In his first year as starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes rewrote history books and became the youngest player ever named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. Throughout his historic season, Mahomes garnered national media attention which has continued to put the Hub City on the map.
During his time at Texas Tech, Mahomes electrified the Red Raider fanbase when it needed it most. Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt said the character and values in which Mahomes was raised are evident in how he lives his life.
“I saw an incredibly talented young man with great athletic ability, but somebody with an even greater character that had a strong sense of values and that combination makes him a great leader,” Hocutt said.
Even after leaving Lubbock his support for the Red Raiders is undeniable. He made appearances at the Big 12 basketball tournament and in Omaha for the College World Series to support Texas Tech.
As the NFL spotlight found its way to Mahomes, he used it to shine a spotlight on the West Texas community.
Mahomes created a special bond with the Seigel family after Luke Seigel suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2015. Luke’s father, Tim, said Mahomes has supported Luke from the beginning.
“He has come to visit Luke and I send messages to Patrick all the time about Luke,” Seigel said. “We have a very special bond with Patrick.”
From this friendship, Mahomes chose to raise funds and awareness for the Team Luke Hope for Minds Foundation.
In December, Mahomes laced up cleats with Team Luke logo on them as a part of the NFL’s ‘My Cause My Cleats’ campaign.
The Seigels have joined many people in the Hub City as members of the Chiefs Kingdom.
“You see more Chiefs number 15 jerseys in town,” Hocutt said. “He has created a sense of community pride, and it takes a special individual to do that.”
In the place where Mahomes gained a second family, he will always be welcomed back.
“The blood, sweat and tears that he put into Texas Tech Football, I think he will always have a sense of identity here,” Hocutt said. “He will always have an open invitation to come back and be involved and we hope it is frequently.”
