Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is known for his offensive genius and meticulous play-calling, but he also has a deep trust in his star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, to make the right decisions on the field—even if those decisions involve some unorthodox improvisation. This trust was on full display during the Chiefs’ recent preseason game against the Detroit Lions, where Mahomes pulled off a jaw-dropping behind-the-back pass to tight end Travis Kelce, leaving fans and teammates in awe, while Reid remained as cool as ever.
The play occurred during a third-and-3 at the Detroit 33-yard line. Mahomes, under pressure from Lions’ defensive lineman Josh Paschal, rolled out to his right and, rather than throwing a conventional pass, zipped the ball behind his back to Kelce, who was cutting across the field. The pass, executed with the effortless flair that has become Mahomes’ trademark, resulted in a 9-yard gain and a first down, helping the Chiefs to set up a field goal.
While fans and commentators might have expected Reid to react with either astonishment or concern over the risky maneuver, the veteran coach instead displayed his signature nonchalance. With his team mic’d up during the game, Reid was heard calmly asking his assistants, “Where we at? Ok. Let’s go,” immediately after the play. It was as if Mahomes had merely completed a routine pass, rather than a highlight-reel-worthy piece of improvisation.
This moment of Reid’s calm demeanor in the face of Mahomes’ audacious creativity quickly became a hit on social media. Fans celebrated Reid’s seemingly unfazed response, with one joking, “Right back to the Cheesecake Factory menu playsheet. Never change Andy.” Another fan highlighted the contrast in reactions on the Chiefs’ sideline, noting, “Teammates going crazy. [Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt] Nagy with a little smirk and grin. Big Red [Reid]—unfazed and unbothered.”
Patrick Mahomes has built a reputation for pulling off spectacular and unconventional throws throughout his career. The two-time NFL MVP is no stranger to highlight-reel moments, having previously completed no-look passes and even making accurate throws while parallel to the ground as he was being sacked. However, despite practicing behind-the-back passes during training, Mahomes had never attempted one in a game—until now.
The play instantly went viral, with clips circulating across social media platforms. Even Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, a retired Philadelphia Eagles center, couldn’t resist chiming in on Twitter: “The son of a gun actually did it!” Meanwhile, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas added his own commentary, tweeting, “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”
The reaction to Mahomes’ pass and Reid’s nonchalance underscores the unique relationship between the coach and his star quarterback. Reid, a seasoned coach with decades of experience, has always encouraged creativity and freedom in his quarterbacks, and Mahomes has flourished under this guidance. The mutual trust between them allows Mahomes to take calculated risks on the field, knowing that Reid has his back—literally and figuratively.
As the Chiefs prepare to host the Chicago Bears in their preseason finale on Friday, it’s unlikely that Mahomes will see much playing time, if any. However, the behind-the-back pass will likely be one of the most talked-about moments of the preseason, a testament to Mahomes’ audacity and Reid’s steady hand at the helm.
For Chiefs fans, it’s yet another reminder of why they are witnessing something special with this duo. Mahomes’ blend of skill and improvisation, combined with Reid’s experience and confidence, continues to make Kansas City one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. And as long as Reid stays true to his relaxed demeanor, the Chiefs will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the football field.
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