Earning the trust of your new teammates isn't always an easy thing.
For Kansas City Chiefs draft pick Kingsley Suamataia, just being selected in the 2024 NFL draft has already earned some praise from the most important player on the team. Patrick Mahomes' reaction after the pick was very telling.
"I love Veach man," Mahomes exclaimed on X (formerly Twitter), with a "cool" sunglasses emoji.
Asked about the opportunity to block for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Suamataia gave a big grin before seriousness took over. The magnitude of protecting the NFL's best player overcame him like a wave of responsibility. Suamataia immediately laid out the plan to earn the trust of his new quarterback.
“Blocking for Patty Mahomes himself is mind-blowing," Suamataia said. "But you know I gotta come in there and get him to trust me, like, 'I got you,' Nobody is gonna touch you. Even at practice, nobody is touching you.' The ability that Patty Mahomes (has) and just the weapons that we have on offense with (Isiah) Pacheco, with Travis (Kelce), like that’s the dynamic trio.”
It's not a terrible plan when you consider how hard the Chiefs practice, especially when training camp gets underway in St. Joseph, Missouri. Now that he's part of that dynamic trio's success, it's all about earning his place. Suamataia has been penciled in at left tackle, but he has the flexibility to play either spot, if necessary.
“I think I am going to fit perfectly," Suamataia said. "Come in as a rookie and be ready to work. Wherever (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck needs me at and wherever (Head) Coach Andy (Reid) needs me at. I can play both ways, right and left, wherever they can fit me in, and get ready to work. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get that job.”
Ultimately, the goal is to earn the starting job at left tackle and protect Patrick Mahomes blind side. But he knows being flexible provides value at the next level.
"I can play right side just as fluid as I play left," Suamataia said. "If I do get the opportunity to be his (Patrick Mahomes) blindside (blocker), shoot, that would mean the world to me."
Suamataia's excitement was palpable. The rookie knows the opportunity that is ahead of him. He's ready, willing, and able to contribute as the coaches deem fit during his rookie season.
"I’m just ready to work and can’t wait to be Patty Mahomes’ lefthand man, or righthand man, or whatever one he needs," Suamataia said. "I’m just ready to go.”
That work gets underway this weekend at the Chiefs' rookie minicamp, where Suamataia will get his first taste of NFL life.
More must-reads: