Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently tweeted his clock emoji, signaling his readiness to tackle critics. This has been his signature move for nearly a decade. It came shortly after he informed Kansas City media that he is “fully cleared” to join training camp following surgery on his ACL and LCL seven months ago.

The two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion explained he received medical clearance from Dr. Dan Cooper earlier this week. Mahomes stated, “This is just another checkpoint on the schedule. You have to continue to work. It’s not like it’s over, and I’m just gonna be able to play a game tomorrow. You gotta continue to work and get better and better and go throughout practice and prove to the coaches, prove to the doctors, and everybody that I’m the same quarterback I was before, if not better.”

When asked how he feels improved despite his injury, Mahomes confidently shared, “I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt. So now it’s just about getting that quarterback stuff down — moving in the pocket quick, making those quick moments, reacting, and doing stuff like that.” He acknowledged he wasn’t at top form before his injury. His focus now is on pocket navigation, running the offense smoothly, and involving teammates more.

Mahomes plans to perform as before but intends to reduce his running. A major offseason move was signing former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP. This addition aims to lessen the team’s reliance on Mahomes creating plays single-handedly.

The upcoming season is crucial for the Chiefs, marking a turning point for the dynasty. Last season, the team finished 6-11, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

You can watch Mahomes’ full press conference below.