Patrick Mahomes recalls distant memory vs. NY Jets stud defender

Remembering a matchup in college, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes had high praise for stud New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed

Another talented quarterback has praised a New York Jets cornerback, but this time, it is not Sauce Gardner.

Speaking during his press availability, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a few compliments for D.J. Reed.

That’s freaking wild lol #Chiefs QB @PatrickMahomes was asked about facing the #Jets secondary on @SNFonNBC & he randomly brings up that @D7_Reed picked him off in college & took it to the house back in 2016. How in the world would he remember that? ‘I don’t throw a lot of… pic.twitter.com/9VQa4p5QEY

— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) September 27, 2023

Recalling a moment from seven years ago, Mahomes said Reed “got me in college for a pick-six” and that “I know he is good at reading and recognizing routes.”

Reed, then a redshirt sophomore at Kansas State, picked off Mahomes in the first quarter of an eventual 44-38 win over Mahomes’ Texas Tech squad.

DJ Reed pick 6!
vs Texas Tech 2016 pic.twitter.com/rdxUmEI909

— Clint The K-State Fan (@Thekstatefan2) March 30, 2021

The Kansas City quarterback later elaborated on his praise for Reed in the press conference.

“I don’t throw a lot of pick-sixes, and he had a pick-six. So, you remember it. He’s a great player,” said Mahomes.

“That’s stuff you realize because that’s route recognition. That’s jumping the ball and making a play. That’s stuff you have to really have to be aware of when playing cornerback.”

Mahomes’ comments are further proof that both of the Jets’ starting cornerbacks are well-respected around the NFL. Between Sauce and Reed, the Jets have an extremely talented duo that quarterbacks must think twice about challenging.

Considering the current state of the Jets’ offense, the defense may be expected to force a turnover or two to give the team a shot in some of their upcoming games. This is especially true for this week’s matchup, as the Jets host Mahomes’s Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

It remains to be seen if Mahomes will challenge the Jets’ cornerbacks consistently, as the main strength of Kansas City’s offense is more with tight end Travis Kelce than the wide receivers.

But if Mahomes does try to challenge Reed, it would be very beneficial for the Jets if the respected corner could repeat history in Sunday night’s matchup.