The more human side of Patrick Mahomes: Message sent to Chiefs reporter following sudden death of his father

Kansas City ’s superstar quarterback is fighting his way back from a major knee injury, but a private message sent away from football has offered a different glimpse of Patrick Mahomes during one of the biggest weeks of his comeback.

Chiefs reporter Tucker Franklin revealed that Mahomes reached out personally after the unexpected death of Franklin ’s father, Doug, sending a short message of support that was never intended to become a public moment.

“Praying for your family man. Chiefs and Chief Kingdom is with you!” Mahomes wrote.

Franklin later shared the exchange himself, explaining why the gesture stayed with him.

“I think it’s easy to wonder if the quarterback of your favorite team is actually a good guy,” Franklin wrote. “We don’t have to wonder about that in KC.”

The significance wasn't in the length of the message. It was in the fact that Mahomes took time to send it privately to someone accustomed to covering him from the other side of the podium.

Mahomes dealing own major comeback

The message arrived as Mahomes continues preparing for a possible Week 1 return after tearing the ACL and LCL in his left knee during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

He underwent surgery the following day and was initially warned that his recovery could extend into October. Instead, Mahomes has pushed toward being available for the opener against Denver.

Former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green believes that determination could make him especially dangerous.

“I always say that a motivated Patrick Mahomes is a dangerous Patrick Mahomes, and I think he has always found ways throughout his career, whether it be in college or the NFL, to try and prove people wrong,” Green said.

He added: “I think he’s gonna have a good year, and I think he will be starting Week 1against Denver on Monday night. I’ve seen him take every rep at practice.”

Kansas City has kept Mahomes out of preseason games, but head coach Andy Reid said the quarterback has continued to get the work he needs in practice.

“He’s going to keep practicing just like he’s been doing,” Reid said. “These are more like practice here, a lot of one-versus-one play these next couple of days. That’s a good thing.”

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy has also spent time rebuilding his timing with Mahomes during the offseason.

“Me and Pat, we’ve kind of been working this offseason on the timing and stuff you need to work on,” Worthy said. “I feel like when it’s time to play, we’ll all be ready.”

Most of the attention around Mahomes this week will naturally center on his knee, his availability and whether he can immediately return to the level that has defined his career.

Franklin ’s post, though, highlighted something that usually happens outside public view.

Mahomes didn't send the message for attention or as part of a media appearance. It became public only because Franklin chose to share it.