Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in 2018 while setting numerous passing records, was the featured guest at Wednesday’s 70th annual Rochester Press-Radio Day of Champions Dinner at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Here are some of his comments on a variety of topics: On handling his increased fame, which has made him in demand this offseason (on Monday he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon): “It’s been really, really cool to experience all this now, get to travel around the country and go to a lot of events like this one where there are so many great people who run them.
You don’t think about it before the season, and until it happens you don’t comprehend how big a deal it is. But it truly is special to be here and to be part of a what is a great event.’’ On launching the “15 and the Mahomies Foundation’’ that will assist children in underserved areas as well as those dealing with chronic illness or recovering from serious accidents: “I’ve always wanted to start a foundation and give back to the communities who have given so much to me.
I want to help as many people as I can, so for me, to get the MVP and this platform, where I can reach so many people, and launching ‘15 and the Mahomies,’ I feel I can impact a lot of people’s lives. I have a few personal stories but those kids work 1,000 times harder than I do on a daily basis and I want to make sure they have all the resources for an amazing life.’’
On how Kliff Kingsbury, his coach at Texas Tech and new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, will fare: “I know that he’ll put in the work to be a success. Everybody who comes into the NFL there’s going to be an adjustment period, but the guys who put in the work like he does can minimize that. I’m excited for him.’’
On Mitch Morse, his center with the Chiefs whom the Bills signed as a free agent: “Mitch is an awesome guy, someone I was really sad that we lost. Josh and the Bills will be honored to have him. He’s such a tremendous leader and worker, he puts the effort in to be great. I’m sad we lost him but I know he’s with a great organization.’’
On his favorite Major League player other than his dad, Patrick, who pitched 11 seasons in the majors: “Alex Rodriguez was my favorite and my mentor and the person I looked up to was LaTroy Hawkins (more than 1,000 games pitched in 21 seasons in the majors). He’s my godfather, someone who changed my diapers. I was actually talking to him today, he’s a special assistant with the Twins and their Triple-A affiliate (Red Wings) is here. He’s someone who did it the right way, he was in the big leagues forever and really knows how to go about his business and be a professional.’’
On the week he’s had (Fallon, launching his foundation, his school Texas Tech making the Final Four): “The foundation we’ve been building for a long time and finally getting to announce it was special. Texas Tech, yeah, first Final Four. I know how hard they’ve worked and finally to find success like this, I’m hoping they can win a national championship.’’
