Patrick Mahomes: From NFL Star to Coffee Entrepreneur

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has taken on a new role as a coffee entrepreneur, expanding his impressive list of accomplishments. The three-time Super Bowl champion has recently made headlines for investing in Throne Sport Coffee, showcasing his expanding interests beyond the football field.

Investing in Coffee Culture

In May 2024, Mahomes emerged as the second-largest investor in Throne Sport Coffee, although the exact details of his stake have not been disclosed. He has embraced his role not only as an investor but also as a prominent spokesperson and product tester for the brand. Mahomes, who is also a dedicated coffee consumer, mentioned that his coffee journey began during his rookie year in the NFL.

“Initially, my meetings demanded a lot of coffee for energy. But after some time, it transformed into a genuine appreciation for the beverage—especially black coffee,” he shared. When approached by Throne’s founder and beverage industry expert Mike Fedele, Mahomes found the ready-to-drink coffee option appealing as a healthier caffeine alternative.

According to Mahomes, “I really fell in love with just the taste and wanted to ensure I was consuming quality ingredients.” Fedele emphasized Throne’s uniqueness, highlighting that it includes 10 grams of protein and 40% less sugar compared to competing brands. In fact, Throne Sport Coffee contains approximately 50 calories and just 1 gram of sugar, while other options like a Starbucks Frappuccino can exceed 300 calories and have over 40 grams of sugar.

Mahomes has shared his coffee routine, which involves consuming three cups a day—one to start his morning, another before meetings, and a third in the afternoon. He humorously acknowledged, “It’s probably a bit too much. However, with Throne, I know I’m choosing a clean product, free of junk and added sugars.” On game days, he typically reduces his intake to one or two cups.

The ready-to-drink coffee market is experiencing significant growth, with Americans spending $17.7 billion in this category in 2023, as reported by Technomic. However, Throne faces fierce competition, particularly as major brands like Starbucks expand their offerings in response to consumer trends.

Expanding Investment Horizons

Throne Sport Coffee is only one component of Mahomes’ diversified investment portfolio. He has also acquired minority stakes in several prominent sports teams, including Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City of the MLS, and the NWSL’s KC Current, as well as Alpine F1 racing.

“I have a passion for sports and the way they unite communities and families. That’s what drives my investments,” Mahomes stated. When asked if he is considering a future ownership role with the Chiefs, he expressed interest, saying, “That would be incredible. I can only hope it happens many years down the line, but I would love to contribute to the team after my playing career.”

The Future of Arrowhead Stadium

As discussions continue about the future of the Chiefs’ home, Mahomes remains neutral about whether the team should renovate Arrowhead Stadium or opt for a new venue. He acknowledged the storied legacy of Arrowhead, saying, “There’s something special about it; the history is palpable. Yet, I believe our fans will rally behind us, no matter where we play.”

Recently, the franchise received a one-year extension to decide its stadium future, indicating potential changes ahead.

When speaking about league-wide matters, Mahomes approached the topic with caution, particularly regarding proposals for an 18-game NFL season and the potential for international games—like the Chiefs’ Week 1 match scheduled for Brazil. He remarked, “More games can put a strain on the body. If we move to 18 games, we need more bye weeks. Planning for international games also requires careful consideration.”

By combining his passion for food and sports, Patrick Mahomes is not only enhancing his brand as an athlete but is also making strides in the business world, proving that his talents extend far beyond just football.