While some fans have teased Patrick Mahomes for his so-called “dad bod” since the playoffs in January, his longtime trainer, Bobby Stroupe, has revealed that the quarterback’s physique is actually a key asset to his success on the field.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Stroupe explained why Mahomes’ body composition is perfectly suited to his demanding role as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Stroupe, who has been training Mahomes since he was just nine years old, made it clear that appearance is the least of his concerns when it comes to optimizing Mahomes’ performance. “I’ll be the first to tell you that I think an NFL quarterback should have at least 14% body fat,” Stroupe said. “It’s not about being unhealthy—it’s about force absorption. You have to be able to take contact.”
This rationale stems from the realities of professional football, where quarterbacks frequently endure hard hits. Stroupe emphasized that Mahomes’ ability to withstand those impacts is enhanced by maintaining a certain level of body fat. “We know there aren’t many quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame with six-pack abs, and there’s a reason for that,” he noted. “We have to find the right balance between performance and health, and the aesthetics are a separate conversation.”
For Stroupe, Mahomes doesn’t need to look like a fitness model; his physique is tailored to the demands of his unique playing style. “The way he chooses to play requires a certain type of physicality, and that physicality needs more body fat,” Stroupe explained. “That’s a core belief I have for him.”
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During the NFL offseason, Mahomes and Stroupe train together four to five days a week. The intensity of their sessions varies depending on Mahomes’ schedule and commitments. Some workouts can last as long as four hours, while others are shorter, around 90 minutes. However, the focus is always on keeping Mahomes in peak condition for the rigors of the NFL season.
“During the season, the priority is football, so our training shifts. The day after a game is when we really put in the work,” Stroupe shared. “While most players are resting, we’re focused on recovery—three to three and a half hours of soft tissue work, mobility, range of motion exercises, and general health maintenance. Everything from the 26 bones in his foot to the 640 muscles in his body has to be in top shape.”
Stroupe has also incorporated unconventional training methods into Mahomes’ regimen. These include gymnastics, javelin-based drills, and martial arts techniques, all designed to enhance Mahomes’ mobility, flexibility, and coordination. “There are things you wouldn’t expect an NFL quarterback to do, but Patrick responds incredibly well to this approach,” Stroupe added.
The results speak for themselves. After securing his second Super Bowl win in February, Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have started the season with a perfect 3-0 record. Now entering his eighth year in the NFL, Mahomes’ mantra has been to “be the best you,” a philosophy that Stroupe fully supports as the quarterback looks to prolong his career at the highest level.
“He’s one of the most unique athletes we’ve ever seen in any sport,” Stroupe said. “Patrick’s focus is on being the best version of himself. If he tried to emulate someone like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, we wouldn’t get the incredible, dynamic player we see today.”
Despite all of Mahomes’ success, including multiple Super Bowl rings and MVP titles, Stroupe insists there’s always room for improvement. “No matter how many championships he wins or how many MVPs he collects, every game reveals areas where he can get better,” Stroupe concluded. “There’s unlimited opportunity for him to improve, and that’s what makes him so special.”
For Mahomes, the focus on health, durability, and continuous improvement far outweighs concerns about having a chiseled physique, proving that sometimes, a “dad bod” might be just what an NFL quarterback needs to stay on top of his game.
