In the lead-up to his inaugural Super Bowl appearance, Patrick Mahomes found himself on the practice field alongside a select group of offensive players and coaches, as the rest of the team focused on special teams drills. But for Mahomes, those moments during the special teams period had become more than just a time to watch from the sidelines – it was his personal laboratory where he could test the limits of his abilities, challenge the conventional, and innovate with new ideas.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had a unique way of encouraging Mahomes to explore his creativity. “I’m giving you the keys,” Reid would say, granting Mahomes the freedom to experiment and take risks. And on the practice field before the biggest game of his young career, Mahomes took full advantage of those keys. With a burst of speed to his right, Mahomes executed a dazzling behind-the-back pass to tight end Travis Kelce, leaving onlookers like Chiefs running backs coach, Deland McCullough, in awe.
“I think Pat is still trying to get it in,” former Chiefs’ player Kemp remarked. “He has been for probably three years now.”
Finally unveiling the move in a preseason game against the Lions, Mahomes’ highlight-reel play created a buzz on the internet. But it was Reid’s reaction that spoke volumes. “I’ve been telling you to do that for a while,” Reid told his young quarterback, acknowledging the potential he saw in Mahomes from the start.
The synergy between Reid and Mahomes has already become legendary in NFL circles. “(Reid) has created a culture where he surrounds himself with people who share his core values,” Kemp noted. “I truly believe he brought in Pat for that reason.”
From their early days together in 2017, Reid challenged Mahomes to think beyond the ordinary. “I want you to stretch the offense,” Reid would urge his quarterback during countless practice sessions. This meant taking risks, throwing deep passes, and exploring the unknown, even if it led to occasional setbacks.
The dynamic between Reid and Mahomes symbolized a fruitful partnership that has rewritten the NFL history books. And as Mahomes continues to push boundaries and innovate, it’s clear that the keys to success were handed to him by the man who believed in his potential from the very beginning.
