Patrick Mahomes Breaks Silence on Father’s 2024 Arrest in Revealing New Chiefs Documentary
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sharing his thoughts publicly for the first time about his father’s 2024 arrest, a deeply personal challenge that unfolded just days before Mahomes led the Chiefs to their third Super Bowl victory. The candid discussion is featured in the new ESPN docuseries, “The Kingdom,” which premieres August 14.
Mahomes Addresses Difficult Super Bowl Week
In the documentary, Mahomes reflects on the emotional toll of his father’s arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), which made headlines during Super Bowl week. His father, Pat Mahomes Sr. , a former New York Mets pitcher, has a history of DWI convictions and brief jail stints. In February 2024, Pat was arrested again and served 10 days in jail.
“It was during that Super Bowl week. It became a story and so I had to answer questions about it,” Mahomes shares in the series. “I think just knowing that it hurt me, woke him up to know that like you can’t keep doing the same things.”
Pat Mahomes Sr. Shares His Perspective
The documentary also features a heartfelt interview with Pat Mahomes Sr., who describes the embarrassment and regret he felt after his arrest impacted his son’s Super Bowl preparations.
“It kind of hit home before the Super Bowl last year, when I got in trouble. For him to have to answer questions about me, you know, was probably the most embarrassing thing that I’ve ever been through in my life,” Pat admits.
He recalls calling Patrick immediately after the incident:
“I said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry that it’s taken away from your time and focus.’ … I made a vow that he would never have to deal with anything because of drinking because of me. I haven’t had a drink since then.”
Family Support and Road to Recovery
Patrick’s wife, Brittany Mahomes , also speaks about Pat’s journey to recovery, emphasizing the positive impact of family and grandchildren.
“I think it finally hit him that, you know, ‘I have my kids watching me, I have my grandkids now that are watching me,’” Brittany says. “He really enjoys watching his son play football and live out his dream.”
Patrick echoes the sentiment, expressing gratitude for his father’s presence throughout the past year:
“For him to be there supporting me, that’s really cool cause those moments are just moments that you won’t ever get again and he’s been there for all of them this last year.”
Behind the Scenes of “The Kingdom”
The two-time Emmy Award-winning director Kristen Lappas led the production, conducting 120 hours of interviews for the docuseries. Lappas, herself the daughter of college basketball coach Steve Lappas, said she was surprised by Pat Mahomes Sr.’s willingness to open up about his struggles.
“I was surprised that his dad agreed to sit down for an interview and was as forthcoming as he was about his struggles. I do think it allows you to understand Patrick in a different and new way,” Lappas explains.
Earning the trust of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was another challenge. Known for his “old school” approach and reluctance to allow cameras behind the scenes, Reid was initially apprehensive about the project. But Lappas’ background as a “coach’s kid” helped her connect with him and gain unprecedented access.
Unprecedented Access to Chiefs History
For the first time, cameras were allowed into the Chiefs’ most private spaces, including the field at Arrowhead Stadium, locker room, training room, and the underground archive room — a space the team has used to store artifacts and historical records for half a century. No player or coach had previously been brought down there.
“The Chiefs have kept their artifacts and library down there for half a century. And no player or coach had ever been brought down there. So that was like the real organic reaction from the guys being down in the caves, they call them. They looked like little kids,” Lappas recalls.
In one memorable scene, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reacts to seeing a check from 1961 for $48.50 — the amount a player earned for one game, equivalent to $521.44 today.
“Back then, that was like a million dollars though, right?” Kelce joked, highlighting how much the NFL has changed.
A New Perspective on Patrick Mahomes
“The Kingdom” offers an intimate look at Mahomes’ life, both on and off the field, revealing how family challenges and personal growth have shaped him as a leader and athlete. Through honest interviews and unprecedented access, the docuseries provides a deeper understanding of the pressures Mahomes faces and the support system that helps him succeed.
With its premiere on August 14, “The Kingdom” promises to be a compelling exploration of resilience, family, and the pursuit of greatness — both for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
