Patrick Mahomes candidly discussed his aspirations of emulating the enduring legacy of retired quarterback Tom Brady, while maintaining a balance between professional excellence and personal life

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, fresh off his third Super Bowl title and named one of the 2024 TIME 100 Most Influential People, sheds light on the pivotal factor that will shape the longevity of his NFL career: family.

The 27-year-old emphasized that his daughter, Sterling Skye, now three years old, plays a central role in his future decisions regarding football.
“If I can play until Tom’s age, my daughter would be 19, 20 years old,” Mahomes revealed. “I would love to play that long. At the same time, I want to be there for my daughter. If I feel like it’s taking away from my family time, that’s when I’ll know it’s time to go.”

Mahomes, alongside his wife Brittany, welcomed their son, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III, into the world on Nov. 28, 2022, adding another dimension to his considerations for the future. Reflecting on Brady’s illustrious 23-season career, Mahomes acknowledged the possibility of a prolonged NFL tenure while remaining adaptable to family dynamics. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to prioritize family over football when necessary.

While football remains his primary focus, Mahomes expressed openness to exploring other avenues, including a potential foray into Major League Baseball. Raised in a baseball family, with his father Patrick Mahomes Sr. having enjoyed an 11-season MLB career, Mahomes Jr. harbors ambitions beyond the gridiron. “I’ve talked to the Royals,” Mahomes disclosed. “If I can maybe go out to spring training, I’m not opposed to that. Maybe one of these years I go out there and see what I got.”

Mahomes, a versatile athlete with a background in baseball, showcased his prowess as a pitcher and shortstop during his formative years in Tyler, Texas. Despite his football success at Texas Tech University, Mahomes remains connected to his baseball roots and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of revisiting the sport. Speculation surrounding Mahomes’ potential MLB career prompted a response from Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who affirmed Mahomes’ athletic capabilities and hinted at the prospect of a two-sport legacy akin to Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson.

Mahomes’ journey from a star three-sport athlete in high school to an NFL MVP underscores his multi-faceted athletic prowess and unwavering dedication to excellence. Yet, amidst the accolades and acclaim, Mahomes remains grounded in his pursuit of a dynasty in Kansas City. “At the end of my time, I just want to say that I didn’t leave anything out there,” Mahomes asserted. “My family and football are the first things I want to be great at.”

As TIME prepares to unveil its full list of Most Influential People, Mahomes stands as a testament to the intersection of sportsmanship, family values, and enduring legacy.