Stephen A. Smith’s skepticism toward Mahomes began in earnest in January 2021, as Mahomes prepared for a Super Bowl showdown against Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On ESPN’s First Take, Smith made the then-controversial claim that Mahomes’ success was as much about the talent surrounding him as his own abilities. “Patrick Mahomes is great, but so is Josh Allen, so is Lamar Jackson, so is Joe Burrow,” Smith said, implying that Mahomes’ supporting cast was the real engine behind his rise.
After Mahomes and the Chiefs suffered a crushing defeat in Super Bowl LV, Smith intensified his critique, famously declaring on social media: “No more talks about Mahomes being the GOAT.” He pointed to Mahomes’ two interceptions, no touchdowns, and the Chiefs’ inability to overcome Tampa Bay’s defense as proof that the young quarterback’s journey to legendary status had hit a major roadblock.
Raising the Bar—And Moving It
What’s become a hallmark of Stephen A.’s commentary is his tendency to acknowledge Mahomes’ greatness, only to raise the bar higher and then criticize him for not clearing it. After a controversial loss to the Bills in 2023, where Mahomes reacted emotionally to an officiating call, Smith called it “the first time in his career I’ve seen him embarrass himself.” Even Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame coach, wasn’t spared from Smith’s calculated criticism.
As Mahomes approached his fifth Super Bowl appearance in 2025, Stephen A. again shifted the focus to Mahomes’ vulnerabilities, noting that he’d thrown five interceptions in four Super Bowl games and had an 85.2 passer rating on the biggest stage. After a blowout loss to the Eagles, Smith declared, “The GOAT status is gone for the foreseeable future…not after what we saw in the Super Bowl.” He compared Mahomes’ Super Bowl defeats unfavorably to those of Tom Brady and Joe Montana, further fueling the debate.
The Financial Angle: Is Mahomes Lucky or Savvy?
In a new twist, Stephen A. has turned his attention to Mahomes’ finances, suggesting that the quarterback is “one bad investment away from losing it all.” Despite Mahomes’ $450 million contract (with $141 million guaranteed) and an estimated net worth of $90 million, Smith has implied that Mahomes’ fortune is as much about luck and circumstance as skill.