Ever since the Kansas City Chiefs drafted quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017, the trajectory of the franchise skyrocketed. After three Super Bowl wins, Mahomes and coach Andy Reid have now become NFL’s Best Head Coach-QB Duo. But did you know Mahomes caught the eyes of Chiefs general manager, Brett Veach, even before the QB was ready to enter the NFL?

In the latest episode of DraftKings, Chiefs GM joined hosts Michael Lombardi and Femi Abebefe to discuss the franchise’s 3-peat aim and its members. During the interview on July 22, 2024, he was also asked about coach Reid and QB Mahomes’ impact on the team. Therefore while praising the 66-year-old, he highlighted Reid’s brilliance in understanding the team’s pulse and direction, especially during the crucial playoff months. He mentioned that despite weather and injuries influencing game strategies, Reid’s adaptability and the versatility of the roster, led by Patrick Mahomes, allow the team to play different styles of football.

Veach noted how their ability to switch between high-flying offense and ball-control tactics makes the team dynamic. When asked about drafting Mahomes, he reminisced about the phase of Mahomes’ scouting Mahomes back in 2017-2018. Veach revealed when he was in a facility in Kansas City, “there was a small back scouting room” and at that time he was a director of player personnel. He continued, “I was kind of going through the NFS list (National Football Scouting)…I think Texas Tech had a tackle and I remember starting with the bowl game. It was Texas Tech versus LSU and you’re kind of watching the tackle but you’re getting kind of tuned into the whole game and….then all of a sudden you’re not watching The Tackle, you’re watching the quarterback.”

He admitted that after seeing Mahomes, he continued to watch him again and again on the tape. Veach added that when Reid came and asked him about it, “I jokingly said at that time, it’s our next quarterback and here we are eight years later – three Super Bowls and a bunch of wins.” So, the prediction came true!

But while Mahomes’ success is attributed to his talent, the coach, Veach, and the team, a major role was also played by his predecessor, QB Alex Smith. In the discussion, Veach reflected on Mahomes’ development and emphasized the importance of the quarterback’s learning from Smith during his rookie year.

According to him, this plan, which focused on preparing Mahomes both physically and mentally, contributed significantly to his professional growth. Despite not starting his first year, the learning experience under Smith was invaluable and played a crucial role in Mahomes’ success today.

Alex Smith is a happy mentor now!

Before Patrick Mahomes took the reins as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, he had the invaluable opportunity to learn from NFL veteran Alex Smith. Smith, a seasoned pro, saw Mahomes potential right away, calling him a “rare talent.” In Smith’s final season with the Chiefs, he hit career highs over 4,000 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and an impressive eight yards per attempt. He even led the NFL with a passer rating of 104.7.

Despite these stellar stats, the Chiefs finished with a 10-6 record and were knocked out in the Wild Card round, marking the end of Smith’s time with the team. Taking over from Smith, Mahomes quickly became a sensation in the NFL, and he made sure to credit a part of his success to Smith. In January, Mahomes mentioned, “I think it just comes from the guys before me. I mean, Alex Smith is the prime example. He was playing great football at [a] top level — and he was teaching me at the same time.”

And probably that’s why in his first season as a starter, Mahomes blew past 5,000 passing yards and threw 50 touchdowns. Reflecting on this success, his mentor Smith shared on the Pat McAfee Show, “I knew when the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes my time in Kansas City was running out. At that point anyway, I was on my thirteenth year, you’re not guaranteed anything … I knew I had that year to make the most of it. Nobody talks about his work ethic, and he’s an immense competitor. He’s relentless.”

Now Mahomes and team are eyeing on 3-peat!