In a bold challenge to college football’s decades-long tradition of favoring offensive players, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes is using his platform to champion a defensive star for the Heisman Trophy. The former Texas Tech quarterback has publicly thrown his support behind Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose elite performance has made him a shock candidate for the sport’s most prestigious individual award. This unprecedented campaign, backed by celebrity influence and grassroots alumni power, seeks to break a 26-year historical barrier and redefine what it means to be the best player in college football.
Story Highlights
- Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes publicly endorsed Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez for the Heisman Trophy.
- Rodriguez posted elite numbers with 14 tackles, an interception, and fumble recovery in Texas Tech’s 29-7 victory over BYU.
- The campaign represents a rare push for a defensive player in an award historically dominated by quarterbacks.
- Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III has joined the chorus supporting Rodriguez’s candidacy.
Mahomes Champions Alma Mater’s Defensive Star
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to social media following Texas Tech’s dominant 29-7 victory over BYU, posting “Get him to New York! @HeismanTrophy” in support of linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The Super Bowl MVP’s endorsement carries significant weight in college football circles, particularly given his status as one of the NFL’s most recognizable players and his deep ties to the Red Raiders program.
Rodriguez’s performance against BYU showcased why he deserves serious Heisman consideration. The former walk-on recorded 14 tackles, secured an interception, and forced a fumble recovery in a game that propelled Texas Tech into College Football Playoff contention. His season statistics through ten games include 88 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and three interceptions, numbers that demonstrate elite defensive production rarely seen in modern college football.
Patrick Mahomes lends Texas Tech star support for Heisman Trophy consideration #redraiders #texastech https://t.co/GPudFvZr20
— Red Raiders Fandom (@TTRedRaiders) November 9, 2025
Breaking Historical Barriers in Award Voting
The Heisman Trophy has historically favored offensive players, particularly quarterbacks and running backs, making Rodriguez’s campaign particularly noteworthy. Only one primarily defensive player, Charles Woodson in 1997, has ever captured the award. This quarterback-centric tradition has long frustrated defensive players and coaches who argue the award should recognize overall football excellence rather than offensive statistics alone.
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has been vocal in supporting his linebacker’s candidacy, stating “The Heisman is given to the best football player. Jacob is playing at an elite level as good as anybody in the country.” This institutional backing, combined with Mahomes’s celebrity endorsement, creates unprecedented momentum for a defensive player’s Heisman push. The campaign challenges voters to reconsider their traditional preferences and evaluate impact beyond offensive production.
Alumni Power Drives Grassroots Movement
The Rodriguez campaign demonstrates how alumni influence and social media can reshape college football narratives. Mahomes, who never received Heisman consideration during his own Texas Tech career, is now using his platform to elevate a deserving teammate from his alma mater. Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III has also endorsed Rodriguez, calling him “the Heisman Front Runner” and highlighting his inspiring journey from walk-on to national candidate.
This unified alumni support represents a strategic departure from traditional Heisman campaigns that typically rely on media lobbying and institutional promotion. The grassroots social media movement has already generated significant national attention for both Rodriguez and the Texas Tech program. Rodriguez himself acknowledged the power of Mahomes’s endorsement, saying, “If Patrick Mahomes says I deserve it, I’ll take it. That’s love.”
Watch the report: Patrick Mahomes lends Texas Tech star support for Heisman Trophy consideration
Sources:
Patrick Mahomes hypes Jacob Rodriguez’s Heisman contention after Texas Tech beats BYU
Patrick Mahomes Hypes Jacob Rodriguez as Heisman Contender After Texas Tech Beats BYU
Patrick Mahomes Backs Jacob Rodriguez’s Heisman Campaign With 5-Word Message
Patrick Mahomes lends Texas Tech star support for Heisman Trophy consideration
