Patrick Mahomes responds to Tom Brady’s comments about his potential: ‘It just motivates me even more’

“It’s cool that he wants to give me advice,” Mahomes said. “He doesn’t have to be like that. He’s such a good dude. “

Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
One does not become a three-time Super Bowl MVP without being a self-starter, so it’s unlikely that Patrick Mahomes needs any more motivation at this point in his career.

But, it can be nice to receive encouraging messages from someone at the top of a professional field.

During a recent interview on Up & Adams, Mahomes spoke about his relationship with Tom Brady and how the former Patriots quarterback’s words have motivated him this offseason.

Brady has praised Mahomes on several occasions. He called Mahomes the best quarterback in the NFL. Brady also reportedly was asked which current quarterback had the best shot at reaching his level of success, and he didn’t hesitate to mention Mahomes.

“I think (legacy) is always in the back of you mind, even at the beginning of my career” Mahomes said. But, at the end of the day, it’s about taking it a day at a time … just continuing to do that.”

“That’s something that I’ve been conscious of, knowing how blessed I am to be in Kansas City and have all these great players around me. Having Tom, a guy like that say that, it just motivates me even more.”

Mahomes said he and Brady have spoken a “good amount” during the offseason. They competed against each other in the 2018 AFC title game, which the Patriots won 37-31 en route to New England’s last Super Bowl victory. Now, with Brady retired, they’ve been able to build on their relationship.

“It’s cool that he wants to give me advice,” Mahomes said. “He doesn’t have to be like that. He’s such a good dude. I have so much respect for him. I’ll take any advice that he gives me.”

The Chiefs quarterback playfully declined to share exactly what Brady said to him during those conversations, but mentioned that Brady tends to encourage authenticity.

“I’ve got to keep a secret,” Mahomes said. “But, he always talks about being yourself. He thinks – which I truly believe too — that guys can spot when you’re not authentic and you’re not putting in the work. That’s something he did everything day and that’s why guys respect him so much.

“That’s all I’m going to do for the rest of my career and I feel like I’ve done so far. I’m always myself. No matter if you like me or don’t like me, you know that I’m giving everything I can to win football games.”