East Texans share photos, memories of three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes

Published 5:40 am Friday, February 16, 2024

: Patrick Mahomes and Brittany (then Matthews) Mahomes pose for a photo in 2017 after Brittany signed a pro soccer contract with a team in Iceland. Brittany was a senior at UT Tyler at the time and the Whitehouse natives were still just dating.

Patrick Mahomes said winning another Super Bowl title is “the start of” a dynasty in Kansas City. In East Texas, hometown fans are familiar with the dynasty Mahomes started years ago. Born in Tyler and later raised in Whitehouse, the 28-year-old quarterback is crushing records and quickly reaching legendary status.

The Tyler Morning Telegraph compiled social media comments from local residents and supporters of Mahomes, many sharing photos or memories of him. One Tylerite who remembers the start of Mahomes’ athletic career quite well is the newspaper’s own Phil Hicks. Hicks, who has worked at the Morning Telegraph since 1983, called Mahomes one of the best people he’s ever met – let alone cover in athletics.

“After covering his father, Pat Mahomes Sr., at Lindale High School, I was looking forward to watching Patrick,” Hicks said. “I met him as a toddler, but first interviewed him after Rose Capital East Little League earned a trip to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan. He and his teammates won the U.S. national championship. That was before Patrick’s freshman year at Whitehouse High School.”

Hicks recognized Mahomes was special.

“I knew at that point Patrick was a special athlete and special person,” Hicks said. “So grounded and so smart.”

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While reporting on Tyler-area athletics, Hicks covered Mahomes in football, basketball and baseball.

“It was electric each time he took the field or court,” Hicks said.

Then Hicks continued to follow Mahomes’ journey and covered him while he played in college at Texas Tech.

“He played well, but not much help from the Red Raiders’ defense. Then he took off in the pros,” Hicks said.

Took off, indeed. Mahomes is only the sixth quarterback to win three Super Bowls, and he was named MVP for all three. He’s also the youngest to do it, according to the Associated Press.

Here’s what other East Texans had to say:

“We were at all of his high school games. Especially remember 63-39 comeback win against Carthage in 2013. He still plays the same, just bigger and better toys,” Jon Dan Johnson said.

Dave Costello said, “We lived in Tyler 85-87 and now live in Missouri. Patrick is obviously the very best QB in the NFL, but more importantly is the Christian foundation this gentleman has. Congratulations to his family and the Tyler community. Well done. We admire Patrick.”

Brian Braquet wrote, “JV basketball: his father coached us, 3-year-old Pat was throwing up layups on the 10 foot goal…. No doubt he had a gift.”

Stephanie Anderson Derfus, of Tyler, said “Patrick practically lived at our house two summers in a row and we always had plenty of ketchup for him!”

Noah Collins Morris said, “He started my photography career with Tyler Today magazine. First shoot was winning the America state bank scholarship, then the Earl Campbell award then his (NFL) Draft party.”

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), who is a Whitehouse native, took to social media to congratulate his fellow Wildcat. “Congratulations, Super Bowl Champion Patrick Mahomes! Thank you for representing Whitehouse ISD and Texas Tech University so well both on and off the field. #gocats #wreckemtech #gochiefs”

Texas Sen. Bryan Hughes also posted on social media, “Congratulations to Patrick Mahomes, Keaontay Ingram (Carthage native), and the The Kansas City Chiefs on winning Super Bowl LVIII.”

The Boys & Girls Club of America posted a video with children sending messages to Mahomes, such as, “Congratulations for crushing it in the Super Bowl!” .. “We are proud of you and the entire team.” and “We love you, Patrick!” Mentoring Alliance reshared the video, adding: “Congratulations to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on their Super Bowl win! We’re thankful for his contribution to our programs in Tyler/Whitehouse!”

Bryan Houston, who began his broadcasting career in 1973, posted on LinkedIn: “It still blows my mind that I got to call on radio every game Mahomes played in high school! The greatest high school player I’ve ever seen. But I never imagined he might be on the greatest QBs in NFL history! And he’s not done!”