Thank you Patrick Mahomes,
This Tuesday many of us woke up to the news that Patrick Mahomes would not be finishing his senior year here at Texas Tech University, but instead will be going into the NFL draft. Although our hearts are very broken, the students of Texas Tech cannot wait to cheer on one of our favorite quarterbacks as he goes and lives his dream (that is, as long as he doesn’t go to the Browns). Though there were times we were cursing his name, we can’t help but remember that usually a few minutes after that we were screaming how much we love him. Mahomes somehow helped bring Tech football back together, on the field and in the stands.
So Pat, this one is for you.
Thank you for the wins and the losses.
No, we may have not won a college championship, but then again we aren’t Alabama. We didn’t always make it to a bowl game. And we loss some games we probably should have won (Iowa State). But honestly none of that matters. Yes, winning would be fun, but what matters are the memories created. The roar of "Raider Power” during the over filled TCU game in 2015 that sent chills down everyones spine and the sweet victory over UT in the same year. The simple memories like doing the wave around the stadium or rushing to the field to get the best seats. Some of the best memories were the worst games, and it was easier leaving knowing we had a quarterback that would come back the next game ready for redemption.
Thank you for not being Baker Mayfield.
You didn’t leave on bad terms, and you didn’t throw your team or coach under the bus, and for that I am thankful. You stepped up in ways that no one imagined for you to do, and because you were humble and just wanted to serve your university and not yourself, you came out on top. To me, and I am sure most of the other Texas Tech students, you exceed Mayfield in every aspect. Whether it be in stats, likability, or humbleness; I promise you will always win in that case.
Thank you for never quitting.
This past season you had an injured shoulder and wrist. Yet you still managed to out play all of the Heisman candidates. Not only does this show your dedication to the sport, but to your team. You are someone that little kids are able to look up to and push a little harder to achieve their dreams. People are able to look at you and see that you are human, but that you are still able to give it your whole entire heart. The games weren’t always pretty, and I am sure the practices were worse, but you always gave us a reason to celebrate.
Finally, thank you for not being alone.
Though you are a great quarterback, one person does not make a team. You may have the arm, but you can’t play catch with yourself. So thank you to the coaches and to the players that don’t always get t-shirts made after them (in their defensive “mahomies” just sounds cool). Thank you to the whole team of Red Raiders for giving us a reason to get up and buy tortillas every Saturday in the fall. And mostly, thank you for keeping the university of Texas Tech so great.
So Pat, your time may be almost finished as a Red Raider, but you will always have an entire school cheering for you. Continue striving for honor, and never forget where you came from.
Sincerely,
A Texas Tech student
