During the 2024 NFL preseason, the Kansas City Chiefs delivered a moment that quickly became legendary, centered around the quarterback Patrick Mahomes behind-the-back pass. This surprising play occurred in a game against the Detroit Lions when Mahomes, frustrated by a misstep from tight end Travis Kelce, threw an unconventional eight-yard pass behind his back to secure a crucial first down. The Chiefs had entered the season aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory but had already seen those hopes dashed after a tough loss the previous season.
The play unfolded on a 3rd-and-3 situation. Mahomes rolled right, expecting Kelce to run a flat route for an escape catch. However, Kelce failed to execute the intended route, which upset Mahomes. In a moment of frustration, Mahomes impulsively flipped the ball behind his back to Kelce, resulting in a successful completion that energized the crowd but left players reflecting on the cause. Despite the chaotic nature of the play, it instantly became an iconic highlight, encapsulating both Mahomes’ creativity and Kelce’s unexpected error.
Inside the Minds of Mahomes and Kelce After the Play
Following the game, Mahomes openly admitted his irritation toward Kelce.
“I was mad, I was pissed off at Travis…I don’t know if you could hear me on the broadcast, I’m yelling at him. So, out of spite, I threw a behind-the-back pass, but now it’s gonna be a highlight,”
Mahomes said, revealing the raw emotion behind the show-stopping move. Meanwhile, Kelce later discussed the incident on the New Heights Podcast alongside Chiefs guard Trey Smith, revealing his awareness of the mistake that provoked Mahomes’ improvisation.
Kelce described the challenge of adapting to Mahomes’ style with Smith, who acknowledged how difficult it was transitioning into an offense led by a quarterback capable of extending plays in unexpected ways. Smith reflected,
“Man, it was a tough transition out of college, boy. Like I wasn’t used to someone extending plays like that… like I struggle so much on just sustaining the block, man. [But] It’s like little stuff he does in practice.”
Smith then brought up the very play that prompted the behind-the-back toss, emphasizing Mahomes’ unique talent:
“How [did] he throw in preseason, remember…where he did it around the back behind you. Like that’s the greatness where it’s like who the hell is going to be able to do this other than him.”
Kelce, knowing exactly the play Smith referenced, laughed but conceded responsibility:
“He made me look so good on that play knowing damn well that I was the one that f—d up the play to where he had to do something spectacular to make it look good.”
Mahomes’ willingness to fault Kelce falls in line with typical quarterback-receiver dynamics, especially in high-pressure situations where mistakes must be covered creatively.
Coach Andy Reid’s Take on the Creative Play
Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid displayed a calm, matter-of-fact attitude toward the unorthodox play, downplaying the importance of the error and highlighting Mahomes’ consistent ability to complete difficult throws. Reid commented,
“I heard he blamed Kelce, but that’s alright. He does it in practice every day, and I’m alright as long as it’s a completion.”
His remarks underscored a relaxed leadership style, embracing moments of improvisation so long as they lead to successful outcomes.
Kelce acknowledged that initially he was unprepared for the unexpected behind-the-back pass but eventually went with the flow once he perceived Mahomes’ intent. Despite the play standing out as a highlight in fan and media discussions, it did not alter the outcome of the preseason game, which the Chiefs lost. Still, Mahomes’ unique arm creativity and Kelce’s candid admission offered a glimpse into the team‘s dynamic chemistry and the high expectations going forward.
Looking Ahead to the Chiefs’ 2025 Training Camp and More Surprises
The Chiefs are gearing up for a new season and returning to their familiar training camp location at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. For the fifteenth year running, the team will conduct its summer preparations there, with the first practice scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025. This opening session will be closed to the general public, but fans can attend the second practice on Wednesday, July 23, free of charge.
To attend later sessions, including those between July 27 and August 3, fans will need to purchase tickets, which have increased in price to $6 from last year’s $5. Season ticket holders were given early access to purchase them on June 24, with remaining tickets becoming available on June 25. For the rest of the camp, practices remain free, but entry requires online registration due to high demand, spurred largely by Mahomes’ star power and contagious fan interest.
Given the reputation Mahomes has established for executing flashy, often unplanned throws during practice and preseason games alike, fans are eagerly anticipating what Mahomes-Kelce collaborations might emerge this coming summer. It’s entirely plausible that another “oops-turned-iconic” moment like the behind-the-back pass could occur, continuing the team’s blend of high stakes and unpredictable flair.
The Impact of Mahomes’ Passing Style on the Chiefs and Beyond
The Patrick Mahomes behind-the-back pass symbolizes more than just a trick play; it illustrates his unconventional approach to quarterbacking, blending creativity with unpredictability. While some might view it as reckless or mere showboating, others see it as a testament to his extraordinary skill and ability to adapt under pressure. This creativity, however, also places a burden on teammates, as evidenced by Kelce’s admitted route mistake and the necessity for Mahomes to compensate in real time.
This dynamic creates a tense but thrilling atmosphere for the Chiefs, where high expectations meet moments of raw human error and athletic brilliance. Their training camp and upcoming season will test whether these moments of improvisation can translate into consistent success or if such risks will expose vulnerabilities on football’s biggest stages. Regardless, the chemistry between Mahomes, Kelce, and the rest of the Chiefs roster remains a focal point for fans and analysts watching the team’s quest to return to Super Bowl glory.