Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes seems to be in good spirits just weeks after the team’s Super Bowl defeat. It’s surprising to see how much online criticism has been directed at one of the NFL’s biggest stars, showing how times have shifted. As soon as the Chiefs were eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles, a wave of trolling and negative commentary began to circulate, much of it focused squarely on Mahomes. The dream of a three-peat vanished, and with it, the patience of some fans.
From an outside perspective, it looked like Mahomes and the Chiefs were more preoccupied with the historic possibility of a three-peat than they were with playing focused, disciplined football. But at the end of the day, even the most successful legacies eventually face setbacks — this time, it was Kansas City’s turn. While a large portion of the fanbase has been struggling to come to terms with the loss, Mahomes’ college alma mater has chosen to focus on something more positive.
Recently, Texas Tech University unveiled its new $242 million football facility in Lubbock. While the price tag alone made headlines, it was a particular tribute inside the facility that caught attention — a designated “Patrick Mahomes Walk-Through Room.” This space, named in honor of one of the school’s most successful alumni, serves as a well-deserved tribute to Mahomes’ legacy. It’s a gesture that even the harshest critics would find hard to argue with.
The new Womble Football Center itself is filled with unique features that aren’t often found in other college football facilities. Among them is an on-site barbershop, which is not something you see every day. There’s also a podcast recording room, a two-story team lounge, cutting-edge locker and weight rooms, and high-tech recovery spaces. Of course, the Patrick Mahomes Walk-Through Room sits proudly within the facility.
This project is the largest financial investment ever made by Texas Tech’s athletics department — and it’s easy to understand why. The school is clearly trying to build on the success and reputation Mahomes has helped create. In fact, the program’s recruitment strategy has changed dramatically under head coach Joey McGuire. The focus has shifted toward heavily relying on NFL sources for scouting, identifying future stars with pro potential. To train those elite recruits, Texas Tech needed a world-class facility, and the Womble Football Center is the result.
While Texas Tech moves forward, some NFL fans seem unwilling to let Mahomes do the same. However, the quarterback has already been spotted enjoying himself at Texas Tech basketball games, appearing relaxed and engaged. That prompted some to defend him online, with one comment on social media stating, “He got over that sh*t the next day.”
It’s understandable that losing to the Eagles on such a big stage was tough, but it’s also important to remember that it’s just part of an athlete’s career. Players move on, and Mahomes will get another shot at the Lombardi Trophy soon enough. Fans might want to take a step back, breathe, and remember that life — even for a star like Mahomes — extends far beyond the football field.
Until the Chiefs make their next playoff push, perhaps everyone could ease up on the criticism and let Mahomes live his life.