Patrick Mahomes has solidified his legacy as a five-time AFC champion and three-time Super Bowl winner over seven years as a starting quarterback. Despite his remarkable success, his physique continues to spark debate, particularly regarding what has been called his “dad bod.” This controversy intensified after a Kansas City sports radio host criticized Mahomes’ body, prompting fans, analysts, and even Mahomes’ trainer, Bobby Stroupe, to respond.
Trainer and Analyst Support Mahomes’ Physical Condition
Bobby Stroupe reacted forcefully to the radio host’s comments, stating,
“Not everybody quits working out at the age of 30, Ben.”
He further explained in an interview with People Magazine that few Hall of Fame quarterbacks possess chiseled six-packs, implying that a more muscular appearance is not typical nor necessarily advantageous. Stroupe emphasized that an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL quarterback ideally maintains at least 14% body fat to withstand the physical toll of the sport, adding,
“It’s not from an unhealthy standpoint, but from a force absorption standpoint. You have to be able to make contact.”
Former tight end Shannon Sharpe also weighed in, expressing a strong preference for quarterbacks with a build similar to Mahomes. Sharpe remarked,
“I want my quarterback to look like Patrick Mahomes,”
and compared Mahomes’ physique favorably to other legendary quarterbacks known for their less muscular appearance. He stated,
“I want my quarterback to look, with his shirt off, look like Tom Brady, look like Peyton Manning. That’s what I want my quarterback to look like. I don’t want no muscles, because I want him to be able to twist. I don’t want him straining no obliques.”
When asked to clarify if he was endorsing a “dad bod” for quarterbacks, Sharpe humorously answered,
“Yes. Grandad if possible!”
Context of Mahomes’ Physicality Within His NFL Success
Despite some criticisms aimed at Mahomes’ softer midsection, his career accomplishments underscore his effectiveness on the field. With a 5-2 record in conference championship games, Mahomes’ physique appears well-suited to his playing style and durability. His ability to sustain multiple hits and maintain performance aligns with his trainer’s view that a quarterback needs a certain body composition for impact absorption.
While the Kansas City Chiefs recently suffered one of the most one-sided losses in Super Bowl history, the comments from the radio host triggered a broader discussion about how critiques should be presented, especially when targeting an elite athlete like Mahomes.
The Larger Significance of the ‘Dad Bod’ Conversation in Football
The debate around Patrick Mahomes’ body showcases evolving perspectives on the ideal quarterback physique in the NFL. As highlighted by both Sharpe and Stroupe, physical appearance alone does not determine success; functional fitness that supports a player’s ability to absorb hits and execute plays is equally important. Mahomes’ career suggests that traditional expectations of athletes’ appearances may be less relevant than their effectiveness and longevity on the field.