Patrick Mahomes reveals his lesser-known nickname just before the start of the season to send a subtle message

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has reminded fans and critics alike of one key detail, he’s still “Showtime.”  Despite being widely regarded as the face of the NFL and one of the most decorated quarterbacks of the last decade, Mahomes sparked unexpected conversation this week when he revealed his personal favorite nickname in the team’s latest social media segment, “Roll Call.”

While many assumed he’d go with fan favorites like “Mahomeboy,” “The Grim Reaper,” or “Magic Man,” Mahomes declared: “Showtime.”  The revelation stirred debate, with some fans confused or even dismissive of the moniker. One social media user bluntly commented, “pat no one calls u showtime,” while another questioned, “who the hell calls Mahomes ‘Showtime?'”

Yet, Mahomes’ decision to embrace the nickname isn’t without reason. In past interviews, the two-time league MVP explained that “Showtime” was a nickname given to him during his youth, long before he was breaking NFL records and hoisting Lombardi Trophies.  It was a name rooted in his early love of performance, flair, and making magic on the field-something he’s consistently delivered since becoming the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018.

A nod to his roots and a message for the league

Patrick Mahomes’ stats speak for themselves. Since entering the NFL, he has thrown for over 32,000 yards, amassed 245 touchdowns, and only 74 interceptions in 112 regular-season games.  He’s also added two NFL MVP awards and an impressive three Super Bowl MVPs to his growing list of accolades. With five Super Bowl appearances and three championships under his belt, Mahomes has set a new standard for modern quarterbacking, and he’s still just 29 years old.

Choosing “Showtime” might seem like a small detail, but it feels intentional. As Mahomes gets ready to lead the Chiefs in yet another championship push, leaning into the nickname from his childhood might be his way of signaling that the spark that defined him early in his career, and even earlier in life, is still burning.  Some fans defended the choice. One supporter wrote, “Patrick nickname being Showtime is so hard lol. Rarely hear anyone call him that anymore & forgot how tough it is.”

Another added: “Ok, so Mahomes’ canonical nickname is, in fact, ‘Showtime’ not ‘the grim reaper’ or whatever else people come up with.”  In a league where perception and branding matter nearly as much as performance, Mahomes’ quiet but confident reaffirmation of “Showtime” feels like a declaration: he’s not just here to win, he’s here to entertain, dazzle, and remind everyone why he remains the NFL’s biggest star.