Well, Dylan Raiola’s admiration for Patrick Mahomes is as clear as day. From wearing jersey number 15 to letting his curly hair flow like Mahomes, Dylan has fully embraced his idol’s style. He even mimics Mahomes’ pre-game routine, despite facing some criticism for it. However, when Mahomes’ crucial playoff game arrived, Dylan was nowhere to be found to support him. It left many wondering: in the end, does fandom truly stand when you need it most?

When it rains, it pours, but Dylan Raiola made a call that didn’t rain on his family’s parade. Despite being a huge fan of Patrick Mahomes, Dylan chose to watch the Lions face the Commanders at Ford Field rather than catch Mahomes and the Chiefs play the Texans. Why? Family is a priority, especially given Dominic Raiola’s close ties to the Lions. He was the former Lions’ Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, and he also played as an offensive lineman, making this game a pivotal moment for their family.

Moreover, Dominic Raiola’s return to Detroit didn’t just mark a professional milestone—it was a homecoming that added serious sentimental value. Even Dylan’s sister Taylor Raiola shared a story on IG with the sweetest caption, saying, “You walked so they could run. Welcome back home, Dad. Let’s go, Lions!!” Dylan’s loyalty to his dad is beyond his love for Patrick Mahomes.

It’s sure a moment of unity over fandom, showing that family loyalty often trumps personal interests. While Dylan Raiola surely respects Mahomes’ game, it’s just that this time, he chose to cheer for his dad instead. Also, how can his kids miss out on the Lions game where their dad had his life’s best moments? Dominic Raiola played as an OL for over 200 games, and what’s even more surprising is that he missed only two games in his entire professional career, and the Lions are a huge part of it.

Well, it’s not the first time Dylan Raiola kept his family legacy ahead of his desires or dreams. We all know that Dominic Raiola used to play for the Nebraska Huskers. To take forward his heritage, Dylan joined the Huskers. The remarkable thing is that he turned down offers from other top universities, including Georgia, and will continue playing for them even after a disappointing season. Looks like Dylan is a man of commitment; then how can he miss out on his favorite players’ game and not make it up for that?

Dylan Raiola’s love for Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs took down the Texans 23-14, and even though Dylan Raiola couldn’t be there in person to cheer on his idol, Patrick Mahomes, he made sure everyone knew where his loyalty lies. Just a week before the Chiefs’ playoff run, Mahomes shares a video showcasing his team’s crucial moments, using the “(Alarm Clock emoji)” to generate excitement for the upcoming game.

Despite his absence, Dylan Raiola seized the opportunity to show his support. He shared the same video on his IG story with the caption “Go time 15.” Dylan’s post makes perfect sense as the Chiefs strive for their third consecutive Super Bowl championship and fourth in six years. Although he can’t be at the game, Dylan remains fully behind Mahomes every step of the way. This demonstrates that his support runs deep, extending beyond their resemblance and encompassing a genuine admiration for his hero.

Now Dylan Raiola might not be Mahomes 2.0, but he’s definitely cut from the same cloth. It’s not like Raiola is not a good player; even with a mix of successful plays and some errors, he finished his season with a completion percentage of 67.1%, throwing for 2,819 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Now let’s see if this doppelganger can successfully walk in his role model’s footsteps or not!