Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is renowned for his exceptional football skills, Super Bowl championships, and his active involvement in community services. While the QB is the epitome of success and power, the question lingers about his jersey number.
The QB always wore number 5 during his school time; therefore, speculation arises about the reason that compelled him to choose jersey number 15 and remain stuck with it.
Why does Patrick Mahomes wear No. 15?
Patrick Mahomes wore number 5 in high school and college. The switch to number 15 in the NFL was due to Cairo Santos’ influence and the unique circumstances surrounding Santos’ release.
When he joined the Chiefs, Santos already wore No. 5, so the QB settled for the No. 15 jersey. Santos was then released by the Chiefs and placed on injured reserve. Patrick Murray replaced him briefly but struggled with leg strength during his six games with the Bears.
Mahomes had the chance to switch to No. 5 but didn’t with the hope that the change would bring championship success for the team.
The QB made his first start in Week 17 of the 2017 season, donning the No. 15 jersey. He previously wore number 10 during training camp.
Number 15 was historically popular in the NFL. Hall of Famers like Ernie “Neon” Newman and Pete Gogolak wore it, with Gogolak being the only player to score a touchdown while wearing this number.
Currently, three NFL players wear number 15: Patrick Mahomes II, Andy Dalton, and Dak Prescott. Wearing this number, Patrick Mahomes has already won two Super Bowls and is considered one of the best QBs in the league.
Which Chiefs players donned No. 15 prior to Patrick Mahomes?
Because of Patrick Mahomes, the No. 15 jersey has become popular. While it is hard to predict which next Chiefs player will get a chance to wear No. 15, let’s find out who the players were who already wore this number.
A list of Chiefs players who wore number 15 before Patrick Mahomes, includes Randy Duncan (1961), Mike Mercer (1966), Jacky Lee (1967-69), Kerry Reardon (1971-76), Todd Collins (1998-05), Matt Gutierrez (1971-76), Verran Tucker (2010), Steve Breaston (2011-12), and A.J. Jenkins (2013-2014).
Mike Williams in 2016 was the last player before Mahomes to wear number 15 but he never appeared in a game for the Chiefs.
Some other players include Sam Longmire, David Whitehurst, Steve Matthews, and Ingle Martin, who were listed as wearing No. 15 but never appeared in a regular-season game.
In 2017, Patrick Mahomes donned this number and it has now become a symbol of success and excellence. Mahomes has cemented his name as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, which has indirectly increased the significance of his jersey number as well.
