Patrick Mahomes wants the world to know that Kliff Kingsbury has been a major force behind his rise to NFL stardom. Long before the three-time Super Bowl champion dazzled fans at Arrowhead Stadium, he was honing his craft under Kingsbury, who was then the head coach at Texas Tech.

The lessons Mahomes learned during that time shaped his playing style, mindset, and confidence — laying the foundation for one of the most dominant quarterback careers in recent memory.

Mahomes, now quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, will face Kingsbury once again when the Chiefs host the Washington Commanders, where Kingsbury serves as offensive coordinator after his tenure as Arizona Cardinals head coach from 2019 to 2022. Yet despite their professional paths diverging, Mahomes is quick to acknowledge the lasting impact of his former coach.

In a recent press conference, Mahomes spoke glowingly about Kingsbury, emphasizing that he was “one of the first people that truly believed in me playing the quarterback position.” He credited Kingsbury with giving him guidance and refining his skills without restricting his natural style. “He gave me a ton of advice, refining me but letting me still just be me and play to my strengths,” Mahomes said. “A great coach, a great person that I still stay in touch with.”

Mahomes explained that what made Kingsbury special was his ability to let players grow while staying true to themselves. “He didn’t put me in a box and tell me how to play quarterback this way. He let me just go out there and be myself and play the way that got me there,” Mahomes said. This approach not only boosted Mahomes’ confidence but also allowed him to maximize his unique skill set — a formula that has translated into multiple MVP awards and Super Bowl victories.

From developing accuracy and decision-making under pressure to learning how to lead a team with poise, Kingsbury’s mentorship gave Mahomes the tools to thrive in the high-stakes NFL environment. Mahomes’ praise underscores a rare bond between coach and player, built on trust, respect, and the freedom to innovate. As the two reunite on the field, the story of Kingsbury’s influence on Mahomes serves as a reminder that behind every superstar, there is often a mentor whose belief makes all the difference.

Patrick Mahomes’ journey highlights that raw talent alone isn’t enough; it takes guidance, insight, and a coach willing to let greatness unfold naturally. And for Mahomes, Kliff Kingsbury will always be an irreplaceable part of the story that turned him into one of the NFL’s brightest stars.