Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback, finds himself in a particularly challenging stretch of the NFL season. Already tasked with giving up his holiday for a football game, Mahomes expressed his concerns about the physical toll of playing multiple high-stakes games in such a condensed timeframe.
“It’s not a good feeling,” Mahomes admitted during a media session on Wednesday. “You never want to play this amount of games in such a short time. It’s not great for your body. But, at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it.”
When asked if he’d ever encountered a similar situation in football, Mahomes was candid. “I haven’t in football,” he said, suggesting that while he may have faced comparable workloads in other sports or scenarios, this level of intensity in football is uncharted territory for him.
Mahomes emphasized the importance of staying focused on immediate tasks rather than being overwhelmed by the big picture. “All you can do is focus on the game—the practice you have that day,” he explained. “I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch. That’s tailoring my workouts, tailoring how you practice and prepare. The coaches also do a great job of taking care of us on the practice field. We practice as hard as anybody, but they know how to dial it back when needed.”
The Weight of Faith and Family
The packed schedule also means that Mahomes and his family will spend Christmas away from home for the second consecutive year. Both he and his wife, Brittany, are deeply rooted in their Christian faith, which Mahomes says is a cornerstone of his life and career.
“My Christian faith plays a role in everything that I do,” he shared before the Super Bowl in February 2023. “I always ask God to lead me in the right direction and let me be who I am for His name. So, it has a role in everything that I do. Obviously, we’ll be on that huge stage in the Super Bowl that He’s given me, and I want to make sure I’m glorifying Him while I do it.”
Mahomes reflected on how his faith helps him maintain perspective, particularly during high-pressure situations. “I feel like I’ve grown in my faith these last few years, and I think that’s given me a better sense of who I am and why I play the game,” he said. “It just kind of relieves the pressure of playing a football game because I know that I’m on that football field to glorify Him before everything. So, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s about going out there and being the best that I can in His name.”
A Grueling Schedule with High Stakes
The NFL’s decision to schedule games on atypical days, including a rare Wednesday match, adds another layer of complexity to the season. The last Wednesday game occurred in 2020 when the Steelers and Ravens had their game delayed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Prior to that, the league moved its 2012 season opener to a Wednesday to avoid conflicting with President Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. Before those instances, the NFL hadn’t played on a Wednesday since 1948.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged the unusual circumstances but remained pragmatic. “It’s a unique situation. You just have to manage it,” Reid said. “It is what it is. You make the best of it. The main thing is you get guys ready for the game and give them a chance to prepare. They’re going to handle whatever you present to them.”
The timing of these games makes them particularly significant, as the Chiefs and other teams are fighting for playoff positioning. While the Chiefs have already clinched the AFC West title, they are still battling for the coveted No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. The Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers remain in contention for the top spot, adding extra pressure to every game in this stretch.
Balancing Professional and Personal Challenges
Despite the demanding schedule, Mahomes remains committed to both his team and his family. Brittany Mahomes, who is pregnant with their third child, has also had to adjust to the challenges of a football season that extends far beyond the field. Earlier this year, she reflected on how even Super Bowl celebrations have been marked by somber events, including the tragic shootings that occurred during the team’s championship rally in February.
For Mahomes, this season is about more than just winning games. It’s about staying focused, staying healthy, and honoring his commitments both on and off the field. Whether it’s managing the physical toll of a grueling schedule, maintaining his faith, or supporting his growing family, Mahomes continues to approach every challenge with determination and resilience.
As the Chiefs gear up for the final stretch of the season, Mahomes’ leadership and perspective will be critical in guiding the team toward their ultimate goal: another Super Bowl championship. And while the journey is undoubtedly demanding, Mahomes is determined to make the most of every moment.
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