KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In January 2019, Patrick Mahomes took the Kansas City Chiefs to the AFC championship game for the first time as a first-year starter. He had just led a franchise long plagued by underachievement to a decisive victory over the Indianapolis Colts and approached the postgame news conference with an impressive level of composure for someone so young. Following that moment, he embarked on a celebration that a rising NFL star might enjoy at the age of 23.
Fast forward six years, and the Chiefs find themselves back in the conference title game, this time set to compete against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night. Now a two-time NFL MVP with three Super Bowl titles and three children, Mahomes’ approach to both the game and life has considerably evolved since those early days.
Mahomes has become an extremely methodical and patient player. While he still dazzles audiences with unexpected behind-the-back and no-look passes that leave fans and analysts speechless, he is keenly aware of the game’s intricacies. He knows that those highlight-reel plays are not always necessary for a franchise aiming to achieve an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory.
“I want to be perfect. I want to be great,” Mahomes acknowledged. “But at the end of the day, I just want to win. So, whatever way that means we have to get the job done, I’m on board. Whether that involves scoring lots of touchdowns, rushing the ball, or focusing on defensive plays — I just want to win games.”
This past season has highlighted Mahomes’ transformation on the field. He averaged 245.5 passing yards per game, significantly lower than the 315-plus yards from his inaugural season as a starter. With 26 touchdown passes, he recorded one of his less productive seasons, coupled with an average of 6.8 yards per attempt, ranking lower than quarterbacks like Jameis Winston and Justin Fields. Notably, he faced 36 sacks, the highest total recorded in his career to date.
So how does this reflect his growth as a player? Unlike in 2019, the Chiefs now boast the NFL’s ninth-ranked defense, and the fourth-best scoring defense in the regular season. Mahomes has matured to the point where he recognizes that lower yardage and fewer touchdowns are acceptable if it means minimizing turnovers and preventing situations where his defense could be put at risk. In essence, he is comfortable allowing the defense to carry its weight.
His increased sack total is also tied to his willingness to go down in challenging situations, opting for safety over risking a fumble or interception. Once known for his high-risk style, Mahomes has adopted a more conservative mindset when it comes to decision-making on the field.
“He could choose to make more special plays or try to force things — he certainly has the capability — but I believe he understands the best strategy for winning,” remarked former NFL quarterback and CBS analyst Matt Ryan. “It showcases a truly unselfish approach.”
However, that doesn’t imply that Mahomes lacks self-assurance or the remarkable ability to read the field. “When the time comes to make a play, he will,” Ryan added. “He has a wealth of experience now, which I believe has bolstered his confidence more than ever. He is a more dangerous player now than he was in 2019.”
Off the field, Mahomes displays an equal measure of maturity. He is a savvy entrepreneur, holding stakes in various teams, including the Kansas City Royals and the Alpine Formula 1 team. Additionally, he has investments in several businesses, including Whataburger franchises and a fitness tracker company.
His endorsement portfolio is impressive, encompassing brands like Adidas, Coors Light, and Subway, among others. However, perhaps the most significant aspects of his life are his personal developments. Mahomes has deepened his roots in Kansas City as he and his wife, Brittany, welcomed their third child, Golden Raye.
The contrast in how Mahomes celebrated reaching the conference title game is striking. After defeating Houston, rather than heading off to celebrate, he engaged with reporters, all while his children could be heard trying to maintain their composure nearby. Once he concluded his interview, Mahomes lightheartedly addressed his children and led them out, demonstrating the shift in his priorities over the years.
