A Kansas City radio host recently sparked controversy by labeling Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as “fat” after a shirtless photo surfaced online on July 4. In response, Mahomes’s trainer, Bobby Stroupe, defended the quarterback’s fitness and performance, emphasizing the difference between appearance and athletic ability.
Trainer Challenges Radio Host’s Understanding of Football Demands
The radio host, Kevin Kietzman from KCMO, also criticized Mahomes as an “embarrassment.” Bobby Stroupe took to Twitter, posting a now-deleted message where he challenged Kietzman’s comments directly.
“You obviously need attention. If you want to see what in shape is — go make it through a practice at [training camp] or run hurry up offense scrambling back to back to back plays. You don’t have a clue what it takes. It’s not a look, it’s performance,”
Stroupe stated.
Mahomes’s Proven Success Contradicts Criticism
Stroupe’s defense aligns with Mahomes’s track record, as the quarterback has consistently performed at an elite level throughout his seven years as a starter. He has reached five Super Bowls and faced two tough overtime losses in the AFC Championship, demonstrating resilience and high skill rather than relying on physical appearance.
Furthermore, having a bit of extra muscle mass can actually protect players from injury, acting as natural padding against the physical collisions common in football. This scientific insight undermines the simplistic criticism focused purely on how Mahomes looks without his shirt.
Appearance vs. Athletic Performance in Professional Football
By fixating on Mahomes’s physique, Kietzman reveals a misunderstanding of football’s demands and the importance of performance over looks. Mahomes has always proven his capability on the field, and his trainer suggests that this will continue as long as the quarterback chooses to play.
This exchange highlights the frequent disconnect between casual perceptions of athlete fitness based on appearance, and the complex realities of professional sports preparation and execution. As Mahomes moves forward in his career, his proven track record remains the true measure of his capability and endurance.