The first time Steve Young started 16 games in the NFL, he was voted the league’s MVP. The same is true for Patrick Mahomes, who was a first-year starter last season for the Kansas City Chiefs and established himself as the best in the league.
Young’s first 16-game season came eight years into his NFL career at age 31, while Mahomes was a breakout star at 23.
Both men were represented by agent Leigh Steinberg, who said on the 49ers Insider Podcast he sees similarities in how the two MVPs prepared for success.
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“Patrick looks at it like there are 24 hours in a day, he can be spending 16 preparing for football,” Steinberg said. “What you see is the tip of the iceberg. What’s behind it is the fact he assiduously studies the playbook, that he is always practicing, he’s always working with (Kansas City coach) Andy Reid and the (offensive coordinator) to get better.
“Steve Young was the same way. They both are very bright and they both put in a tremendous amount of time being a student of the game, which has helped Steve in his later career as an analyst.”
In addition to both men exhibiting a love and passion for the sport, Steinberg said their good deeds extend beyond the playing field. Young founded the Forever Young Foundation in 1993. The charity provides children facing significant physical, emotional and financial challenges with academic, athletic and therapeutic opportunities.
Recently, Mahomes announced the start of his foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, which will assist children with health problems in the Kansas City area with sports opportunities.
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“They both have big, caring hearts, so they understood the power of role modeling,” Steinberg said. “They use the spotlight to try to help others.”