The Importance of Teammates: Patrick Mahomes’ Key Relationships

Patrick Mahomes has established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history through just five seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starter. At only 27 years old, he already has a Super Bowl title, Super Bowl MVP award, and NFL MVP award to his name. However, Mahomes’ individual success would not be possible without the support of his teammates. While he shares strong bonds with many Chiefs players, three relationships in particular have been instrumental to Mahomes’ rise: tight end Travis Kelce, head coach Andy Reid, and former wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Travis Kelce

No teammate is more important to Mahomes than tight end Travis Kelce. Since Mahomes took over as the starter in 2018, Kelce has been his top target and most trusted receiver. Over the past five seasons, Kelce has averaged 105 receptions and 1,258 yards per year when playing with Mahomes. Their connection on the field seems almost telepathic at times.

Off the field, Mahomes and Kelce have developed a close friendship. They spend time together outside of football and keep in regular communication even during the offseason. Mahomes has said Kelce is “like a brother” to him. Their chemistry was on full display when they won Super Bowl LIV together in 2020. Kelce caught six passes for 43 yards and three touchdowns in the Chiefs’ comeback victory over the 49ers.

In interviews, both Mahomes and Kelce have spoken about how much they enjoy playing together. Kelce said “It’s a blast being out there with Pat” due to Mahomes’ playmaking ability. Mahomes called Kelce “one of the best tight ends, if not the best tight end, of all time” and said he loves throwing to him because “he’s so reliable.” The trust between them has allowed Reid’s offense to reach its full potential. Without Kelce serving as Mahomes’ safety blanket, the Chiefs’ production would undoubtedly suffer. Their bond is a big reason why Kansas City has remained an elite offense.

Andy Reid

While Kelce is Mahomes’ closest friend on the team, head coach Andy Reid has had the biggest influence over his career development. Ever since drafting Mahomes 10th overall in 2017, Reid has put him in the perfect position to succeed by utilizing a quarterback-friendly system. His playcalling caters to Mahomes’ strengths as a downfield passer and allows him to freelance outside the pocket.

Reid has also played a fatherly role in mentoring Mahomes. The young quarterback has spoken about learning life lessons from Reid and looking up to him as a mentor. Reid’s experience and guidance have helped Mahomes handle the pressures and responsibilities of being an NFL franchise quarterback at a young age. On the field, Mahomes trusts Reid’s gameplans implicitly and executes his vision for the offense.

The mutual respect between Reid and Mahomes is evident. Mahomes has credited Reid for his growth, saying “he’s letting me just be me as a player.” Meanwhile, Reid has praised Mahomes’ work ethic, leadership qualities, and “special talent.” Their partnership has produced outstanding results, including that Super Bowl championship and numerous league records. With Reid scheming ways to maximize Mahomes’ strengths, the quarterback has been able to shine on a level few ever have. The coach-QB relationship may be the most vital one in football, and Reid and Mahomes have certainly maximized theirs.

Tyreek Hill

Prior to the 2022 offseason, another integral part of the Chiefs’ high-powered offense was wide receiver Tyreek Hill. From 2018-2021, Hill was Mahomes’ favorite deep threat and the perfect complement to Kelce in Reid’s schemes. Their chemistry was uncanny, with Mahomes regularly dropping dimes 50+ yards downfield into Hill’s hands.

While he’s no longer in Kansas City after being traded to Miami, Hill still had a big influence on Mahomes during their time together. The quarterback spoke about how much he enjoyed connecting with Hill for explosive plays and trusted him to win contested catches. Their combination of speed and accuracy produced some of the most thrilling highlights in recent NFL history. Hill was also close with Mahomes off the field and supported him as a leader.

Although the offense will look different without Hill stretching defenses, his impact can’t be understated. He took significant coverage away from Kelce and allowed other receivers more space to operate. Plus, just the fear of Hill breaking a long touchdown kept secondaries honest. While replacements like Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore will aim to fill the role, no one possesses Hill’s unique skillset. Mahomes may have to adjust some without his favorite deep threat, but their history together helped propel both players to stardom.

Other Key Relationships

While Kelce, Reid, and Hill stand out as Mahomes’ most vital relationships, he has also developed strong bonds with other Chiefs teammates who have contributed to the franchise’s success:

– Safety Tyrann Mathieu is one of the defensive leaders and a locker room presence Mahomes respects. They’ve discussed accountability and maintaining high standards.

– Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is someone Mahomes enjoys working with due to his versatility and ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

– Offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie are charged with protecting Mahomes but have also discussed the mental aspects of playing quarterback.

– Backup quarterback Chad Henne is a trusted veteran friend who Mahomes looks to for advice, like during the 2021 AFC Championship win over Buffalo.

– Young weapons like Mecole Hardman, Jody Fortson, and rookie Isiah Pacheco are players Mahomes wants to help develop within Reid’s system.

While individual accolades are great, Mahomes understands football is the ultimate team game. His relationships with selfless teammates who support his success are what make the Chiefs’ sustained excellence possible. As long as he maintains these vital bonds, Mahomes seems destined for further greatness in Kansas City.