“Don’t Let the Playbook Cage You” – Mahomes’ Career-Altering Advice from a Night-Shift Janitor

In the annals of football history, Patrick Mahomes stands as a towering figure, a quarterback whose dazzling arm talent and audacious playmaking have redefined the game. From his record-breaking college career at Texas Tech to his meteoric rise with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes’ journey is well-documented. Yet, buried beneath the accolades and highlight reels lies a lesser-known story—one of an unlikely mentor whose quiet wisdom helped forge the fearless football philosophy that defines Mahomes today. In 2015, during his sophomore season at Texas Tech, a janitor named Clarence, working late nights in the Red Raiders’ facilities, became an unexpected confidant and guiding light for the young quarterback.

The setting was Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas, in the fall of 2015. Mahomes, then a 20-year-old sophomore, was coming into his own as Texas Tech’s starting quarterback. His raw talent was undeniable—leading the Big 12 with 4,653 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 63.5% that season. But the Red Raiders’ 7-6 record and a loss to LSU in the Texas Bowl hinted at the challenges Mahomes faced. The team’s defense struggled, often forcing Mahomes to carry the offense in high-scoring shootouts. Off the field, he grappled with the pressure of living up to expectations while balancing his dual-sport commitments to football and baseball. It was during these late-night moments of reflection that Mahomes crossed paths with Clarence.

Clarence, a soft-spoken janitor in his late 50s, was a fixture in the Texas Tech athletic facilities. Known for his meticulous work and warm demeanor, he often stayed late, cleaning the locker rooms and hallways long after the players had left. Mahomes, who frequently lingered to review film or practice his mechanics, noticed Clarence’s quiet presence. What began as casual greetings soon evolved into deeper conversations. “He’d be mopping the floor, and I’d be at the film room door,” Mahomes later recalled in a 2020 interview. “We’d just start talking—about football, life, everything.”

Clarence, a lifelong football fan, had no formal coaching background, but his insights were grounded in decades of watching the game and a keen understanding of human nature. He saw something special in Mahomes—not just his arm strength or athleticism, but his willingness to take risks. During one late-night talk, as Mahomes fretted over a three-interception game against TCU, Clarence offered a piece of advice that would stick with him: “You can’t win playing scared. Every throw’s a chance to change the game. Trust your gut, even if it fails sometimes.” This simple wisdom resonated with Mahomes, who was beginning to embrace the high-risk, high-reward style that would later define his NFL career.

Their conversations often veered beyond football. Clarence shared stories of his own life—growing up in a small Texas town, overcoming adversity, and finding pride in his work. He spoke of resilience, of learning from failure, and of staying true to oneself. For Mahomes, who was navigating the pressures of college stardom and a biracial identity in a predominantly white sport, these talks were a grounding force. Clarence’s perspective helped Mahomes develop the mental toughness that would later shine through in clutch moments, like his Super Bowl comebacks.

One particular exchange in November 2015 proved pivotal. After a 59-44 win over Kansas State, where Mahomes threw for 384 yards and three touchdowns, he confided in Clarence about his frustration with the team’s inconsistent defense. Clarence, leaning on his broom, responded, “You can’t control the other side of the ball. But you can control how you lead. Make every play count, and the rest will follow.” This advice shaped Mahomes’ approach to leadership. He began to focus on elevating his teammates, fostering a belief in their collective potential despite the odds. That season, his ability to rally the offense in games like the 66-31 rout of Iowa State, where he threw for 428 yards and five touchdowns, reflected this newfound mindset.

Clarence’s influence extended to Mahomes’ on-field creativity. The janitor, a fan of improvisational quarterbacks like Fran Tarkenton, encouraged Mahomes to embrace his unorthodox style. “Don’t let the playbook cage you,” Clarence once said. “The game’s alive—it moves with you.” This philosophy emboldened Mahomes to experiment with no-look passes and off-balance throws, moves that would later dazzle NFL audiences. His 75-yard touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant against Iowa State in 2015, the longest play from scrimmage that season, was a testament to this fearless approach.

By the end of the 2015 season, Mahomes had grown not just as a player but as a person. Clarence, however, remained in the shadows. He never sought recognition, and few at Texas Tech knew of his role in Mahomes’ development. When Mahomes left for the NFL in 2017, he lost touch with Clarence, who retired quietly a few years later. Yet, Mahomes has never forgotten his mentor. In a 2024 speech at Texas Tech, where he donated $5 million for facility upgrades, Mahomes paid tribute to “the people behind the scenes who make a difference,” a subtle nod to Clarence.

Today, as Mahomes chases a third Super Bowl ring, his fearless football philosophy—marked by bold throws, relentless leadership, and a joy for the game—bears the imprint of those late-night talks. Clarence, the unsung hero of Texas Tech, may never be a household name, but his wisdom lives on in every Mahomes highlight. In a sport dominated by coaches and coordinators, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the humblest voices.