Who says you need a chiseled frame to dominate the NFL? Not Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ quarterback sensation is flipping the script, claiming his “dad bod” might just be the X-factor for a long-lasting career.

In a recent sit-down with Complex’s ‘I Got Time Today’ segment, Mahomes got real about his physique. “The dad bod is real,” he admitted with a grin holding onto the photo that created the buzz.

“You see the picture of the dad bod here. It gives me the cushion that I need to take the hits. So as long as I can keep it in the right areas and it’s just in the stomach, I think we’ll be able to make this career last a long time.” This candid reveal came after a photo surfaced on social media, sparking a buzz around Mahomes’ fitness.

The debate around Mahomes’ “dad bod” isn’t just locker room banter; it’s become a talking point for fans and fitness gurus alike. Can a little extra padding be the secret sauce to outlasting the hits and the competition? Mahomes seems to think so. “You’ve got to have some padding in there to take the hits that we take,” he explained in an interview with Time’s Magazine. If this laid-back, belly-forward strategy helps him chase down Tom Brady’s GOAT status and record of seven SuperBowl rings, more power to him.

Of course, the internet had a field day when a shirtless victory speech from the AFC Championship game went viral, with Mahomes’ physique sparking a flurry of comments. But the man himself took it all in stride, playfully tweeting, “Yoooo why they have to do me like that!?!?!? #DadBodSZN.”

Mahomes’ embrace of his dad bod isn’t just a quirky anecdote; it’s a testament to his willingness to defy conventions and forge his own path to success which might land him the elusive 3-peat glory this season. Beyond the end zone, Mahomes’ journey as a family man and NFL icon adds depth to his superstar persona.

Patrick Mahomes’ journey as a family man and NFL icon

Amidst the buzz surrounding his dad bod, Mahomes’ playful banter and loving references to his wife, Brittany, and their two kids, Sterling and Bronze, humanize him in the eyes of fans.

Remember when Mahomes jokingly tweeted, “Like I got kids!!!!” in response to the dad bod comments? That kind of self-deprecating humor and willingness to poke fun at himself is a refreshing change from the typical athlete persona.

But Mahomes’ family life isn’t just a source of comedic relief; it’s a driving force behind his success. In a 2021 interview with People, he gushed about the joy of fatherhood, saying, “I’m just trying to tell her to slow down so I can enjoy every minute of it.” That kind of perspective and appreciation for the little things is a hallmark of Mahomes’ character, both on and off the field.

And let’s not forget about his wife, Brittany, who Mahomes has praised as a “champion mom.” Their partnership and support for each other can be a testament to the importance of a strong family foundation, even for the biggest stars in the game.