The Unsung Hero Behind Patrick Mahomes’ Rise to NFL Stardom.

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to dominate the NFL landscape, much of their success can be attributed to superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Since stepping into the role of starting quarterback in 2018, Mahomes has transformed the Chiefs into a formidable force, characterized by his awe-inspiring stats of over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first season, not to mention snagging the NFL MVP title.

However, behind the scenes, another figure played a pivotal role in shaping Mahomes into the athlete he is today: Alex Smith. In a revealing interview with SiriusXM, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid credited Smith for being instrumental in Mahomes’ development.

“Alex Smith was a phenomenal player. I wish I would have had him as a puppy. I should’ve picked him. He was excellent with Patrick. I didn’t ask him to mentor Patrick, but he welcomed him into his world because he is a nice guy. Patrick owes him like a new home,” Reid shared.

Smith, who was the Chiefs’ starting quarterback before Mahomes, did not just pass the torch; he nurtured his successor. From teaching Mahomes the intricacies of the football language to preparing him for the physical and mental demands of the NFL, Smith’s guidance was comprehensive. “Alex showed him how to study and devote time to it. It takes a long time to capture all of the verbiage for each play and then spit it out in that little amount of time,” Reid explained.

Smith’s influence extended beyond mere game tactics. He exemplified professionalism and how to be a supportive teammate and husband. His leadership in the locker room, particularly after games, provided real-time lessons in handling the pressures of NFL play, which were crucial for Mahomes, who had the physical attributes but needed to hone his game strategy.

Under Mahomes’ leadership, the Chiefs have not only become regular AFC Championship contenders but also clinched their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years in 2019. Mahomes’ trajectory has been stellar, with three Super Bowl wins in the past five years, and the team is on the cusp of making history with a potential third consecutive championship.

Smith’s role in Mahomes’ career is a testament to the impact of mentorship in sports. While Mahomes continues to receive accolades for his on-field prowess, the foundational work laid by Alex Smith remains a significant part of this success story.