Football Platform

Not formerly a Kansas City Chiefs fan, they were my team of choice for Super Bowl LIV.  Patrick Mahomes, 24 years of age and the starting quarterback for the Chiefs, also played for Texas Tech, thus my reason for supporting the team.  He seems to be wise beyond his years, humble, along with being successful.  I was also drawn to the team because Mahomes, along with CEO and owner Clark Hunt, punter Dustin Colquitt, offensive lineman Stefan Wisniewski, and others are men who are serious about making their relationship with Jesus a priority.  Clark Hunt encourages his players to put their faith in action.  At a CityFest East Texas Men’s Luncheon, Hunt expressed that he encourages his men to “make their walk with Christ a top priority.”  He further stated, “My identity is my faith in Christ.”

When Patrick Mahomes was in Junior High, he became very active in his youth group at church.  While in the 7h grade, he made the decision to make Jesus his Lord and Savior and chose to be baptized.  To this day, his faith continues to be very important to him.  Patrick attends Bible Study each week as well as the Saturday night chapel service.  Before each game, after walking the field, Mahomes pauses at the goal post to pray.  He says his prayer is not to win, but to play in a manner that brings glory to God.

The summer before his junior year of high school, Mahomes almost quit football.  He had played safety the year before and wasn’t sure he would be considered for quarterback, which is the position he desired to play.  Patrick decided he would concentrate on basketball and baseball instead, but his mother encouraged him to pray before making his final decision.  When interviewed, Mahomes’ mother, Randi Martin, said she continues to “encourage him to trust in God and his faith in him.  I want him to stay humble; that means a lot to me.  I always encourage him to pray and to thank God for his blessings that he has and his abilities.”

Mahomes also puts his faith in action.  For several years he has volunteered with Veterans Community Project, a Kansas City organization that helps build tiny homes for struggling veterans.  Patrick helped build the first 13 homes.  The 240 to 350-square-foot homes are one way to help the veterans get back on their feet.  Mahomes avoids the heavy lifting to protect from injury, but still has plenty to contribute to the community.  Patrick also has a personal charity “15 and the Mahomes.”  This foundation, which was established in 2019, “focuses on aiding underprivileged children by supporting 15 different local charities.”  At their gala in November, 15 grants of $15,000 each were presented to 15 local youth groups.

Jason Kander recently related another story about Mahomes that shows his generosity, thoughtfulness, and appreciation.  Patrick and his girlfriend, Brittany Matthews, stopped by a pizza restaurant in Kansas City to eat.  As they entered, all eyes were on them.  During the meal, no one came by to speak to them, take pictures, ask to take a selfie or request an autograph.  They let them enjoy their meal in peace.  After paying the bill, Pat and Brittany made their way to the exit.  At the door, Pat stopped, turned to the other patrons and said, “Thanks for letting us enjoy our dinner.  This is why I love Kansas City, and this is why I love you.  You guys are awesome.”  After they left, it didn’t take long for people to discover that Pat had paid the bill for every table.

Patrick Mahomes is a Christian who uses his platform as a football player to share his faith.  We may not all be professional athletes, the CEO of a company, or the top person at a certain career, but God has given each of us a sphere of influence and platform to share His love and message.  May we be willing to look for, make the most of the opportunity, and run with it.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

But since you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:7