Under the bright lights of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” former baseball icon Alex Rodriguez shared a humorous anecdote about giving career advice to a young Patrick Mahomes. A moment that once seemed wise is now a source of amusement, as Mahomes has since carved out a remarkable career in the NFL.
Rodriguez, reminiscing about his time with the Texas Rangers, described how he developed a friendship with Mahomes’ father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., a former Mets player. “Very lovable guy, everyone loved him, great arm,” Rodriguez recalled during his conversation with host Jimmy Fallon.
The elder Mahomes frequently brought his son to the ballpark, where the young Mahomes was often seen practicing in the batting cage. Rodriguez remembered the boy’s curiosity for career advice, as Mahomes balanced his interests in both baseball and football.
“The last day, I said, ‘I’m going to give you some good advice here. Now, listen up.’ And his eyes got really wide,” Rodriguez recounted. “‘I know you like baseball, and I know you like football, but trust me when I say this — baseball is where the money is.'” He humorously added, “And I’m glad he didn’t take my advice.”
Despite a promising start in baseball, including playing in the 2010 Junior League World Series and being drafted by the Detroit Tigers, Mahomes chose to pursue football. He was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His decision paid off, earning him three Super Bowl victories and three Super Bowl MVP titles.
In 2020, Mahomes secured a landmark 10-year contract extension with the Chiefs valued at $450 million, according to Sportrac. His earnings were further enhanced in 2023 when he restructured his deal, ensuring $210.6 million between 2023 and 2026, as confirmed by his agency, Equity Sports, on X.
Beyond football, Mahomes has expanded his business ventures. He holds a stake in MLB’s Kansas City Royals and, along with his wife Brittany, in the Kansas City Current, a National Women’s Soccer League team. Additionally, Mahomes co-owns 1587 Prime, a newly opened Kansas City steakhouse, with his Chiefs teammate, Travis Kelce.
Attempts to reach representatives for Rodriguez and Mahomes for further comments were unsuccessful as of publication time.
