Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is stacking Super Bowl appearances at a historic pace.
The two-time MVP is the first quarterback to ever start four Super Bowls before the age of 30.
But there's something extra special about reaching the big game this season, one in which the Chiefs faced arguably more adversity than any year of the Mahomes era.
During his exclusive weekly appearance on 610 Sports Radio's "The Drive," Mahomes explained why advancing to Super Bowl LVIII is particularly rewarding.
"Obviously we want to finish it off with a win, and then you can really appreciate it," told host Carrington Harrison. "But just to go through the adversity and get better because of it and be better going into the playoffs because of it. We really felt calm, and we felt like we were ready to go every game so far in the playoffs, because we dealt with the adversity and we know how to deal with it, and be better for it. And that's something that will help us not only in the Super Bowl, but also for the rest of our careers."
So how important was that experience in helping the Chiefs throughout their playoff run, and particularly in their upset win over an excellent Ravens team on the road in the AFC title game?
"I think it does a little bit, at least -- just being in the game before, controlling your emotions early, especially in a hostile environment. To know that it's going to take all four quarters. Sometimes when you get up early, you kind of lose that momentum. And all the sudden one things happen, and the momentum goes the other way. Whereas, you just kind of rely on, you've been there before. You know how to take it one play at a time. No matter if it's a positive play, a negative play, just keep your mind right and take it one play at a time."
Meanwhile, Mahomes thinks there will eventually be plenty of time to reflect on his unprecedented personal achievements that already have him being mentioned among storied Super Bowl quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Jim Kelly and John Elway, but for now he's focused on taking home his third Lombardi Trophy.
"It truly is -- it's an honor, man, just to be mentioned with those names. It's something you don't think about at the time, but I know when I'm done I'll truly appreciate the greatness of the run we've had in Kansas City, and the greatness of the players I've had around me and the coaches I've had around me. It's made my job a lot easier. I come to work every day giving it everything I've had, because I know I don't want to look back and have any regrets on how I've taken advantage of all these opportunities I've been given. The goal now is to find a way to win this Super Bowl. It'll be a great challenge for us, against a great football team, and you want to make sure you give everything you have in order to do that."
Elsewhere, Mahomes addresses his pregame feud with Ravens kicker Justin Tucker; why he didn't wear an "In Spags We Trust" shirt that his teammates were seen wearing; and where "The Hangover" ranks among his favorite movies.