“Greatest Thing to Happen to Patrick Mahomes”: Andy Reid Reflects Back On Alex Smith Mentoring the Super Bowl MVP

Ever since Patrick Mahomes took the charge leading the Kansas City Chiefs, he became a fan favorite. Although to be successful on that level, one has to find the appropriate mentorship. Chiefs’ HC Andy Reid mirrors what the 1-time Super Bowl MVP found in former QB1 Alex Smith, who took Mahomes to the next level.

Before Mahomes took over, Alex Smith assisted in the rebuilding of the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes led his men to many AFC postseason appearances and a Super Bowl victory during the five-year turnover period. In a period of 5 years, the franchise turns its level; from moderate to becoming one of the most dominant factions in the NFL.

On Friday, Colin Cowherd had Kansas City Chiefs current HC Andy Reid on the latest episode, The Herd. Reid discussed a few subjects during the discussion, such as the Tyreek Hill transfer and the Chiefs’ tactical approach. He also discusses Patrick Mahomes and Alex Smith’s correlation.

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He mentions, “Alex by nature, though, was the greatest thing that ever happened to Patrick Mahomes. There are different ways to do this thing, whether you play the player right now or some behind a veteran player. Alex was perfect for that. Alex did let Patrick into his world without being forced on it or anything, and he let Patrick in it. Patrick handled it the right way and didn’t step in the way of Alex and what he needed to produce and had respect for him. So it worked out perfect.”

Unlike Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who does not believe mentoring Malik Willis is part of his job description. Alex Smith did an excellent job with Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes’ dominance under Alex Smith’s tutelage

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft after they traded up. That time, Smith had just completed a Pro Bowl campaign and led the Chiefs to the postseason. Despite HC Reid telling Smith that it was not his job to train Patrick, he eventually took the role, and the inevitable happened.

It would have been easily possible for Smith to say he wouldn’t help Mahomes prepare for his career, but he has consistently proven to be an excellent guide for the existing Chiefs quarterback. Perhaps even stronger than the quarterback instructor. Since then, the Grim Reaper has led the Chiefs for four fantastic seasons, with 1 Super Bowl win with an incredible QB record of 50-13-0. Smith deserves a lot of credit for Mahomes’ insane build-up.

Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports