Vinay Kumar
Patrick Mahomes took a quick trip down memory lane on Feb. 26, 2026. The Kansas City Chiefs star shared a reaction on X after spotting a familiar name at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.That familiar face is of Jermod McCoy, his fellow Whitehouse High alum. McCoy, who tore his ACL 13 months ago and missed the entire 2025 season, stood at the podium addressing reporters. For Mahomes, who has battled injuries himself, watching someone from his hometown push through a major setback hit close to home. It felt like a proud moment for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback. For McCoy, it marked the first public step in what he hopes will be a strong NFL comeback.
Patrick Mahomes backs Whitehouse alum as McCoy eyes strong Pro Day after ACL battle
McCoy suffered a knee injury in early 2024, a blow that derailed his final college stretch. Many wondered if his draft stock would take a permanent hit. He chose not to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Combine, but his presence alone made a statement.Mahomes reposted a 2018 photo from Whitehouse High on Feb 26. In the image, a young McCoy stood next to him in a Wildcats jersey. The Chiefs quarterback wrote on X, “Wild to see @JermodMccoy at the podium at the combine. Good luck this year! #whitehousewildcats.” It was brief, but it showed respect from one of the league’s biggest starsLater that day in Indianapolis, McCoy addressed the media during his scheduled availability. He made it clear that he feels ready to compete again.“I was just easing into my training out of college and just trying to make sure everything was good,” McCoy said at the NFL Combine. “The plan from the jump was for me to do pro day, do all my medicals and stuff to show that I’m healthy.”He did not sound cautious, but he sounded certain. “I got back to training, and I just felt like myself again. I made a big impact the year that I played. I just felt like I was ready,” he added during the same session.The former Tennessee Volunteer, who also spent time at Oregon State, now plans to showcase his skills at Tennessee’s Pro Day. Several teams searching for cornerback depth will track his medical reports closely. The NFL Combine runs through March 1. Mahomes saw growth. McCoy saw an opportunity. The journey from a high school photo to an NFL podium now feels very real.
