Now that NFL training camps are underway, we’re getting our first look at each team and what they might become in 2026. One team that most have their eye on is the Kansas City Chiefs. They are coming off a surprisingly terrible season, where they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Also, Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL at the end of the season, which only made things worse. Many questioned if Mahomes would be healthy to begin the 2026 season; looking at him in training camp, the answer is an astounding yes. Mahomes is throwing the ball well and moving around; however, not everyone thinks he’s in his best shape.
NFL Coach Makes Warning About Patrick Mahomes’ Body
In a recent survey by The Athletic on quarterback tiers, Mahomes ranked in tier 1, receiving the most votes (49) out of a possible 50.
However, when one defensive coach was asked about Mahomes, he did not seem entirely convinced the two-time MVP would age well.
According to The Athletic, this coach said, “I still think he’s a 1, but this year will show. You watch him warm up — his legs are strong, but he’s got a belly.”
“He’s not pretty like Josh Allen,” the coach continued. “His upper body is kind of just there. If his legs go, he might fall off quicker than other people think. What I’m saying is, getting in the best possible shape could be important for him over the second half of his career.”
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While Mahomes may not be in peak physical condition, many quarterbacks who played at a high level for many years did not have perfect body types. Look at Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, for example; they both had bellies but still played at a high level until their late 30s.
Mahomes’ game has never been built on athleticism; he uses his arm strength and accuracy to dominate. Despite playing just 14 games before getting hurt last season, the Chiefs star threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 79.0, ranking 11th in the league.
Mahomes is entering his age-31 season, and he hopes to return to the top of the league. What many people will be looking for is how much the two-time NFL MVP uses his legs in the early part of the season.
Chiefs content creator Farzin Vousoughian posted a video of Mahomes in training camp on August 1, and the quarterback seemed to be scrambling quite well for a player coming off a major injury.
His ability to scramble has always been something defenses had to account for, and seeing him unafraid to run on that repaired knee is a good sign. This season will be a big one for Mahomes as he tries to silence the doubters and get the Chiefs back to the top of the league.
Even though one coach thinks Mahomes’ body type will not hold up, it is hard to bet against one of the best quarterbacks we have ever seen to continue to be great for many more years.
