One former BYU football player will be coached by another, and he’s excited about it.

There is an overplayed narrative about the Kansas City Chiefs targeting draft prospects from BYU because head coach Andy Reid is an alum. That program has put a ton of quality players into the NFL over the last decade, and rarely has it happened in Kansas City.

In fact, this year’s second-round pick, Kingsley Suamataia, is the first prospect from the school to be drafted by the Chiefs during Reid’s 12-year reign. The Utah native only spent two years at BYU, but it was enough time to build a respect for coach Reid that was apparent as he answered questions from reporters before minicamp practice on Sunday.

“I call him Uncle,” Suamataia revealed. “That’s a BYU legend right there. I called him Uncle when I first came here on my 30 visit.”

During a Monday press conference, coach Reid made it clear that any prior relationship does not lead to favoritism. With that being said, it is undoubtedly good for the 21-year-old rookie to already hold his new head coach in such high regard. It can ease some of the anxieties of becoming a professional athlete.

Suamataia is not taking for granted the opportunity to play for Reid; his takeaway from the first minicamp practice is proof.

“He’s very quiet — but when he has words to say, it definitely hits hard,” Suamataia admitted. “It hits home for me.”

The connection Suamataia feels can only be positive for his development, even if it’s as simple as making himself home in Kansas City.

“I chop it up with him whenever I can,” Suamataia assured. “It feels like family just being there; it makes it better and more comfortable.”

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The young, ascending offensive lineman will be all ears to learn from the former offensive lineman. With only one collegiate season as a starting left tackle, he has some improvements to make with the help of Reid and Chiefs’ offensive line coach Andy Heck.

In self-reflection, Suamataia prioritized what he needed to improve on before the draft; he told reporters that this aligned with what teams were telling him as well.

“The number one thing was my pass protection,” Suamataia noted. “That’s what I’ve been working since the offseason started. [I’m] getting better at that, little stuff like hand placement and footwork.”

The refinement of his tools will be key because he absolutely has the athletic profile to become a high-upside starter. It’s rare that a player at his position can move so effortlessly while maintaining power in his punches.

That is not a coincidence; he trained in specific ways with the guidance of his cousin, Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell. That included sparring in the ring.

“I’ve been boxing my whole life, been training since I was eight years old,” Suamataia told media. “Cross-training was a big thing that Penei taught all of us. Like him: he played left tackle in college, then went to the league and has been starting at right all three years. Being able to play both allows you to be the next guy up at the right or the left.”

Flexibility along the offensive line will be necessary for Suamataia, especially right out of the gate. He knows that and expressed his willingness to fill any role Reid sees best for the team.

That selfless mindset has been a staple of Reid’s coaching and one of the many reasons he is admired by so many in the football world — young and mature.

“Going around the locker room, everyone knew coach Andy Reid,” Suamataia remembered from BYU. “He was one of the best to do it, and now he’s the best to do it coaching-wise. Three out of five Super Bowls, it’s definitely a blessing playing under coach Reid.”

The school ties disappear once the pads are on, and the cream has to rise to the top, but Suamataia’s foundation of appreciation for Reid could boost his career progression. The quicker he embraces the culture, the more likely he is to put it all together.