If there were any equivalent of Derek Jeter in the NFL, it sure would be Patrick Mahomes. It takes immense qualities to be the leader of the pack and to ensure the team goes in the right direction. Not just to direct but to inspire the team, and it seems like Patrick Mahomes is doing just that. His step-up has been so perfect that comparing him to Derek Jeter from the New York Yankees wouldn’t be an overstatement! Truly, Mahomes does seem to carry many of the qualities that Derek Jeter displayed on the diamond before he retired from the team in 2014. 

One quality that shines through in both is the ability to step up when the team needs it the most. Derek Jeter, in fact, came out in support of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and praised him for his leadership qualities. Compliments from a leader who led the New York Yankees to five championships—now that is huge!

Derek Jeter all praises for Patrick Mahomes

Derek Jeter, after his Fanatics Fest in New York City, spoke to Ed Easton from Chief’s Wires. It was then that he expressed his thoughts on Patrick Mahomes as a team captain. He said, “He cares about winning,” about the Super Bowl MVP! It almost feels like Derek Jeter sees a reflection of him in Mahomes.

He further went on to explain how Mahomes’s attitude to be present, play every day, and be accountable to the team keeps them moving forward. He appreciated that Mahomes seeks victory rather than just personal accolades in his name. Jeter also liked how Mahomes believes in fostering a positive team culture, which he rubs off well on the rest of the organization. Derek Jeter said, “I think his teammates can count on it. But everything that comes out of his mouth is always about wins, not anything personal. And I think that rubs off on the rest of your organization, not just your teammates but the whole organization.” 

Currently, Mahomes has led the team to three Super Bowl victories. This is a huge achievement and shows everyone the leadership skills he has in the field. But did you know that Mahomes himself was always inspired by Jeter?

Patrick Mahomes was inspired by Jeter as a child!

Give it to Fox Sports to do something exceptional, and they will nail it. Last year, they got two of the biggest names in NFL and MLB, Patrick Mahomes and Derek Jeter, together in a single frame. Both leaders of the team are goal-oriented and more similar than one thinks. In fact, ESPN’s Dan Graziano also noted that they did have similarities. 

He said, “He (Mahomes) reminds me of Derek Jeter, who I always felt was not a player who raised his game in the big moments but a player who kept himself exactly the same in the big moments. Moments that made others play worse or panic. And I think Mahomes’ ability to keep his focus on what’s in front of him and not worry about all that other stuff. I think that is the key part of the reason he’s so successful.” 

It turns out that Patrick Mahomes did aspire to be like Jeter. In the Fox Sports interview, Patrick mentioned that he used to visit the MLB clubhouses growing up, given that his dad was a baseball player and had aspirations to be a baseball legend himself. He said, “I wanted to be a baseball player. A thousand percent.” Plus, he was so inspired by Jeter that he wanted to become a shortstop like him. Patrick Mahomes mentioned that he even met Jeter as a kid, and that inspired him. However, as he grew up, his passions changed, and he decided to pursue football instead. Well, nevertheless, whilst he didn’t follow the exact path like Jeter, he sure did become one of the best leaders of NFL teams.

What are your thoughts on Patrick Mahomes? Do you think he is similar to Derek Jeter? Let us know!