In the world of NFL quarterbacks, few names are as synonymous with excellence as Patrick Mahomes. Yet, a recent comment from former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has cast doubt on the Kansas City Chiefs star’s prime.
Roethlisberger, while speaking on his Footbahlin podcast, controversially suggested that Mahomes, at the age of 29, might be “just entering out of his prime.” This comment immediately sparked backlash, and none more vocal than Mahomes’ longtime trainer, Bobby Stroupe.
Stroupe, who has worked with Mahomes since the quarterback was in fourth grade, quickly fired back. Through social media, Stroupe responded with a direct and sharp retort: “Not everybody quits working out at 30 years old, Ben.”
This comment underscores not just Mahomes’ age, but also his exceptional work ethic that has defined his career. Stroupe’s message was clear – Mahomes remains fully invested in his physical conditioning and performance, and his drive shows no sign of waning as he enters his 30s.
Evaluating Mahomes’ performance metrics
While Roethlisberger’s remark seemed to imply that Mahomes is on the decline, the statistics tell a different story. Despite the Chiefs falling short in Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mahomes has maintained elite performance.
In the 2024 season, Mahomes posted a Regular Season + Playoff QB+ rating of 84.8, ranking seventh in the league. His performance in high-stakes games, such as the AFC Championship against Buffalo, was nothing short of spectacular. In that game, Mahomes recorded his best QB+ of the season, an impressive 88.2, throwing for 288 yards and three touchdowns.
These statistics aren’t just numbers on a page – they reflect Mahomes’ ability to perform when it matters most. His 62.5% third-down conversion rate in the AFC Championship game shows his proficiency under pressure, further disproving any notion that he is past his prime.
Even when facing intense defensive pressure, Mahomes maintained strong efficiency and was able to lead his team to victory in crucial moments.
Stroupe’s perspective on Mahomes’ work ethic
The debate over Mahomes’ status isn’t solely about statistics. Stroupe’s defense of Mahomes goes beyond numbers and touches on the quarterback’s unparalleled commitment to his craft.
Following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl defeat, Mahomes was back in the gym, pushing himself to stay in top physical condition. Social media posts surfaced showing Mahomes’ relentless workouts, a testament to his dedication despite his already legendary status.
This mindset has been a constant throughout Mahomes’ career, and Stroupe’s comments emphasize the importance of this ongoing commitment to improvement.
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