Patrick Mahomes Inspires Make-A-Wish Fan with Life-Changing Advice
During a heartfelt Make-A-Wish visit on July 29, 2025, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared profound life advice with a young fan named Kody, emphasizing excellence in all aspects of life as the key to success. This touching moment, which resonated widely, showcased Mahomes’ role as not just an NFL superstar but a mentor for aspiring youth.
A Meaningful Encounter
Kody, supported by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, met Mahomes during a Chiefs training camp session in St. Joseph, Missouri. Unlike many fans who seek autographs or jerseys, Kody asked a deeper question: “If I wanted to end up where you are, what goals should I set?” Mahomes’ response, captured in a viral Chiefs video posted on X, focused on striving for greatness beyond football. “I think the best goal that I always set is just being great at everything, not just football, not baseball,” he told Kody. “I competed at school. I wanted to make straight A’s so I could beat other people in that. There was being with my family, being the best brother that I could be. So whatever you do, try to be the best at that, and I think that pushes you to be the best at football and being where I am today.”
A Blueprint for Success
Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl MVP, stressed that his achievements—leading the Chiefs to five Super Bowl appearances and three titles since 2018—stem from discipline and confidence built through daily effort. He told Kody that success isn’t about raw talent but consistent preparation, echoing lessons from his own journey. Growing up in Tyler, Texas, Mahomes excelled in football, baseball, and basketball, earning straight A’s and crediting his competitive mindset across all areas. His advice aligns with past Make-A-Wish interactions, like his 2022 meeting with Myka Eilers, a 14-year-old flag football quarterback, where he emphasized building confidence through repetition and purpose.
Staying Focused on Your Path
Mahomes also urged Kody to avoid comparison, a timely message in an era dominated by social media. “Everyone’s journey is different,” he said, encouraging personal growth over measuring against others. This resonated with fans on X, where @ChiefsKingdomCP called it “a class act,” garnering over 10,000 likes. Mahomes credited his support system—family, coaches, and teammates like Travis Kelce—for keeping him grounded. His evangelical faith, nurtured since middle school, also shapes his approach, as he prays before games to glorify God, win or lose.
Challenges for the Chiefs
The interaction came amid a challenging training camp, with injuries to receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (ankle), Xavier Worthy (head), and Skyy Moore (hamstring), straining Mahomes’ offensive options. With Rashee Rice facing a likely suspension, the Chiefs’ passing game, ranked 15th in 2024 (341.6 yards per game), relies on young players stepping up. Mahomes’ leadership, both on and off the field, remains crucial as the team eyes a third straight Super Bowl after their Super Bowl LIX loss to Philadelphia.
Mahomes’ Legacy of Giving Back
This wasn’t Mahomes’ first Make-A-Wish moment. In 2022, he spent a day with Myka Eilers, playing catch and reviewing film, and in 2023, he met Jesua, signing memorabilia alongside Kelce and Andy Reid. His 15 and the Mahomies Foundation supports underprivileged youth, reflecting his commitment to being a role model. “I want to be remembered more as a great person than a quarterback,” Mahomes said in 2024.
Final Thoughts
Patrick Mahomes’ advice to Kody—pursue excellence in every facet of life—offers a universal blueprint for success, rooted in his own journey from a multi-sport Texas high school star to an NFL icon. As he navigates a challenging 2025 season with a depleted receiving corps, Mahomes’ off-field impact shines through interactions like this, inspiring fans like Kody to dream big. His humility, faith, and commitment to youth cement his legacy as more than a quarterback but a transformative figure in sports and beyond.