Patrick Mahomes, the superstar quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, is no stranger to the spotlight. With two Super Bowl rings, two MVP awards, and a reputation as one of the most electrifying players in NFL history, Mahomes has earned his place among the league’s elite. But despite his on-field success, not everyone is a fan of how he spends his time away from the gridiron. Recently, Kansas City sports radio host Kevin Kietzman sparked controversy with his blunt criticism of Mahomes’ offseason habits, suggesting that the quarterback’s extracurricular activities could be a distraction—or even a detriment—to his long-term legacy.
Kietzman, a longtime voice in Kansas City sports media known for his unfiltered opinions, didn’t mince words when discussing Mahomes’ busy schedule outside of football. From high-profile commercial appearances to celebrity golf tournaments, Mahomes has embraced his role as one of the most marketable athletes in the world. But according to Kietzman, that might not be a good thing.
“There’s no question Patrick Mahomes is a generational talent,” Kietzman said on his show. “But at some point, you have to wonder if all these endorsements, all these side projects, are taking away from what really matters—winning championships. Tom Brady didn’t become the GOAT by spending his offseasons playing golf with celebrities or filming commercials. He was obsessed with football. Is Mahomes?”
The comments immediately drew strong reactions from Chiefs fans and analysts alike. Some agreed with Kietzman’s concerns, arguing that Mahomes’ relentless pursuit of off-field ventures could eventually dilute his focus. Others, however, dismissed the criticism as unnecessary nitpicking, pointing out that Mahomes has already achieved more by age 28 than most quarterbacks do in their entire careers.
Kietzman’s argument hinges on the idea that greatness in the NFL requires near-total dedication. He pointed to legends like Brady and Peyton Manning, who were notorious for their relentless preparation, even during the offseason. While both engaged in endorsements and media appearances, their primary focus always remained on football. Kietzman questioned whether Mahomes, with his growing portfolio of business ventures—including ownership stakes in MLB’s Kansas City Royals, MLS’s Sporting Kansas City, and even a tequila brand—is spreading himself too thin.
“When you’re the face of a franchise, every little decision matters,” Kietzman said. “Mahomes is out here doing State Farm ads, hosting *Saturday Night Live*, playing in The Match with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen are grinding, studying film, working on their craft. At some point, that gap closes.”
There’s also the physical aspect to consider. Mahomes has dealt with injuries in the past, including a dislocated kneecap in 2019 and a high ankle sprain during the 2022 playoffs. While none of his offseason activities are inherently dangerous, the more time he spends away from structured training, the greater the risk of falling behind in conditioning or recovery.
Critics of Kietzman’s take argue that Mahomes has more than proven his commitment to football. Despite his off-field ventures, he has never shown up to camp out of shape or unprepared. In fact, his ability to balance fame with performance is part of what makes him unique. After winning Super Bowl LVII, Mahomes was back in the lab within weeks, working with trainers and his personal quarterback coach to refine his mechanics.
Moreover, modern athletes are increasingly aware of the importance of brand-building and financial security. The average NFL career lasts just over three years, and even superstars like Mahomes know that football won’t last forever. By diversifying his interests now, he’s setting himself up for long-term success beyond the game.
“Let’s not act like Mahomes is out here neglecting his job,” said one analyst in response to Kietzman. “The guy just won back-to-back Super Bowls. If anything, his ability to stay relaxed and enjoy his success probably helps him perform under pressure. Not everyone has to be a robotic, football-obsessed machine like Brady to be great.”
At the heart of Kietzman’s critique is a larger debate about legacy. Does Mahomes want to be remembered as a great quarterback who also had fun and built an empire? Or is his ultimate goal to surpass Brady as the undisputed greatest of all time? If it’s the latter, Kietzman argues, he may need to reassess his priorities.
Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings didn’t come from luck—they came from an almost fanatical dedication to perfection. He famously avoided eating strawberries because they weren’t part of his strict diet, and he structured his entire life around maintaining peak performance. Mahomes, by contrast, seems to embrace a more balanced approach, enjoying the fruits of his labor while still dominating on Sundays.
The question is whether that balance is sustainable. The NFL is a league of constant evolution, and rivals like Burrow, Allen, and Lamar Jackson are hungry to dethrone him. If Mahomes’ off-field commitments ever lead to even a slight decline in his play, the narrative will shift quickly.
Kevin Kietzman’s comments about Patrick Mahomes’ offseason habits have certainly stirred the pot. While some see his concerns as valid—rooted in a desire to see Mahomes maximize his potential—others view them as overly critical, especially given Mahomes’ track record of delivering when it matters most.
At the end of the day, Mahomes has earned the right to enjoy his success. But as Kietzman pointed out, the margin between good and all-time great is razor-thin. If Mahomes wants to cement himself as the best ever, he may eventually have to ask himself how much is too much when it comes to life outside of football.
For now, though, Chiefs fans are happy to ride the wave—as long as the wins keep coming.
