With a full week off, Kansas City has been able to rest and re-set before a run to try for a possible third straight Super Bowl title. After a season of some struggle in the connection between Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, the duo are now preparing to shine on the stage they’re the brightest: the playoffs.

Speaking to the media after a practice, Mahomes said that the presence of Kelce has been a boost to the rest of the Chiefs and they’re all locked in on the same mindset. ‘I think it just inspired the team, and I think he kind of has the heart of a champion,’ Mahomes said proudly.

‘I think that inspires everybody, and so when your leaders and your Hall of Fame guys are doing that, I mean, I think everybody knows that they gotta put it all on the line.’

Last season, despite the rough campaign, Mahomes still managed to throw for over 4,000 yards and earned a Pro Bowl nod.

This year was the first time in Mahomes’ career as a starter that he failed to surpass 4,000 yards in a season. He also missed out on a Pro Bowl selection for the first time since he was named the Chiefs starter in 2018.

Similar to Mahomes, Kelce had a slow start to the season. The 35-year-old finished with only 823 receiving yards – the lowest of his career, barring his rookie season. The three touchdowns he caught this year are also the least he’s ever had.

Another sign of these struggles is that the Chiefs were one of three teams that failed to score more than 30 points in a game this year. The other two teams were two of the worst franchises in the NFL: the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders, which both finished with 4-13 records.

Of KC’s 15 wins this season, ten of them finished within one score – including five games with a margin of victory of three points or less. Nevertheless, the Chiefs have earned themselves the top seed in the AFC and have home field advantage through the playoffs.

If they win at home this week, they’ll advance to their seventh straight AFC Championship game. That’s one shy of the all-time record, held by the dynasty era Patriots from 2011-2018.

See More: Patrick Mahomes Dealing With Devastating Personal News Amid Super Bowl

Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles kicks off in fewer than 12 hours.

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is hoping to lead the Chiefs to NFL history as the only franchise to win three straight Super Bowl titles. Mahomes passed Joe Montana for the second most playoff wins in NFL history with an AFC title game win over the Buffalo Bills with his 17th victory — well behind the record of Tom Brady at 35.

While Mahomes chases history, he’s dealing with a devastating personal matter as his grandfather’s health continues to take a turn for the worst.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks on at Arrowhead Stadium.

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

During an appearance at NFL Honors on Thursday night, Mahomes’ mother, Randi, revealed her father, Patrick’s grandfather, Randy, is “hanging on” to see him play in the Super Bowl. Late last month Randi revealed her father was moved into hospice care and has dealt with “bad days” in recent weeks, according to People.

Mahomes’ mother told People she doesn’t want to “bug” the star quarterback with updates about his grandfather, but let him know that his grandfather is “watching and he’s excited.”

Despite his bad days, Randi said her father still remembers the Super Bowl is drawing near. “The one thing that he remembers” is when the Super Bowl is. “I know that it has meant a lot to him,” she said. “And I think he’s hanging on because he wants to see his grandson do an amazing thing or just let him play.”

“I mean, he must be such a proud grandpa, so proud. And my mom was very proud and his other grandparents [were too].”

Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Eagles kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST.