In a league where every snap is scrutinized and every decision debated, one thing has remained rock-solid for the Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid’s belief in Patrick Mahomes. Even as the 2025 season tests the Chiefs’ resilience, their head coach isn’t blinking.

“I’ve liked everything about Pat since day one,” Reid told reporters in a Thursday press conference that felt more like a declaration of loyalty than a typical media session. “The talent, the leadership, the way he lifts the guys around him. You don’t coach that — it’s in him.”

A Relationship Built on Trust

Since the day Mahomes was drafted 10th overall in 2017, the Reid-Mahomes partnership has defined a new era of football in Kansas City. Under Reid’s tutelage, Mahomes has grown from a promising gunslinger to a generational talent: a two-time MVP, two-time Super Bowl champion, and arguably the face of the NFL.

But 2025 has thrown curveballs. Injuries, offensive line inconsistency, and a 2-3 start to the season have raised questions from fans and analysts alike. Is the Chiefs’ dynasty slipping? Is Mahomes carrying too much of the load? Can Kansas City rebound?

Ask Andy Reid, and the answer is simple.

Yes. Because they have Mahomes.

“We’ve Been Through Storms Before”

Reid’s calm demeanor has long been a steadying force inside the Chiefs’ locker room, and his unwavering confidence in Mahomes may be the biggest reason Kansas City has remained elite for nearly a decade.

“We’ve been through storms before,” Reid said. “He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t point fingers. He owns it, he studies it, and he comes back sharper every time. That’s what makes him special.”

Indeed, Mahomes’ response to adversity has been one of his defining traits. Whether it was rallying the team from a 24-point deficit in the 2020 playoffs against the Texans or engineering a last-minute drive in Super Bowl LVII, the 29-year-old quarterback thrives when the stakes are highest.

This season is no different. Despite leading the team in rushing yards — a stat more concerning than flattering — Mahomes has maintained his poise. And Reid is betting that this stretch will only fuel his quarterback’s fire.

Leadership That Can’t Be Measured

In Reid’s eyes, Mahomes’ greatest asset isn’t his arm or his legs. It’s his presence.

“You want a quarterback who wants the ball when the game’s on the line — that’s Pat,” Reid said. “He walks into the huddle, and everyone believes. That’s not something you teach. That’s something you feel.”

Teammates echo the sentiment. Tight end Travis Kelce has called Mahomes “the heartbeat of this team.” Defensive leader Chris Jones says Mahomes’ intensity sets the tone not just on Sundays, but every day at practice.

“You can just see it in how he prepares,” Jones said. “Every rep, every throw, he’s locked in. And when you have a guy like that leading you, you don’t quit.”

Even new players feel the Mahomes effect. Rookie receivers have spoken about the quarterback’s patience, his attention to detail, and his open-door leadership style.

Pressure Mounting, But Perspective Intact

The NFL is an unforgiving place. A few early-season losses can turn hot takes into boiling points. But Andy Reid isn’t interested in narratives. He’s interested in building legacies.

“Look, we’re not perfect. We’ve got things to clean up,” he admitted. “But I’ll take this guy over anyone in the league. Every single time.”

Those are strong words from a coach who’s seen it all. And they carry even more weight when you consider how Reid has developed quarterbacks over the years — from Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia to Alex Smith and now Mahomes in Kansas City.

Reid’s offense is famously complex, but Mahomes has mastered it like few ever could. The combination of instinct, preparation, and sheer athleticism makes him a weapon even when the play breaks down.

Analysts have also taken note. ESPN’s Mina Kimes recently pointed out that while Mahomes may not be putting up the eye-popping numbers of previous years, his decision-making under pressure and ability to extend drives have been even sharper in 2025. “This version of Mahomes is smarter, more calculated — and maybe even more dangerous,” she said.

Looking Ahead: Redemption on the Horizon?

With a pivotal Week 6 showdown against the 4-1 Detroit Lions looming, the Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads. A win could reignite their season. A loss could deepen doubts.

But Reid isn’t worried.

“Pressure doesn’t break Pat,” he said. “It sharpens him.”

And it’s not just Reid saying it. Around the league, there’s still a quiet consensus: count the Chiefs out at your own risk.

The next few weeks will be telling. With tough matchups ahead and AFC standings tightening, the margin for error is razor thin. But if there’s any player who thrives in chaos, it’s No. 15.

As Kansas City prepares to take the field under the primetime lights of Arrowhead, all eyes will be on Mahomes. And as always, his coach will be right there behind him — not just with a playbook, but with unshakable belief.

Because when it comes to Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid isn’t just confident.

He’s all in.