Patrick Mahomes has been leaving no stone unturned to take advantage of his enduring popularity by aligning with disruptive, high-growth beverage brands. With the aim of joining the billionaire athlete club at just 28 years old, Mahomes has become the lead investor in the $400 billion coffee industry, tapping into his famous status. The three-time Super Bowl winner recently displayed his business acumen and delighted fans by launching Throne Sports Coffee.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback collaborated with beverage industry virtuoso Michael Fedele to roll out ready-to-drink iced coffee. “I am proud to be part of Throne Sport Coffee and to launch and introduce a better iced coffee to the masses,” Mahomes remarked, channeling his self-reliance.
Mahomes’ new coffee venture has caught the attention of many famed personalities. His latest caffeine venture even grabbed the attention of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal’s co-host on “The Big Podcast,” Adam Lefkoe. Lefkoe took a moment to appreciate the QB’s latest beverage venture. Taking to his official Instagram account, Adam gave a big shout-out to the NFL MVP’s ready-to-drink iced coffee brand. Sharing a short clip of the tin cans of RTD coffee, which is prepared using electrolytes and B vitamins, he penned an appreciation note. “Appreciate the caffeine,” Lefkoe captioned his story, tagging the NFL star QB.
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The two-time MVP-winning quarterback reshared Adam’s post on his official IG handle, showcasing his gratitude towards the co-host of the 4-time champion Shaq. Mahomes has a solid vision to grow his caffeine brand company to the next level, similar to his NFL accomplishments. “We have been working on creating the perfect product for those who are always on-the-go, who are looking for a natural energy source with added benefits, and I couldn’t be more excited about being in on the ground floor of building this brand,” Mahomes affirmed earlier.
However, this appreciation post came after former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal missed the $117 billion deal with the beverage industry veteran brand, Starbucks.
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Shaquille O’Neal botches Starbucks deal
In his autobiography, ‘Shaq Uncut,’ NBA living legend Shaquille O’Neal spilled the beans on how he botched a deal with the coffee giant Starbucks in his younger days. O’Neal revealed the experience of meeting with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz when he was invited along with his financial advisor Lester Knispel.
O’Neal stated, “We had a deal. They called me down, and Howard had a whole table set up with different coffees and espressos. He was smiling, and Lester was smiling, so I knew things were going well. He started serving everyone, and he said, ‘Shaquille, what can I get you?’”
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The retired NBA star further disclosed his awkward reply: “I answered, ‘Nothing, thanks. I don’t drink coffee.’ Lester looked like I’d punched him in the gut. Howard looked kind of flustered, so I explained, ‘I’m sorry, I just don’t like the taste of it.’”
O’Neal later regretted his decision but still believes in investing in something he actually uses and has faith in, showing his fairness and genuineness. “It will probably go down as one of my worst business decisions ever, but what can I tell you? I just don’t like coffee. Can’t fake that one, brother,” O’Neal penned in his autobiography. O’Neal’s candid recollection of his experience with Starbucks indicates his authentic personality, which makes him a beloved celebrity among his fans.
