Dylan Raiola addresses criticism of his relationship with Patrick Mahomes

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola has faced criticism for emulating Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with some suggesting he has taken it too far. Despite the criticism, Raiola and Mahomes share a genuine relationship, which Raiola discussed ahead of Nebraska's season opener at Arrowhead Stadium, where Mahomes plans to attend.

Raiola explained that their connection began when they trained with the same people in Texas and crossed paths. He had the opportunity to watch Mahomes throw, introduce himself, and found Mahomes to be approachable and relatable. The initial fan-noticed similarities were superficial, such as both wearing the number 15 and Raiola styling his hair similarly to Mahomes, which Mahomes himself called "cool."

However, their relationship deepened when Mahomes shared his phone number with Raiola, establishing a mentorship. Raiola expressed gratitude for having someone he can reach out to for advice and emphasized that he remains a fan of football, learning from various quarterbacks while considering Mahomes his primary influence. Their bond was further highlighted when Raiola was seen in the Kansas City locker room last January, where running back Isiah Pacheco jokingly compared him to Mahomes.

Raiola noted that their conversations often extend beyond football, but the most significant lesson he has learned from Mahomes is his work ethic. He values the relationship highly, acknowledging that such opportunities are rare and something he does not take for granted.