The NFL star tells PEOPLE that his goal is “spending as much time with the family” when he’s not on the field

Anna Lazarus Caplan is a writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. Her work previously appeared in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Dallas Morning News, Eater and other publications.

Patrick Mahomes is staying connected — on and off the field!

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE tied to a new campaign with T-Mobile, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback says that he relies on FaceTime when the team travels, so that he doesn’t miss out on any family moments with wife Brittany, daughter Sterling Skye, 3½, and Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III, 21 months.

“It makes the distance feel a little smaller when I’m on the road,” the reigning Super Bowl MVP tells PEOPLE.

All of which will come in handy this week when the Chiefs travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons for their first away game of the season, as Mahomes looks to guide the team to a third win in a row.

Brittany Mahomes Calls Patrick ‘One of the Greatest Humans Ever’ as She Celebrates His 29th Birthday

Brittany and Patrick Mahomes at his 29th birthday party. BRITTANY MAHOMES/INSTAGRAM

Over the past week, he celebrated a squeaker of a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals — and his 29th birthday — toasting the moments with family and friends including Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

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In the new ad that debuts on Friday, Sept. 20, Mahomes “shimmy-shimmy shakes” as he weaves through a T-Mobile store, improvising his route to a new Apple iPhone 16 as Snoop Dogg and YouTube star Kai Cenat provide commentary on his moves.

“T-Mobile has always been about connecting people, and that’s something I really value, especially with my family and me always on the go,” Mahomes tells PEOPLE about the partnership. “Plus, their team is just awesome to work with — always full of energy and down to get creative together.”

Taylor Swift Takes Fun Photo Booth Snaps with Fellow Chiefs WAGs at Patrick Mahomes’ Birthday Celebration

The latter is something the signal-caller is known for during games, while the former may just be harder to come by once baby No. 3 arrives.

Mahomes says he relishes “spending as much time with the family,” whether it’s in the offseason or along the sidelines. “There’s nothing better,” he says.

In a birthday post on Instagram earlier this week, Brittany compiled some of their favorite family moments, from going on vacation to snuggling at home on the couch.