Patrick Mahomes provides refreshing take on post-game gobbledygook with the media

In the world of sports media, the post-game interview can often feel like a ritual of regurgitated clichés and well-rehearsed phrases. Few athletes have mastered the art of saying much while revealing little as deftly as Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. His recent appearance on Rob Riggle’s podcast, “Riggle’s Picks,” offered a refreshing glimpse into the calculated world of media interactions from an athlete’s perspective.

Rob Riggle, a comedian and actor beloved in Chiefs Kingdom, hosts the podcast alongside co-host Darren Leader. Known for featuring a diverse lineup of guests, the show recently welcomed Mahomes for an episode that stood out for its candor and humor. In an era where athletes are often media-trained to the point of monotony, Mahomes’ honesty about his approach to post-game interviews was both enlightening and entertaining.

Mahomes admitted that the seemingly circular talk often employed during media sessions is not accidental. In fact, it’s a deliberate strategy. Reflecting on the necessity of speaking to reporters after a loss, the two-time MVP explained:

“It’s part of it. It’s part of the profession. It’s part of being a quarterback and having to stand on that podium and talk—win or loss. I think what I’ve done and I’ve mastered is being able to say a lot of words without saying anything at all. So that’s my go-to. Any time I get a question I might not necessarily like, I’ll just say a lot of different words that really mean nothing.”

This insight into Mahomes’ media tactics is reminiscent of his coach, Andy Reid, who has long been known for his ability to fill press conferences with verbose yet vacuous statements. While some coaches, like Bill Belichick, are notorious for their terse and uncommunicative style, Reid’s approach is to speak at length without divulging much substance—a skill Mahomes appears to have adopted seamlessly.

During the podcast, Mahomes even treated listeners to an impression of a typical post-game spiel, replete with phrases like “back to the drawing board” and “just need to execute.” His mock narrative, filled with familiar sports jargon, highlighted how adept he has become at navigating the media landscape.

What stands out most is not just Mahomes’ ability to excel on the field, but his skill in managing the often burdensome media obligations that come with being an NFL quarterback. His knack for delivering polished, non-committal answers ensures he maintains a positive public image while keeping his and the team’s strategies under wraps.

In an age where every word spoken by public figures is scrutinized and dissected, Mahomes’ approach offers a masterclass in media management. By speaking volumes without revealing anything significant, he protects himself and his team while fulfilling the requirements of his role. It’s a reminder that in the high-stakes world of professional sports, winning the media game is an essential part of the job—one that Patrick Mahomes handles with the same finesse as he does a football.

As fans and commentators continue to parse the words of their favorite athletes, Mahomes’ strategy serves as a testament to the fine line players must walk between transparency and discretion. For now, it seems, the Chiefs’ quarterback is content to let his performance on the field do the real talking.