Chiefs' Justin Fields reveals ideal mindset ahead of key 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For new Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields, he knew coming to the AFC West franchise meant he would likely be a backup.

With Patrick Mahomes as the starter, he is also going through the rehab process on his torn ACL, which gives Fields a chance to get some valuable first-team reps early in the offseason program.

No, he won't be the starter once Mahomes is healthy, but it is a big learning opportunity for Fields, who hasn't been in this sort of environment before in his career.

And he knows exactly how he's going to attack the season, and that's to be all gas, no brakes.

"I was excited for a new start, the tradition here, the culture here," Fields said via ESPN's Nate Taylor. "Regardless of me starting or being a backup, I'm going to attack [each day] the same way. My goal is to get better, any way I can. My mindset doesn't change."

More:Justin Fields reveals key reason for Chiefs move

You can easily make the case that this is the best situation Fields has been in during his NFL career.

Surrounded by Andy Reid and his offensive mind, coupled with Mahomes and the players on the roster who have won Super Bowls for fun, Fields has a great chance to soak it all up.

With the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, Fields went to franchises not used to winning, and they didn't have the culture Kansas City has. Both are very important factors.

Now, he gets to work on his game with some of the NFL's best, with no pressure on his shoulders, perhaps for the first time in his career.

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