The image, shared on holiday weekend social media, quickly drew attention, and rather than trying to downplay his body, Mahomes welcomed the “dad bod” moniker with pride.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a break from the grind: family days at theme parks with Sterling, 4, Bronze, 2, and baby Golden, afternoon swims, and obstaclecourse playtime in their backyard.

Brittany shared candid shots of the couple aboard a yacht, both in swimwear, Patrick visibly relaxed, and Brittany radiant in style. Despite some critics labeling his frame “average,” it’s far from ordinary.

He’s been candid about this approach. Reflecting on his physique, he joked, “I have a six pack, it’s just under the dad bod. If you feel, there might be some skin there, but then underneath that, the six pack is there. You just gotta get real close and squint a little bit.”

That wink of humor landed early this year, when an Inside the NFL clip showed Mahomes shirtless, revealing a softer midsection around his abs. But this isn’t accidental-it’s by design.

Why a “dad bod” works for Mahomes

This unconventional body choice isn’t a casual decision. His trainer, Bobby Stroupe, has maintained that Mahomes‘ body fat, hovering around 14%, serves an important purpose: absorbing hits and preserving mobility.

Stroupe explained a layered training philosophy nicknamed the “cake system,” emphasizing movement literacy, force absorption, pattern stability, tissue resiliency and flexibility.

“I don’t need him to look like a model because the way he chooses to play requires a certain type of physicality”.

This philosophy encourages a physique that’s strong, stable, and resilient, sometimes at odds with the “ripped” look often associated with elite athletes.

Yet, for Mahomes, it’s a winning recipe. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey even referred to him as a “chubby fast dude,” marveling at how he manages to outrun and evade defenders despite his physique.

That doesn’t mean Mahomes isn’t in top shape. This off-season, he’s been sharing clips of private workouts and appears leaner than last year, a sharper version of his “dad bod” ahead of the upcoming training camp.

Fans have welcomed this offseason transformation as essential to bounce back stronger after last season’s Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, in which he took a career-high six sacks.

Amid the comeback preparations, Mahomes is taking time to enjoy life away from the field. He’s been spotted devouring snack favorites like Doritos in bed (as Brittany shared during an Instagram Q&A) and indulging in ChickfilA and Starbursts-a diet unfiltered, yet balanced under his nutritionist’s guidance.