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The Kansas City Chiefs running back room has earned much more respect in recent seasons, as most of the attention is usually focused on the passing game.
Jerick McKinnon had a resurgent season last year with the Chiefs, becoming Patrick Mahomes’ preferred passing option in the red zone. McKinnon also gained more acclaim for his voice in the locker room as a team captain, taking ownership of mentoring younger players like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco.
McKinnon spoke to reporters on Wednesday about his mentorship, sharing veteran experience in the running backs room.
“It’s been fun because, you know, the thing about it is when you’re young, you want to make it to the NFL,” McKinnon said. “And then you want to do great things, and obviously, things of that nature. But everybody has their own course and their own little story and what they go through. And I think that’s what makes everybody’s journey that special. So, you know, anyway that I can help out, relay to those guys that I might have been through to help them get through to that next level and just keep playing a high level, you know, I’m always happy to do so.”
The former first-round draft pick Edwards-Helaire hasn’t had storybook success during his time in the league. His tenure with the Chiefs has been marred by injury and that culminated in the team’s decision to pick up his fifth-year option.
McKinnon praised the young running back for his resilience to battle through adversity and maintain a positive attitude.
“Of course, he’s definitely a locker room guy,” said McKinnon.“Go into the locker room and ask anybody on the team. Even though he’s a younger guy, his characteristics are a lot— he’s definitely older than his age — maturity level and things of that nature. So, you know, everything that he’s gone through, I think he’s handled it pretty well. Just to be here and keep grinding and keep stepping forward speaks on his character, speaks on his athleticism, and then just how much he can hold as a person, that could be a lot on a young guy.”
The growth of the Chiefs’ running back room over the last few seasons has helped evolve the offense. The veteran leadership of McKinnon has helped mold the group into what it is today with each player focused on the ultimate team goal.
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