Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has once again showered praise on his star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, highlighting the work ethic that has made Mahomes a perennial MVP candidate and one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Reid emphasized how Mahomes’ commitment to excellence resonates throughout the organization and sets the tone for the entire team. “That kind of work ethic sends a strong message to other members of the team,” Reid stated, underscoring the quarterback’s relentless pursuit of perfection both on and off the field. Reid, a seasoned leader known for nurturing quarterbacks like Donovan McNabb and Alex Smith, remarked that Mahomes’ approach to preparation, practice, and game day execution serves as a blueprint for the Chiefs’ culture of success.
The discussion about Mahomes’ leadership came amid questions regarding the team’s ongoing playoff push and their pursuit of another Super Bowl title. While many focus on Mahomes’ physical talents—the rocket arm, quick feet, and uncanny ability to improvise under pressure—Reid was quick to highlight the intangibles that make him a truly special player. According to Reid, it’s Mahomes’ preparation during the week that allows him to shine under the bright lights. “You see what he does on Sundays, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Reid explained. “It’s the hours of film study, the way he communicates with the coaching staff and his teammates, and how he attacks every single practice rep like it’s the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl.” Reid’s admiration for Mahomes was clear as he discussed the quarterback’s role in fostering a championship-caliber environment within the team.
Reid also mentioned the ripple effect of Mahomes’ dedication, noting how it inspires players across the roster. “When your leader is the first one in the building and the last one to leave, it’s hard for anyone else to slack off,” Reid said with a smile. The head coach shared an anecdote from earlier in the season when Mahomes was seen working out and watching film at the team facility well past midnight, just hours after returning from a grueling road game. For Reid, moments like that epitomize Mahomes’ influence on the organization. “He doesn’t just talk about wanting to be great—he puts in the work, and that sets a standard for everyone else,” Reid said. “When the younger guys see that, it raises the bar for what they expect from themselves and each other.”
Beyond his impact on teammates, Reid credited Mahomes with helping elevate the coaching staff’s game. “We all want to be better because of Pat,” Reid admitted. “As coaches, we know we have a special talent in him, so we push ourselves to make sure we’re giving him the best possible tools to succeed.” That mutual drive for improvement has been a hallmark of the Reid-Mahomes partnership, which has already yielded two Super Bowl titles, multiple AFC Championship Game appearances, and countless unforgettable moments. Reid shared that the quarterback often approaches him with ideas for new plays or adjustments to existing schemes, demonstrating not only his football IQ but also his willingness to collaborate. “He’s not afraid to challenge us in a respectful way,” Reid said. “That’s how you know he’s not just playing the game—he’s thinking it at a very high level.”
Mahomes’ leadership extends beyond the football field, according to Reid. He spoke of Mahomes’ philanthropic efforts and his role in the Kansas City community as equally integral to his legacy. Through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Mahomes has supported numerous initiatives focused on education, health, and wellness for children. “He’s as good a person off the field as he is on it,” Reid said. “That’s rare in this business, and it’s something we don’t take for granted.” Reid added that Mahomes’ community involvement further solidifies his position as a role model for teammates and fans alike. “It’s not just about winning games for him—he truly wants to make an impact,” Reid noted.
Reid’s praise for Mahomes comes as the Chiefs prepare for a critical stretch of games that will determine their playoff seeding. While the head coach acknowledged the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in Mahomes’ ability to lead the team through adversity. “There’s nobody I’d rather have leading this group,” Reid said. “His work ethic, his heart, and his love for the game—those are the things that separate him.” Reid’s glowing remarks not only reflect Mahomes’ importance to the team but also reinforce why the quarterback is viewed as one of the NFL’s premier players and leaders.
In the end, Reid’s comments served as a reminder of the unique qualities that make Mahomes an invaluable part of the Chiefs’ organization. While talent is often the first thing that comes to mind when discussing Mahomes, Reid made it clear that his quarterback’s success is rooted in something deeper—a tireless drive to be the best and an unwavering commitment to his teammates. As Reid summed up, “What Pat does goes beyond the stat sheet or the highlight reel. He’s the heartbeat of this team, and we’re all better because of him.” With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs continue to set their sights on greatness, fueled by a leader whose work ethic and determination inspire all who have the privilege of playing and working alongside him.
