Why Patrick Mahomes is the next transcendent sports icon

Humble Beginnings

What do consumers of sports entertainment love almost as much as the athletic exploits themselves? They absolutely love a great story about their favorite athlete overcoming obstacles in sports and in life. Every kid who has ever laced it up for their junior high or high school team has heard the story of how Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity team before his sophomore season.

Coaches, and others, love to use this story to motivate players at every level of talent. It’s a great story because it’s incredibly relatable. Most of us have tried and failed at something we loved. The most successful people in life are those who, in spite of failure, continue trying.

Mahomes has a similar story. Only considered a three star prospect by most major recruiting services coming out of high school, Mahomes college offers were sparse. What’s more, none of these were traditional powers like Alabama, Ohio State, or Oklahoma.

Even after committing to and playing at Texas Tech, and putting up gaudy stats his final season with the team, Mahomes was advised he’d likely be a third round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In fact, after being drafted with the 10th pick, pundits decried the pick as a major reach and questioned whether the latest version of the “Air Raid Quarterback” could ever process NFL terminology adequately enough to be an effective starter.

Fortunately, Mahomes took it all in stride. While it’s true he was given an incredible opportunity on a good team with a great coaching staff and front office, he handled his personal responsibility well. He served his time and silenced his doubters, so to speak, and one junior high and high school coaches will likely keep on deck when their kids need extra motivation to excel.