Make no mistake about it: Patrick Mahomes is the face of the NFL. The Tyler, Texas native is the son of Pat Mahomes, a former Major League Baseball player, and Randi Martin.
He burst onto the scene in 2018 when he made history by throwing 50 touchdown passes and 5,000 yards in a single season — a record he shares with Peyton Manning. He followed up his initial success by leading the Kansas City Chiefs to an incredible victory at Super Bowl LIV. If that wasn’t enough, he carried the team through to yet another Super Bowl the very next year, though they ended up losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mahomes has gone to two more Super Bowls since and he's won back-to-back titles (2023 and 2024).
Mahomes has been rewarded for his efforts when he scored one of the biggest, most lucrative deals in sports history by signing a contract extension worth $503 million. It’s not just his career that’s been flourishing beyond belief — the 25-year-old became engaged to his high school sweetheart Brittany Matthews on September 1, 2020, and the two welcomed a baby girl in 2021 and a baby boy in 2022.
And it's a family affair – as he's had success, we've seen his brother Jackson Mahomes alongside for the journey.
Do the Mahomes brothers have the same parents?
Yes! Patrick Mahomes' younger brother Jackson Mahomes was born in 2000 in Tyler, Texas. That makes the two about four and a half years apart. They grew up together in Texas with their parents.
An inside look at NFL star Patrick Mahomes' family
Patrick Mahomes’s life is a picture of humility, passion, work ethic, and stability. Yet, it’s worth keeping in mind that his early upbringing and family environment weren’t necessarily this balanced. Sacrifices had to be made, differences had to be set aside, and his loved ones had to put their heads down to refocus on the bigger picture. So let's dive into what we can learn about Patrick Mahomes’ parents.
Patrick Mahomes started in baseball like his father
Pat Mahomes Sr. used to be an MLB baseball pitcher from 1992 to 2003 and played for teams like Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs, among others. He played until he was 39 and was inducted into the Sioux Falls Canaries Hall of Fame in 2019.
I always tell [Patrick Jr.] before every game how proud I am of him and remind him of what my dad Johnny Mahomes used to tell me: Youll always be successful if you perform to the limits of your ability
Pat Mahomes I to The Shadow League
While interviewed by the Shadow League journal, Pat Sr said that even though he and his son ended up pursuing two different team sports, they were both inspired by “supportive fathers” and an “early burning passion for athletics.” He also shared that he used to take Pat Jr. to the ball field at the age of four and had him trail balls in the company of other baseball players. Young Patrick went on to become acquainted with the likes of A-Rod and Derek Jeter and therefore decided to give baseball a shot.
Though he changed course during high school, Patrick Jr. still incorporated his baseball knowledge into his football skillset. Moreover, he followed his idol, Derek Jeter, closely and learned what it’s like to work hard both on and off the pitch. Pat Sr. also said that his son is a bit of a “gym rat” in how he approaches his training regimen and physicality.
Patrick’s mom Randi talked him out of quitting football
While senior Mahomes has several anecdotes to share regarding his son’s devotion to football, Patrick’s mom Randi has spoken extensively about the quarterback’s shy personality and what it was like to raise him alongside his younger brother Jackson and sister Mia Randall.
Randi was a full-time mother to her two boys as they were growing up. And so, she was able to take a more hands-on role in their emerging careers. Presently, she works as a private events coordinator at Hollytree Country Club.
Before his junior year in high school he came to me that summer wanting to quit football, but I just said you're going to regret it if you quit.
Randi Martin to Fox4’s Kathy Quinn
Growing up, Patrick was an introverted kid, and according to Randi, “he never got excited” about traveling or going to venues like Disney World or Yankee Stadium. His true passion lay in sports, and he used to dedicate every fiber of his being to excelling in it.
Randi said that she knew from the get-go that her son could reach the highest pinnacle of football, even though he doubted himself as a teenager. Patrick even came to her before his junior year and asked if he could quit football, but she convinced him to keep chugging along.
Randi Martin Mahomes was a source of discipline
Randi wasn’t just her son’s pillar of support; she was also a source of discipline. She had to ground her son if he ever fell into a bit of trouble. Lastly, she taught her sons not just to be humble about their success but also to be polite and respectful to other kids. For example, she instructed Patrick to say ‘Hi’ every day to any kid that sat by themselves or seemed lonely.
I am proud of the football, but the family part of it–I’m way more proud and that`s something that I definitely don`t get enough of [...] I don`t think it`s really hit me because he’s still my son.
Randi Martin to Fox4’s Kathy Quinn
With his mother being White and his father Black, Patrick reckoned with a biracial identity growing up. During the George Floyd protests, Mahomes spoke up about his experiences and said that while he personally hasn’t been discriminated against due to his skin color or ethnicity, he condemns the “senseless murders” and hopes for a world where no one has to “experience these tragedies.”
Patrick’s parents divorced when he was 11, but they still remain “best friends”
Pat and Randi had gotten married at a young age. Their sons Patrick and Jackson were born in 1995 and 2000, respectively. In 2006, the parents decided to divorce, leaving their sons splitting their time between each parent’s home for the rest of their childhoods. Randi also welcomed another daughter Mia in 2011; the father’s identity has not been disclosed to the public.
The year following the divorce had been a challenging one for the Mahomes. Randi described this year as “the most difficult of [Patrick’s] life.” Eventually, Patrick started making friends through sports, becoming more outgoing by the time he was in high school. Even though the brothers primarily lived with their mom, Pat Sr. would always be “at school, at practice, at every game,” said LaTroy Hawkins, Patrick’s godfather and ex-MLB pitcher.
Pat and Randi continue to be on amicable terms and support their son the best way they can. They attend all the industry events alongside Patrick Jr. and even sit in the same suite for the Chiefs’ games. They reportedly call each other “best friends” even today.
Their unity and togetherness in the face of their fraught history demonstrate the true power of parenthood. Patrick Mahomes can’t solely be credited with his illustrious career. He’s likely got a cohesive support structure guiding his decision-making, helping him through the ups and downs, and keeping him grounded amidst the chaos and the widespread fame.
For me, being a black quarterback — having a black dad and a white mom — it just shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter if you’re a baseball player or basketball player, follow your dreams.
Patrick Mahomes to ESPN
Pat and Randi both recognized the immense talent demonstrated by their son. They knew that they had to overcome their differences to raise an athlete capable of taking the world on its shoulder and becoming a No.1 athlete in his position. Patrick’s fiance Brittany without a doubt, provides a considerable amount of support, encouragement, and guidance, but the parents have been nurturing his talent from day one.
In Summary: Never turn away from your loved ones
Patrick’s fortunate enough to have the loveliest parents inspiring each and every one of his moves — both on and off the pitch. We might not be as lucky as him to have both parents in the picture, but we’ll surely have people that love us and support us no matter what. We have to keep those loved ones in mind and ensure that we do everything we can to do right by them.
Parenthood is a continual struggle, but if you can prioritize your child time and again, you’re winning the battle. Your child’s wellbeing should be your biggest concern; everything else can be negotiated or compromised in favor of your child. Not that parents shouldn’t pursue their own dreams or interests — it means that all other problems become trivial by default. Pat and Randi Mahomes exemplify what it’s like to throw your differences away in order to stand behind and lift your son. If they can approach parenthood with such a bright attitude, it’s possible for just about anyone.
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How Living Zero-Waste Will Clean Up Your Life -- And Your World
You might have seen those viral videos of individuals or even families who can fit an entire year's worth of trash into a tiny jar. By trying to ensure that everything purchased is recycled or reused, followers of the zero-waste movements are striving to avoid creating any garbage that will end up in landfills. But reduced waste isn't the only result of being mindful about your consumption -- it creates a cleaner world and life.
Ever wonder why someone would put so much effort into cutting down on waste? And if someone is interested doing so, how do they get started?
Find a deeper meaning
Beyond the obvious motivation of looming climate change devastation, for many, the journey towards zero-waste living is the result of wanting a simpler life, focused on experiences and people rather than possessions.
For others, the zero-waste journey springs from environmental concerns and then leads to a more joyful life, richer in emotional fulfillment.
For others yet, it's a way to be more connected to their faith, by honoring and protecting the natural world.
Spark joy in your life
We are overwhelmed by possessions. Countless homes have become storage areas rather than living spaces. It's no wonder there are so many spin-offs from TV shows like Storage Wars and Hoarders. We are drowning in stuff and don't know how to let go.
Do we need organizing experts like Marie Kondo to teach us how to declutter and organize all the unnecessary stuff we own? Decluttering and keeping only possessions that spark joy isn't going to work, if we keep buying and buying.
The secret to a less anxious and more eco-friendly life is surprisingly simple and difficult at the same time.
Buy less, live more
The main tenet of a zero-waste lifestyle is creating as little trash as possible. And how do we generate trash? Through our purchases.
Whether it's a cute top or the newest iPhone, we're constantly bombarded by messages to buy, buy, buy. Omnipresent aggressive marketing has led to a destructive cycle of consumerism where every problem can be solved with a fresh pair of kicks or the newest gadget.
Every time you feel the impulse to buy something, just wait. Chances are if you wait and don't give into your fear of missing out, you'll realize you don't actually need or even want whatever you were about to buy.
Fewer purchases means more money in the bank, which means more financial security, and the opportunity to go on that long-coveted vacation or taking that class you've been dreaming about.
Twenty years from now, you won't remember a random pair of sneakers or why you needed a newer smartwatch, but you will remember a family road trip, the artist that taught you how to paint, and the friends you made in that creative writing class.
Build a community
Zero-wasters are constantly on the lookout for new tips and tricks to minimize their impact on the environment. They are also eager to share their knowledge and welcome newbies on to the journey towards a more conscious way of living.
Being a "zero-waster" is like being part of a secret club, except there are hundred of thousands of members around the world. You only have to look around to find a community of mentors and friends.
With more than 95,000 members, Journey to Zero-Waste is currently the largest global zero-waste community, with members ranging from homeschooling moms in the Midwest and West Hollywood yoga instructors to German engineers and teachers living off-grid in the Australian outback.
Whatever your passion, there are like-minded people pursuing the same thing, but in a more environmentally conscious way.
Expand your knowledge
Knowledge is the catalyst of change -- and the global zero-waste movement is brimming with it, eager to share. Whether it's fixing a broken zipper, making organic soap at home, or installing your own solar panels, there are countless skills you can learn from fellow zero-wasters. Soon enough you'll be reducing your carbon footprin and nodding along in good old-fashioned stoicism to the mantra of "make do and mend."
After all, if you can fix something why throw it out and replace it with a new one that will break just as easy?
A zero-waste lifestyle can also increase independence and awareness. It's far more difficult to impulsively buy a t-shirt from a fast fashion chain when you know that they're manufactured in unsafe factories, where workers' wages keep them below the poverty line. At the same time, buying something ethically made and handcrafted connects you to person who made it, since it's a product born of passion and carefully honed skill.
Eliminate emotional waste
The careful consideration and more mindful choices that accompany living a zero-waste lifestyle are incredibly useful tools to apply in your emotional and interpersonal life as well.
Putting experiences and people before possessions will shift your focus from ownership to relationships. Being more careful with the items you own so that you can use them for longer also teaches you how to be more mindful of others and their needs.
Decluttering your home shows you how to focus on things that enrich your life, rather than drain it. And there's no bigger emotional drain than toxic people. Just like the five identical jeans that take up space in your closet, so do people take up emotional energy and time in your life. Eliminating those relationships allows you to deepen the enriching ones.
At then end of the day, living a zero-waste life is about carefully considered choices and focusing on the truly meaningful aspects of your life.