Growing up, many successful individuals had someone they looked up to and aspired to be. Having an idol isn’t a bad thing; it’s what drives people to become the best in their field. Legendary figures like Wayne Gretzky and Kobe Bryant drew inspiration from their predecessors, and it’s not limited to sports – musicians, artists, and chefs also have idols who influence their craft.
Dylan Raiola is one of the top true freshman quarterbacks in the country, and it’s no surprise he’d want to emulate the best. Patrick Mahomes is an obvious choice, and it’s understandable why Raiola would want to model his game after him. The similarities are striking – from the pregame ritual to the distinctive arm sleeves. It’s not a wild coincidence; it’s a young athlete paying homage to his idol.
However, Raiola claims it’s all just a coincidence, that he unintentionally became a near-exact replica of Mahomes. It’s hard to believe, especially when considering the timing of his haircut, which coincides with Mahomes’ first MVP win. Admitting to idolizing someone is normal, especially at a young age. What’s unusual is denying the obvious influence.
Perhaps Raiola is simply unaware of the extent to which he’s emulating Mahomes, like those friends who change their personality or looks based on who they’re spending time with. Whatever the case, it would benefit him to have someone in his life to encourage him to own up to his inspiration.
Leave a Reply