Patrick Mahomes: Tyrann Mathieu is one of the best leaders I have ever experienced

When the Chiefs play the Saints on Monday night, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the offense will face former Kansas City safety tyrann Mathieu for the first time.

Mathieu signed with the Chiefs as a free agent in 2019 and became one of the pieces that propelled Kansas City to win Super Bowl LIV that season. He was a first-team All-Pro in two of his three years with the Chiefs before they let him walk in free agency, and he signed with New Orleans.

Both head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes praised Mathieu during their respective press conferences on Thursday.

“Phenomenal player,” Reid said. “I will vote for him for the Hall of Fame in the future – I don’t have a vote, but I would vote for him. He’s a great leader. He actually makes his home here, so I think when he’s done he’ll probably come back here. Great kid, great player, brings a lot of energy.”

“Seeing that type of leader was, I think, something I’ll remember forever,” Mahomes said. “The way he inspired boys, the energy he played with – obviously he’s a great footballer – everyone can see that – but he’s really a great leader, one of the best leaders I’ve ever experienced. He tried to get the best out of everyone every day, he treated training like a game, he tried to get better every day, and that helped me become who I am.

“A great football player, man. I hope he gets out there, not for me and me, because he’s a great football player and always on the ball, but I think it would be special to see Kansas City come back and be on that field again. city.”

Mahomes noted that Mathieu’s influence was particularly helpful to him as a young player. The quarterback was in just his third season and second as a starter when Kansas City signed Mathieu.

“I watched him when he was in college and he dominated college football, and when he went to the NFL, and all the great plays he made, and then being able to see him every day – you want to see those guys who being at the top of the top and how they prepare every day,” Mahomes said. “And he was one of those guys where you knew why he was great when you saw him practice and how he went about his business.”

Mathieu started 47 games with the Chiefs over three seasons, recording 13 interceptions with 27 passes defensed and 3.0 sacks.

So far in 2024, Mathieu has defended three passes with two interceptions, along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.