Patrick Mahomes Reveals the One Thing He Admires Most About Ovechkin—and It’s Not His Goals

This note provides a comprehensive examination of Patrick Mahomes’ expressed views on his relationship with Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, focusing on what he likely appreciates most about their partnership. The analysis draws from various public statements, interviews, and media coverage, aiming to synthesize a detailed picture for a professional audience interested in NFL dynamics.

Context and Partnership Overview
Patrick Mahomes, a prominent NFL quarterback, and Andy Reid have formed one of the league’s most successful coach-quarterback duos, leading the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, including victories in recent years. Their partnership is often cited for its synergy, with Reid’s offensive strategies complementing Mahomes’ improvisational skills. This relationship has been extensively covered in sports media, with particular attention to how Reid’s coaching style has shaped Mahomes’ career trajectory.

Detailed Statements from Mahomes
Several sources provide insight into Mahomes’ appreciation for Reid. In a 2023 interview with NFL.com, Mahomes stated, “He’s just the best,” describing Reid as “one of the best coaches of all time, but he’s just one of the best people of all time.” He elaborated, “He’s learned how to get the most out of me every day. He doesn’t let me be satisfied with where I’m at. He teaches me a ton.” This includes not only quarterback techniques but also broader life skills, such as “how to be a leader and how to be a great dad and how to be a great husband.” Mahomes emphasized, “He lets me be who I am every single day. I think if I’d have went to some other places, I would’ve had to learn how to play the quarterback position a different way, and he just lets me play the quarterback position the way that I want to play it. I think that’s what’s made me such a different type of quarterback in this league” (Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes: I would’ve had to learn to play QB ‘different way’ than I want without Andy Reid).

This statement suggests that Mahomes highly values Reid’s flexibility, allowing him to maintain his unique playing style, which is central to his identity as a quarterback. This freedom is likely a key factor in his success, enabling off-script plays and improvisations that have become hallmarks of his game.

In another instance, an X post from February 3, 2025, by @goldmctNFL captured Mahomes saying, “He does a great job of making everyone feel important and maximizing their strengths” (X post). This indicates Mahomes appreciates Reid’s ability to adapt the offense to the team’s strengths, fostering an inclusive environment where players feel valued.

Further, in a September 2024 interview with Marca, Mahomes shared, “There are moments during games when I can anticipate the play call even before it comes in,” highlighting their deep connection and understanding, which likely enhances his trust in Reid’s strategies (Patrick Mahomes spills details on his unstoppable connection with Andy Reid | Marca). This synchronicity suggests Mahomes values Reid’s communication and strategic alignment, which could be another aspect he appreciates most.

Analysis of “What He Likes Most”
While Mahomes does not explicitly state “what he likes most” about Reid in a single definitive quote, the recurring themes from his statements point to two primary areas: Reid’s allowance for personal playing style and his comprehensive mentorship. The freedom to play his own way is particularly significant, as Mahomes credits it for making him a “different type of quarterback,” which aligns with his reputation for creativity and improvisation. This is supported by articles discussing their creative partnership, such as The Athletic’s piece on Reid’s willingness to explore, allowing Mahomes to unleash unique skills (The secret of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid’s creative partnership: ‘Let’s see how far we can take it’).

However, his appreciation for Reid’s personal guidance—extending beyond football to leadership and life skills—also stands out. This dual aspect suggests that Mahomes’ “most liked” could be a blend, with the playing style freedom being more directly tied to his professional success, while the mentorship reflects a deeper personal respect.