How Patrick Mahomes could be the next Michael Jordan

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the rare chance to be the NFL’s version of Michael Jordan.

The Kansas City Chiefs made a big splash when they traded up to select Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft. Their return on investment has been paid back tenfold. In just two years as a starter, Mahomes has won an MVP, a Super Bowl, and been crowned Super Bowl MVP. Not to mention the product he has displayed on the field already has some of us calling him the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.

The endorsements quickly followed for Mahomes after being christened as the Chiefs starting quarterback—from Oakley to Mahomes Magic Crunch cereal, from ketchup to a Madden cover and everything in between. Everyone wants a piece of the NFL’s latest, and greatest, superstar.

Even Adidas wanted their shot at Mahomes, and they did not miss out. Despite Mahomes’ alma mater of Texas Tech being partnered with Under Armor and the NFL’s partnership with Nike, he charted his own path with Adidas.

As it was revealed in The Last Dance, Michael Jordan desperately wanted to ink a deal with Adidas, and the company turned down MJ who later went on to sign with Nike and create a global brand that to this day is a multi-million dollar business.

Everyone wants a pair of Jordans. The NFL has never had a star like that, a star who turned into an actual lifestyle brand, a player who transcends football apparel or even the sport itself. Patrick Mahomes could be the first NFL athlete with that gravitational pull.

After missing out on the greatest player to ever grace the hardwood, Adidas was not going to make the same mistake on the gridiron. If Mahomes keeps up this pace of winning while remaining the most likable figure in the sport, the brand and athlete can parlay this into more than just big money.

Mahomes is already the name on the back of NFL’s top-selling jersey, and Chiefs fans are beating down the door for Mahomes cereal, wigs, and anything else they can get their hands on in relation to the once-in-a-generation gunslinger. If Mahomes and Adidas released any form of shoe, it would sell out in Kansas City and beyond within minutes.

If the plan is executed properly, Mahomes can be the next Jordan. He already has the look: innocent, youthful, a little goofy. He also has the personality. He is recognizable on and off the field, even on a phone call you would know that froggy voice anywhere. In just two seasons he has so many memorable lines, including “I think I am a snow game guy.” and “Do we have time to run wasp?” just to name a few.

If Mahomes cannot transform the apparel game for NFL athletes, then no one can. Almost every outlet, from the Dan Patrick show, to Charlie Hustle, to Bleacher Report and countless more already make a ton of money off of his likeness. It is time for Adidas to start cashing in.

The comparisons to Jordan go deeper than one might think. Remember that time MJ covered up the Reebok logo at the Olympics after signing with Nike? Mahomes used tape to cover up Under Armor signage.

Not to mention Mahomes’ basketball prowess that saw him torch most of the Chiefs organization on the court before the team putting a stop to his hardwood habit.

During quarantine, I only have a few options. Record multiple podcasts (check),  re-watch the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl (check), and think about Patrick Mahomes. Even while watching the phenomenal ESPN 30-for-30 documentary The Last Dance, my mind races about Mahomes Magic.

Michael Jordan’s profile became something that transcended his own sport—even sports in general. Patrick Mahomes has a very real chance to do the same.