In a recent press conference, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave an interesting insight into the team’s annual training camp tradition.
The reigning Super Bowl champions have found an unexpected way to foster team spirit and build lasting bonds: through pizza parties.
Patrick Mahomes reveals Kansas City Chiefs pizza tradition
As the Chiefs wrap up their 2024 NFL training camp at Missouri Western State in St. Joseph, Missouri, Mahomes revealed that the team’s pizza outings play a crucial role in building camaraderie.
The star quarterback explained: “We always go (to a local pizzeria) a few times and get some pizzas with the guys.”
This annual tradition has become a highlight for the players and offers a welcome break from intensive training sessions.
Mahomes added: “I used to do that after something like the second day of practice with padding, before 10/10/10. So we were there yesterday – don’t think about it next year and don’t try to crash our party.”
These pizza meetings are more than just an opportunity to recharge your batteries after a strenuous workout.
Mahomes emphasized the importance of these trips in creating lasting memories and inside jokes that contribute to the team’s strong culture.
“You just eat and joke around,” Mahomes said. “Things like that, you build that bond, and then you get those jokes and stuff for the rest of the year. That’s what makes our culture great.”
This year’s pizza parties have already produced a memorable anecdote involving backup quarterback Ian Book.
Mahomes told a humorous story about Book’s pizza adventures:
“I think Ian Book ate about nine slices of pizza yesterday, man. I had to calm him down because the first time we went there, the O-Line only got one slice because the O-Line ate all his pizza. So he didn’t go in until the last day.”
The Chiefs’ success on the field, which includes two consecutive Super Bowl victories and six consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, is undoubtedly the result of their hard work and talent.
However, head coach Andy Reid is aware of the importance of cohesion off the field in building a winning team.
“You could see the growth,” Reid said.
“We’ve learned a lot up here in the last few days and the boys have digested that, been able to play it back and retain it. That’s positive. And then perhaps the most important thing is to get in shape and prepare for the first game against the Ravens.”
The combination of hard training and team-building activities like pizza parties seems to be the perfect recipe for the Chiefs’ continued success.
The Chiefs’ pizza tradition is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has become an integral part of their training camp experience.
The team usually visits the local Neapolitan pizzeria St. Joseph, II Lazzarone several times during camp.
These trips provide a much-needed respite from the intense practice sessions at Missouri Western State University.
Mahomes jokingly warned: “Next year, don’t think about it and don’t try to crash my party.”
Patrick Mahomes praises Travis Kelce’s passion for the game
While the pizza parties focus on the fun side of the team, Mahomes also took the time to praise the exceptional work ethic of his star tight end Travis Kelce.
As Kelce enters his 12th NFL season, Mahomes marveled at his teammate’s dedication and passion for the game.
“It’s really remarkable,” Mahomes said. “You see him every day at practice and he works and does his drills. He actually gets mad when they take him out.”
Mahomes drew parallels between Kelce’s approach and that of NFL legends, explaining, “You’ve heard stories about Jerry Rice and guys like that. When you’re that great, you enjoy the process and that helps me lead other guys.”
The quarterback emphasized that Kelce’s commitment is exemplary for the entire team:
“That’s what makes him so special – he enjoys the process of being great. Not just being at the top and winning the Super Bowl. The process of practicing, the process of the little details…”
As the Chiefs prepare for another championship challenge, it’s clear that their success is built on hard work, dedication and a healthy dose of team spirit, as well as a serving of pizza.
With their unique blend of intensity on the field and camaraderie off the field, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to prove why they are one of the strongest teams in the NFL.
