Vahe Gregorian: As always, Patrick Mahomes knew just what to do and say, even about brother's situation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Four summers ago, I made the pilgrimage to Whitehouse, Texas, to work on a “Beyond the arm” piece about Patrick Mahomes just as he was surfacing to superstardom with the Chiefs.

Through interviews with people who’ve known him for years, a striking composite picture emerged. It’s informed how I’ve perceived him ever since but still amazes me.

The traits that make Mahomes a generational talent on the field and a truly special person off it are entwined if not, in fact, exactly the same.

His “superpowers” in any situation, as forever trainer Bobby Stroupe put it then, include real-time problem-solving capability. And as described by Chad Parker, a longtime close family friend, Mahomes is guided by a “geospatial magic box” — a term Parker derived from national intelligence concepts and suggested makes for instant analysis of all around him ... and what to do about it.

Put it all together, and it speaks to an uncanny consciousness of where he is and feel for what he can and can’t control and sixth sense about how to proceed.

All of which brings us to the matter of how he’s contending with the allegations against his younger brother, Jackson, who earlier this month in Johnson County District Court was charged with three felony counts of aggravated sexual battery and a misdemeanor account of battery.

“Honestly, it’s kind of a personal thing that I’m just kind of going to keep to myself,” he said on Wednesday during the Chiefs’ voluntary organized team activity session. “I mean, at the end of the day, I come here to play football and try to take care of my family at the same time.

“So I just kind of keep it to myself and just go out there and play football when I’m in the building.”

I’m not sure what I expected him to say when I asked him about it. I just knew it would be thoughtful and respectful and enlightening in some way or another. And it was — even if he didn’t elaborate.

Simply put, I believe he recognized the adage that discretion is the better part of valor. And that he took into account all affected by the situation, including the alleged victim.

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