Stephen A. Smith’s Ongoing Criticism of Patrick Mahomes: A Debate About Greatness, Financial Strategy, and Legacy

The Continued Scrutiny of Patrick Mahomes’ Career and Financial Decisions

The debate surrounding Patrick Mahomes has become a staple in sports media, especially with Stephen A. Smith leading the charge on ESPN’s First Take. While Mahomes has established himself as one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, his career has been under intense scrutiny, particularly from Smith, who has consistently raised the bar of expectations for Mahomes’ legacy and financial decisions. This ongoing dialogue has not only focused on his on-field performance but also his financial choices, particularly in the context of his record-setting $450 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Genesis of Stephen A. Smith’s Criticism

Stephen A. Smith’s relationship with Patrick Mahomes has evolved from one of acknowledgment to consistent critique. His criticism first began in earnest during the 2021 Super Bowl, where Mahomes and the Chiefs were defeated by Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite Mahomes’ record-setting performances in the regular season, Smith famously tweeted after the loss, “No more talks about Mahomes being the GOAT.” He pointed to Mahomes’ failure to deliver in the biggest game of the season as proof that the young quarterback’s path to legendary status had hit a major roadblock.

Smith’s harsh critiques didn’t stop there. Following the Chiefs’ emotional loss to the Buffalo Bills in 2023, where Mahomes was visibly frustrated over an officiating call, Smith declared it “the first time in his career I’ve seen him embarrass himself.” This moment encapsulated the kind of commentary Smith has become known for—holding Mahomes to an almost unattainable standard.

Super Bowl Criticism: The “GOAT” Debate Intensifies

In the build-up to Super Bowl 2025, Smith’s scrutiny on Mahomes escalated further. After a disappointing blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith was quick to declare that “the GOAT status is gone for the foreseeable future.” He compared Mahomes’ Super Bowl performances to those of all-time legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana, emphasizing that Mahomes’ Super Bowl record, which included throwing five interceptions and posting an 85.2 passer rating, was not on par with those of his predecessors.

This pattern of critiquing Mahomes’ Super Bowl losses has fueled further debate about his place in the GOAT conversation. Some fans feel Smith’s expectations are unfairly harsh, while others agree that Mahomes’ quest for greatness is still a work in progress, especially when the stakes are at their highest.

The Financial Debate: Is Mahomes Lucky or Savvy?

In a twist that has further divided opinions, Stephen A. Smith turned his attention to Mahomes’ financial decisions. Despite Mahomes’ staggering $450 million contract, which includes $141 million guaranteed, Smith suggested that Mahomes could be “one bad investment away from losing it all.” This critique questioned the quarterback’s financial choices, given the long-term structure of his contract that some critics have labeled “team-friendly” in nature.

Many analysts, however, pointed to Mahomes’ calculated investments outside of football, including his endorsements with Adidas, Oakley, State Farm, and other major companies, as evidence of his business acumen. Mahomes has invested in sports teams, tech companies, and real estate, diversifying his income and building a lasting financial legacy. “Mahomes’ portfolio is far from risky,” one analyst said, “his team has made smart, measured decisions that ensure his long-term financial stability.”

However, Smith has voiced concerns that Mahomes’ contract sacrifices potential earnings in favor of roster flexibility for the Chiefs. While some fans argue that Mahomes’ decision shows loyalty to his team, others contend that it may have led to underpayment compared to the astronomical contracts given to newer quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Cultural Divide: Mahomes vs. The Old Guard

What sets the debate over Mahomes apart from other athletes is the generational divide it reflects. Smith’s critiques of Mahomes often seem to carry the weight of traditional values in sports—values that emphasize winning at all costs, and performance above all else. The pushback, however, often comes from younger fans and analysts who view Mahomes as a modern-day icon who transcends sports and embodies leadership and personal branding as much as athletic excellence.

“Mahomes represents the future of the NFL,” said one fan. “He’s not just about stats and titles—he’s about business, brand, and legacy.”

In contrast, some older sports figures, like Smith, see Mahomes’ brand-building as distracting from the fundamentals of what made legends like Brady and Montana great. They emphasize that Mahomes, with all his talent, still has to prove himself in the postseason before he can be fully inducted into the pantheon of all-time greats.

The Growing Public Divide: Can Mahomes Overcome the Criticism?

The public reaction to Smith’s comments has been mixed, with Mahomes’ supporters rallying behind him, asserting that he is being unfairly scrutinized. They argue that Smith’s harshness overlooks the incredible achievements Mahomes has already accomplished and that his contract restructuring shows his commitment to winning championships with the Chiefs.

On the other hand, critics of Mahomes, fueled by Smith’s ongoing remarks, argue that the quarterback’s slip-ups in big games should be taken more seriously. “He’s a great regular season quarterback, but can he deliver in the Super Bowl?” said one fan.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: Mahomes has become the face of modern football, with every move—on and off the field—scrutinized by millions. Whether he will live up to the lofty expectations set for him or whether his journey will be defined by these critiques remains to be seen. For now, Stephen A. Smith’s ongoing commentary will continue to fuel the conversation, shaping how Mahomes is perceived by the public and shaping his legacy in real time.