When Mahomes Called, Jalen Royals Realized His Grind Was Finally Worth It

Jalen Royals wasn’t on the big boards. He wasn’t trending. No ESPN specials. No hype machine.

He was just grinding.

From junior college to Utah State, Royals lived the life of a longshot. No scholarships. No exposure. Just grit, film study, and early mornings alone. Even when he led the Mountain West in yards, he barely got a look.

Then came the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pick after pick passed. Names he had never heard called before his. He tried not to take it personally—but it hurt.

Then his phone rang.

“Hey, this is Patrick Mahomes. Welcome to the Kansas City Chiefs.”

Royals didn’t cry—not yet. He just closed his eyes and whispered, “Thank you.”

“I’ve watched your film. We’re excited. Let’s work.”

That was all he needed.

“Mahomes didn’t just make it real,” Royals said. “He made it worth it.”

From that moment, Royals became more than just another rookie wideout. He became a project Mahomes believed in. The chemistry started immediately at rookie minicamp. Coaches saw a player obsessed with detail, execution, and timing—traits Mahomes values deeply.

“He’s got that chip,” Mahomes said. “You can feel it.”

For Royals, that call wasn’t the end. It was the beginning. The validation of every cold morning, every solo route, every moment he wondered if anyone was watching.

Now, the whole league is.