Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Rallies KC Students for Reading

Mahomes encourages kids to read 15 minutes a day through his foundation's annual literacy event.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:07am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting depicting the raw energy and enthusiasm of Patrick Mahomes interacting with a group of cheering students during a reading rally in Kansas City.Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes inspires a crowd of Kansas City students to embrace reading through his foundation's annual literacy event.Kansas City Today

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent the morning reading to around 3,000 students as part of the Lead to Read KC annual reading rally. Mahomes, through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, encouraged the kids to read for 15 minutes a day outside of school, emphasizing that reading is important in every aspect of life, including sports.

Why it matters

Mahomes is a beloved figure in Kansas City, and his involvement in promoting childhood literacy can have a significant impact on motivating students to read more. The Lead to Read KC event is an important annual initiative that aims to foster a love of reading among local youth.

The details

During the rally, Mahomes told the students that reading is crucial, even for a professional quarterback like himself who has to read the playbook and study the game plan to be successful on the football field. The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, founded by Mahomes, encourages kids to read for 15 minutes a day outside of school.

  • The reading rally took place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and founder of the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, which promotes childhood literacy.

Lead to Read KC

A local organization that hosts an annual reading rally to encourage Kansas City students to read more.

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What they’re saying

“Reading is very important in life and sports. Reading is important in everything you do on a daily basis, even if it's like I said, me and playing quarterback, I read the playbook, I study the game plan and that helps me be successful on the football field and every single aspect of life. You're going to have to read.”

— Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback

What’s next

Lead to Read KC is always looking for reading mentors to volunteer an hour per week to help local students improve their literacy skills.

The takeaway

Mahomes' involvement in the Lead to Read KC rally demonstrates the positive impact that influential community figures can have in inspiring children to develop a love of reading, which is a crucial skill for success in all aspects of life.