Randi Mahomes has been in the stands for nearly a decade, watching her son, Patrick Mahomes, light up NFL fields with no-look passes and MVP plays. But even now-nine seasons in-she still can’t watch a game without her heart in her throat.
“It’s hard for me to sit through the whole thing,” she admits.“I’m pacing, I’m playing with my grandkids… doing anything not to focus on every single play. The fear of seeing him get hurt never really goes away.”
And it’s not just about Patrick. Randi says she feels it every time any player goes down-especially when it’s a head injury. That’s why she’s decided to speak up about something close to her heart: player safety and concussions.
“Listen to your body. Listen to your coaches. Football is brutal-don’t ignore the signs.”
That’s the message Randi wants young players, parents, and even seasoned pros to hear. It’s a tough sport, and yes, injuries happen. But ignoring them? That’s a choice-and often a dangerous one.
The Toughest Play Is Knowing When to Sit Out
Randi is the first to acknowledge the culture of toughness in football. But she’s also watched too many young players try to “tough out” concussions-and pay for it later.
“Trust the doctors,” she says. “If they say you need to step away, step away. No touchdown, no win, no highlight is worth risking your brain.”
Her advice mirrors the warnings of top neurologists like Dr. Ann McKee of Boston University, who’s spent years studying chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes. According to the NFL’s 2023 Health & Safety Report, concussion numbers are climbing again, with 213 recorded last season-up 14% from the year before.
And while the league continues to improve its protocols, Randi believes education at the family level is just as important.
“Your body tells you things. Pay attention. Even my son-he’s been through so much-still needs to hear that it’s okay to rest.”
That blend of personal experience and motherly instinct makes Randi’s message hit differently. She’s not lecturing. She’s lived it.
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