It hasn’t even been 40 days since the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII and their players are already hard at work training during the offseason.

Patrick Mahomes has been back to work with his longtime trainer Bobby Stroupe at APEC in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and he brought along some friends. Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown have already joined Mahomes and Stroupe at APEC, where they’re getting some specialized training.

Stroupe posted some photos on Thursday morning, that should be of intrigue to Chiefs fans. Both Rice and Brown are working on foot and ankle-specific exercises and we’re not talking about NFL footwork drills. Stroupe has the pair working on the mechanics of the foot and ankle to help limit any issues that may arise during the 2024 NFL season.

Expanding Beyond Chemistry: Hollywood Brown’s Collaboration with Mahomes’ Trainer Holds Promise for KC Chiefs

Beyond the mere establishment of chemistry, Brown’s decision to join Mahomes and Stroupe at APEC could yield significant returns. With a history of foot and ankle injuries, including recent setbacks, Brown’s proactive approach is commendable.

During the 2019 NFL season, Brown’s absence in Weeks 6 and 7 was attributed to an ankle sprain. Subsequently, he underwent surgery in the offseason to address a foot injury sustained in college.

In the 2022 NFL season, Brown endured a fractured foot during Week 6, leading to a five-week absence before returning in Week 12. Additionally, he faced challenges with a persistent heel injury in December 2023.

Stroupe emphasized the potential cascading effects of foot and ankle issues for athletes, highlighting the importance of proactive measures. Brown’s collaboration with Stroupe, alongside Rice, indicates a concerted effort to fortify against potential football-related injuries, a critical concern for the Chiefs.

The memory of Mahomes’ fortunate escape from injury during the AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens serves as a poignant reminder of the value of such preparation.

It’s the same theory here for Brown, but this time it’s about training the feet and the ankles to withstand the harshness of the gridiron.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.