Analyst Claps Back at Kietzman Over ‘Fat’ Patrick Mahomes Comment

Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to the spotlight. As the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, he’s racked up two MVP awards, three Super Bowl titles, and a reputation as the NFL’s most electrifying player. But this offseason, Mahomes found himself the subject of a different kind of attention—one that had nothing to do with his arm strength, football IQ, or leadership, but instead focused on his body. And in the age of social media and hot takes, the fallout was swift, passionate, and revealing about the state of sports commentary today.

The Spark: Kietzman’s Comments

It all started when Kevin Kietzman, a Kansas City-based podcaster and longtime sports media personality, commented on a viral photo of Mahomes and his wife celebrating the 4th of July. The image, which showed the couple enjoying their offseason, was intended as a glimpse into the quarterback’s personal life—a rare moment of relaxation for one of the NFL’s most visible athletes.

But Kietzman saw something else. On his podcast, “Kevin Kietzman Has Issues,” he declared:
*”Vacation photos of Patrick Mahomes are popping up and he’s fat. I’m going to say it, and I’m going to tell you the truth, he’s an embarrassment. You’re a $500 million quarterback… Dude, you’re fat.”*

The comments, which many deemed unnecessary and mean-spirited, quickly made the rounds online. Kietzman’s take wasn’t just about Mahomes’ physique; it was a veiled attack on his professionalism and commitment, questioning whether the quarterback’s offseason habits matched his on-field ambitions.

The Backlash: Trainer and Analyst Respond

Unsurprisingly, the reaction was swift. Mahomes’ trainer, who works with the quarterback year-round, was among the first to defend his client. He pointed out the absurdity of judging an elite athlete’s fitness based on a single photo, noting that Mahomes is “in better shape than he appears” and challenging Kietzman to “make it through a practice at Saint Jo or run hurry up offense scrambling back to back to back plays.” The implication was clear: it’s easy to criticize from behind a microphone, much harder to match the physical demands of professional football.

Enter Nick Wright, a national sports analyst and vocal Mahomes supporter. Wright, who has a history with Kietzman, didn’t mince words when addressing the controversy on “The Dan Le Batard Show.” He dismissed Kietzman’s podcast as having “maybe 35 listeners” and suggested that the only reason Kietzman was relevant again was because of his inflammatory remarks about Mahomes.

“He, on a podcast that can’t have 35 listeners, said this about Patrick Mahomes, and for the first time in a decade, he’s noteworthy,” Wright quipped, highlighting both the pettiness of the comment and the fleeting nature of attention in the digital age.

The Bigger Picture: Body Shaming in Sports

The incident raises uncomfortable but important questions about how we talk about athletes, particularly those in the public eye. There’s a long history of body shaming in sports media, often couched as “concern” or “analysis.” Yet, as Mahomes’ trainer pointed out, a single photo—especially one taken during a rare moment of relaxation—says little about an athlete’s actual fitness or readiness for the season.

Mahomes is not alone in facing this kind of scrutiny. From Zion Williamson in the NBA to offensive linemen in the NFL, athletes’ bodies are routinely dissected and critiqued by people who have never experienced the physical demands of professional sports. The underlying message is troubling: that worth and ability are tied to appearance, not performance.

But Mahomes’ resume speaks for itself. He’s played through injuries, led dramatic comebacks, and consistently elevated his team in the biggest moments. If his offseason priorities include spending time with family and enjoying a holiday, who are we to judge?

The Culture of Hot Takes

Kietzman’s comments also reflect a broader trend in sports media—the rise of the “hot take.” In a crowded marketplace where attention is currency, the loudest, most controversial voices often get the most clicks. Thoughtful analysis is replaced by provocation, and personal attacks become a shortcut to relevance.

Wright’s response, while biting, underscores the absurdity of this dynamic. That a local podcaster could generate national headlines by calling an MVP quarterback “fat” says more about the media ecosystem than it does about Mahomes’ fitness. It’s a cycle that rewards outrage over insight, and controversy over substance.

The Real Story: Chiefs’ Focus on Football

Lost in the noise is the reality facing the Kansas City Chiefs as training camp approaches. After a disappointing Super Bowl loss, the team is hungry to return to the top. Mahomes, for his part, has made it clear that his focus is on football—not internet drama.

In interviews, Mahomes has emphasized the importance of having fun, building chemistry, and setting the tone for another championship run. “We’re going to do our talking on the field,” he said, echoing the mindset that has made him one of the game’s most respected leaders.

His teammates and coaches have echoed that sentiment. The Chiefs’ locker room is united in its purpose, undistracted by offseason chatter. The goal is simple: get back to the playoffs, compete for another Super Bowl, and let the results speak for themselves.

Lessons Learned: What Really Matters

The Mahomes-Kietzman episode is a reminder of what—and who—matters in sports. It’s easy to get caught up in the spectacle, to focus on the superficial, and to forget the human beings behind the helmets. But at the end of the day, football is about performance, teamwork, and resilience.

Mahomes’ response, both on and off the field, is a model for athletes everywhere. He doesn’t engage in petty feuds or let criticism define him. Instead, he works, he leads, and he wins. That’s why he’s the face of the franchise—and why the Chiefs remain perennial contenders.

As training camp opens and the season looms, the real story isn’t about a viral photo or a fleeting soundbite. It’s about a team with unfinished business, a quarterback with unparalleled talent, and a city rallying behind its champion. The rest, as they say, is just noise.

Conclusion

In the end, the controversy over Patrick Mahomes’ offseason photo says more about the state of sports commentary than it does about Mahomes himself. Body shaming, hot takes, and personal attacks may grab headlines, but they don’t win games. Mahomes and the Chiefs are focused on what really matters: getting back to the field, having fun, and chasing another title. For fans and analysts alike, that should be the story worth following.