“Embrace the new,” Alex Smith advised, “no matter how uncomfortable, and make it work for you.” It’s a mantra Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes took to heart, especially in his rookie season as a backup to Smith in 2017. And it paid off! Mahomes made sure he was ready to shine. And shine he did—since taking over in 2018, he’s turned heads and racked up accolades. Yet, Mahomes credits much of his success to Smith’s guidance. Surprised enough? Don’t be, because he explains exactly why.

“He [Smith] has taught me a lot of stuff and then I try to utilize that stuff to make myself better… It’s taking off man!” This is what Patrick Mahomes said about Alex Smith’s teachings during his appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, on August 14th. But let’s rewind from the start. Mahomes came as a rookie and tried to find his footing to learn professional ways while unlearning his college days. You need to be under a seasoned vet’s tutelage to imbibe these, if we may, cultural differences if anything! Keeping that in mind, the host put up the question beautifully, asking, “What did Alex Smith mean to you when you came into the league?”

Reflecting on his early days, Pat admitted, “I came in as a… I don’t want to say immature, but I came in just relying on my talent. And then I watched how Alex worked and I was like, ‘Let me just try to do some of that stuff.'” Watching Smith’s work ethic, Mahomes learned the game beyond his raw skills and has continued to build on that foundation. Give the credit where it is due. Now, he has reached a level, where he is in GOAT conversations with Tom Brady.

Since his 2018 MVP debut, Patrick Mahomes has redefined excellence, steering the Chiefs to six straight AFC Championship games—winning four and tasting defeat twice in overtime. With four Super Bowl appearances and three titles, Mahomes is among the elite five QBs of all-time with three or more SBs as a starter. His stats only scratch the surface of the Mahomes dynasty. Do you think his dad’s nickname ‘Showtime’ is just for show? Think again.

While Mahomes’ rise has been meteoric, it’s easy to forget the role Smith played in setting the stage. There’s one tweet dating back to January 2020 from Braiden Turner, host of the ‘Ain’t No Seat’ podcast, that read: “I love Alex Smith. He comes here a year after the Chiefs went 2-14, they have 5 straight winning seasons with Alex & they still took a QB in the first round. He doesn’t take it personally & helps Mahomes develop and become a pro like himself. Love that he’s a huge fan of Pat’s.” 

Alex Smith’s arrival in Kansas City sparked immediate success, leading the Chiefs to a 9-0 start in 2013 and throwing for 1,919 yards with nine touchdowns. Smith earned three Pro Bowl selections and topped the league in passer rating in 2017. His 2016 season saw career highs with 3,502 passing yards and five rushing touchdowns. This laid the groundwork for Mahomes’ success. Despite the spotlight on Mahomes, Smith’s contributions are undeniable.

However, that’s just how fandoms are. With stakes as high comes the pressure and hence the expectations leading to comparisons. But these moments lead us back to the line from “Batman”: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” And in this case, Mahomes is living proof of Smith’s heroic impact. And Pat knows it. “I always give this man his flowers but I truly mean it,” he said.

Now, as the 2024/25 season shapes up, there’s an important question that the ex-Chiefs QB asked the current torch bearer.

Alex Smith asks Patrick Mahomes about the locker room vibes ahead of the 3-peat chase!

After the AFC Championship win, HC Andy Reid’s phone lit up with 538 texts, including one from former QB Alex Smith–“Phenomenal win. The kid was unbelievable.” Per the 2020 NBC article, Reid chuckled, recalling, “He’s Patrick’s biggest fan, and Patrick’s his biggest fan.” That mutual respect is the secret sauce behind Kansas City’s winning culture—a perfect setup for another epic season.

Fast forward to 2024, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have locked their sights on the 3-peat. It’s an unprecedented feat that, if achieved, would cement them as one of the NFL’s all-time dynasties. On SiriusXM NFL Radio, on 13th August, former teammate and mentor, Alex Smith echoed the same sentiments. He asked Mahomes to share the locker room’s mindset since the SB LVIII victory.

“It wasn’t like we openly talked about it,” Mahomes said. “Right after the Super Bowl, we were saying, ‘We gotta go do it.’ But once we’re back, it’s all football. The process of getting better every day is what keeps us hungry.” That focus made them a powerhouse—the drive to be great on every snap, every down.

But Mahomes knows they’re not the only contenders in this race. The rest of the league is gunning for them, making the Chiefs’ motto of “day-by-day improvement” all the more crucial. It’s about staying sharp and locking in on the goal. And the best way to inject this into the system is to imagine driving downfield with the clock ticking. As Alex Smith put it, “The decision-makers are the ones who’ve been there, seen it all, and experienced it all.”

With Mahomes leading the huddle, the Chiefs aren’t just playing for another ring—they’re playing for their legacy. The Red and Gold confetti is set to be popped on gridiron yet again! But one question remains: Can they etch their names in the annals of NFL history? Fans buckle up. This season’s about to be a wild ride!