“Do Abs Win Super Bowls?”: Chiefs Analyst Claps Back at Mahomes Critics After July 4th Photo Sparks Debate

There are few figures in modern sports who have captured the imagination of fans—and the scrutiny of critics—quite like Patrick Mahomes. As the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, Mahomes has already carved out a legacy that most players only dream of: three Super Bowl rings, multiple MVP awards, and a win percentage that puts him in the rarest company in NFL history. Yet, as the Chiefs prepared to chase a historic third consecutive championship heading into Super Bowl LIX, a new controversy erupted—not about Mahomes’ play on the field, but about his body off it.

The Photo That Sparked a Firestorm

It all began innocently enough. On July 4th, Mahomes’ wife, Brittany, posted photos of the couple celebrating the holiday with friends and family. In one of the images, Mahomes appeared shirtless, relaxing on a boat. For most, it was a glimpse of a superstar enjoying a well-earned break. But for one Kansas City sports radio host, the photo became ammunition for a harsh critique.

The host lambasted Mahomes for his apparent lack of muscle definition, questioning whether the quarterback was taking his 2025 preparation seriously. “You’re a $500 million quarterback and you look like that?” the host sneered, suggesting Mahomes was an “embarrassment” and hinting that his focus and work ethic were in doubt.

A Podcast Host Claps Back

The criticism quickly spread across social media, drawing both mockery and outrage. But it was Cole DeRuse, host of the popular “How Bout Those Chiefs” podcast, who delivered the most pointed rebuttal. DeRuse, refusing to name the radio host, called the entire debate “ridiculous.”

“Six-pack abs automatically mean Super Bowl wins? No. That’s not how that works,” DeRuse declared in an impromptu segment addressing the controversy. He went on: “He just made it to three Super Bowls in a row. We’re questioning Patrick Mahomes’ work ethic, his training, because of a 4th of July photo? You washed up, no-good phony. Absolutely ridiculous… Patrick Mahomes is fat? He doesn’t train? He doesn’t take it seriously like Brady did? …What are we doing?”

DeRuse’s frustration was palpable. For him, the debate wasn’t just about one photo or one player—it was about the way sports culture has become obsessed with appearance over achievement, with superficial judgments over substance.

A Legacy Beyond Abs

The numbers speak for themselves. Since becoming the Chiefs’ starter in 2018, Mahomes has won more games in his first eight years than any other quarterback in NFL history. He’s the only player besides Tom Brady to notch 100+ wins in that span. He’s led Kansas City to three Super Bowl victories and multiple AFC Championships, all while redefining what’s possible at the quarterback position.

And yet, as DeRuse pointed out, even that isn’t enough to silence the critics. “As a starter since 2018, how many playoff wins, how many Super Bowl appearances, how many Super Bowl wins, how many MVPs? …Why do we tear down the people who have done the most for the city from a sports standpoint? …He’s done everything that’s been asked of him. Has he been perfect every game? No. But who is?”

The answer, of course, is no one. Not Tom Brady, not Peyton Manning, not Joe Montana. All great quarterbacks have faced adversity, setbacks, and criticism. What sets them apart is not how they look in the offseason, but how they respond when the games count.

Blocking Out the Noise

For his part, Mahomes seems unfazed by the chatter. In a recent interview with Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams Show,” the three-time Super Bowl champion made it clear that he’s tired of the offseason noise.

“I feel like I’ve had to sit back and just listen to people talk and talk and I’m like, ‘Let’s just play football and just handle it all out there.’ I don’t really want to talk about it. I just want to go out and show who we are as the Kansas City Chiefs,” Mahomes said.

His words were measured but resolute. If the lopsided Super Bowl loss to the Eagles stung, the disrespect that followed has only fueled his determination. Mahomes, as always, is focused on what he can control: his preparation, his leadership, and his play.

The Absurdity of Body Standards in Sports

The debate over Mahomes’ physique is hardly new. In recent years, the rise of social media has made athletes’ bodies a constant topic of conversation. Six-pack abs and chiseled muscles are held up as the gold standard, even when they have little to do with actual performance. Analysts and fans alike forget that football is not a beauty contest—it’s a brutal, strategic, and complex game that rewards skill, toughness, and mental acuity far more than aesthetics.

Quarterbacks come in all shapes and sizes. Peyton Manning was never mistaken for a fitness model. Tom Brady, for all his discipline, has never been known for his abs. What they share with Mahomes is a relentless drive to win, a mastery of their craft, and an ability to lift their teams in the biggest moments.

What Really Matters

As the Chiefs gear up for the 2025 season, Mahomes’ focus is exactly where it should be: on football. The critics will continue to talk, but the only scoreboard that matters is the one on Sunday afternoons. Mahomes’ legacy will be defined not by summer photos, but by playoff wins, Super Bowl rings, and the respect of his peers.

Cole DeRuse summed it up best: “He’s done everything that’s been asked of him. Has he been perfect every game? No. But who is?”

A City’s Champion

In Kansas City, Mahomes is more than just a quarterback—he’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and excellence. He’s brought joy to a city that waited decades for a championship, and he’s done it with humility, humor, and heart.

As the new season approaches, the question isn’t whether Mahomes has abs—it’s whether anyone can stop him and the Chiefs from making even more history. And if his response to criticism is any indication, Mahomes is ready to let his play do the talking.

Because in the end, abs don’t win Super Bowls. Champions do.