Watch video: Patrick Mahomes’s Arrival at Chiefs OTAs Has Fans Fired Up for Football Season

Several teams across the league are set to begin their voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week, and the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off theirs on Tuesday.  Kansas City’s last taste of on-field football came in February, when they were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, falling 40–22 and missing the chance to make NFL history by winning a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.

While it’s common for veterans to sit out the first day of OTAs, Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes chose to lead by example, arriving at the team facility early Tuesday morning.  His arrival didn’t go unnoticed. The Chiefs’ social media team posted a simple two-word caption alongside a photo of Mahomes dressed in a matching pullover hoodie and sweatpants—drawing strong reactions from fans.

“Year 9,” the team posted.

Year 9. pic.twitter.com/nQBwEXxJO8

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 27, 2025

Fans reacted to seeing Mahomes arrive on Tuesday:

“We r so back,” a fan said.

Another fan posted, “Mama…..there goes that man!”

Someone else added, “Nine already!?!? Grateful for every day. Thank you, Patrick!!”

“First day school vibes,” a fan shared.

One more fan commented, “Redemption tour loading…”

Mahomes has become the face of the NFL, and while he’s coming off yet another Super Bowl appearance—a stage that’s become familiar territory for him—his 2024 season was statistically one of his quieter years in a Chiefs uniform.  He still threw for 3,928 yards and 26 touchdowns, but the yardage marked a career low for him as a starter, and the touchdown total tied the fewest in his starting career.  Kansas City is set to open the regular season in Brazil with a Friday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers and will feature in more prime-time games than any other NFL team this season.