Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke for his alma mater, Texas Tech, as part of the university’s virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday.
Before Mahomes began speaking, Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec mentioned that Mahomes exemplifies the university tagline:
“From here, it’s possible.”
The reigning Super Bowl MVP kept his remarks short and sweet, as he reminded his now-fellow Texas Tech graduates to have pride in entering the working world from Lubbock, Texas, just as he did.
Here is his full speech (watch above or by clicking here; the speech begins at 12:46):
MAHOMES: “Class of 2020, congratulations. You did it. You’ve made it, and I’m beyond excited that I get to share this celebration with my fellow Red Raiders. I know this isn’t the graduation ceremony that you and your families had envisioned, but that doesn’t change the outcome or all the hard work, long hours and sacrifices that you made to achieve this milestone. I know this is surely not how you imagined spending your last days as a student. I’m sure you’d rather be hitting up Chimy’s or Broadway to celebrate this day. But the world is in a different place today than it was in just a few weeks ago and as Red Raiders, we’re built to persevere in difficult times. We’ve all had to take a moment and learn to adjust to these new challenges. And when the odds are stacked against us, we make a play. And I can tell you, this is going to make us all more competitive and hungrier than ever. Remember. This is still a day to celebrate — to look back on the friends you’ve made, professors who have changed your life and the memories that you will cherish forever. Whatever plans lie in front of you, I have no doubt you will go out there and show the world what it means to come from Lubbock, Texas. Go out and win your Super Bowl. Congrats class of 2020. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”