Randi Mahomes, mother of NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, opens up about the emotional toll of her son's fame, revealing the hate and criticism that has plagued her family.
Patrick Mahomes is an NFL MVP and one of the most recognizable faces in sports, but beneath the surface of his success lies a hidden struggle that his family endures. His mother, Randi Mahomes, has spoken out about the emotional toll that her son's fame has taken on her and her children.
"As much as I say we're blessed and Patrick's living his dream, it has been the hardest seven years of my adult life," Randi said during an appearance on "The Mom Game Podcast." "It's been really hard to juggle ... being proud of him and the hate that you get and the kids get."
The Cost of NFL Stardom: The Struggle Behind the Mahomes Family's Fame
Randi revealed that she has often been moved to tears by the hateful comments she encounters on social media, directed not only at her but also at her children. "I would look, and someone would give me so much hate to me and to my children — all three of them," she said. "I can't even explain how hard it's been. I've cried a lot. I struggle with it."
As Patrick Mahomes' popularity soared, the family's ability to enjoy normal outings vanished. "We just want to be normal and go and have dinner. We don't do that," Randi said. "At my work, it's really hard because 90% of my phone calls aren't about work. I still go to work and want to live normal."
The Cost of NFL Stardom: The Struggle Behind the Mahomes Family's Fame
Social media allows Randi to witness the seemingly normal lives of her friends, which fills her with a sense of envy. "I look at some of my friends on social media, and I'm jealous that they have this normal [life]. Their kids are the same age as Patrick and Jackson, and they have this normal situation, and we don't," she said.
Randi expressed her concern that if the NFL begins to negatively impact her son's family, he may choose to step away from the game. "I hear him, you know, make comments like, 'If the game takes away from my kids, I might not play as long as Tom Brady,' and I'm like, I'm so proud of him for that," she said.
The Cost of NFL Stardom: The Struggle Behind the Mahomes Family's Fame
Patrick Mahomes Sr., Patrick's father, divorced Randi in 2006. Patrick also has two half-siblings from his father's side, while his mother has one son and a daughter from previous relationships.
The Mahomes family's story highlights the hidden struggles that often accompany fame and success. Randi's candor about the emotional toll on her family serves as a reminder that even those who are admired and envied face their own unique challenges and sacrifices. As Patrick Mahomes continues to dominate on the field, the bittersweet reality of his family's journey underscores the complexities of living in the spotlight.
