When the Kansas City Chiefs traded up from the 27th to the 10th pick in the 2017 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft to select Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes, few realized how transformative this decision would be. By his first full season as starter, Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, propelling the Chiefs to their first AFC Championship Game appearance since the Joe Montana era.
A Personal Inspiration Behind the Chiefs’ Bold Draft Choice
The process leading to selecting Mahomes involved more than just strategic planning. Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ general manager, revealed in ESPN’s documentary The Kingdom that a unique source of motivation came from his own family. Veach’s daughter had been deeply inspired by a particular scene from the film Draft Day, which impacted the draft night atmosphere for him.
Veach explained,
“We had watched [Draft Day] weeks prior to the draft and so, [Veach’s daughter] did see that one part of Draft Day where Costner’s character had the name written down,”
continuing,
“I was just getting to leave and she hands me the card… it said ‘Pat no matter what’. There’s nothing more special than your daughter writing that.”
The Significance of the ‘Pat No Matter What’ Message for the Chiefs
The documentary featured the heartfelt note from Veach’s daughter, now famously framed as a symbol of the Chiefs’ belief in Mahomes. The selection of Mahomes dramatically altered the franchise’s fortunes, giving fans a player who transformed their postseason expectations. Since Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018, Kansas City has reached the AFC Championship Game every year and advanced to the Super Bowl in all but two seasons.
This sustained success marked a major change for the Chiefs, who were previously known for early playoff exits. The impact of carrying a quarterback capable of leading the team consistently deep into the postseason has been profound, validating the dedication behind the draft choice.
The Broader Impact of a Family Moment and a Film on NFL History
Ultimately, Chiefs supporters owe gratitude not just to Brett Veach’s front office work but also to his daughter’s encouragement and the inspiration drawn from Draft Day. Their combined influence contributed to bringing one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history to Kansas City, turning the team into a perennial NFL powerhouse and a dominant force in recent years.