The Rise of Patrick Mahomes: How a Network of Support Helped Launch an NFL Phenomenon

Patrick Mahomes has taken the NFL by storm since becoming the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. In just four seasons as a starter, he has established himself as one of the best and most electrifying players in the league. Mahomes has thrown for over 14,000 yards and 114 touchdowns while leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory in 2020. He is a one-man highlight reel who makes the impossible seem routine with his otherworldly arm talent and improvisational skills.

However, Mahomes’ rise to superstardom was not a solo effort. Behind every great athlete is a strong support system that helped them develop and achieve success. For Mahomes, that support system started within his own family and continued to grow as he progressed through high school, college and into the pros. While his God-given talents are undeniable, Mahomes would not be where he is today without the guidance, coaching and relationships provided by key figures along the way.

Family Foundation

One of the most important influences in Mahomes’ development was his father, Pat Mahomes Sr. A former major league baseball pitcher, Mahomes Sr. instilled a strong work ethic in his son from a young age. He coached Patrick in various youth sports, recognizing and nurturing his athletic abilities. Mahomes Sr. emphasized fundamentals, discipline and competitive fire – traits that would serve his son well as his talents emerged on the football field.

“My dad was always big on working hard. He coached all of my baseball teams and my basketball teams when I was younger,” Mahomes said. “I saw how hard he worked to be the best baseball player he could be. I kind of adopted that mindset and work ethic.”

Mahomes Sr.’s guidance during Patrick’s formative years was instrumental in shaping him into the elite athlete he is today. The valuable life lessons of dedication, practice and mental fortitude translated seamlessly to football as Mahomes began honing his skills in high school. His father played a huge role in cultivating the work ethic and competitive drive that have propelled Mahomes to the NFL summit.

High School Breakout

At Whitehouse High School in Texas, Mahomes began to turn heads with his prodigious arm talent and athleticism on the gridiron. He put up huge numbers in his junior and senior seasons, throwing for over 11,000 career yards and 103 touchdowns. College programs took notice of Mahomes’ rare skills, but he was still flying under the radar compared to other top quarterback recruits.

One of the first coaches to truly recognize Mahomes’ star potential was Kliff Kingsbury, then the head coach at Texas Tech. Kingsbury made Mahomes a priority recruit and played a pivotal part in convincing him to commit to Texas Tech over other schools. This decision would prove fateful, as Kingsbury’s offensive scheme was tailor-made to unleash Mahomes’ full abilities. With Kingsbury’s mentorship, Mahomes was primed for a breakout college career.

College Coming-Out Party

At Texas Tech, Mahomes thrived under Kingsbury’s innovative Air Raid offense. The system emphasized spreading the field with four and five wide receiver sets, allowing Mahomes the freedom to showcase his cannon arm. In his first season as the starter, Mahomes threw for 4,653 yards and 36 touchdowns, leading the nation in both categories.

He followed that up by breaking numerous school and conference records as a junior in 2016, including single-season marks for passing yards (5,052) and touchdowns (53). Mahomes led Texas Tech to a bowl victory and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting that year. It was clear he possessed otherworldly physical tools and field vision unlike any college quarterback in recent memory.

Kingsbury played a pivotal role in maximizing Mahomes’ talents. His schemes gave Mahomes the opportunity to let it fly downfield without restraints. Kingsbury also fostered Mahomes’ improvisational skills by allowing him to extend plays outside the pocket. This experience allowed Mahomes’ raw abilities to be fully cultivated in a proving ground before making the leap to the NFL. Kingsbury’s vision was a major factor in Mahomes’ path to stardom.

Draft Day Intrigue

Despite a dazzling college career, questions lingered around Mahomes heading into the 2017 NFL draft. He had unorthodox mechanics and played in an Air Raid system not closely resembling NFL offenses. There were concerns if he could replicate his collegiate production at the pro level.

However, one team saw past the doubts – the Kansas City Chiefs. New head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach were intrigued by Mahomes’ rare physical tools and football IQ. During the pre-draft process, Reid spent extra time with Mahomes, seeing his dedication and understanding of the game. On draft night, Kansas City traded up to select Mahomes 10th overall, believing in his potential under Reid’s tutelage.

The pick was met with skepticism by many experts. But Reid, with his innovative offensive mind and history of developing quarterbacks, felt he could harness Mahomes’ raw skills. It was the perfect marriage of prospect and coach, one that would pay dividends for years to come in Kansas City.

Chiefs Kingdom

As a rookie in 2017, Mahomes spent the season studying behind veteran Alex Smith and learning Reid’s complex West Coast system. The following year, Mahomes took over as the full-time starter and immediately set the league on fire. In his first season at the helm, Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, joining exclusive company by becoming just the second QB ever to surpass 5,000 yards and 50 scores.

He led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship game, showcasing his otherworldly arm talent and knack for making highlight-reel plays look routine. Reid’s scheme allowed Mahomes to attack all areas of the field, utilizing his mobility, vision and cannon arm. The marriage between player and system was a match made in football heaven.

In 2019, Mahomes built on his breakout season by guiding Kansas City back to the Super Bowl. There, he outdueled 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, throwing for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns to earn Super Bowl MVP honors in a 31-20 victory. At just 24 years old, Mahomes had reached the pinnacle, cementing his status as the new face of the NFL.

While his physical talents are unmatched, Mahomes’ success is also due to his tireless work ethic, football IQ and ability to make razor-sharp decisions on the fly. These traits were cultivated over many years through the guidance of influential figures like his father, Kingsbury and Reid. The Chiefs also surrounded Mahomes with elite playmakers like tight end Travis Kelce, giving him a strong supporting cast.

From his upbringing to his collegiate coming-out party to finding the perfect pro system, Mahomes’ path was paved by dedication, visionary coaching and key relationships. His rise exemplifies how success in sports is truly a team effort. Now entering his prime, Mahomes is poised for many more magical seasons in Kansas City with support from the entire Chiefs Kingdom behind him. The phenomenal career of one of the NFL’s brightest young stars was built on the foundation laid by those who helped him along the way.