The Kansas City Chiefs recently clinched another Super Bowl victory, their second in just a few years, cementing Patrick Mahomes’ status as a top NFL quarterback and further establishing the Chiefs as a dominant force. Following their Super Bowl LVII win against the Philadelphia Eagles, Mahomes took the opportunity to reflect on his journey and acknowledge a key figure in his development: Alex Smith. This naturally leads to the question for many fans: Does Alex Smith Have A Super Bowl Ring?
While Patrick Mahomes has now secured two Super Bowl rings and Super Bowl MVP awards, Alex Smith, despite his significant contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs, does not possess a Super Bowl ring as a player. This might seem surprising considering the current Chiefs’ dynasty was built upon foundations laid during Smith’s tenure.
To understand this, we need to delve into Alex Smith’s impactful career with the Chiefs. Before Mahomes ascended to stardom, Alex Smith was the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback from 2013 to 2017. He was instrumental in transforming the team into a consistent playoff contender. Smith brought stability and leadership to a franchise that had been searching for direction. He led the Chiefs to four playoff appearances during his five seasons, breaking a long playoff win drought in 2015.
Mahomes himself has repeatedly credited Smith for establishing the winning culture in Kansas City. In post-game interviews after both Super Bowl victories, Mahomes emphasized the invaluable lessons he learned from Smith during their single season together in 2017 when Mahomes was a rookie. Mahomes stated that Smith taught him the work ethic and leadership qualities necessary to succeed at the highest level. He specifically mentioned learning “the culture that we have here, that I learned from Alex Smith and Derrick Johnson.”
This mentorship was crucial for Mahomes’ early development. Smith, a seasoned veteran, provided a blueprint for Mahomes, both on and off the field. He exemplified professionalism and a winning mentality, which Mahomes absorbed and built upon as he took over as the starting quarterback.
After the 2017 season, the Chiefs traded Alex Smith to Washington, paving the way for Mahomes to take the reins. While Smith continued his NFL career with Washington, a devastating leg injury in 2018 threatened to end his playing days. In an inspiring turn of events, Smith made a remarkable recovery and returned to play in 2020, even earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year. However, he retired after the 2020 season, concluding an admirable career that unfortunately didn’t include a Super Bowl ring.
So, while Alex Smith doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring, his influence on the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes is undeniable. He was the quarterback who steered the ship and set the stage for the current era of Chiefs’ dominance. His leadership and the winning culture he instilled were crucial stepping stones for the team’s Super Bowl success under Mahomes. In essence, while he didn’t directly win a Super Bowl, Alex Smith played a significant role in building the foundation for the Chiefs’ championship legacy. His impact is deeply felt within the organization and by Mahomes himself, making him an integral part of their Super Bowl story, even without the ring.
