Patrick Mahomes on His First Impression of Meeting Travis Kelce: ‘Just a Good Dude’

Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback, fondly recalls his initial encounter with teammate Travis Kelce. During the Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night event on Monday, Mahomes shared his first impressions of Kelce, emphasizing his admiration for the tight end’s character and athletic prowess.

“I knew of him obviously, because he was such a great football player even before I got [to the Chiefs],” Mahomes told PEOPLE at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. “I think my biggest impression was, ‘that’s a tall guy,’ because I’d never seen a guy that tall man be able to move like that.”

Mahomes, who joined the Chiefs in 2017, described Kelce as a “great dude” from their very first meeting. He recounted how Kelce helped him and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, feel welcomed by taking them to a Kansas City Royals game during Mahomes’ first week on the team.

“We were sitting up front, we were having a great time and that’s kind of built part of the relationship that we have today,” Mahomes shared. This early gesture of camaraderie laid the foundation for a strong bond between the two players, both on and off the field.

Kelce, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2013, has been a pivotal part of the team’s success. His ability to move with agility and grace despite his towering height impressed Mahomes and many others. As they prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium, their partnership continues to be a driving force for the team’s offense.

This will mark Mahomes’ fourth Super Bowl appearance with the Chiefs and the team’s second consecutive year at the event after securing the Vince Lombardi trophy last season. Their journey to Las Vegas comes after a triumphant victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship on January 28.

Mahomes’ appearance at Monday’s press conference also followed personal news involving his father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., who was released on a $10,000 bond after being arrested on a DWI charge in Tyler, Texas, on Saturday. According to jail records, the 53-year-old was booked in the Smith County Jail for his third DWI offense, with previous charges in 2018 and 2019.

Despite the personal challenges off the field, Mahomes remains focused on the task at hand: leading his team to another Super Bowl victory. The strong relationship between Mahomes and Kelce will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Chiefs’ performance on the grand stage.