“Eagles fly in Super Bowl 59!” These might have been the worst words to hear for a teary-eyed Patrick Mahomes on a mission to win a three-peat with the Kansas City Chiefs. As the QB hugged his teammates after the agonizing 40-22 defeat, where he couldn’t do anything for most of the game against the defenses laid down by Philadelphia, he looked up, knowing that his eighth season in the league has now wrapped up with a sad ending despite the fight, although a late one. And he didn’t shy away as he took “all the blame for (the early turnovers) that swung the momentum of the game.” But that’s what it is about football, you turn the page, and you come out stronger, with a need to avenge your loss. And that’s what Mahomes has in mind too.

If the phrase, “He’s built different,” for the QB outlines his biography, “Mahomes on mission” can very well be the chapter of the year. He’s been hard at work this offseason, focusing not only on his throws but also on getting in better shape. The soon-to-be-30 has trimmed down and sharpened his agility, showing he’s serious about improving every part of his game, seemingly proving Justin Reid’s prophecy, “He’s probably the best player in NFL history,” correct. And the chapter starts here.

Entering his ninth year in the NFL, Patrick is ready to lead the Chiefs back to the top and prove he’s still the league’s most electrifying quarterback. However, over the weeks, a battered O-line haunting the final game of the last season and AFC rivals loading up for 2025, the silence has been adding to the anticipation, but we are finally here. The QB isn’t just back at OTAs — he’s coming back stronger than ever– both mentally and physically. And he is already turning heads.

The official Instagram accounts of the Chiefs and the NFL posted a combined post of Mahomes walking into the KC gym for the first activity day. In a simple yet classic light grey co-ord with black markings, the QB caught attention from all. But what everyone truly noticed was “Year 9.” That was the word stamped across the now-viral Instagram reel with Kanye West’s “Stronger Now”—a silent message that said everything.

The caption? “Day one of OTAs.” No practice clips. No flashy plays. Patrick too shared the reel on his Instagram story with an alarm clock emoji. Just a focused Mahomes walking and an alarm clock emoji—of course, fans took the signal. He’s not just back — he’s coming for revenge, and the NFL better be ready. As Mahomes officially enters his ninth season after being picked as the tenth-overall pick in 2017, the weight of his legacy grows heavier—and so do the expectations, especially after a year of setbacks.

Mahomes has nothing to prove at this point as he enters the twilight years of his iconic NFL career, but when it comes to rankings, he might not be as high. Earlier this month, he was ranked fourth-best in the NFL ahead of the 2025 season according to Bleacher Report. NFL analyst Brad Gagnon was quite straightforward:

“On paper, Mahomes has been a mediocre quarterback since the start of the 2023 season. So, why is he still ranked fourth on this list? He still gets some benefit of the doubt. And it helps that the two-time MVP has saved himself over and over again. Eventually, even that stuff won’t be enough. Let’s see if Mahomes can bounce back in his age-30 season and maintain his spot among the top tier.”

In 2024, the QB led an NFL-best five fourth-quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives while posting a 110.4 passer rating on third down. Not to mention, he got the Chiefs to the Super Bowl third time in a row. As for the Chiefs star himself, he wants more.

Despite nearly a decade in the league, Patrick Mahomes is far from satisfied. After the Chiefs’ gut-wrenching Super Bowl loss, he’s laser-focused on making a powerful comeback in 2025. That means not just sharpening his own game but pushing the whole team to be better, especially the offensive line, which struggled to protect him during the biggest moments. Mahomes didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for that tough loss though:

“I take all the blame for that”, he said, reflecting on the turnovers and the pressure he faced after being sacked six times. “Those early turnovers swing the momentum of the game… I didn’t play to my standards and I have to be better next time.” His honesty shows how seriously he takes the setback and why he is the voice in the locker room that everyone listens to. But it also fuels fans’ frustration, because they know even a talent like Mahomes can’t win alone without stronger protection up front.

The mixed emotions—pride over his incredible career and worry about his immediate future—have flooded social media as the recent reel sparked a wave of fan reactions.

Patrick Mahomes at year 9: fans cry for better protection

The Chiefs’ quarterback has long carried the team on his back, but as he enters another season, many are still processing the “Year 9” part of the reel. One user expressed disbelief: “It really has been 9 years..” Some fans were almost nostalgic, with one commenting, “God….. Please don’t remind me we’re already in year 9 😢 It’s already going by too quickly.”

The realization that Mahomes is entering his ninth year in the NFL has sparked a mix of awe and bittersweet nostalgia. “He really been in the league for 9 years I thought he been in the league for bout 5 years,” another fan wrote. 

Many echoed the sentiment that while they’re excited for what’s next, time seems to be flying too fast. “Year 9, it’s crazy to think that we roughly get to watch this man for another 5-6 years and big shift should come to the organization 😢,” one comment read. And humor wasn’t left out.

“Lmao man we getting old…bro almost been in the league 10 years! He was just a rookie! 🤣.” But alongside those pleas for better blocking, fans are also taking a moment to reflect on just how long Mahomes has been dazzling the league. Over a span of eight years, Mahomes already has the right to boast 3 Super Bowl titles while being MVP for each one of those years, 2x league MVP, 6x Pro Bowl titles and much much more. 

It’s rare for a casual walk to spark this much reaction, but Mahomes isn’t a regular QB. Every small move, even a reel with no words, feels like a statement. After a rare postseason shortfall, he’s back with a sharper edge. Whether it’s about proving the critics wrong, chasing legacy, or simply picking up where he left off, the vibe is clear: Mahomes wants it all again. The fans feel it. The team sees it. And the league? They’ve been receiving warnings. Year 9 isn’t just a number. It might just be Mahomes’ loudest season yet.