KANSAS CITY, Missouri — If Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola is indeed modeling his looks and actions on Patrick Mahomes, then Mahomes is in on it, too.

He was once one of those who imitated others.

“It’s cool, honestly,” Mahomes said of Raiola’s impersonation. “I was that guy. I grew up watching players. I remember growing up, I loved Alex Rodriguez playing shortstop and I would try to make plays like him and do stuff like that, and that helped shape me into the athlete that I am.

“I know Dylan, I trained with him in the off-season. Great lad, great footballer, and I think he’s going to put his own stamp on the game. And I think you saw that early on in his career.”

Raiola’s haircut and sunglasses have given him a similar look to Mahomes. He wears number 15, the same as Mahomes on the Kansas City Chiefs. Even in warmups, Raiola has made some of the same moves as Mahomes.

That part is fine with the three-time Super Bowl champion. But he sees Raiola and other young quarterbacks attempting some of his signature throws, like sidearm and no-look throws, and is reminded that with his 29th birthday next week, he’s no longer a kid himself.

“It just tells me I’m getting a little old,” he said.