"He has ice in his veins": When Patrick Mahomes' ex-teammate was in awe of his on-field confidence

Patrick Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP, has built an extraordinary resume at the age of 29. Many factors contribute to his success—fitness, skill, talent, athleticism and unparalleled confidence on the football field.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback exudes confidence not only during games but also off the field, leaving a lasting impression on teammates and opponents alike.

One notable example of this confidence came in 2018, during a thrilling 27-23 comeback victory against the Denver Broncos. Chiefs' former edge rusher Justin Houston was left in awe of Mahomes after witnessing an extraordinary play. Reflecting on the moment, Houston told Sports Illustrated:

“It showed how cold-blooded he is. He has ice in his veins. To be that confident in your left hand, on the run, fourth quarter? You’re a cold-blooded guy to do some s**t like that.”

Houston’s praise came after Mahomes made an incredible left-handed pass under immense pressure.

During the play, the Broncos’ defense was well-disguised, and center Mitch Morse had sent the protection to the wrong side. As Von Miller closed in for a sack, Mahomes, primarily right-handed, switched to his left hand mid-sprint to complete the pass to former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

While the play stunned many, those who know Mahomes weren’t entirely surprised.

His childhood friend, Parker, recalls Mahomes being a proficient switch hitter in baseball. Even as a kid, Mahomes confidently predicted that he could hit home runs with his non-dominant hand—a testament to his adaptability and belief in his abilities.

Justin Houston had also defended Patrick Mahomes once

A month after the left-handed pass, another incident showcased Houston’s unwavering support for Mahomes. Following the Chiefs’ iconic 54-51 loss to the Rams in 2018, fans criticized Mahomes for committing five turnovers during the game.

Houston, however, quickly defended his quarterback. Speaking to 247 Sports, he said:

“It’s a team effort. How many games did he win for us? I’m not going to let y’all do that. It’s a team effort.”

Houston acknowledged that Mahomes did commit certain mistakes but it's fine for a player to not perform at his best all the time. After all, the game is played by all 11.

Mahomes clearly left a lasting impression on Houston, who was 35 at the time and now plays for the Colts. The young quarterback's confidence and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations continue to inspire and captivate those around him.