Had Patrick Mahomes heeded the career advice given by Alex Rodriguez over two decades ago, the NFL might have missed out on one of its greatest quarterbacks.
This intriguing tidbit surfaced in TIME Magazine’s latest issue, where Mahomes was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024.
In the profile, penned by Rodriguez himself, the former baseball superstar disclosed how he almost influenced Mahomes’ career path away from football. “Patrick Mahomes has always had the heart of a champion,” Rodriguez wrote. “I remember Pat as a young kid, hanging around the ballpark with his dad. One piece of advice I regret giving him was, ‘Don’t play football. The money’s in baseball.’ Fortunately, he ignored me, and I couldn’t be happier that he did!”
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Rodriguez emphasized Mahomes’ impact both on and off the field, noting, “Patrick has not only excelled in football but he’s also one of the most revered athletes ever. His relentless drive to win is matched by his dedication to community and improving the lives around him. His legacy will undoubtedly extend far beyond his playing days. And with consecutive Super Bowl victories, he’s far from finished.”
The context of Rodriguez’s advice is noteworthy. At the time, he had just secured a record-breaking 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers, where he played alongside Mahomes’ father, Pat Sr., in 2001.
Similar debates arose around Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who was also advised to pursue baseball after being drafted by the Oakland Athletics. Given the guaranteed nature of MLB contracts and the financial security they offer, the advice was well-intentioned.
Yet, Mahomes’ decision to pursue football has proved exceptionally fruitful. He’s already secured three Super Bowl rings within his first seven seasons and has become one of the all-time greats in the NFL, not to mention his substantial earnings from the sport.
Clearly, Mahomes’ choice to stick with football was the right move.
