by How Patrick Mahomes Stays Grounded
Patrick Mahomes has taken the NFL by storm since becoming the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. In just a few short seasons, he has established himself as one of the most talented and electrifying players in the league. His incredible arm talent and playmaking ability have led the Chiefs to tremendous success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2020.
With his elite on-field performances and championship pedigree, Mahomes has achieved a high level of fame and celebrity status. However, despite his accomplishments and stardom, those close to Mahomes insist he has remained remarkably humble and down-to-earth. As his profile and fame have risen significantly, many wonder how exactly does Mahomes manage to stay so grounded? There are likely several contributing factors that help prevent his success from going to his head.
Strong Family Support System
One of the biggest reasons Mahomes is able to stay level-headed is the strong support system he has in place from his family. He comes from a close-knit family unit that has been there for him throughout his entire football journey. Mahomes was raised in Whitehouse, Texas by his mother Randi and father Pat. His father was a former major league baseball pitcher and understood the pressures that come with being a professional athlete.
Randi and Pat have made it a priority to keep their son connected to his Texas roots and upbringing, even as his career has taken off. They regularly attend his games and are some of his biggest cheerleaders, but also help remind him of who he is away from the field. Spending time with his parents and family away from the spotlight provides Mahomes with a sense of normalcy. Their love and support serve as an anchor for him and help prevent his ego and fame from inflating.
In interviews, Mahomes has credited his parents for keeping him humble and focused on what really matters. “They’ve done a great job of always keeping me level-headed and not letting the outside noise get to me too much,” Mahomes said. His brother Jackson also plays a big role in keeping him grounded by providing an outlet to escape from football when he’s at home. Having such a tight support system in his corner helps Mahomes stay true to who he is despite his superstar status in the NFL.
Focus on Football Above All Else
Another factor that contributes to Mahomes’ humility is his singular focus on the game of football itself. He has an undeniable love and passion for the sport that seems to supersede any concern over fame or celebrity. For Mahomes, football is much more than just a career – it’s his life’s work. He relishes the opportunity to compete at the highest level and is constantly working to improve his skills and abilities.
This dedication to mastering his craft prevents other distractions, like accolades or endorsements, from becoming more important to him. In Mahomes’ mind, all the individual accolades and team success mean nothing if he’s not continuing to elevate his play. He’s always striving for more and seems genuinely unsatisfied unless he’s achieving at the highest level on the field. This competitive fire and drive to be the best quarterback possible overshadow any temptation to buy into his own hype off the field.
“I’m always trying to get better and find ways to make myself and the team better,” Mahomes said. “For me, it’s about the work and always chasing more championships. That’s what really matters – how I can help this team win.” As long as football remains his top priority, the fame and attention are unlikely to inflate Mahomes’ ego. He remains hungry to prove himself between the lines each week.
Learning From Others’ Mistakes
Another factor that has likely helped Mahomes avoid issues with fame is that he’s witnessed examples of how celebrity can negatively impact other athletes. Throughout his football journey, Mahomes has seen countless examples of talented players whose careers and lives spiraled due to an inflated ego or inability to handle fame appropriately. These cautionary tales have served as learning experiences for the young quarterback.
One of the most high-profile examples is Johnny Manziel. As a Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M, Manziel’s star power and hype were off the charts. But he struggled mightily to adapt to the NFL and deal with the fame and attention appropriately. His career flamed out quickly due in large part to issues away from the field. Stories like Manziel’s are ones Mahomes has no doubt studied closely.
He’s aware of the potential pitfalls that come with being a big name athlete in a major market like Kansas City. But Mahomes seems determined to avoid those traps and learn from others’ mistakes. This perspective has likely helped him approach his stardom with caution and humility. He understands all too well how quickly things can go wrong if priorities get mixed up. Mahomes appears committed to staying focused on the task at hand rather than getting caught up in outside distractions.
Community Involvement
Another factor that keeps Mahomes grounded is his active involvement within the Kansas City community. Since joining the Chiefs, he has made charitable work and giving back a priority. Some of the causes Mahomes supports include children’s hospitals, food banks, and youth initiatives. He understands the platform his stardom provides to help others.
This community engagement serves as a reminder to Mahomes that, beyond football, there are bigger issues going on. It provides necessary perspective during times where the spotlight and attention could potentially inflate his ego. By focusing on assisting those in need, he’s able to stay connected to matters greater than himself or his on-field success. Making a difference through philanthropy has become a driving force for Mahomes.
“I feel very blessed to be in this position and this city has embraced me since day one,” Mahomes said. “It’s important to give back to these communities and organizations that need all the help they can get. This is bigger than just football for me.” Staying actively involved in charitable causes and community work helps prevent Mahomes from getting too caught up in only thinking about himself as a celebrity. It keeps him grounded by reminding him of his larger responsibilities.
Professional Team Culture
Another likely factor in keeping Mahomes level-headed is the professional culture emphasized by the Kansas City Chiefs organization. From head coach Andy Reid on down, there is a strong emphasis on treating the job professionally and avoiding complacency or inflated egos. Reid demands that all players, including Mahomes, stay laser-focused on their responsibilities to the team first and foremost.
This team-first mentality permeates the entire facility. From meetings and film study to practices and games, the priority is always on how each player can elevate those around him to win football games. Individual accomplishments or fame are deemphasized. This type of culture helps ensure Mahomes’ priorities remain in order and he doesn’t lose perspective due to his stardom.
As the face of the franchise and unquestioned leader of the team, Mahomes sets the tone and leads by example in embracing this team-focused approach. He makes it a point to uplift and empower his teammates no matter the situation. This leadership mentality of putting the group ahead of himself reinforces the professional standards emphasized by the Chiefs organization. It prevents any selfish or egotistical tendencies from taking root, even with Mahomes’ immense success.
Staying Humble Despite It All
While Patrick Mahomes’ talents have rightfully earned him immense fame and accolades, those closest to him insist he has managed to avoid letting any of it go to his head. There are likely several factors contributing to his ability to stay grounded despite superstardom knocking on his door. From a strong family support system to a singular football focus and community involvement, Mahomes appears committed to blocking out external noise and hype.
Learning from others’ mistakes, embracing a professional team culture, and understanding there are bigger priorities all seem to prevent his ego from inflating. Only time will tell if he can sustain this level of humility long-term. But for now, Mahomes’ mentality serves as an example for any young athlete facing a similar rise to fame and fortune. His dedication to hard work, improvement, and putting the team first above all else is admirable. As long as those principles remain central to who Mahomes is, he will fight to stay true to himself no matter the circumstances.
