Patrick Mahomes has established an extraordinary NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighted by five AFC Championships and three Super Bowl victories. As the franchise’s greatest quarterback, Mahomes is on track during the 2025 season to break the career passing yards record previously held by his predecessor, Alex Smith.
Smith retired with 35,650 passing yards, ranking 31st in NFL history. Mahomes currently has 32,352 yards, needing just 3,299 more to eclipse Smith’s milestone. Given Mahomes’ current pace—averaging nearly 4,910 yards over a 17-game campaign—he is expected to surpass this mark comfortably barring injury or setbacks.
Anticipated Career Milestones and Record Chasing
If Mahomes maintains his average yardage in 2025, he would reach approximately 37,262 career passing yards, placing him 30th all-time. By the start of the 2026 season, he would be within striking distance of Donovan McNabb, missing the record by only 14 yards. This rapid accumulation underscores Mahomes’ dominant and consistent performance on the field.
Alex Smith’s Supportive Relationship with Mahomes
Despite the likelihood of his record being broken, Alex Smith has displayed humility and support throughout Mahomes’ rise. The two have maintained a genuine friendship since Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, highlighting a seamless transition between generations. Smith shared a personal moment, stating,
“He was at my house on Thanksgiving.”
—Alex Smith, Former Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback
Smith has embraced a mentorship role, guiding Mahomes through both the technical aspects of quarterbacking and the broader responsibilities that come with being a team leader in the NFL.
Mentorship Beyond the Field
Smith has taken an active role in shaping Mahomes’ approach to the game and life as a professional athlete. Beyond game day preparations, Smith has imparted lessons on handling the pressures of wins, losses, and the lifestyle of an elite quarterback. Smith humorously recounted his efforts to influence Mahomes’ habits, saying,
“He’s a young guy like, we’d go out at QB dinners, and I have to tell him, ‘Stop putting ketchup on your steak. This is a nice steakhouse, we don’t have to drink Coors Lite, Patrick.'”
—Alex Smith, Former Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback
This mentorship reflects the close-knit culture of the Chiefs, where teamwork extends beyond the field, as Smith described the locker room atmosphere as one where “You do everything together.”
Legacy and Impact on Chiefs’ Future
Patrick Mahomes’ pursuit of breaking Alex Smith’s passing record represents more than a personal achievement; it marks the continuation of a franchise legacy built on resilience, leadership, and mutual respect. Smith’s humility and guidance have smoothed the way for Mahomes to become the face of Kansas City’s modern dynasty. As Mahomes nears this milestone, fans can celebrate the partnership and goodwill that have helped shape one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks.
This transition symbolizes the passing of the torch within the Chiefs organization and sets a hopeful tone for many more successful seasons ahead. The legacy of both quarterbacks remains deeply rooted in the hearts of Kansas City’s faithful, promising enduring stories of excellence on the gridiron.