Patrick Mahomes’ Kermit Voice Meets Kenny Powers’ Swagger – The Internet Loses It!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In the world of sports, moments of lighthearted humor often steal the spotlight, and for Patrick Mahomes, his offseason after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII loss is no exception. The Chiefs quarterback, whose voice has been the subject of online jests for years, has recently become the center of a viral mashup that combines his signature raspy tones with the swagger of one of TV’s most iconic characters. And the internet is absolutely loving it.
The Rise of the Mahomes-Kenny Powers Mashup
Despite his on-field success and leading the Chiefs to five Super Bowl appearances in just six seasons, Mahomes entered the offseason with the sting of defeat still fresh after his team fell short in the big game. The Chiefs’ loss not only halted a potential dynasty run but also gave birth to a wave of online humor. Mahomes’ unique voice, which many have affectionately compared to Kermit the Frog, found a new comparison as it collided with the brash, no-nonsense swagger of Danny McBride’s character, Kenny Powers, from the cult hit show Eastbound & Down.
This unexpected pairing took off when Mahomes appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss the Chiefs’ wild victory party in Las Vegas after their Super Bowl win. A clever internet user spliced Mahomes’ interview with clips of Powers’ over-the-top, egotistical delivery, creating a viral video that garnered over 12 million views in no time. The mashup, with Mahomes’ voice layered over Powers’ swagger, was the perfect storm of humor, blending a superstar athlete with a larger-than-life TV personality.
McBride’s Response: ‘Champions Recognize Champions’
The buzz didn’t stop there. When Danny McBride, the mastermind behind Kenny Powers, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! not long after, Kimmel couldn’t resist bringing up the viral clip. “Do you know Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback?” Kimmel asked, grinning from ear to ear. McBride, a good sport about it, smiled and nodded. “Of course I do, yeah,” he said.
When Kimmel asked if McBride had seen the comparisons between him and Mahomes, the actor responded with a playful acknowledgment. “I think the first time I saw my son really respect me was when he saw that clip,” McBride said. He then added, “Well, you know, champions recognize champions,” a remark that set the internet ablaze with more love for the mashup. Two legends—one real and one fictional—colliding in the most hilarious way.
A Legacy of Humor and Good Sportsmanship
While the viral video has certainly shone a spotlight on Mahomes’ voice, the quarterback has long been known for his ability to handle light-hearted jokes with grace. The year before, during the offseason, a fan at a Raiders camp took the prank to the next level by introducing a Kermit the Frog puppet dressed like Mahomes. The internet had a field day with the playful mockery, and even rookie safety Trey Taylor jumped on the bandwagon by mimicking Mahomes’ voice.
Both Mahomes and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid handled the situation with humor, proving that not only are they legends on the field, but also excellent sports when it comes to the playful side of the game. Whether it’s through viral memes or fan pranks, Mahomes continues to win over fans with his good-natured attitude, making it clear that he’s not just a football champion, but a true champion of humor and humility as well.
As Mahomes and McBride continue to share the spotlight for their unforgettable voices, fans can only hope this mashup leads to more hilarious moments—and perhaps even a crossover of sorts—between football and TV’s most irreverent character. After all, champions do recognize champions.
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