The Kansas City Chiefs’ stars have become icons to many who have followed their dominance over the past few seasons. Their popularity and success will influence future stars trying to emulate that championship mindset.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes finally had the opportunity to openly share his thoughts with reporters Wednesday on Nebraska freshman Dylan Raiola’s impersonating him with viral clips on social media.
“I mean it’s cool, honestly. I was that guy. I grew up watching players. I remember being – when I (was growing) up, I loved (Former Yankee Shortstop) Alex Rodriguez (who) played shortstop.” said Mahomes “I would try to make plays just like him and do stuff like that and it helped me become the athlete that I am. It’s just telling me I’m getting a little old. That’s the biggest thing is that you have these guys that are coming up and doing some of the side arm stuff. I know (Nebraska Quarterback) Dylan (Raiola and) I train with him in the off season. (He is) a great kid (and) a great football player. I think he is going to make his own stamp on the game, and I think you have seen that early in his career.”
After two games, Raiola started his college career with three touchdown passes, no interceptions, and 423 yards for the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers. Mahomes doesn’t believe the freshman quarterback is paying much attention to social media reactions.
“I don’t know if whenever you come in as a freshman you want to be on Twitter and be the part of the team. I think he (Nebraska Quarterback Dylan Raiola) wants it to be about his team.” said Mahomes “I think that is the right way to play the quarterback position is that it’s not about you, it’s about going out there and having success as a team. They’ve done that so far this year. So, even though – I think he just kind of wants to push this out and play football and go out there and win football games. I think that is the right way to play the position.”
The Mahomes clone label on Raiola will continue to be discussed this season. He has the approval of the reigning Super Bowl MVP, so it will be interesting to see his development over the next few years.