Mahomes cleared for training camp after knee surgery, cites advice from Brady and others

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes received clearance to join the Chiefs' training camp a little over seven months after undergoing surgery on a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. The injury occurred during a game on Dec. 14, and Mahomes began his rehabilitation by speaking with other athletes who had faced comparable setbacks.

"I talked to Tom [Brady] early in the process because he had the same injury, a very similar injury that I had," Mahomes said, referencing Brady's 2008 ACL and MCL tear and subsequent Comeback Player of the Year award.

Mahomes added that discussions with former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu and veteran tight end Zach Ertz helped him stay focused. Mathieu endured multiple knee injuries, while Ertz tore his ACL a week before Mahomes' own injury. Their exchanges turned into informal rehab competitions, with Mahomes and Ertz comparing deadlift numbers and video drills to motivate each other throughout the lengthy recovery.

"It keeps the competition going because it’s a long process and you feel like sometimes you’re lonely… so it gave me someone else that I can compete with to push my competitive drive," Mahomes explained.

Mahomes said his next goal is to be cleared for regular-season play in the opening week, emphasizing the importance of staying diligent throughout the rehabilitation process.