Sports
Before Patrick Mahomes was lifting Lombardi Trophies and rewriting NFL record books, he was a rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs – raw, talented, and sitting behind veteran quarterback Alex Smith.
But unlike many first-round picks expected to deliver immediately, Mahomes was given something rare: time to learn and someone to teach him.
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Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick himself, knew exactly how brutal the NFL could be on young quarterbacks. His own experience with the San Francisco 49ers was filled with trial by fire.
Despite a stellar college career at Utah that included an undefeated season and national accolades, Smith entered a dysfunctional system in 2005. Without a mentor to lean on, he was left to navigate the pro game alone.
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“I had been told that he would complain and kind of just throw up his arms that like he would watch film by himself,” ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham said of Smith’s early years. “He was by himself.”
This experience shaped Smith’s approach when Mahomes arrived in Kansas City in 2017. Rather than seeing Mahomes as a threat, Smith embraced the role of mentor. He knew the difference a guiding hand could make.
“And when Alex later ended up with the Chiefs and they drafted a guy named Patrick Mahomes, he made a point of teaching Patrick how to be an NFL quarterback,” journalist Doug Warner noted.
“And one of those key areas is how to watch film. The head coach can’t watch film with the quarterback all day.”
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Mahomes credits Smith’s leadership for laying the foundation of his success. “He taught me a lot every single day and gave me a lot lessons and I’ll never be more thankful for that guy,” Mahomes has said. “Alex was the reason I was ready when it was my turn.”
When Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, joined the Chicago Bears, the situation was starkly different. Instead of a seasoned quarterback showing him the ropes, Williams inherited the job with no mentor in sight.
The Bears chose not to bring in a veteran presence, opting to give Williams full control from day one.
That decision has come with consequences. After a promising 4-2 start, Williams’ rookie season took a dramatic downturn. A crushing Week 7 loss to Washington, highlighted by a fumble and defensive lapses, began a 10-game losing streak. Williams, despite his talent, appeared increasingly isolated.
In one telling moment during Week 12, Williams sat alone on the bench after throwing a late interception – no coach nearby, no teammate offering support. The message was clear: he was expected to lead, but left to figure it out solo.
Williams took a physical toll too, getting sacked 68 times over the course of the season. With little protection and limited guidance, the burden of rebuilding Chicago’s offense fell entirely on his shoulders.
Despite the adversity, belief in his potential hasn’t wavered. Bears legend Devin Hester shared optimism about Williams’ future. “That comes with experience,” Hester said. “If he can get rid of the ball quicker… Sky’s the limit.”
The Alex Smith standard
What Alex Smith gave Mahomes wasn’t just a few lessons on tape study – it was stability, mentorship, and a blueprint for how to thrive in a cutthroat league. That gift helped the Chiefs forge a championship identity.
In contrast, the Bears’ decision to let Williams go it alone could stunt his development. With no veteran voice in the locker room and the weight of a struggling franchise on his back, Williams has endured a baptism by fire that Mahomes was spared.
Smith’s quiet sacrifice remains one of the most underrated keys to Kansas City’s dynasty. And it serves as a reminder: in the NFL, greatness often begins with guidance.
This news was originally published on this post .
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