Mahomes breaks Marino’s mark

The 2025 NFL season kicked off with history in São Paulo, Brazil. Despite the Kansas City Chiefs falling 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers, the spotlight was firmly on Patrick Mahomes, who added another milestone to his already legendary résumé.

Just 12 days shy of his 30th birthday, the quarterback passed Dan Marino to become the player with the most touchdown passes before turning 30. The Texas Tech alum entered the game tied with the Miami Dolphins legend at 245, but in the fourth quarter he connected with his longtime partner Travis Kelce for number 246.

The tight end ran a deep route, took advantage of a defensive lapse, and hauled in the pass at the 25-yard line. He then accelerated into the end zone for his 55th career touchdown reception from Mahomes. However, the Chiefs failed on the two-point conversion that could have tied the game.

Chargers spoil the night

Despite the record, it was the Chargers who left Brazil with the victory. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes to secure the Week 1 win. It marked only the second time since 2014 that the Chiefs opened the NFL season with a defeat.

Even so, Mahomes’ latest achievement continues to fuel the debate over his place among the all-time greats. At just 29, he now has 246 career touchdown passes in regular-season play, distributed among 33 different receivers.

Mahomes’ touchdown distribution

Kelce remains the quarterback’s go-to target, with 55 touchdown receptions. Behind him is Tyreek Hill, now with the Miami Dolphins, who has 41. Others include Mecole Hardman with 15, and both Demarcus Robinson and Jerick McKinnon with 14 apiece.

This consistency reinforces the idea that Mahomes is building a career destined for NFL immortality. While the defeat in São Paulo stung for the reigning AFC champions, the new record elevates the Chiefs’ star to yet another historic tier.

The Kansas City Chiefs will look to bounce back in Week 2 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 14, at Arrowhead Stadium, with Mahomes aiming to keep rewriting the league’s record books.