Mahomes Snub Ignites Fan Fury Over Rodgers' Playoff Take

Michael Fedele, founder and CEO of Throne SPORT COFFEE, has been working closely with Patrick Mahomes for years.

In an interview with Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr., Fedele opened up about what makes the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback tick.

He did not talk about the recent playoff debate.

He talked about Mahomes' mind.

"I think to be a top-tier athlete, it's not just what you can do physically; it's what you can also apply mentally," Fedele said.

This comes just hours after Jordan Rodgers' playoff pick ignited a firestorm on social media.

On ESPN's First Take, Jordan was asked to name the AFC quarterback he trusts most in the playoffs.

He passed over Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.

He chose his older brother, Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I just feel like I trust the guy who's got the MVPs, who has the veteran status, who's seen everything, and who isn't required to do everything for them to win," Jordan said.

Fans reacted instantly. One wrote, "Over Mahomes? Drug test him."

Another posted, "Water is wet, Jordan is biased… not that surprising."

Aaron Rodgers is 7-10 in the playoffs since his 2011 Super Bowl win.

He has lost his last three postseason trips.

His last playoff victory came in 2021 with the Green Bay Packers.

Mahomes, by contrast, has three Super Bowl rings and a 15-4 playoff record.

Fedele's comments offer a different lens on the debate — one that focuses on what happens before the snap.

"You look at some of the greatest athletes of our time, and they've provided unique creative thinking and problem-solving and approaches that they apply to each game," Fedele said.

He compared Mahomes' approach to building a business.

"Whether that's preparation in advance, strategy, or, importantly, execution, it comes down to the same thing. We try to approach our business the same way, 100%."

Fedele is building Throne SPORT COFFEE at the intersection of performance, functionality, and culture.

Mahomes is the lead investor, the number two shareholder, and the marketing face of the company.

"I think there are just so many commonalities between some of the folks that have been incredibly successful on the field or on the court, and the ones that also are successful post-career," Fedele said.

The quarterback's business mentality has been a quiet advantage throughout his career.

Mahomes has kept his focus on football and family, avoiding political controversy even as his mother Randi Mahomes made headlines with a voting post earlier this week.

The Chiefs are coming off two consecutive losses to the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.

Travis Kelce was visibly emotional after the Broncos loss.

Mahomes has been focused on the team's preparation for the next game.

Fedele's insight into Mahomes' mental approach suggests the quarterback is already thinking several moves ahead.

"If you are that thoughtful and have the right strategy and plan things out, and then take the time to be diligent and execute, you could accomplish special things," Fedele said.

Throne SPORT COFFEE is not just another coffee brand.

Fedele emphasized that the product is a differentiated formula.

"We're not just another coffee, and we didn't just slap the word sport on it. We're a differentiated formula and product," he said.

The brand is growing on social media, with accounts on Instagram and TikTok under @sportcoffee.

Fans can shop coffee through the Podium Coffee Club.

The site may earn a commission on purchases made through links on the page.

Fedele's comments did not address Jordan Rodgers' pick directly.

He spoke about Mahomes as a person and a partner.

But the timing of the interview adds weight to every word.

Mahomes is used to being doubted.

He was drafted 10th overall in 2017, after sitting behind Alex Smith for most of his rookie year.

He has won three Super Bowls, two league MVP awards, and a Super Bowl MVP.

He has never lost a playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium.

Aaron Rodgers has one Super Bowl ring, won in the 2010 season.

He has not returned to the Super Bowl since.

The Steelers are 6-2 and lead the AFC North.

Their defense is elite.

Their running game is strong.

Jordan Rodgers argued that his brother does not need to carry the team in Pittsburgh the way he did in Green Bay.

"They have an elite defense that's playing at a high level, and they run the freaking ball. So, they're asking less of Aaron than [a team] ever has at any point in his career," Jordan said.

That may be true.

But the playoff record still stands.

Mahomes has thrown for 4,000-plus yards in every full season as a starter.

He has led game-winning drives in Super Bowls.

He has played through injuries.

Fedele sees that same resilience in the business world.

"I think anyone who puts in effort, no matter what, deserves that," Fedele said.

The debate on social media is unlikely to fade.