We all know how unhinged fans get over Patrick Mahomes. And honestly, can you blame them? The 30-year-old QB is basically football’s version of a cheat code. Half the country wears No. 15 jersey, and apparently, one of his biggest superfans is on his own roster.

Rookie running back Brashard Smith might just take the crown for “Mahomes’ No. 1 fan.” Drafted in the seventh round this year, Smith is already turning heads in Kansas City. Even with limited snaps as a rookie, he’s flashing real breakout potential. The Chiefs quickly trusted him as their kick returner, and he’s made the most of it, taking seven returns for 192 yards, averaging over 27 yards each time. That kind of spark is hard to miss. And now, in return, he has made his feelings clear in a recent interview.

“He’s (Patrick Mahomes) literally the best QB I’ve ever played with,” Smith said. “I know how smart he is. He sees things quicker than most other quarterbacks. I love that about him,” he said. If that sounds like something you’ve seen on Twitter under every “Top 10 QBs” debate thread, it’s because Mahomes keeps proving it true.

The stats are great, sure. But amidst the highlight throws, the no-look lasers, the magic is in the tiny stuff. The way he instantly checks down when the blitz hits. The flick of the wrist that puts the ball in stride for a back leaking into open space. The way he’s reading a defense before the safeties even realize what formation they’re in. And these details don’t pop up on the stat sheet. You can only set him apart when you watch him week in-week out. And no one gets a closer look at Mahomes every week than his teammate Brashard Smith.

After a slow start this season, Mahomes is quickly reminding us who he is. He’s heating up fast after going 0-2, racking up 939 yards, 7 touchdowns, and just one pick through four games. Week 4 in particular, 25-of-37 for 270 yards and 4 TDs, was textbook Mahomes. We’re getting him back, slowly. But what’s even better is that here the admiration goes both ways. Mahomes has been just as hyped about Smith.

“He’s done a great job,” QB said. “Just like any other rookie in this offense, you give him more and more each week, and he’s done a good job at taking it in and executing at a high level. So we’ll continue to do that. It helps that he played receiver a lot, so he can run routes, and he’s also played running back, so he can run between the tackles.”

And now that Smith will be getting a bigger role, we’ll see more of this partnership. Thanks to Andy Reid’s decision.

Andy Reid rewards Brashard Smith with more responsibility

When the Chiefs were staring at a 1–2 record, their run game looked flatter than a Kansas highway. Then came the Ravens game, and with it, Brashard Smith’s mini breakout. And Andy Reid took notice. “Nags is just trying to increase Smith’s reps every week and put him in positions where he can do some things. And he seems to be handling it well,” he said.

Before that, he had three carries for 15 yards and zero catches through three games. Against Baltimore? He blew past those totals by halftime. Ended with four carries, three catches, 36 total yards, plus 55 yards on two kick returns. Add in a slick 34-yarder that got Arrowhead on its feet.

That versatility is exactly why he fits Andy Reid’s system like a glove. His receiver-turned-running back background makes him a natural fit for Reid’s offense. He can align out, run routes, take advantage of Mahomes’ vision in space, and add the explosiveness that the other backs have failed to.

Over the last month, Mahomes has been averaging 9.5 yards per attempt, converting first downs on 77% of his passes. Meanwhile, the running backs? 3.3 yards per carry and only 24% first-down conversions. Yeah… that gap is screaming for someone like Smith to step in and keep the offense from leaning entirely on Mahomes’ arm.