Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, stands poised to enter a new chapter in his illustrious career as he approaches his 30th birthday. Since joining the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie in 2017, Mahomes has been a must-watch player. At 21, he is arguably one of the NFL’s most talented thirty-year-old veterans. His story paints a picture of remarkable achievements and advancement. Not just his talent on display, but how much his grasp of the game has matured.
In many ways his entry into the NFL was always going to be from a different mold. He developed his craft in an air raid, spread offensive system at Texas Tech. That experience came with its own set of challenges once he made the jump to the pro level. The Chiefs understood that Mahomes required direction on the fundamentals of quarterbacking. He learned through inordinate on-field tutelage from coaches, including Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy who remembered going back to the drawing board with him.
“He was yelling his first play into the huddle,” – Matt Nagy
Through it all, Mahomes has continued to prove just how special and unique of a ballplayer he is. He broke records by passing for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdown passes in a single season. His historic play would make him the league MVP, rewarding his hard work and talent.
With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs returned to the playoffs and made their first AFC Championship Game appearance in 25 years. This win laid the groundwork for a long-standing victorious streak. It paved the way for three Super Bowl championships and two MVP awards. In doing so, he’s firmly established himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in NFL history.
Now, as Mahomes looks back on his personal road to success, he says those experiences taught him what can’t be taught.
“More than anything I have a better understanding of my body,” – Patrick Mahomes
This type of self-awareness is important for every athlete, but even more so as one transitions to the latter stages of one’s career. Mahomes now finds himself closer to the end of his playing days than the beginning, which has prompted him to embrace his role as a mentor for younger players.
The Chiefs completely overhauled their QB slot, bringing in Gardner Minshew. Now, Mahomes is able to pass on that knowledge and experience to him. Minshew, who added to the team’s quarterback room this summer, came on board mainly to learn from Mahomes and witness the magic firsthand.
“It’s easy to see all the highlight plays, the big throws and stuff, and obviously you see that every day on the practice field,” – Gardner Minshew
The chemistry Mahomes has created with his fellow playmakers has grown in leaps and bounds. In his second go-round with the Chiefs last year, Kareem Hunt quickly commented on a noticeable change in Mahomes’ approach and leadership.
The offensive team concept will continue to be a big benefit for Mahomes as he enters this new stage of his career. What he liked most was seeing the engagement from veteran players and first-time attendees equally.
“We’ve had a lot of great players in this building, a lot of great people and so it makes it enjoyable to come to work every single day. I still have some guys with me that have been there the whole time and then adding new guys gives you a new juice and a new spirit to go out there and be even better,” – Patrick Mahomes
As Mahomes prepares for another season, he aims to continue building on his legacy while cherishing each moment on the field. His journey is an inspiring story not just for other aspiring quarterbacks but for all athletes in every sport.
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