Some may not remember, buy the origins of the phenomenon known as "Minshew Mania" actually began against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The year was 2019, and the Chiefs had legitimate Super Bowl aspirations for the first time in many years. They would go on to win the big game later that season, but first came a Week 1 matchup against the Jaguars.
Kansas City traveled to Jacksonville to take on the new-look Jags, who had just acquired former Super Bowl winning QB Nick Foles. Unfortunately for him, Foles suffered a broken left clavicle during the first quarter.
Taking his place was little-known rookie Gardner Minshew, who Jacksonville drafted in the sixth-round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington State. Although the Chiefs' offense was too much for the Jags to keep up with en route to a 40-point day, Minshew performed better than anybody could have imagined.
Minshew completed 22 of 25 passes for 275 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in what was basically three quarters of play. He also completed his first 13 passes of the game, and his 88 percent pass completion was the highest of any QB with at least 15 pass attempts in his debut.
When Minshew was asked by the media during his introductory press conference as a Chief about that game, he told reporters that he actually doesn't remember it very well.
"I don't remember much," Minshew said. "It was a blur. I remember going into the game not expecting to play, just happy to be on the team. Unfortunately, Nick got hurt like 12 plays in, and I went in. I remember me and my dad sitting down for dinner after and we're like, what the heck just happened? It was unbelievable, man. That was an unbelievable experience. And, man, it's been super gratifying, super fortunate to have all the experience I've had in the NFL."
Foles would miss the entire season, and Minshew started 12 games for the Jags during that span. Minshew's 21 TD passes in 2019 are still his career high, and he has started 46 games in total throughout his six-year career.
Known for his scrappy and competitive spirit, along with his unique personality and look, "Minshew Mania" has become a term that fans use when Minshew makes a big play or leads his team to victory.
He may be out of opportunities to be a franchise QB, but being the backup on a dynasty team like the Chiefs is a pretty important role. If starter Patrick Mahomes (God forbid) has to miss a chunk of time, we could see "Minshew Mania" run wild in Kansas City.
