Patrick Mahomes is widely known for his legendary performances on the football field, but his journey to NFL stardom also highlights a strong academic foundation. A true two-sport athlete, Mahomes excelled not only in football and baseball but also in the classroom, demonstrating the drive and discipline that would carry him to the pinnacle of professional football.

While attending Texas Tech University, Mahomes initially had his sights set on a career in baseball. “My goal was to go to college, play three years of football, three years of baseball, and go back into the MLB draft,” he told Time in 2017. However, his football career took center stage after Texas Tech’s head coach, Kliff Kingsbury, convinced him to focus solely on football after just one year of juggling both sports.

Even as the star quarterback of the Red Raiders, Mahomes never let his academic work slip. In his freshman year, he earned a 4.0 GPA while playing baseball. And as he made the transition to football, Mahomes maintained an impressive 3.91 GPA, despite being the focal point of his team’s offense.

This strong academic record was no accident—Mahomes had been earning college credits at Tyler Junior College while still in high school, setting the stage for his success both on and off the field. His mother, Randi Mahomes, spoke proudly of her son’s scholastic accomplishments, saying in 2015, “I am very proud of his athletic achievements. However, I am more proud of his scholastic accomplishments.”

In addition to his academic success, Mahomes was named the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, further cementing his reputation as both a top-tier athlete and a dedicated student. He achieved this honor while pursuing a marketing degree and maintaining a 3.64 GPA. Despite his impressive grades, Mahomes did not complete his degree. As his mother explained, Mahomes had planned to work on his master’s degree if he did not enter the NFL after his junior year. Instead, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, marking the beginning of his rise to NFL stardom.

Mahomes has been open about the fact that he’s still 15 credit hours short of earning his degree. In a candid response to fans, he said, “I have not graduated yet… My mom’s gonna be pissed if I don’t [graduate],” jokingly referencing his friend and teammate Travis Kelce’s graduation. Despite not completing his degree, Mahomes’ connection to his alma mater remained strong. In 2020, he was invited to address the spring graduating class at Texas Tech, giving a virtual speech during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a moment of pride for both Mahomes and the university, underscoring his connection to education and his dedication to inspiring others.

Mahomes has also dedicated time to giving back to the community, particularly in the realm of education. In 2018, he visited students at the St. Mark Child and Family Development Center, a learning center for children in low-income neighborhoods. “I’m just a regular guy that went to school, did these same things,” he told Chiefs.com. “I hope they can see that and will think that they can achieve whatever they dream, if that’s a football player or just a great businessman, husband, wife, or whatever they want to be.” His commitment to inspiring the next generation is evident not just in his professional achievements but in his personal outreach to young students.

As a father, Mahomes is also focused on the future of his own children. When asked about his plans for his kids’ education, Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes hinted that homeschooling might be the best choice for their family. Despite his career as an NFL superstar, Patrick is determined to be present for his children. Reflecting on his future in football, he said, “I would love to play that long [as long as Tom Brady], but at the same time, I want to be there for my daughter. If I can do that, I’ll continue to play.”

Patrick Mahomes’ journey from college star to NFL MVP is a testament to his dedication, both on the field and in the classroom. While his football achievements are well known, his academic accomplishments and commitment to education show that Mahomes is more than just a football player—he’s a role model who continues to inspire fans, students, and athletes alike. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Patrick Mahomes has proven that with hard work, passion, and balance, greatness can be achieved.