Patrick Mahomes’ rivals have now given him two big reasons for motivation heading into season

As if the best player in the NFL needed more motivation.

Patrick Mahomes speaks to the media after a training camp practice.LAPRESSE

Patrick Mahomes is all but ready for his 8th season in the NFL. But anyone would tell you that it’s tough to continue finding the motivation to compete at such a high level, especially when he’s made it to the Super Bowl in four of the last five seasons.

One way to get fired up heading into the season with a chip on his shoulder would be to use bulletin board material from other teams or players. Most people are fond of Mahomes, so that would usually be hard to come by, but that hasn’t been the case as of late.

Raiders taunt Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes with ‘Kermit the Frog’ doll at training camp

Raiders and NFL players disrespected Mahomes in the past week

First, it was the Las Vegas Raiders mocking him with a Kermit the Frog puppet. It’s been said that Mahomes’ voice sounds like the Sesame Street character, and they were poking fun; although, the meme is quite old at this point.

Then on Friday night, it was revealed that Mahomes was ranked by his fellow NFL players as the No. 4 player of 2024. Lamar Jackson was ranked ahead of him in second, and former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Tyreek Hill came in first.

Like many, national reporter Cameron Wolfe wondered to himself why everyone seems to be poking the bear once again.

Mahomes could have come into this season relaxed and copacetic, but he now has external motivation and material to drive himself all year. We’ll see if that translates to more success on the field.