KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes sidelined, the Kansas City Chiefs found an unexpected source of highlight-reel magic on Christmas Day. Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun stunned fans and analysts alike during the Chiefs’ matchup against the Denver Broncos, executing a gravity-defying touchdown pass that bore a striking resemblance to the signature plays of his predecessor.
The play occurred in the second quarter of the holiday showcase. Under heavy pressure from the Broncos’ defensive front, Oladokun was wrapped up and seemingly headed for a sack. However, just as his knees were inches from the turf, he flipped a “no-look” shovel pass to running back Samaje Perine, who took it into the end zone. The sheer difficulty and improvisational nature of the throw immediately went viral, drawing comparisons to the “magic” typically reserved for Mahomes.
The play has ignited a polarizing debate across social media platforms regarding the nature of the Chiefs’ offensive success. While many fans praised Oladokun for his poise and athleticism, a vocal segment of NFL observers used the highlight to argue that the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, designed by head coach Andy Reid, is the primary driver of the team’s highlight-reel production.
The phrase “System QB” trended on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the touchdown, with some critics suggesting that the ease with which Oladokun replicated Mahomes’ unconventional style indicates that the system—not just the individual talent—enables such risky, high-reward plays. Conversely, Mahomes supporters were quick to defend the star, pointing out that Oladokun has spent years studying Mahomes’ tape and that the ability to execute such a play under pressure still requires elite individual skill.
Oladokun, a former seventh-round pick who has spent the majority of his career on practice squads, was thrust into the starting role after both Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew were ruled out for the remainder of the season.
“I’ve watched Patrick do that a thousand times in practice,” Oladokun said during his postgame comments. “When you’re in this building and you’re in this system, you’re encouraged to be creative and find ways to get the ball to your playmakers. I just saw an opening and took it.”
The Broncos ultimately secured the victory to tighten their grip on the AFC’s top seed, but the conversation surrounding the game has remained centered on the Chiefs’ quarterback room. As Kansas City (6-10) navigates the end of a difficult, injury-plagued season, the emergence of Oladokun as a capable playmaker provides a rare silver lining for a franchise currently facing a massive transition and a future move to a new stadium in Kansas.
The NFL has not yet released the final viewership numbers for the Christmas Day broadcast, but Oladokun’s “no-look” pass is already being cited as one of the most memorable individual highlights of the 2025 holiday slate.
