Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the reigning NFL MVP and arguably the most talented QB in the league, began his pro career waiting. During the 2017 NFL Draft, he waited to hear his name called, and it would take 10 picks -- including QB Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2 overall -- before Mahomes found out where he'd call home.
Kansas City's franchise-changing selection was, in part, made possible by Bears general manager Ryan Pace, who decided Trubisky fit his "Drew Brees prototype" and would turn Chicago into a perennial contender.
Instead, 16 weeks into his third season, Trubisky has the Bears in quarterback purgatory. It's arguably the worst place a franchise can be. There's so much invested in Trubisky that Pace may have no choice but to hold onto his hand-picked savior one or two seasons too long. That's often when championship windows close and a complete rebuild begins.
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As for Mahomes? Like any competitor, his draft-day experience is one he'll use to motivate him for a long time.
Regardless of the career accolades and success a player may enjoy, he never forgets that feeling of disrespect. Just ask Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who was the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL Draft.
Slipping to the 10th pick isn't all that bad, but being the second quarterback drafted and seeing how underwhelming the guy taken before you has been? Sure, it gave Mahomes a chance to have a little fun against the Bears. And usually, that means a touchdown celebration.
Following a late first-half touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce, Mahomes flashed 10 fingers (representing his NFL draft slot) to the fans in attendance at Soldier Field.
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"Yeah, I mean, honestly, I was just out there having fun," Mahomes said Sunday night after the game. "Me and my teammates, we had a big score before the half, and I was trying to enjoy it. You've seen me play. I play with emotion. And I like to go out there and have fun with my teammates."
Mahomes did his best to deflect from the obvious meaning of his celebration, saying it was a result of an exciting and game-changing possession.
"I don't know if there was necessarily a meaning," he said. "I was just kind of in the moment and just enjoying it. It was a big moment in the game, and you got to take advantage when you get opportunities in the red zone against that defense."
You also have to take advantage of an opportunity for a little trolling, which Mahomes did on an MVP-level against the Bears.
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