Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to pressure, but last year, just before the biggest game of his career, he faced a personal challenge that shook him deeply.
For the first time, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback opened up about how his dad’s arrest for drunk driving impacted him emotionally during the lead-up to the Super Bowl.
The Arrest That Shook Super Bowl Week
Mahomes Sr., a former Major League Baseball pitcher, was arrested in Tyler, Texas, only eight days before the Chiefs were set to face the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.
This unexpected incident threw a wrench into Mahomes Jr.’s focus as the media spotlight suddenly shifted onto his family.
Despite everything, Mahomes Sr. made it to the game weekend and witnessed his son claim his third Super Bowl ring, as the Chiefs edged out the 49ers 25-22 in a thrilling overtime finish.
Opening Up in ‘The Kingdom’ Docuseries
In a new ESPN documentary series called The Kingdom, which premieres on August 14, Mahomes talks candidly about how the arrest affected him.
He told The New York Post that having to answer questions about his father’s arrest during such an important week was tough.
“It was during that Super Bowl week. It became a story and so I had to answer questions about it,” Mahomes shared.
“I think just knowing that it hurt me, woke him up to know that like you can’t keep doing the same things.”
A Father’s Apology and a New Beginning
Mahomes Sr. also sat down for the docuseries and reflected on his mistakes.
He admitted the timing of his arrest was particularly painful, especially knowing his actions took away his son’s focus during the Super Bowl.
“For him to have to answer questions about me was probably the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever been through,” he said.
After the arrest, he called Patrick to apologize. “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.”
The Impact on Family Life
Patrick’s wife, Brittany, also spoke about the effect this had on Mahomes Sr., explaining that becoming a grandfather and having his family watching him really changed his perspective.
“I think it finally hit him that, you know, ‘I have my kids watching me, I have my grandkids now that are watching me,’” she said.
“He really enjoys watching his son play football and live out his dream.”
What Happened During the Arrest?
Bodycam footage from the arrest shows Mahomes Sr. arguing with police officers, insisting he wasn’t drunk and pleading that the arrest would distract his son from the Super Bowl.
One officer pulled him over after noticing his white Genesis was driving unusually slowly.
They found an expired registration and an open can of beer inside the car.
“Are y’all serious?” Mahomes Sr. is heard saying in the footage. “I’m supposed to be going to the Super Bowl to watch my son play football, and this is what we’re doing?”
He went on to say, “My son is getting ready to play in the f***ing Super Bowl, OK? Just listen to me.
I am not drunk. I promise you. I’ve had some drinks. But he can’t have this right now. Listen, this can’t happen.”
The arrest, he believed, would make headlines and hurt his son’s chances at winning the game.
“He probably won’t win the Super Bowl. But that’s fine. If that’s what y’all want to do, that’s good.”
Legal Consequences and Past Troubles
Following the arrest, Mahomes Sr. received five years of probation and has been under strict supervision during his first year.
Though he last played professional baseball in 2003 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his name has surfaced several times for the wrong reasons in recent years.
This wasn’t his first DWI arrest — he was also arrested for driving under the influence in 2008 and 2019.
In addition, last year he was banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel without a valid license. After this latest incident, Mahomes Sr. spent 10 days in jail.
