Dylan Raiola mirrors Patrick Mahomes like Kobe Bryant did Michael Jordan ahead of Arrowhead Season opener
Before he's even cemented his place as Nebraska's starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola has already captured national attention—not just for his talent, but for who he's trying to become.
Raiola has drawn early comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star
Patrick Mahomes
, and he's not running from it. In fact, he welcomes the parallel and has a very specific way of framing it.
Dylan Raiola studies Patrick
Mahomes
the way
Kobe Bryant
studied Michael Jordan
Speaking during Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, Raiola compared his admiration for Mahomes to Kobe Bryant's relentless pursuit of Michael Jordan's greatness. 'I'm not comparing myself to Kobe or anything, but like Kobe did to Mike, that's kind of what it is for me to Patrick,' he said on the Cover 3 Podcast.
'He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now, if not the best.'
It's more than just watching highlight reels. Raiola works with the same trainers who helped shape Mahomes into a Super Bowl champion—quarterbacks coach Jeff Christensen and performance coach Bobby Stroupe. He studies Mahomes' film, mimics his movements, and has even adopted the signature Mahomes look—jersey number 15, headband, and curly hair.
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Dylan Raiola Compares His Relationship With Patrick Mahomes To Kobe Bryant And Michael Jordan
The connection isn't just visual. Mahomes and Raiola have built a real relationship. Mahomes once referred to Raiola as 'Lil cuzzo' on social media, and the two reportedly text and call regularly. Raiola says he values that line of communication but understands he must carve his own path on the field.
FAQs
Who is Dylan Raiola compared to in terms of playing style?
Dylan Raiola is frequently compared to Patrick Mahomes due to similarities in playing style, appearance, jersey number, and even pregame routines.
Raiola embraces the comparison and studies Mahomes closely as part of his development.
What did Dylan Raiola say about Patrick Mahomes and Kobe Bryant?
Raiola said he views his relationship with Mahomes similarly to how Kobe Bryant studied and modeled his game after Michael Jordan. He emphasized that Mahomes serves as a role model and blueprint for his own growth as a quarterback.
When does Dylan Raiola make his 2025 season debut?
Dylan Raiola and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will open their 2025 season on August 28 against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dylan Raiola's journey faces first big test at Arrowhead Stadium
The comparisons will be hard to ignore on August 28 when Nebraska opens its 2025 season at Arrowhead Stadium—Mahomes' home turf—against Cincinnati. It will be a defining moment for Raiola, who's coming off a freshman campaign marked by growing pains: 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 3-6 Big Ten record.
Also Read:
'It hit me hard': Colts' Anthony Richardson addresses shoulder injury concern
But for Raiola, the mission is clear. Just as Kobe used Jordan's blueprint to build his own legacy, Raiola is using Mahomes as inspiration—not imitation. With the tools, mindset, and mentorship in place, all eyes will be on him when the lights come on at Arrowhead. Dylan Raiola's journey is just beginning but if his Mahomes-inspired approach pays off, it could be the start of something special.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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