Patrick Mahomes is now a household name, known for his dynamic play on the football field as the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Super Bowl champion. But what many might not know is that Mahomes could have been a professional baseball player instead of a gridiron legend. In fact, the future NFL star almost chose a career in Major League Baseball (MLB) over football.

Mahomes’ athletic prowess was evident from a young age. According to Texas Tech University, where he played college football, Mahomes excelled in multiple sports throughout high school, including basketball and baseball. His raw talent on the diamond was so impressive that in 2014, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, with the opportunity to bypass college altogether and pursue his dream of playing in the MLB.

Despite the allure of professional baseball, Mahomes made the decision to commit to football. He enrolled at Texas Tech University and quickly made his mark as the team’s quarterback. Mahomes didn’t just play the position; he rewrote the record books, becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the school’s history. His decision to forgo baseball and focus on football was a defining moment that would shape his future.

At Texas Tech, Mahomes’ ability on the field was undeniable. By the time he left the university, he had racked up impressive statistics that placed him among the school’s all-time greats. He was third in school history in passing yards, attempts, completions, and touchdown passes. He also recorded 22 rushing touchdowns, which put him second in that category, as well as second in total touchdowns responsible for.

During his final year, Mahomes became the nation’s leading passer, cementing his place among college football’s elite quarterbacks. Texas Tech’s history of producing top quarterbacks was well represented in Mahomes’ incredible achievements, and yet, he didn’t even finish his senior year. Instead, he entered the NFL Draft early, a move that would ultimately change his life forever.

While his decision to leave college early might have seemed bold, it certainly paid off. Mahomes was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, and within three years, he was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy as the Super Bowl MVP. Looking back, it’s clear that Mahomes made the right call, leaving Texas Tech as a legend and quickly ascending to the top of the NFL.

Had he stayed for his senior year, Mahomes likely would have shattered even more records at Texas Tech, further cementing his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play for the school. But the path he took, leading him from college football to Super Bowl glory, was nothing short of extraordinary.

Patrick Mahomes’ story is one of choosing the right moment to make a leap of faith, proving that sometimes, greatness can be achieved by taking the road less traveled.