The tragic rationale behind Patrick Mahomes' use of colorful wristbands during NFL games

Patrick Mahomes is the closest thing the NFL has to its version of Michael Jordan.

The Kansas City Chiefs superstar became a three-time Super Bowl champion after leading his team to back-to-back rings in Las Vegas last season, creating an NFL dynasty.

3Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champCredit: Getty

His unique combination of freakish talent and elite football IQ has helped the superstar quarterback take the league by storm since his Chiefs debut in 2017.

At 28 he has already won three titles, two MVP awards and six Pro Bowl nods, underlining his reputation as the best player in the NFL today.

But with global fame comes extra scrutiny, and the quarterback’s performances are picked over on a weekly basis.

So, all eyes will be on Mahomes throughout the 2024 season whenever Kansas take to the field.

And that means fans may notice his many wristbands…

Why does Mahomes wear wristbands?

Along with his curly hair and extra-tall helmet, fans have spotted that the quarterback wears several multi-coloured wristbands on his prodigious throwing arm.

NFL fans have become used to seeing Mahomes delivering dimes, but now No.13 is using his cannon arm to send powerful messages of support for sick 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren.

During a video interview with GQ Magazine, the former Texas Tech QB revealed the bands are from 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren battling medical conditions, some of whom have since passed away.

“These bracelets were given to me by kids and there are a couple of them that aren’t here anymore but I want them to know they make an impact on my life every single day,” he said.

“It’s super important to me and I want them and their families to know that they’re out there with me when I’m playing every single day or when I’m with my family.

3Every Mahomes wristband represents the story of 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren affected by illness

3Mahomes explains the significance of each bracelet during a powerful segment

“It truly makes me appreciate every day that I’ve got on this earth.”

In a particularly poignant moment, Mahomes explained the significance of a new wristband he had taken to wearing. “This is my newest one called ‘Battle with Aidan’.” he said.

“He was somebody I met before this last season, somebody who motivates me every day to be great for him.

Patrick Mahomes traded a football for a bracelet with this young #ChiefsKingdom fan.

The reaction says it all! ️ pic.twitter.com/VkABiRFHcj

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 8, 2023

“He’s not with us any more but we were able to win the Super Bowl for him last season.

“I’m just so thankful for these kids and the impact they made in my life.”

When asked about the wristbands in a recent interview with a local newspaper, Mahomes said they served as a reminder that ‘there are bigger things in this world than football’.

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He said: “When I wear these, not only am I showing support for these kids that work a thousand times harder than I do every single day, but I’m able to keep everything in perspective.