Why Jackson Mahomes Chose TikTok Over Sports—and How His Brother Patrick Supports Him!

While Patrick Mahomes is dominating the NFL as one of the most successful quarterbacks in history, his younger brother, Jackson Mahomes, has carved out his own path to fame, far removed from the world of sports. Jackson, a popular social media influencer with over 1.1 million followers on TikTok, has become a household name for his viral dance videos, lip-syncs, and glimpses into his life as the brother of the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar. Despite the glaring contrast in their careers, Patrick has been an unwavering source of support for Jackson, helping him navigate the challenges of growing up in the spotlight while choosing a very different path than his brother.

Jackson Mahomes was born in 2000 in Tyler, Texas, and like his brother Patrick, was immersed in athletics from a young age. Their father, Pat Mahomes Sr., a former MLB pitcher, encouraged them both to explore sports. Patrick excelled in football, baseball, and basketball, becoming a highly recruited athlete in high school before ultimately choosing football. Jackson, however, took a different route. Although he was an accomplished basketball player, Jackson decided to step away from sports entirely and pursue a career in social media. In a 2018 interview with East Texas Sports Network, Jackson shared his decision, saying, “I gave up football and baseball to go a different direction than my brother.” His choice was largely driven by the desire to forge his own identity and avoid the constant comparisons to his father and older brother, who were both professional athletes.

Instead of following in the athletic footsteps of his father and Patrick, Jackson turned to the digital world. He began posting videos on TikTok in 2019, initially featuring dance routines, lip-syncs, and snippets of his life. Over time, his popularity grew, and he became known for his energetic content filmed from the sidelines of Patrick’s NFL games. His online presence also allowed him to interact with millions of fans, sharing glimpses into the personal lives of the Mahomes family, including funny moments with Patrick and his wife, Brittany.

However, Jackson’s rise to fame has not come without controversy. In 2021, Jackson made headlines for pouring water on taunting Ravens fans during a game, sparking backlash from both fans and the media. Additionally, his TikTok video during Patrick’s Super Bowl LIV interview in 2023, which many perceived as him stealing the spotlight, further fueled public criticism. Despite these controversies, Jackson has continued to stay true to himself, embracing his “unathletic” persona and using humor to cope with negative comments. In fact, in a 2020 YouTube video, Jackson openly addressed the online hate, saying, “I’m the only boy in my family that doesn’t play sports,” and joking about his “unathletic” status. He even launched his own clothing line, a move that further solidified his unique personal brand.

Throughout Jackson’s journey, Patrick has been his biggest supporter. The NFL superstar has consistently defended his younger brother, using social media to squash rumors of a feud between them. In 2022, Patrick took to X to debunk claims that he and Jackson were estranged, posting a playful message saying, “Y’all just be making stuff up 😂.” Patrick’s unwavering support has been crucial for Jackson, especially during tough times. Despite their differing career paths, Patrick has always made it clear that family comes first, offering guidance and encouragement to Jackson as he navigates the ups and downs of being in the public eye.

For Jackson, having Patrick in his corner has made all the difference. While Patrick’s achievements on the football field are widely celebrated, Jackson’s journey shows that success comes in many forms. Jackson Mahomes has built a significant online presence and continues to thrive in his chosen field. His choice to pursue social media stardom over sports may have been unconventional, but with the backing of his family—especially his brother Patrick—Jackson is proving that there’s more than one way to make a name for yourself.

Ultimately, the Mahomes brothers’ story is one of support, understanding, and unconditional love. Patrick’s success in the NFL may have been the driving force behind his rise to fame, but it’s clear that Jackson’s decision to follow his own path has earned just as much support and respect from his brother. Together, they continue to show that family bonds go beyond shared interests and are rooted in love and trust, no matter the career choices made along the way.