PATRICK MAHOMES has paid an emotional tribute to former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Allen Bailey following his death at the age of 37.

The quarterback revealed he still shares a special memory of Bailey with young players every year, recalling the moment he first saw the imposing defensive end after arriving in Kansas City as a rookie.

The Chiefs paid tribute to their former star, writing on X: “Allen Bailey was an excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul.

“We’re deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Mahomes, who played alongside Bailey in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, said the former defensive end made an immediate impression on him.

Mahomes said: “I was just talking about it with some of the QBs, and I tell this story kind of like every year with QBs.

“He was the first person I saw when I stepped into the locker room (in Kansas City). I think it was after the draft, like they were in OTAs, and I stepped into the locker room and saw Allen Bailey, and I’m like, ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore.’

“Like it was surreal to see him, and so I tell that story every single year.”

Bailey stood at 6ft 3in and weighed around 288 pounds, making him an intimidating presence for any rookie quarterback to encounter.

Mahomes added: “So obviously, it’s terrible to hear the news that we heard. I mean, a great teammate.

“I think you see him, and he’s one of those glue guys on the team. You know, like he makes plays, but he’s not necessarily the superstar, but the guy that kind of makes everything go.

“And it was terrible to hear that news. We’re praying for him and for his family, and know that all his teammates, we’ve talked, and we know that we’re going to do whatever we can to support those guys.”

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also paid tribute to Bailey, remembering him as one of his favourite players during his time in Kansas City.

Reid said: “On the passing of Allen Bailey, our hearts go out to his family. Prayers are with them, and way too young, obviously. One of my favorite players. Great, great kid, and just sorry to see that happened to him.”

Bailey’s brother, Alford Bailey Jr., told TMZ that his wife found him dead at their Florida home.

Bailey spent the first eight seasons of his ten-year NFL career with Kansas City after being selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami.

He made 133 regular-season appearances, recording 22 sacks and 248 combined tackles, before joining the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent in 2019 – later leaving at the end of the 2020 campaign.

Now, as the Chiefs prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, Mahomes and his teammates will be remembering a player who made a huge impact.