Kansas City radio host berates Patrick Mahomes for offseason weight gain
- Kevin Kietzman criticized Patrick Mahomes for his offseason weight gain during a radio segment.
- Kietzman urged Mahomes to improve his fitness and avoid fast food ahead of the new NFL season.
- Despite the criticism, Mahomes has historically performed well regardless of his physique.
In Kansas City, criticism arose from local media regarding Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, as photos of him surfaced during his Fourth of July celebrations. The local radio host Kevin Kietzman publicly expressed his disappointment at Mahomes’ physique, suggesting he had gained weight over the offseason. Kietzman insisted that as a highly compensated athlete, Mahomes should not allow his physical appearance to reflect a lack of dedication to fitness. He characterized Mahomes' condition as an embarrassment and directly advised the quarterback to refrain from consuming fast food and to start training more rigorously. Mahomes, listed at 225 pounds, previously embraced the so-called 'dad bod' notion, even appearing in commercials related to it. Despite Kietzman's criticisms, there is a historical context in which elite quarterbacks, including Mahomes, have thrived even with less-than-ideal physique standards. Commentators pointed out that Mahomes has played exceptionally well in the past, regardless of any perceived decline in his physical fitness, and only recently led his team into the Super Bowl. Kietzman’s remarks come during a pivotal time in Mahomes' career, as he prepares for Year 9 in the NFL. The media scrutiny around Mahomes highlights a divide between public expectations of athlete appearances and their actual performance on the field. Critics note that some degree of weight fluctuates naturally in athletes after seasons, especially during months when they aren’t as intensely training. There is also an ongoing discourse about body image in sports and its impact on an athlete's mental health. As Mahomes and the Chiefs head closer to their training camp, it remains to be seen how the feedback will influence his preparation. Mahomes has stated previously that he is dedicated to maintaining his physical fitness and preparation for each season. However, the pressure from public figures like Kietzman could potentially affect not just his physical preparation, but also his psychological readiness as he approaches the upcoming season amidst the public commentary.