On Tuesday night, Patrick Mahomes surprised a group of kids with a shopping spree at Dick’s Sporting Goods and a chance to meet their idol.
In celebration of Giving Tuesday, Patrick Mahomes surprised a group of 8- to 13-year-old boys and girls, members of KC United, who thought they had just arrived at Dick’s Sporting Goods for a small shopping spree.
Little did they know, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was hiding just behind a screen. As they all lined up to take a picture (decked out in the signature Mahomes hairdo), he snuck behind and asked them all to say cheese! The parents and kids yelled with shock and excitement; they could hardly believe their idol was standing there with them.
Mahomes also presented KC United founder Adrion Roberson with a check for $5,000 on behalf of DICK’S Sports Matter program to support the organization’s ongoing work. Roberson said it was a chance for the kids to see that the community cares about them. “For the kids to see Patrick Mahomes, I hope it gives them hope of the possibilities. We didn’t know…this whole scenario…I have no words for it. We love our city.”
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Roberson founded KC United 10 years ago. In the past, kids were being driven 45 minutes one way to play various sports. KC United offers opportunities to kids in the area who come from tough situations to participate in football, basketball, and cheerleading. They hope to expand to provide even more sports in the future, including track and lacrosse. With the gift, Roberson said they will be able to pay their insurance for next year without having to do it out of pocket and will be able to take care of outstanding bills.
When talking about the effect Mahomes has on the kids, Roberson said, “That’s the sincerity of it. You know, you have a lot of athletes once they reach a certain level other than coming out giving autographs and stuff like this…it is what it is being part of the team, but for him to come out and to touch the kids. They can go home and say, ‘I was with Patrick Mahomes.’”
When asked about his own message for Mahomes, Roberson said, “Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. He’s taller than what I thought, and that man is awesome. I’m going to say this to the Chiefs’ offensive line: Y’all keep him healthy. That’s all I’ve got to say.”
The smiles on the kids’ faces showed what a huge opportunity this was. I spoke with one of the kids, Damonta, and he said he couldn’t explain how much this meant to him. He plays quarterback and dreams of one day being like Mahomes.
Mahomes spent 30 minutes shopping with the kids, picking out various items throughout Dick’s Sporting Goods. Mahomes later said that the kids’ favorite items were shoes (he didn’t blame them) and red Adidas sweatshirts—just like the one he was wearing. When asked if the kids had anything funny to say, Mahomes said the kids told him to “stop fumbling,” and they all thought they could throw the ball farther than him. The kids’ competitive nature was on show as there was almost a throwing contest in the store.
It is clear how important giving back to the community is to Mahomes. Having learned that from his mother, Mahomes believes it is incredibly important to give back here in Kansas City. Mahomes also made mention of his “My Cause, My Cleats” shoes to support Team Luke, a foundation for a child he met in Lubbock, Texas who is currently in rehab.
We are constantly dazzled by the amazing plays Mahomes makes on the field, but what is equally impressive is Mahomes’ role in the community. His desire to give back and to support the community that has supported and continues to support him is unmatched.
If you are interested in getting involved with KC United, you can find out more about their work here Adrion Roberson at 913-999-8181.
