Patrick Mahomes Mourns Hulk Hogan, His Childhood Hero and Sports Inspiration

The sports world was rocked on July 24, 2025, by the sudden passing of professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan at age 71, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was among those deeply affected. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died of cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, leaving behind a legacy that transcended wrestling rings and touched millions, including Mahomes. In a heartfelt statement, Mahomes revealed that Hogan was his childhood hero, the larger-than-life figure whose charisma and athleticism first ignited his passion for pursuing a career in professional sports.

Growing up in Tyler, Texas, Mahomes was captivated by Hogan’s electrifying presence during the 1980s wrestling boom. “As a kid, I’d watch Hulk Hogan tear off his shirt, flex those ‘24-inch pythons,’ and rally the crowd,” Mahomes shared on social media. “He was my first hero, the one who made me believe I could chase something big, something like the NFL.” Hogan’s “Hulkamania” era, marked by his red-and-yellow attire and iconic promos urging kids to “say their prayers and eat their vitamins,” resonated with a young Mahomes, who saw in Hogan a model of determination and showmanship. This inspiration carried him from a multi-sport athlete at Whitehouse High School to a three-time Super Bowl MVP.

Hogan’s influence on Mahomes extended beyond entertainment. The wrestler’s ability to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life persona mirrored the flair Mahomes would later bring to the football field. Known for his no-look passes and creative playmaking, Mahomes credits Hogan’s theatrical performances for shaping his own approach to sports as both competition and spectacle. “Hogan made you feel like anything was possible,” Mahomes said in a press conference. “That energy, that belief in yourself, it stuck with me when I stepped onto the field.” Hogan’s body slam of André the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987, a moment Mahomes called “legendary,” symbolized the kind of game-changing impact he aspired to have in the NFL.

Mahomes, who led the Chiefs to Super Bowl victories in 2020, 2023, and 2024, was not alone in mourning Hogan. The wrestling icon’s death prompted tributes from figures like Ric Flair and Triple H, who praised his role in making WWE a global phenomenon. Yet Mahomes’ connection felt uniquely personal. As the son of former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes Sr., he grew up surrounded by sports, but it was Hogan’s blend of athleticism and charisma that left an indelible mark. “He wasn’t just a wrestler,” Mahomes noted. “He was a superstar who showed me how to connect with fans and own the moment.”

The quarterback’s tribute also acknowledged Hogan’s complex legacy. Hogan faced controversies, including a 2015 racial slur scandal that led to his temporary WWE dismissal, but Mahomes focused on the positive impact. “He wasn’t perfect, but who is?” Mahomes said. “To me, he was the guy who made a kid from Texas dream big.” Hogan’s recent ventures, like founding the Real American Freestyle wrestling league, showed his enduring passion for the sport, a drive Mahomes admired as he navigates his own career post the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss in February 2025.

As Mahomes prepares for the 2025 NFL season, he carries Hogan’s lessons forward. “Hulkamania was about heart and hustle,” he said. “I’m going to keep that spirit alive on the field.” Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era, but for Mahomes, the wrestler’s influence remains a driving force. “Rest in peace, Hulkster,” he wrote. “Thanks for showing me what it means to be a champion.”