Kansas City radio host Kevin Kietzman stirred controversy after commenting negatively on a shirtless photo of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared over the July 4 weekend. During a segment on KCMO, Kietzman labeled Mahomes as “fat” and an “embarrassment,” sparking backlash from fans and those close to the athlete.
Trainer Defends Mahomes, Emphasizing Performance Over Looks and Proven Career Excellence
Bobby Stroupe, Mahomes’s long-time trainer, took to Twitter (in a now-deleted post) to defend his client passionately. Stroupe challenged Kietzman’s understanding of athletic fitness, saying, “Send me your location,” and inviting the host to experience the rigors of NFL-level conditioning. He emphasized that fitness isn’t just about appearances—it’s about performance under extreme physical demands.

Stroupe’s defense echoes a larger truth: Mahomes’ track record speaks for itself. As the Chiefs’ starting quarterback for seven years, Mahomes has delivered consistently, with five Super Bowl appearances and only two playoff exits before the big game. His performance has firmly established him as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
True Athleticism Is Performance, Not Appearance—Mahomes’ Build Suits the Demands of Football
Critics argue that Kietzman’s remarks reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of what constitutes NFL-level athleticism. Contrary to superficial assessments, thicker body types can actually serve as protection in a high-contact sport like football. Leaner frames are often more injury-prone, making Mahomes’ build a functional advantage rather than a flaw.
Ultimately, Mahomes’ legacy is defined by results, not appearance. While offhand comments from media personalities may spark temporary headlines, Mahomes continues to silence critics with his on-field excellence. As long as he remains committed to the game, history suggests he’ll continue to perform at the highest level, regardless of how he looks in a viral photo.