Patrick Mahomes’ journey has been a representation of leadership and resilience in the face of adversity; the 29-year-old Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, since becoming the starting quarterback in 2018, has led the Chiefs to seven consecutive AFC Championship Games and three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, he’s one of only five quarterbacks starter in NFL history to win three or more Super Bowls, without a doubt Mahomes is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time consistently topping rankings across various sources in the league.
Recently, in a clip posted on Chiefs X (formerly Twitter) from the “Heart of the Kingdom” episode, Mahomes shed light on what has been his source of inspiration and how family values have shaped and helped propel his career.
“I have a black woman in my life who will forever be inspirational to me, and that’s my grandma, Cindy Mahomes. And she told me never to back down, no matter what the situation. No matter what the situation was or is, she never backs down. She was someone who was gonna do whatever it took to make sure her family was getting treated the right way or her family was getting the most out of the opportunity that was ahead of her.
So, for me, that’s influenced me to do the same with my family and every opportunity that I get. The way she loved her family has carried on within me, and that’s how I want to be whenever I get to talk to my grandkids. She passed away a couple of years ago, but my entire life, she was in a wheelchair, but that didn’t stop her from being the fiercest, most competitive, loyal person. How I honor her legacy is by the way that I go about my business, how I take care of my family, and how I go out there and compete every opportunity I have. I just go out there and give everything I have on the football field, and hopefully, I can have that same competitive spirit and loyalty as I continue to grow older and get off that football field as well.
That’s all. Forever honor her legacy. Grandma, I hope I make you proud.’’
Mahomes’ Impact on the Chiefs: From Draft Pick to NFL Superstar
Since joining the Chiefs in 2017 from Texas Tech, Mahomes was the 10th overall pick by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL draft and started as a backup to Alex Smith. In 2018, after Smith was traded to the then-named-Redskins; he became the starter for the Chiefs. He passed for 5,097 yards, achieving 50 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions.
The budding star then became the second quarterback to surpass 5,000 passing yards after joining Peyton Manning as the only player with 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in an NFL season. He won the Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP awards in the year. Mahomes joined the class of three other quarterbacks to win the AP MVP award in a victory that marked the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl in 50 years after defeating the San Francisco 49ers. The same year, he extended his contract to 10 years on a deal worth $450 million, marking one of the most significant contracts in sports history.
It’s evident how “the never to back down, no matter what the situation” legacy Mahomes inherited from Cindy is playing a crucial role in the player’s career as they clinched the Super Bowl trophy in 2023, 2024, and also featured in the 2025 Super Bowl final which they lost to Philadelphia Eagle on February 9, 2025. His tactical innovation made Andy Reid take RPO plays to another level, giving Mahomes room to read defenses before the ball was snapped. This tactical innovation made the defenses commit in no time, creating opportunities for explosive plays both on the ground and through the air.
The Influence of Cindy Mahomes: How Family Fuels Mahomes’ Success
Mahome’s resilience as a player and beyond isn’t just a trait; it’s also a tribute. In 2020, he played through a dislocated toe and a high-ankle sprain; in 2023, he was well-defying the odds to clinch playoff victories; these attributes weren’t just toughness; but may be seen as his grandma’s relentless spirit in action. “She passed away a couple of years ago, but my entire life, she was in a wheelchair, but that didn’t stop her from being the fiercest, most competitive, loyal person.” This can be attributed to one of the forces that propelled him to erase a 10-point deficit in 2023 against Cincinnati, throwing 326 yards on one leg.
Courage is not limited to Mahomes; it is also the Chief’s Identity. The Chiefs’ NFL achievement rate is a culture forged by preparation and unity. Just as Mahomes inherits from her grandma, he propels teammates, transforming adversity into momentum. His grandma’s legacy indicates that greatness isn’t always taught but can also be inherited.
