You don’t have to be an American football fan to know the name Patrick Mahomes. The three-time Super Bowl champion, with his signature mohawk, distinctive voice and boyish grin, has cemented his legacy as one of the NFL’s most dominant quarterbacks — all before age 30.
He’s often praised for his dynamic field vision, sharp decision-making abilities and versatility. At 6 ’2, 225 pounds, Patrick has the strength to slingshot a 31-yard dime with accuracy and ease — earning him the second-highest passer rating in NFL history for players with 1,500 passing attempts — and the agility to elude defensive pressure from inside the pocket. At the same time, he has a unique ability to read his opponents and make crucial split-second decisions.
While Patrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl wins are a testament to his unmatched talent, his leadership on and off the field has also won fans’ hearts. As proof, he’s been a member of the “TIME 100” three times, sealing his mark as one of the most influential athletes of all time. Plus, as one of the winningest Black quarterbacks in the league, Patrick is elevating Black culture and the representation of Black athletes across every sport and discipline.
Read on to learn more about one of America’s most adored quarterbacks, including his notable achievements and influence on and beyond the football field.
Biography of Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes was born on Sept. 17, 1995, in Tyler, Texas, to Randi Martin (mother) and Pat Mahomes (father). He was immersed in sports at an early age, as his father played Major League Baseball (MLB) as a pitcher for 11 seasons.
Naturally, Patrick followed in his father’s footsteps early on, exhibiting a strong throwing arm as a pitcher. He excelled in baseball, leaving high school as the number 35 overall prospect in Texas with a 93-mile-per-hour fastball and a 16-strikeout no-hitter under his belt.
But football would ultimately capture his heart and reign supreme as his chosen sport. As a kid, Patrick idolized quarterbacks who combined speed and agility with superior arm talent, like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick.
Here are a few key highlights from his senior year in high school that helped him secure a football scholarship at Texas Tech University:
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4,619 total passing yards
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355.3 passing yards per game
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50 passing touchdowns
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940 rushing yards
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287 completions
As the Red Raiders’ QB, Patrick Mahomes amassed 11,252 passing yards and set multiple records, including 734 yards in a single game against Oklahoma and the second-most single-game pass attempts during the same match-up. He also earned various awards like the Samm Baugh Trophy in 2016, given to the top college passer in the country each year.
After a stellar junior year at Texas Tech, Patrick was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 NFL draft. He debuted as the starter on December 31, 2017, against the Denver Broncos, which resulted in a 27-24 win. Since then, Patrick has led the franchise to six consecutive AFC Championship Game and four Super Bowl appearances, resulting in three Super Bowl titles.
Patrick Mahomes claims the no. 1 spot in the NFL Top 100 Rankings
The standout QB, Patrick Mahomes, isn’t only number one based on his stats or records. He’s also been ranked number one in the eyes of his peers. Every season, current players vote to determine the top 100 players in the league based on their performance from the previous season. The results are then announced live on the NFL network for fans and players alike to witness.
Mahomes earned the coveted top spot and silver trophy twice. The first time was in 2021, following a noteworthy season in which he threw 4,839 yards, led the Chiefs to the playoffs and earned a Pro Bowl nomination. The 2023 honor came on the heels of a Super Bowl win against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he also won Super Bowl MVP.
Only now-retired Tom Brady has topped the list more, with his legendary career as the New England Patriots quarterback earning him four number-one spots.
Patrick Mahomes named AFC Offensive Player of the Month and Week
Patrick Mahomes has led the Kansas City Chiefs to six back-to-back AFC championships, touting a 15-3 record in his postseason career. But he doesn’t only stun stadiums of fans in marquee games. Patrick delivers stellar performances in regular season games — like pitching the 54-yard score to Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy in a recent game — earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Month and Week honors multiple times.
One of his most notable wins came following a dominant performance in 2023 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He led the Chiefs back from an early deficit, completing 27 out of 34 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns. This marked the QB’s 10th time winning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, setting a new record for the Kansas City franchise.
But Mahomes’ influence and accolades extend beyond the football field. Through his foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, he and his wife, Brittany, are dedicated to improving children’s lives by supporting initiatives that target health, wellness and communities in need.
