Stephen A Smith EXPOSES Patrick Mahomes For Going Broke!

The Origins of Criticism

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.

But a closer look at Mahomes’ financial empire reveals strategic planning and a diversified portfolio. Beyond his record-setting contracts, Mahomes has lucrative endorsement deals with Adidas, Oakley, State Farm, and others, earning around $20 million per year in sponsorships. He owns stakes in the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, and the Kansas City Current, and has invested in tech companies and real estate. Despite the inherent risks of such ventures, there are no public reports of Mahomes suffering major financial losses—a testament to his management team and business acumen.

Some critics, including Smith, argue that Mahomes’ long-term, “team-friendly” contract sacrifices potential earnings for the sake of Chiefs’ roster flexibility. While this has led some fans to claim Mahomes is underpaid compared to newer quarterback contracts, Mahomes himself has repeatedly stated that he prioritizes legacy and championships over maximizing income.

Fans and Analysts: A Divided Court of Opinion

Public reaction to both Mahomes’ career and Stephen A.’s criticism is sharply divided. Supporters praise Mahomes’ willingness to restructure his contract for the good of the team, drawing parallels to Tom Brady’s approach in New England. Others argue that the Chiefs’ ownership is exploiting Mahomes’ loyalty, noting that the team’s offensive line and receiving corps have not always matched his level of talent.

Professional analysts, meanwhile, often find themselves balancing respect for Mahomes’ achievements with acknowledgment of his flaws. While many agree that Mahomes is the best in the game today, they also recognize the unique pressures and expectations that come with his level of success.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy, Wealth, and the Modern Athlete

The ongoing saga between Stephen A. Smith and Patrick Mahomes is about more than just football. It reflects broader questions about how we evaluate greatness, the role of financial decisions in shaping an athlete’s legacy, and the shifting dynamics of loyalty, compensation, and public scrutiny in professional sports.

As Mahomes continues his career, the debate over his place in NFL history—and his financial choices—will only intensify. Whether Stephen A.’s critiques prove prescient or premature, one thing is clear: Patrick Mahomes is not just an exceptional athlete, but a cultural figure whose every move, on and off the field, is watched, debated, and dissected.