Long before Patrick Mahomes became a household name and a three-time Super Bowl MVP, he was just a high school kid in East Texas who almost walked away from the game that would define his legacy.
That’s the story his mother, Randi Mahomes, shared during a recent Instagram Q&A, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of her son’s journey to NFL greatness.
When asked how she helped Patrick stay motivated during challenging times, Randi admitted that most of the drive came from her son himself. But she did recall one pivotal moment in his teenage years where her support made all the difference.
“There were times when he would get a little down, even a moment in high school when he wanted to quit football. Yes, he did,” Randi Mahomes said. “And I encouraged him that sitting out a season of sports and watching the games, it was not going to be fun for him. And so, he stuck to it, fortunately.”
It’s a powerful reminder that even elite athletes are not immune to doubt–especially in their formative years. In Patrick’s case, it took a mother’s instinct and encouragement to steer him back toward the field when quitting seemed like an option.
A near-miss that changed NFL history
Mahomes eventually went on to become a two-year starter at quarterback for Whitehouse High School. His senior season in particular was one for the books.
He threw for 4,619 yards and 50 touchdowns, while adding 948 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. Those numbers didn’t just impress local fans–they made national headlines and earned him the MaxPreps Male Athlete of the Year award.
But Mahomes’ success wasn’t limited to the football field. A multi-sport athlete, he also excelled in basketball and baseball, showcasing his natural athleticism across the board. Some even believed his future might be in Major League Baseball, especially after he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2014 MLB Draft. However, football ultimately won his heart.
After high school, Mahomes committed to Texas Tech University, where his star continued to rise. By his junior year, he led all of college football in passing yards and total touchdowns, earning the Sammy Baugh Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate passer.
That season caught the attention of NFL scouts and coaches, including Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who orchestrated a trade-up in the 2017 NFL Draft to select Mahomes with the 10th overall pick. The rest is history.
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