This weekend, Super Bowl LIX (59) will take place in American football. The Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. At 29 years old, he has the chance to win this prestigious title for the third time in a row. What makes Mahomes so special is not just his exceptional talent, but also the journey he’s taken to reach the top.
Mahomes grew up in an athletic family, with a father who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. From a young age, he learned to throw and hit through play, skills that later gave him an advantage in American football. While his love for football didn’t develop until junior high school, his baseball background has had a lasting influence on his playing style.
'Off-platform throws are like baseball pitches to me.'
- Patrick Mahomes in the Netflix series 'Quarterback'
His unique way of playing stands out in the Netflix series *Quarterback*, where viewers can see him making passes and scoring touchdowns in a way that deviates from the norm. A sports journalist points to his baseball background, comparing his throws to those of a shortstop trying to get two outs in the blink of an eye. Mahomes himself confirms this: “Unusual throws? For me, they’re just baseball throws; I’m not consciously looking for them.”
Baseball and American Football have more in common than they differ.
Mahomes applies these techniques not only in games but also in his training. The skills he developed in baseball give him a playing style that is considered unique in American football. He is part of a long list of top athletes who highlight how other sports have shaped them. The benefits go beyond motor skills and fitness; they also influence things like observation, pattern recognition, and decision-making under pressure. For the ASM, knowledge, experience, and insights from various sports are crucial building blocks in the development of (elite) athletes. What’s considered standard in baseball is seen as innovative in American football.
The ASM offers a structured approach to integrating donor and multi-sports into the more traditional elite sports world. Practice consistently proves the value of multi-sport development. As shown by these Olympic athletes too.
ASM Course in The Netherlands.
Learn how to implement donor sports and multisports during the ASM Course in April.
