Patrick Mahomes is set to return for the Kansas City Chiefs as training camp begins. Behind that road back from a serious knee injury included guidance from one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks.

Patrick Mahomes told the reporters on Friday that Tom Brady was one of the first people he contacted after tearing the ACL and LCL in his left knee last December. Brady overcame a similar injury in 2008 and became a valuable resource during Mahomes' recovery.

“I talked to Tom (Brady) early in the process because he had the same injury, a very similar injury that I had,” Mahomes said, via Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star.

Brady returned from his injury to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award in 2009.

As per the Kansas City Star report, Mahomes said their conversations centered on staying disciplined throughout the lengthy recovery.

"It's just talking to guys that have been through this process and just saying how you have to stay on top of it," Mahomes said.

The Chiefs quarterback explained that recovering from a major knee injury tested him mentally as much as physically.

"It's a long process. I remember sitting at the table and watching us play those last few games and how much it hurt me," Mahomes added. "But I knew that if I continued to work, I could be at this spot where I get cleared for practice."

Mahomes also reached out to former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu and veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Mathieu had recovered from two ACL tears, while Ertz suffered a similar injury a week before Mahomes.

He explained that having someone to compete with made the process feel less isolating and helped him a lot.

Just over seven months after surgery, Mahomes is one step closer to returning for the Chiefs' regular-season opener.

Andy Reid confirms Patrick Mahomes is cleared for training camp

Mahomes' recovery reached another milestone on Friday. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Andy Reid told reporters that Mahomes has been cleared for training camp.

"(To) do all the different periods that we have in this camp. He’s been cleared to participate fully,” said Reid, as per Rapoport via X.

Mahomes suffered the season-ending injury against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14 and underwent surgery the next day. 

Undergoing surgery immediately helped speed up his recovery and cleared the way for his return. 

The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 and will open the new season with Mahomes back under center. 

Kansas City has since made several moves around its franchise quarterback, including signing him to a contract extension that runs through the 2033 season.

Veteran tight end Travis Kelce remains one of Mahomes' top targets. Also, the addition of Kenneth Walker III gives the offense another playmaker as the Chiefs look to rebound.

Mahomes completed 3,587 passing yards with 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games before his injury last season.

Now, with training camp set to begin, the former MVP appears on track to be ready when Kansas City opens the regular season.

What are your thoughts on a healthy Patrick Mahomes entering the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey