section_path: Player profile
section_name: Player profile
paragraph_text: Player profile
  
  A former baseball pitcher and considered by some a dual-threat quarterback and the "most talented player in the NFL" due to his elusiveness in the pocket, arm strength, running ability, and athleticism despite being a pass-first quarterback, Mahomes is also known for attempting and completing innovative throws, including no-look passes and behind-the-back tosses. FiveThirtyEight also cites his unique and "uncanny" ability to know his receivers' timing and use his athleticism to fool defenders and get his receivers open. Mahomes credits his years playing baseball with developing his arm strength while throwing the football. Ahead of Super Bowl LVII, which was the first Super Bowl to feature two black starting quarterbacks as the Chiefs faced off against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, Mahomes acknowledged that his creative playing style was inspired by that of Negro league baseball players, especially Satchel Paige, who likewise inspired his father's baseball playing style.
  
  A number of defensive coordinators have cited Mahomes's ability to improvise as one of his key skills. Since Mahomes's breakout 2018 season, NFL general managers and scouts have sought out prospects that can break out of designed plays. Number one overall draft picks Kyler Murray and Bryce Young are regarded as examples of this effect, with the two being highly touted prospects despite lacking traditional size for the position.
  
  A former baseball pitcher and considered by some a dual-threat quarterback and the "most talented player in the NFL" due to his elusiveness in the pocket, arm strength, running ability, and athleticism despite being a pass-first quarterback, Mahomes is also known for attempting and completing innovative throws, including no-look passes and behind-the-back tosses. FiveThirtyEight also cites his unique and "uncanny" ability to know his receivers' timing and use his athleticism to fool defenders and get his receivers open. Mahomes credits his years playing baseball with developing his arm strength while throwing the football. Ahead of Super Bowl LVII, which was the first Super Bowl to feature two black starting quarterbacks as the Chiefs faced off against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, Mahomes acknowledged that his creative playing style was inspired by that of Negro league baseball players, especially Satchel Paige, who likewise inspired his father's baseball playing style.
  
  A number of defensive coordinators have cited Mahomes's ability to improvise as one of his key skills. Since Mahomes's breakout 2018 season, NFL general managers and scouts have sought out prospects that can break out of designed plays. Number one overall draft picks Kyler Murray and Bryce Young are regarded as examples of this effect, with the two being highly touted prospects despite lacking traditional size for the position.