Patrick Mahomes‘ grandfather has been moved to a hospice in heartbreaking news for the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, a little over 48 hours until he plays for a place in the Super Bowl.
Mahomes’ mother, Randi, announced the news on social media on Friday, sharing a post on her Instagram story saying: ‘My dad is in a hospice and I’m lost for words.’
She has repeatedly spoken on social media about her father, Randy, and his ill health but has never revealed precisely what the issue is. Randy turned 78 on January 6.
For the Chiefs star Patrick, the news also comes just over a week after the birth of his third child, a second daughter called Golden Raye.
Mahomes was working as usual on Friday with his team, despite the family news.
The Chiefs held a press conference previewing the hugely anticipated game against the Buffalo Bills but Mahomes did not speak – Travis Kelce faced reporters instead.
Randi Mahomes took to Instagram over the holidays and asked for prayers for her father, Randy and in September shared a picture of herself watching Patrick and the Chiefs play from her dad’s hospital bed.
‘Prayer warriors please pray for my daddy,’ she wrote on September 13 as the Chiefs played the Los Angeles Chargers. ‘He is in the hospital and is not well.’
She also shared a picture of her father out of hospital on Thanksgiving and said she was thrilled to be celebrating with him.
Mahomes and his Chiefs team are in pursuit of the ‘three-peat’ this season – an historic third straight Super Bowl title.
The 29-year-old led his team to a 23-14 win over Houston Texans at Arrowhead last Saturday on what was his mom’s 49th birthday.
After that victory, Randi posted a picture of her with Patrick, his wife Brittany and brother Jackson with the caption: ‘Winning on and off the field! I am so proud of you son. Grateful for the moments with family that mean the most.’
Mahomes has been under scrutiny this week due to referees seemingly giving him favorable calls in the Texans game, while he also appeared to flop after running towards the sideline on one play.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy even said that Mahomes was damaging his legacy through his conduct.
Mahomes himself gave an honest verdict on the incident earlier this week.
‘I would say the only one I felt like I probably did too much was the one on the sideline where I didn’t get the flag,’ he said.
‘The ref saw it and didn’t throw a flag, I understood it immediately and know that I probably shouldn’t have done that.’
If the Chiefs beat the Bills, they will face the winner of Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on February 9.
