It’s not every day that an NFL player rewrites the narrative of his trauma. Patrick Mahomes‘ mentor’s name has long stood for resilience in pro football, but lately, his story has taken on new depth. The former No. 1 overall pick, who endured one of the league’s most gruesome injuries, seems to be stepping into a different kind of spotlight—one that doesn’t involve pads or cleats but something far more personal.​

While Alex Smith‘s former protégé, Patrick Mahomes, continues to dominate headlines in Kansas City, Smith’s recent move has fans revisiting the bond the two once shared. Mahomes himself has subtly acknowledged his admiration for the veteran QB in the past, and whispers of a fresh tribute are starting to swirl. But before the spotlight turns to Mahomes, Smith has opened the door to a more intimate conversation—a moment of honesty fans didn’t see coming.​

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Alex Smith shared a candid reflection on his harrowing injury journey, emphasizing the personal nature of pain and recovery. He recounted the moment of his injury, stating, “I felt the pressure coming and, in that moment, you know, my leg went fuzzy.” Smith’s wife, Elizabeth, also contributed to the narrative, highlighting the emotional toll of the experience and their shared resilience. She transformed the metal leg brace Smith wore during his recovery into a football-shaped trophy, symbolizing their triumph over adversity. ​

Smith’s injury, a spiral and compound fracture of his right leg sustained in 2018, led to 17 surgeries and a life-threatening battle with sepsis. His recovery was not just physical but also deeply emotional, affecting his role as a husband and father. Now, as an ESPN analyst, Smith uses his platform to advocate for open discussions about pain management, partnering with Vertex Pharmaceuticals for the “Pain Game Plan” campaign. ​The NFL community has taken note of Smith’s journey, with many expressing admiration for his resilience.

Even last year, former teammate and Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, who coached Smith in Washington, expressed profound respect, stating, “He’s an inspiration to me and he always will be as a guy that I was able to coach and have a relationship with.” His story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome immense challenges. As Alex Smith continues to share his experiences, he inspires others facing their battles, both on and off the field.​ While Smith’s words resonated deeply on their own, it didn’t take long for one of his most prominent mentees to reflect on that impact in his way.

Patrick Mahomes pays tribute to his mentor

Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP, has often credited Alex Smith for his development during his early NFL years. Reflecting on Smith’s influence in the past, Mahomes stated, “He’s helping me out every single day, every single rep.” This mentorship laid the foundation for Mahomes’ rapid ascent in the league.​ The bond between the two was evident during their time together in Kansas City. They shared weekly dinners, fostering a relationship that extended beyond the football field. Smith’s guidance provided Mahomes with insights into professional conduct, game preparation, and leadership.​

Mahomes made a tribute to Alex saying, “He taught me so much about being a pro,” He added, “I know that sounds so simple, but whenever you’re coming out of college and you’ve been going to college classes, to be all football all the time, and it’s a profession, not a hobby, you have to learn. Especially the quarterback position, there’s so much that goes into it other than just playing football, and I think I learned that from Alex. If that’s relating with teammates, being the leader of the team, so learning that and then staying in touch with him now, he’s become a friend, someone that I can look to for advice. I think it was amazing for me to be able to step into a room with him every single day.”

In an old interview, Alex recalled moments in practice where Mahomes showcased his exceptional talent, saying, “He’s making these no-look passes… he’s throwing 20-yard dig-routes across the middle, no-looking guys. Just rare, rare talent”. Despite the competitive nature of their positions, Smith emphasized the mutual respect and admiration between them. In a past message after his injury, Mahomes expressed his admiration for Smith’s comeback, stating, “It’s amazing. It really is amazing for him to get through what he went through and get back on the field … he’s a special human being.”

This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact Smith had on Mahomes’ career.​ Smith’s journey from a devastating injury to a successful return to the NFL serves as a source of inspiration for many, including Mahomes. Their relationship exemplifies the importance of mentorship and the lasting bonds formed through shared experiences in professional sports.​

As Smith continues to share his story and advocate for others facing similar challenges, one can’t help but wonder: How will his legacy influence the next generation of athletes, and what lessons will they draw from his remarkable journey?