by Patrick Mahomes’ Rise to Stardom: From Baseball Prospect to NFL MVP
Patrick Mahomes has taken the NFL by storm since joining the league in 2017. In just a few short years, he has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the game today. Mahomes’ combination of elite physical skills, work ethic, and competitive fire have allowed him to achieve unprecedented success at both the college and professional levels. His story is a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication and hard work.
Texas Roots and Dual-Threat Talent
Born in Tyler, Texas in 1995, Mahomes comes from an athletic family. His father Pat Mahomes played in the major leagues as a pitcher for several years in the 1990s. It was almost destined that young Patrick would have a career in sports. He showed a natural aptitude for athletics from a very early age, lettering in multiple sports throughout high school.
Mahomes excelled at both baseball and football from a young age. As a multi-sport star at Whitehouse High School, he started at quarterback for the football team and was also a standout pitcher and outfielder for the baseball squad. Scouts saw potential in him for both sports. He had an absolute cannon for an arm in both football and baseball. Some projected Mahomes as a potential first-round MLB draft pick due to his skills on the mound and at the plate.
However, Mahomes’ heart truly belonged to football. He loved the speed of the game and competitive fire it took to be the quarterback. While he still played competitive baseball his first two years of college, the gridiron began to take center stage as his talents continued developing. Mahomes dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps to the NFL.
College Standout with a Difficult Choice
After graduating high school, Mahomes decided to take his talents to Texas Tech University. There, he would have the opportunity to play quarterback under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who ran an offensive scheme tailored to Mahomes’ dual-threat abilities. Over the next few seasons, Mahomes’ skills would be put on full display for the nation.
In his first season as the starter in 2015, Mahomes threw for over 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns. He flashed the type of arm talent and playmaking few quarterbacks possessed. His sophomore year saw similar production. But it was his junior season in 2016 that put Mahomes’ name on the map.
That year, Mahomes led the nation with 5,052 passing yards and 53 total touchdowns (41 through the air). He set NCAA and school records that still stand today. Scouts and analysts were blown away by Mahomes’ rare combination of size, athleticism, and accuracy. He was a true dual-threat who could beat defenses with both his arm and legs.
However, Mahomes now faced a difficult choice – return for his senior season or enter the 2017 NFL Draft. As a projected mid-round pick, coming back for one more year made sense. But baseball still tugged at Mahomes as well. He had been drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft and still held pro potential on the diamond.
After much deliberation, Mahomes decided in early 2017 to forgo his final year of college eligibility and baseball to declare for the NFL Draft. It was a gamble to enter early as a developmental prospect, but Mahomes’ confidence in his abilities won out. He was ready to prove himself at the sport’s highest level.
From Baseball to Breaking Records
In his three seasons as the Texas Tech starter, Mahomes rewrote the college football record books. His 11,252 passing yards, 93 touchdowns, and only 29 interceptions are still among the best marks in FBS history. Mahomes led the nation in numerous categories during his record-breaking junior campaign.
Scouts were impressed not only with Mahomes’ production, but also his intangibles and work ethic. He was a tireless film grinder who took his preparation extremely seriously. Mahomes’ unique combination of physical tools and mental approach gave him rare upside at the quarterback position. While still considered raw, his talent was undeniable.
The decision to give up his baseball career and return for his senior football season also showed Mahomes’ commitment. He believed wholeheartedly in his ability to become an NFL starter. Leaving college early was a gamble, but one Mahomes felt he needed to take to achieve his dreams.
From Underdog to NFL MVP
Come draft day in 2017, Mahomes’ potential was evident. However, concerns over his unorthodox mechanics and lack of experience in a pro-style system caused him to fall out of the top-10 picks. The Kansas City Chiefs saw his upside and selected Mahomes 10th overall.
Initially, Mahomes sat behind veteran Alex Smith and learned the ropes as a rookie. He flashed his playmaking skills in limited action off the bench. But the 2018 season would be Mahomes’ true coming out party.
With Smith traded to Washington, Mahomes took over as KC’s starter in his second year. He hit the ground running, putting on arguably the greatest individual quarterback season ever. Mahomes led the league with 5,097 passing yards and 50 touchdowns through the air. His combination of downfield accuracy, improvisational skills, and gunslinger mentality completely revolutionized the Chiefs’ offense.
Behind Mahomes’ magic, Kansas City won the AFC West and hosted the AFC Championship, where they defeated the Patriots in overtime thanks to a 75-yard touchdown pass. In Super Bowl LIII, Mahomes nearly led the Chiefs all the way back from a 20-10 fourth quarter deficit, but they ultimately fell to Tom Brady and the Patriots in a classic game.
Still, Mahomes’ MVP caliber season put the football world on notice. At just 23 years old, he had cemented himself as the new face of the league. His rare blend of physical and mental tools gave hope that Kansas City had found their franchise quarterback for the next decade-plus.
Super Bowl Champion and Dynasty Talk
If 2018 established Mahomes as a superstar, the next two seasons confirmed his status among the NFL greats. In 2019, he led the league again with 4,031 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, getting KC back to the AFC title game. Then in 2020, it all came together.
Behind another MVP caliber campaign, Mahomes guided the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years with a comeback win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. He was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns. At just 25, Mahomes had already achieved the sport’s ultimate team accomplishment.
The best was still yet to come. Over the next three seasons, Mahomes and the Chiefs established themselves as the clear class of the AFC. They made the conference title game four years in a row from 2018-2021, winning Super Bowl LV over the Bucs in 2021 behind Mahomes’ third straight Super Bowl MVP effort.
In 2023, Mahomes led KC back to the big game once more, winning Super Bowl LVII over the Bills and becoming the second QB ever with 4 Super Bowl appearances before turning 30. He followed that up with his record 4th Super Bowl ring and MVP in 2024, cementing the Chiefs’ dynasty status with their third title in five years.
At just 28 years old as of April 2024, Mahomes is already being discussed as a lock for the Hall of Fame and one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. His combination of individual accolades, team success, and sustained excellence is virtually unmatched. Mahomes is rewriting the record books on an annual basis and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Legacy is Just Beginning
Mahomes’ journey from a baseball prospect in Texas to the face of the NFL is the stuff of sports legend. His rare combination of physical gifts, work ethic, leadership qualities, and competitive drive have allowed him to achieve unprecedented success at every level of the sport. At only 28, Mahomes is still reaching his prime.
As the leader of the NFL’s model franchise in Kansas City, Mahomes is cementing a legacy that may never be matched. With 4 MVPs, 4 Super Bowl rings, 3 Super Bowl MVPs, and records that may stand for decades, he is already in the discussion for best quarterback ever after just 6 seasons as a starter. Barring injury, Mahomes seems destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
The path from a small Texas high school to becoming the face of America’s biggest sport is an inspiration. Mahomes’ story shows that with determination and belief in one’s abilities, anything is achievable. He is a shining example for young athletes everywhere. Football fans are blessed to watch the magic Mahomes creates on the field each week. His legacy is only beginning to be written.
