Patrick Mahomes talked to the media during the first day of training camp on Sunday and said that he still talks to Alex Smith even after the big trade.
Patrick Mahomes says this whole training camp is a dream come true. As a child, the Kansas City Chiefs first-year starting quarterback said he would dream of this very moment, being the main guy in the spotlight to lead a team toward their hopes for Super Bowl success.
Mahomes partially credits his readiness for this ultimate career stage to the man who came before him: Alex Smith. For the last five seasons, Alex Smith averaged double digit wins each year in Kansas City, helping to right a franchise that had only won two games in the season before he arrived in 2012. Smith went to the playoffs four out of five seasons in Kansas City and earned a serious extension from the Washington Redskins just as he arrived via offseason trade.
Last year, the plan was unveiled to slowly pass the torch to Mahomes after the Chiefs traded up for him. Smith and head coach Andy Reid would help Mahomes prepare for this very day as the starting quarterback by allowing him to learn in the shadows of Smith on the field and to be in the same film room together for a year. On Sunday Mahomes credited that time with his ability to process the present. When asked what he’d learned from Smith, he responded:
"“I would say just the process of having a lot of success in the NFL,” says Mahomes. “He had a process of how he did things, how he made sure he was prepared for every situation in the game as well as every practice. So, for me just being able to watch that and understand what’s needed in order to have success in the NFL is probably the biggest thing he did for me.”"
Mahomes also noted that his relationship with Smith has continued even though they are no longer teammates. Smith was traded back in late January, even before the Super Bowl, in a quick offseason move by Brett Veach that jettisoned any potential quarterback controversy or questions. Despite the quick exit, Mahomes says they continue to communicate, which is especially helpful since so few people—athletes even—can identify with the pressures of being QB1 in the NFL.
"“Yeah, I’ve talked to him through text and stuff. Just kind of seeing how he has enjoyed Washington and everything like that and he enjoys it. We still have a good relationship, we’re still friends. When you’re quarterbacks in this league, you have kind of a special thing where you know what each other are going through.”"
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Here’s hoping Smith enjoys continued success in Washington, but even more that his influence, mentorship and friendship with Mahomes will pay off as the Chiefs prepare for a brutal early season schedule.