Years Before Patrick Mahomes, Old Video Reveals a Single Play That Changed Former Kansas City Chiefs Star’s Career

From being an 8th-round draft pick to becoming a starter for two NFL teams (Chiefs & Falcons), JJ Birden’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Years before Patrick Mahomes was born, the former Oregon wide receiver, faced many obstacles and rejections in his pursuit of a professional football career, but he never gave up on his dream. In a recent social media post, ‘Old Time Football’ shared some of the highlights and lowlights of his remarkable story.

Birden’s speed and agility caught the eye of Cleveland Browns coach Marty Schottenheimer, who drafted him in 1988 with the 261st pick. However, Birden’s hopes were dashed when he tore his ACL during the rookie camp. The following year, he was released by the Browns and failed to pass the physicals of three other teams: the Chiefs, the Lions, and even the Packers.

The Chiefs’ game-changer moment

5′ 10″ receiver finally landed a spot with the Dallas Cowboys, but Birden never got to play a single game for them. To make matters worse, the Cowboys told him that they didn’t think he had what it takes to succeed in the NFL and did not renew his contract.

Birden did not let this discourage him. In 1990, he got another chance with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he reunited with his former coach Schottenheimer. However, he faced another setback when he was cut by the Chiefs after three games. He was re-signed by the team three weeks later, and this was when his luck changed.

In an old video that is shared on social media, Birden showed how he had a breakout game against the Raiders on the last day of the 1991 regular season. He caught eight passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, catching passes of 53 and 57 yards each, earning him the praise of his coach and the opportunity to start in the NFL. That’s right!

JJ Birden rises to the top at Chiefs’ veteran football

The next season, Birden became a starter for the Chiefs after they acquired legendary quarterback Joe Montana from San Francisco. Birden started in 40 of the next 45 games he played for the Chiefs, becoming one of Montana’s favorite targets. He then moved on to the Atlanta Falcons, where he started all 22 games he played for them before retiring.

The veteran legend finished his career with 3,441 receiving yards, which is second only to Ahmad Rashad (6,831) among former Oregon wide receivers in the NFL. Notably, at 140 pounds in high school, Birden deemed too small for an NCAA receiver, received no football scholarships.

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Birden’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and determination. He believes that anyone can achieve their goals in life if they work hard and seize every opportunity that comes their way, regardless of their college stats or recognition.

Nevertheless, JJ Birden’s experience also prepared him for his current role as an entrepreneur and speaker, where he helps others overcome failures, adversities, setbacks, challenges, and obstacles (F.A.S.C.O.) and reach their full potential via live seminars and events.

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