiefs suggest Mahomes is using the snub as motivation for the playoffs, where Kansas City is aiming for an unprecedented three-peat as Super Bowl champions.
What’s Next for Mahomes and the Chiefs?
The Pro Bowl snub might serve as the extra fuel Mahomes and the Chiefs need heading into the postseason. With the team firing on all cylinders and Mahomes leading the way, the Chiefs have their sights set on making history in a different way—by winning three consecutive Super Bowls.
In the end, Mahomes may not need a Pro Bowl nod to prove his greatness. As the saying goes, “Championships speak louder than awards.”
