In January 2019, Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game for the first time as a starting quarterback. At the time, he was just 23 years old and coming off a big divisional win against the Indianapolis Colts. After that victory, Mahomes spoke with a level of maturity beyond his age before heading off to celebrate.
Fast forward to this year, the Chiefs are back in the AFC Championship Game, this time against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Now a two-time NFL MVP, Mahomes has three Super Bowl rings and the same number of children. His approach to the game and to life has changed a lot since that first trip to the title game.
A More Measured Approach
Mahomes has become more methodical and patient over the years. While he still pulls off incredible plays, like no-look and behind-the-back passes, he now understands that those highlight moments aren’t always necessary for a team aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title.
“Obviously I want to be perfect. I want to be great,” Mahomes said. “But at the end of the day, I want to win, and however we have to win the football game, I’m good with it. If that’s scoring a lot of touchdowns, not scoring touchdowns, if that’s running the football — whatever it is, if it’s just playing defense to win football games — I just want to win.”
On-Field Adjustments
This past season, Mahomes’ performance showed how much he’s evolved on the field. He averaged 245.5 passing yards per game, about 70 yards less than his first year as a starter. He threw 26 touchdown passes, which is his lowest total in a full season. He was also sacked 36 times, more than in any previous season.
Despite these numbers, Mahomes has matured enough to realize that passing yards and touchdowns aren’t the only things that matter. This year, the Chiefs’ defense ranked ninth in the NFL and was fourth in scoring defense. Mahomes understands that he can throw for fewer yards and touchdowns if it means avoiding turnovers that could put his defense in a bad spot.
He’s also become more willing to take a sack rather than risk turning the ball over by trying to make a play under pressure.
A More Conservative Playing Style
As strange as it sounds, Mahomes, known for his risk-taking style, has become more cautious in his approach.
“Like, there could be more special plays or he could try and make more things happen or force some things — he could do any of those type of things — but I think he knows that this is how they’re going to win,” said NFL analyst Matt Ryan. “And that’s the thing I love about it. It’s a very unselfish approach.”
That doesn’t mean Mahomes has lost his confidence or skill. When the game is on the line, he still has the ability to make a big play, and he believes in his ability to do so. Ryan believes Mahomes is now more dangerous than he was in 2019, with his confidence and experience making him even stronger.
Off the Field: Maturity and Success
Mahomes’ growth isn’t limited to football. Off the field, he has become a successful businessman, with investments in multiple sports teams, including the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, and the Kansas City Current. He also owns Whataburger franchises and has investments in fitness and wellness companies.
Mahomes has a number of endorsements from major brands like Adidas, Coors Light, Head & Shoulders, Oakley, State Farm, and Subway.
Perhaps the biggest change is in his personal life. Mahomes has settled in Kansas City, building his dream home, and his wife, Brittany, recently gave birth to their third child, Golden Raye.
A Change in Perspective
Six years ago, after the Chiefs’ win over Indianapolis, Mahomes probably went out to celebrate with friends. But last Saturday, after the Chiefs defeated Houston to set up the game against the Bills, Mahomes’ life was different. During the postgame interview, his children, Sterling and Bronze, were trying to stay quiet in the background.
Once the interview was over, Mahomes smiled and jokingly asked, “Why we talking so much? Come on Bronze!” Then, he picked up his daughter and left the room, showing just how much his focus has shifted from partying to family life.
