Amid the joyous celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs’ AFC Championship victory over the Buffalo Bills, a familiar face captured the attention of fans and media alike: quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Nebraska Cornhusker found himself in the middle of a historic moment, but let’s see how he got there.
Dylan Raiola Embraces the Championship Spirit in the Chiefs’ Locker Room
Surrounded by elated players who had just punched their ticket to Super Bowl LIX, Raiola absorbed the energy of a team on the brink of making NFL history with a potential third consecutive Super Bowl victory. His presence, though surprising to some, was a perfect fit for the young quarterback, who is often compared to the two-time NFL MVP.
Shortly after the Chiefs’ thrilling 32-29 win, running back Isiah Pacheco shared a lighthearted moment from the locker room on social media. In the video, Pacheco playfully said, “That ain’t Pat!”
In the video, Raiola is standing mere feet away from Mahomes, reigniting chatter about Raiola’s striking resemblance to Mahomes — not just in appearance but also in play style.
Over the past year, Raiola has earned the nickname “Baby Mahomes” due to these uncanny similarities. From his neatly groomed goatee to his signature sunglasses and trademark hairstyle, the Nebraska quarterback mirrors the Chiefs’ star in more ways than one.
If that’s not enough, his jersey number, pregame routines, and on-field demeanor heavily reflect Mahomes’ influence. The comparisons first gained traction when Raiola arrived at Nebraska’s training camp last summer. He looked like the young version of the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
Raiola Beaming After Promising Start at Nebraska
Even as a freshman quarterback for the Cornhuskers, Raiola had already established himself as a rising star in the sport. In his debut season, he threw for 2,819 yards, completing 275 of 410 passes for 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
While Nebraska finished with a 7-6 record, including a 3-6 mark in Big Ten play, Raiola still helped lead the team to its first bowl victory in nearly a decade. This Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College at Yankee Stadium marked a significant milestone for both the program and its young leader.
MORE ON RAIOLA: Dylan Raiola NFL Draft Evaluation: Where Nebraska’s QB Could Be Drafted
Raiola’s natural talent has drawn many comparisons to Mahomes, and it’s easy to see why. Much like his mentor, Raiola thrives under pressure, which has labeled him as a potential NFL star in the making.
Meanwhile, the “real” Mahomes showcased his brilliance during the AFC Championship game, throwing for 245 yards and contributing three total touchdowns. The Chiefs are currently preparing for a Super Bowl LVII rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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