You Won’t Believe Who Patrick Mahomes Looks Up To! Uncover the Idols That Pushed Him Toward NFL Stardom

Patrick Mahomes has quickly become one of the most iconic figures in the NFL, a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field. His unparalleled arm strength, football IQ, and ability to improvise have led the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple victories, including Super Bowl championships. But even the most naturally gifted athletes are often shaped by those who come before them. Who does the man who seems to have it all look up to? The answer may surprise you.

1. His Father, Pat Mahomes Sr.

It’s no secret that Patrick Mahomes grew up around professional athletes. His father, Pat Mahomes Sr., was a Major League Baseball pitcher, and young Patrick spent much of his childhood in MLB locker rooms, absorbing the discipline, mindset, and pressure of professional sports. This early exposure gave him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level. While his dad might not be an NFL star, the influence of his professionalism and resilience has undoubtedly been key to shaping Patrick’s approach to sports.

2. Aaron Rodgers – The Master of the Deep Ball

Aaron Rodgers, the legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback, is one of the players Patrick Mahomes has publicly acknowledged as an inspiration. Known for his cannon-like arm and the ability to throw deep passes with pinpoint accuracy, Rodgers’ style of play is echoed in Mahomes’ game. Both players thrive on big plays, and Rodgers’ ability to remain calm under pressure is a trait that Mahomes has adopted. As Mahomes himself put it in interviews, “Watching him do the things he did with the ball—getting it to places that shouldn’t even be possible—that inspired me.”

3. Brett Favre – The Gunslinger

Another quarterback that Mahomes admired growing up was Brett Favre. Known for his fearless, almost reckless, approach to the game, Favre would often make high-risk, high-reward plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Mahomes has inherited that gunslinger mentality, making throws that sometimes leave analysts baffled but delighted. While Mahomes brings a modern spin to Favre’s freewheeling style, his ability to improvise and make plays out of seemingly nothing channels the very essence of Favre’s bold approach.

4. Kobe Bryant – The Mamba Mentality

Outside of the football world, Patrick Mahomes looked up to basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The “Mamba Mentality” that Bryant was known for—a mindset of relentless work ethic, focus, and self-improvement—deeply resonated with Mahomes. Kobe’s influence on Mahomes’ approach to his craft can be seen in the way he prepares for games and how he handles pressure. After Bryant’s tragic passing, Mahomes has been vocal about how the NBA star’s mentality influenced his desire to always keep pushing for greatness, regardless of the challenges.

5. Alex Smith – A Mentor and Friend

While Patrick Mahomes may not have grown up idolizing Alex Smith, the former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback played a pivotal role in his early NFL career. Smith was the starting quarterback when Mahomes was drafted and took him under his wing, showing him the ropes of being a professional in the league. Smith’s mentorship provided Mahomes with a foundation of leadership, work ethic, and knowledge of the game, allowing him to flourish when he took over as the Chiefs’ starting QB. Mahomes often credits Smith for helping shape him into the player and leader he is today.

6. LeBron James – The King of Consistency

LeBron James, a global sports icon, is another athlete Patrick Mahomes has admired throughout his life. Much like LeBron, Mahomes aims for consistency and sustained success over his career. Watching LeBron dominate the NBA for over a decade inspired Mahomes to take a long-term view of his own career, focusing not just on winning now, but on maintaining that success for years to come. Both athletes have an uncanny ability to lead their teams and elevate the performance of those around them, a trait Mahomes certainly mirrors.

7. Tom Brady – The GOAT of NFL Quarterbacks

It’s no surprise that Tom Brady, with his seven Super Bowl rings and reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, is someone Patrick Mahomes admires. Though they’ve been fierce competitors on the field, with Brady defeating Mahomes in Super Bowl LV, Mahomes respects the longevity and sustained excellence that Brady has shown over two decades. Brady’s discipline, preparation, and attention to detail have inspired Mahomes to work harder and strive for greatness. In fact, Mahomes has said that facing Brady was like playing against a legend he grew up watching.

Conclusion: Shaped by Greatness

Patrick Mahomes’ rise to NFL stardom is far from a solo journey. From his father’s influence to learning from the greats of both the NFL and other sports, Mahomes has absorbed lessons from a variety of sources to become the athlete he is today. While his talent is undeniable, it’s clear that his idols—whether they’re football legends or icons from different sports—have inspired him to push beyond the ordinary and pursue greatness. As Mahomes’ career continues to flourish, one thing is certain: the young quarterback is destined to become an idol himself, inspiring future generations just as those who came before inspired him.