The sports world is filled with athletes who have amassed astronomical wealth in their careers. From Tiger Woods to LeBron James to Lionel Messi, these sports icons have broken records with their contracts, investments, and brand deals. At 28 years old, Patrick Mahomes is quickly joining these ranks. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback made history when he signed a record-breaking deal in 2020. The Texas native penned a 10-year, $450 million contract with $141 million in guaranteed money, which could stretch to $503 million total with all incentives fulfilled.

With his staggering contract, he became one of the highest-paid QBs in the NFL, currently boasting a net worth of about $90 million. But the secret of Patrick Mahomes’ wealth lies not only in his exponential salary; rather, his brand endorsement deals and lucrative investments play an equal hand. From State Farm commercials with coach Andy Reid to Subway ads with teammate Travis Kelce, the Chiefs quarterback has cracked the code to building a brand around him, just like Michael Jordan did with Nike. Moreover, Patrick Mahomes’ latest venture with Adidas has catapulted him straight into Michael Jordan territory.

On October 26, 1984, Michael Jordan took a step that completely changed the course of Nike as a brand. The shoe manufacturing giant signed the then-rookie basketball icon to a 5-year $2.5 million deal. Fast forward to 2014, and Michael Jordan was already a billionaire. Jordan’s on-court magic fueled his off-court popularity, and his fame meant that Air Jordans continued to fly off the shelves. Nike experienced booming success with the ‘Jordan’ brand, and Michael Jordan made the Forbes list of the richest people in the world. And now, Patrick Mahomes seems to be on a similar path with Adidas.

The Jordans were rocket fuel for Nike sales, and collaboration with Patrick Mahomes has given Adidas a similar boost. In 2021, the 3-time NFL MVP’s maiden collection with Adidas sold out in minutes. It seems like whatever Patrick Mahomes touches turns to gold. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, he announced his second sneaker line with Adidas, Mahomes 2. As expected, Mahomes 2 sold out quickly after their release.

However, the promising news for fans is that Patrick Mahomes has come forward to announce a new version of Mahomes 2 sneakers in black and silver, which will drop on May 1. As fans wait with bated breath, their fervor for the Chiefs quarterback lands a direct comparison with Michael Jordan.

Patrick Mahomes vs. Michael Jordan

Peter Schrager was onto something when he said Patrick Mahomes was the closest thing the NFL has to Michael Jordan. Sure, Patrick Mahomes and the NBA icon have similarities in career progression since both reached peak fame by the time they were 28. Even more than that, it’s their on and off-field charisma drawing people in, and their financial success is a tribute to the same.

In his seven seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes has already clinched 3 Super Bowl championships, half of what Michael Jordan has with the Chicago Bulls. However, the former Texas Tech player has just started and seems determined to turn the Chiefs into a dynasty, just like Tom Brady did with the Patriots. When Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to victory over the 49ers and won the Super Bowl, it was no surprise that Jordan-esque comparisons were born. 

If the quarterback continues to dominate on the gridiron the way he is right now, these comparisons are sure to turn into reality.