Stephen A. Smith recreates Patrick Mahomes behind-the-back pass in ESPN studio after disagreeing with Shannon Sharpe

STEPHEN A. Smith is trying to downplay Patrick Mahomes’ behind-the-back pass from the weekend.

The Kansas City Chiefs star pulled off the amazing highlight play during his team’s 24-23 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions .

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Mahomes ‘ moment of inspiration resulted in Travis Kelce getting a first down for the Chiefs after an eight-yard gain.

It promptly went viral, with fans and even Kelce’s brother Jason marvelling at Mahomes’ ability.

One man it did not overly impress, however, was Smith .

During Monday’s episode of First Take , the 56-year-old grabbed a football in an attempt to prove that the play was easier than people were making out.

With an unimpressed-looking Molly Qerim watching on, Smith urged a member of the crew to get involved, as he passed the ball to them behind his back.

With Shannon Sharpe , making his return to the show from vacation, and Dan Orlovsky watching on, Smith got in the zone.

“Yo, yo Dave, Shay Shay… Go back to pass,” he said as he went to imitate Mahomes.

“There we go. There we go. You wanna see it again? Watch your head, Molly. There we go.

“That’s all I’m trying to say. That’s all I’m trying to say, Shay Shay. That’s all I’m trying to say Dan.”

Former NFL star Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion, was not impressed by Smith’s take.

“Molly, here’s what we’re going to do,” the 56-year-old began.

“When I’m in New York in the studio, I’m gonna have on sneakers and I’m gonna try to tackle Stephen A. when he tries to do that.”

After being asked by Orlovsky if he was implying that he could match Mahomes’ skills, Smith was unequivocal.

“No, that’s not what I’m implying under no circumstances,” he hit back.

First Take viewing figures

First Take went from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim last year.

The weekday ESPN debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 – making it the most-watched year in program history.

Its December average of 611,000 was a 24% year-on-year increase compared to 2022.

The show also reported more than 250 million views on YouTube.

First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.

“What I’m saying is it’s not a big deal for someone as great as him to throw a behind-the-back two-yard pass.

“Under no circumstances am I implying that I can do what any NFL player can do. I can’t do what any NFL player can do. Let’s get that out the way right now.

“I’m just saying a behind-the-back two-yard pass from him is nothing. That’s all I’m saying.”

Mahomes admitted that he made the pass “out of spite” – after accusing Kelce of running the wrong route.

His teammate went on to slyly hit back that Mahomes “has the voice thing” before performing an impression of him likened to Kermit the Frog by fans online.

Upon hearing Mahomes’ explanation, Kelce’s brother Jason also took a dig at his sibling, writing on X, “If Pat starts throwing behind the back passes every time Travis runs the wrong route, this may be the most exciting year of football to date.”