If you ever wondered what runs through the mind of the best quarterback in the NFL during a game, the latest “Mic’d Up” footage from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 8 victory over the Washington Commanders provides the perfect answer. It’s a masterclass in leadership, energy, and a little bit of goofiness that reminds us why Patrick Mahomes is one of a kind.

The video, released by the Chiefs, captures Mahomes in his element—commanding, encouraging, and relentlessly positive. From the pregame huddle to the final whistle, the audio offers a raw look at the vocal engine behind the Chiefs’ dynasty.

“Set the Tempo”

The video opens with Mahomes setting the tone before the game even kicks off. Despite the overcast and likely chilly conditions, Mahomes is buzzing. “Can’t beat this weather right here! Can’t beat this right here!” he yells, pacing the field. His message to the team in the huddle is simple but powerful: “Set that tempo, baby. Let’s have a day.”

This isn’t just empty hype. It’s a calculated effort to get his teammates locked in. “One play at a time, we dominate,” he repeats, a mantra that seems to seep into every unit on the field. His energy is infectious, lifting the spirits of the offensive line and the defense alike.

Celebrating the Defense

One of the highlights of the game was the Chiefs’ defensive performance against a Washington offense that featured newly acquired weapon Deebo Samuel. When Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna snagged his first career interception off a deflection from Samuel, Mahomes was the first to erupt on the sideline.

“Intercepted! Got he got locked up!” Mahomes shouted, analyzing the play in real-time. “He blitzed on that one there when he spotted me.” His appreciation for the defense is palpable. Throughout the video, he can be heard praising linebackers like Leo Chenal (“Lead him 54!”) and ensuring the defense knows he has their back. “Defense playing their ass off,” he tells his offense. “It’s all on us right now… let’s go get it.”

The “Cheese Wave” Incident

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Patrick Mahomes video without a moment of levity. After throwing a touchdown pass to Rashee Rice—who made a beautiful adjustment on the ball—Mahomes broke out a new celebration that left his head coach a little confused.

Waving his arms and wobbling his legs, Mahomes performed what he dubbed the “Cheese Wave.” The move was so unusual that Andy Reid apparently checked on him. “Coach asked if I hurt my leg,” Mahomes laughed on the sideline. “I said, ‘No, the Cheese Wave, Coach!’” It’s these candid moments that humanize the superstar, showing a player who is having genuine fun while dismantling opponents.

Offensive Firepower

The mic’d up audio also captures the rhythm of the Chiefs’ offense. We hear the crunch of Kareem Hunt plowing into the end zone for a touchdown, followed by Mahomes’ immediate affirmation: “Great job running the ball!” He is constantly communicating with his receivers and linemen, reinforcing good plays and shaking off the bad ones.

Whether it’s a precise pass to Rice or a scramble drill where he keeps the play alive (“I’m nasty,” he whispers to himself after a slick move), Mahomes is always in control. “Finish it! Let’s finish it!” he commands as the Chiefs close in on the end zone.

A Heartwarming Moment

Perhaps the most touching moment of the video comes during a break in the action. Mahomes jogs over to the sideline to greet a fan named Lucy. “What’s up Lucy, how you doing?” he asks gently. “I appreciate y’all being out here today. I got a game ball for you.”

He hands the ball to her, a small gesture that likely meant the world to the fan. It’s a reminder that for all the intensity and competitive fire, Mahomes understands his impact off the field just as well as his impact on it.

The Verdict

The Chiefs’ Week 8 win over the Commanders was a statement on the scoreboard, but the mic’d up footage proves the victory started long before the snaps. It started with the mindset of their quarterback. Patrick Mahomes isn’t just throwing passes; he’s orchestrating the emotional and mental state of the entire franchise. And as he told the team in the tunnel, when they “fly around and play for each other,” they are nearly impossible to beat.