For years, NFL legends have carried nicknames as iconic as their on-field legacies. Terry Bradshaw became “The Blonde Bomber.” Joe Montana will forever be “Joe Cool.”
Roger Staubach owned “Captain America,” Peyton Manning was “The Sheriff,” and Brett Favre embraced “The Gunslinger.” Even Tom Brady had “Tommy Terrific.”
But nearly a decade into Patrick Mahomes‘ career, the Kansas City Chiefs superstar has never quite settled on a definitive signature nickname, something that sticks in the public consciousness the same way his magician-level plays stick in highlight reels.
Pro Football Reference lists a handful of monikers for the two-time MVP: “Showtime,” “Magic Man,” and “The Musician.”
All of them describe elements of his improvisational brilliance, yet none have become the nickname.
That might finally change after a comment from one of the league’s brightest young head coaches.
DeMeco Ryans calls Mahomes “Houdini” ahead of Chiefs-Texans showdown
As Mahomes enters a critical phase of the 2025 NFL season, he’s picked up a new nickname that might just stick: “Houdini.”
The moniker, bestowed by DeMeco Ryans, head coach of the Houston Texans, came ahead of a showdown between Houston and Kansas City.
Ryans didn’t mince words. “Patrick is still Patrick,” he said. “Should call him ‘Houdini.’ He finds a way to make plays all over the field.”
Harry Houdini, the legendary 20th-century escape artist, built a global reputation on slipping out of impossible situations, handcuffs, ropes, chains, sealed tanks, and locked boxes.
This isn’t the first time people have likened Mahomes to the famed escape artist. Back in 2022, longtime teammate Travis Kelce referred to him as “the Houdini of our era,” after a game in which Mahomes made several improbable, pressure-escaping plays: scrambles, sidearm throws, and last-second completions that turned broken plays into big gains.
And unlike many nicknames that feel forced, “Houdini” captures exactly what fans, analysts, and opponents witness every week: a quarterback who turns broken plays into game-changing magic.
Coaches and analysts have repeatedly praised his growing maturity and awareness beyond pure arm strength, including his pocket movement and responsive scrambling when protection breaks down.
But the timing of Ryans‘ remark feels more significant, coming as the Chiefs fight to stay alive in a crowded playoff picture and as Mahomes once again finds himself making magic under duress.
In Week 13, despite a rocky season for Kansas City, he completed 23 of 34 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns, arguably his best outing all year.
What opponents are bracing for
With a Sunday-night game against the Texans looming, the “Houdini” label takes on extra weight.
Mahomes must navigate Houston’s fierce pass rush, including threats from standout edge defenders like Will Anderson Jr., while also compensating for key missing pieces on Kansas City’s offensive line.
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