Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been climbing up the NFL ladder almost faster than anyone before. Aged 25, the quarterback has already won the honor of being league MVP and has a Super Bowl ring to his name as well.

Draft back in 2017, the first-round though had to sit out most of his rookie career as backup to quarterback Ale Smith. Smith, a first-round draft pick himself was a much more experienced quarterback and was arguably at his prime when Patrick Mahomes took over.

While Mahomes has already gone on to achieve huge success in his first three years as starter of the Kansas City Chiefs, the QB credits a lot of it down to Alex Smith.

Smith took on the role of mentor for Mahomes and guided the QB through his first year in the league, keeping him away from the harh spotlight of the league.

Mahomes since has helped the Chiefs offense become a juggernaut with the help of wide receiver Tyeek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce.  And Kelce certainly has little doubt that Mahomes would’ve gone on to achieve the same sort of success without sitting out his rookie campaign.

Travis Kelce feels Patrick Mahomes undersells himself

While appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, Kelce said that he has little doubt about whether or not Patrick Mahomes would’ve achieved the same success had he not sat out his rookie season.

Dallas Cowboys Get Some Much Needed Cap Relief Thanks to Ezekiel Elliott

“I’m a little biased in who Patrick Mahomes is. I think I saw it from the get-go, his determination, his ability to see coverages early, feel confident in what he’s seeing, be able to throw a good ball. And then, obviously, his ability to make plays when the play breaks down,” Kelce said.

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

Trending

Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean

April 25, 2024 03:12 PM EDT

Despite Tom Brady’s Influence, JJ McCarthy Snubs Patriots In Favor of NFC Rivals Thanks to Michigan Connection

April 25, 2024 03:45 PM EDT

2024 NFL Draft: In Eminem’s Presence, Detroit Denied Entry Into NFL History Books as Motor City Fans Stopped Due to Maximum Capacity

April 26, 2024 01:40 AM EDT

Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife

November 20, 2023 04:39 AM EST

NFL Draft: Look Back at Russell Wilson’s Ex-Wife Ashton Meem’s Viral Reaction on 2012 Draft Day After Seattle Seahawks Picked Him in 3rd Round

April 21, 2024 08:58 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The Chiefs tight end lauded Mahomes’ intensity and desire to play. And seeing it upfront for years now, the tight end feels Mahomes could’ve done without that gap year.

“It’s just second to no one that I’ve ever played with or ever seen on the field,” he said. “So, I’m a little biased when I say I don’t think he needed that year.”

But Kelce did say that being under the wing of Smith helped the quarterback master the mental aspect of being a quarterback in the NFL.

Green Bay Packers Cut Veteran Wide Receiver Ahead of 2021 NFL Season

“Him understanding Alex’s professionalism, just how to be a pro. It’s reassuring,” Kelce said. “It gives you that confidence that ‘OK, I know how to do this. This is a guy who has had success in the league for numerous years, almost a decade now, and he does it like this.”