Patrick Mahomes admits it’s surreal being coached by Andy Reid
By Matt Conner
New Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says it’s a bit surreal to sit in the same room having Andy Reid as his head coach.
Patrick Mahomes has a lot of adjustments ahead of him. The spotlight, the money, the attention, the fans, the playbook. He’s taking it all on stride during his first day of rookie minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he did admit that it’s a bit surreal sitting in a room while receiving coaching instruction from head coach Andy Reid.
"“When you’re getting in there and listening to Andy Reid discuss installs,” said Mahomes on Saturday. “it’s a pretty surreal moment. Getting used to that is going to be cool.”"
All eyes are on Mahomes these days as fans get used to the only first round quarterback taken by the Chiefs in well over 30 years. The Texas Tech product got to show off his arm and take in some of the plays, but he knows he’s got a long way to go. However, he’s committed to learning as much as he can as fast as he can. That’s good news in a league where you never know when you might be needed.
"“It’s definitely learning. More so just going through the process and making the mike ID, calling the play and making sure everyone is in the right position. It’s a lot more than I had at Texas Tech but we’re learning as we go and we’re getting better every single rep.”"
Mahomes said his process includes writing plays on notecards and practicing calling plays in the mirror. It’s a lot to take in, but he’s got time and the Chiefs plan on giving him a developmental year behind Alex Smith for at least 2017.
"“For me, it’s about getting better every single day and doing whatever I can to contribute to the team. I come in with a little bit of pressure but this is Alex’s [Smith] team. Alex is the starting quarterback so I have time to work on my game, become ready and be available whenever coach needs me.”"
Mahomes was the 10th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, taken by the Chiefs after they traded up an extra third round pick and 2018 1st round pick to get him from the Buffalo Bills.