Patrick Mahomes has spoken honestly about the emotional impact his father’s DWI arrest had on him just days before last year’s Super Bowl, as the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback revealed how the incident disrupted his focus in the lead-up to the high-stakes game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The 55-year-old former MLB pitcher was arrested for driving while intoxicated eight days prior to the Super Bowl, which took place in Las Vegas and saw the Chiefs run out eventual overtime winners.
Despite the arrest, he attended the game and witnessed his son secure his third Super Bowl ring in a 25-22 win with Patrick passing to Mecole Hardman for the winning score.
“It was during that Super Bowl week,” Mahomes says in ESPN’s The Kingdom. “It became a story and so I had to answer questions about it.
“I think just knowing that it hurt me, woke him up to know that like you can’t keep doing the same things.”
Mahomes Sr. also participated in the interview, expressing remorse for the disruption caused to his son’s preparations days before one of the biggest games of his career.
“It kind of hit home before the Super Bowl last year,” Mahomes Sr. added. “When I got in trouble. For him to have to answer questions about me, you know, was probably the most embarrassing thing that I’ve ever been through in my life.
‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry that it’s taken away from your time and focus.’ I made a vow that he would never have to deal with anything because of drinking because of me. I haven’t had a drink since then.”
Video footage later surfaced showing Mahomes Sr. speaking emotionally with law enforcement officers during the arrest in Tyler, Texas after police pulled him over after observing his white Genesis driving slowly on W. Gentry Street.
The vehicle registration had expired months prior, and an open can of beer was found inside the car. In the recording, the father pleads with officers, expressing frustration at the timing of his arrest.
“Are y’all serious? I’m supposed to be going to the Super Bowl to watch my son play football,” Mahomes Sr. protests. “And this is what we’re doing?
“My son is getting ready to play in the f**king Super Bowl, OK? Just listen to me. I am not drunk.
“I promise you. I’ve had some drinks. But he can’t have this right now. Listen, this can’t happen.”
Mahomes’ fortitude during this challenging time proved crucial as he led the Chiefs to victory, but the episode underscored the complex pressures athletes face off the field and the impact family issues can have.
Who do the Kansas City Chiefs play in Week 1 of the 2025/26 NFL season?
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin the 2025 NFL season facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, September 5, 2025 and the AFC West clash will be held at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
It marks the NFL’s first return to the country since 2024 and the kickoff time is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, with the game available to watch for free on YouTube TV, and NFL+.
Read the full article here
