Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was heard expressing his displeasure during a training camp practice last week when rookie teammates, former college rivals, engaged in a heated collision. The incident occurred during a 7-on-7 drill, involving undrafted free agent safety Xavier Nwankpa and rookie running back Emmett Johnson.
Mentioned by Arrowhead Pride, Mahomes was overheard from the sideline shouting, "What the [expletive] are we doing?" The play saw Nwankpa, who played for Iowa, deliver a hard hit to Johnson, a former Nebraska player. The historic rivalry between the two universities spilled onto the Chiefs' practice field, resulting in the notable outburst from the team's star player.
Johnson, a fifth-round pick, has been working to secure a spot on the Chiefs' 53-man roster. He has previously emphasized his dedication to special teams if it aids his chances of making the team. "That's how you get on the field, man," Johnson stated in a July 26 press conference. "That's how you help the team win. If I'm not a starter, I want to go out and help on kick returns, punt returns, whatever it takes to help the team."
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Nwankpa, an undrafted player, is also competing for a defensive role. He expressed his eagerness to capitalize on any opportunities presented during camp. "Just trying to take advantage of any reps I can get," Nwankpa said. "Young guy, undrafted guy, I'm just trying to go out there when I get my number called and go make some plays and just capitalize on those opportunities; that's all I can ask for."
Johnson was named Big Ten Running Back of the Year and suffered three losses against Nwankpa's Iowa team during his college career. However, he had notable performances in his sophomore and junior seasons against the Hawkeyes, including a 217-yard rushing game in his junior year where Nwankpa recorded five tackles.
Mahomes, who is recovering from an ACL tear last season, is expected to sit out the Chiefs' upcoming preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Andy Reid indicated that the decision is precautionary. "I mean, there's a pretty good chance where I don't play him," Reid said of Mahomes last week. "[The] percentages are leading that way. I don't know if I'll play him in the second or third game. I don't know that. The percentages probably lean against not doing that."
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Mahomes himself acknowledged the situation last month, stating, "I'm a competitor, so [on] game day, I'm going to want to be out there. But I understand the process of getting myself ready to play in the regular season is more important. We'll see. The coaches and doctors will make that decision for me, but I'll prepare myself like I'm going to play."