“Andy Reid Praises Patrick Mahomes: ‘He’s the Special of the Special, This Is His League Now,’ Coach Declares”

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has spent decades working with some of the most iconic players in NFL history, from Brett Favre to Donovan McNabb. But even after all the years and all the stars, Reid knows he has something uniquely rare in Patrick Mahomes. In a moment of unfiltered admiration, Reid recently shared what truly sets his quarterback apart—not just from others in the league today, but from just about any player who’s ever worn a helmet.

“He makes the difficult look easy and it’s at the highest possible level in the whole world,” Reid said. “He’s the special of the special.”

Reid, known for his usually measured tone, didn’t hold back when discussing Mahomes. The words came pouring out with warmth, awe, and gratitude. But even more striking than Reid’s praise for Mahomes’ physical gifts was his emphasis on the human being behind the superstar. For Reid, Mahomes isn’t just the most dynamic quarterback on the planet—he’s a leader, a worker, a father, and a teammate of the highest order.

“He’s humble, he’s competitive, he’s a great teammate, good father,” Reid said. “He does it the right way.”

At just 29 years old, Mahomes has already rewritten the NFL’s script. With three Super Bowl championships, multiple MVPs, and countless jaw-dropping moments under his belt, Mahomes’ resume is already Hall of Fame-worthy—and he’s nowhere near the end. The numbers and accolades are staggering, but to Reid, Mahomes’ true greatness isn’t fully captured by statistics.

“It’s not just god-given,” Reid emphasized. “It’s what you do with it.”

For Reid, it’s Mahomes’ unrelenting consistency, his ability to bring intensity and positivity every single day, that defines his character and leadership.

“Every day he comes in the huddle and says ‘let’s be great today!’ I mean, every day,” Reid said, grinning. “He does it where it’s not just something that he’s saying. You know that he means it.”

That repetition may sound cliché on the surface, but in the context of Reid’s career and the grueling nature of the NFL season, it’s revealing. Many players talk about greatness, but very few commit to its pursuit on a daily basis the way Mahomes does. Whether it’s training camp in the blistering summer heat, Week 9 in a slog of a game, or the final moments of a playoff battle, Mahomes brings the same level of urgency and optimism. That’s what inspires his teammates—and, clearly, his coach.

And then there was the ultimate passing of the torch.

“I watched Tom Brady turn the keys over to him, which was cool,” Reid recalled. “Tom said ‘Hey, this is your league now, man.’”

For Reid, that wasn’t just a symbolic moment—it was a confirmation of everything he’s believed about Mahomes since he first saw him on the practice field.

Reid and the Chiefs traded up to select Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. At the time, critics questioned the move. Mahomes was seen as raw, with a gunslinger mentality and a playing style that didn’t fit the conventional mold. But Reid saw something different. He saw the future.

In Mahomes’ first year as a starter in 2018, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, instantly validating Reid’s vision. Since then, Mahomes has only elevated his game, winning three Super Bowls and establishing himself as the face of the NFL.

But what makes Reid’s perspective especially meaningful is the emphasis he places on Mahomes’ personality traits over his physical gifts. In a league full of freak athletes and strong arms, it’s Mahomes’ drive, focus, and character that Reid believes make him truly elite.

Reid’s admiration isn’t just about coaching wins or titles—it’s about watching a young man maximize every ounce of his potential.

“You watch greatness come to life every day,” Reid said. “And you watch a guy who takes none of it for granted.”

That’s what resonates most with his teammates as well. Mahomes isn’t just their leader; he’s their example. He brings energy without ego, swagger without selfishness, and work ethic without entitlement. Whether he’s delivering a no-look pass, leading a fourth-quarter comeback, or helping rookies adjust to the league, Mahomes stays grounded in the values Reid treasures.

“He’s the first one in, the last one out,” Reid said. “And when he talks, people listen—not because he’s the quarterback, but because they believe him.”

That belief has fueled Kansas City’s dynasty. Reid and Mahomes now form one of the greatest head coach-quarterback tandems in NFL history, alongside legends like Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Bill Walsh and Joe Montana, and Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw. Each of those duos had a magical synergy—and Reid knows exactly how lucky he is to have Mahomes by his side.

“I’ve been around a lot of great players,” Reid admitted. “But Patrick? He’s different. He’s doing things we’ve never seen before—on and off the field.”

Reid isn’t just celebrating Mahomes for what he’s done. He’s marveling at what he continues to do. Even after all the success, Mahomes remains as driven as ever. During the offseason, instead of coasting on accolades, Mahomes trains relentlessly, studies film, and hones his craft with a hunger typically reserved for undrafted players trying to make a roster.

“He’s never satisfied,” Reid said. “And that’s the scary part—for other teams.”

It’s that combination of talent, humility, and work ethic that has Mahomes on a trajectory toward becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time—not just in football, but across all sports.

Reid’s comments reflect the deeper understanding he’s gained from coaching Mahomes over the past eight years. It’s a relationship rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Reid knows exactly what he has, and he’s not taking a moment of it for granted.

“I don’t know if we’ll ever see someone quite like him again,” Reid said.

As the Chiefs gear up for another run at the Super Bowl, the league continues to chase Mahomes. Opponents game-plan all week, studying his every move, hoping to limit his magic. But the reality is that Mahomes is redefining the position every time he steps on the field—and Reid is honored to witness it up close.

“He’s not just playing quarterback,” Reid said. “He’s changing what it means to be one.”

So when Tom Brady handed Mahomes the metaphorical keys to the NFL, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was a recognition that something extraordinary is happening. That this league, once dominated by No. 12 in New England and Tampa, now belongs to No. 15 in Kansas City.

And for Andy Reid, the coach who’s seen it all, there’s no doubt about it.

“This is Patrick’s league now,” he said. “And we’re all just lucky to be watching.”