Janitor Is Fired for Watching a Game on Break—Patrick Mahomes’s Reaction Stuns the Boss
In a world where status often dictates respect, some stories remind us that true character shines through in unexpected moments. This is one such story—one that changed not just a single life, but an entire workplace’s perspective on dignity and respect.
The year was 2023, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice facility hummed with its usual evening activity. The polished floors gleamed under the fluorescent lights, maintained meticulously by Robert Franklin, a janitor who had worked there for 15 years. The echoes of cleats and coaches had faded, replaced by the gentle swish of Robert’s mop across the floor. The facility was mostly empty, save for a few administrative staff working late.
Robert had earned his reputation as the most reliable member of the maintenance team, known for his quiet dedication and impeccable work ethic. What most people didn’t know was that Robert had played college football in his youth, and his love for the game had never diminished. The breakroom television was visible from the hallway where Robert worked, and the Chiefs were playing a crucial away game against the Buffalo Bills.
As Robert finished his section, he glanced at his watch. His designated 15-minute break had arrived. He made his way to the breakroom, carefully placing his mop and bucket in the custodial closet. The room was empty, and Robert settled into a chair, allowing himself to become absorbed in the game. The Chiefs were down by four with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Kevin Armstrong, the newly appointed facility manager, had been working late that evening. Fresh from a corporate background and eager to make his mark, Armstrong had implemented strict policies about breaktime efficiency. He prided himself on running a tight ship, often boasting about his zero-tolerance approach to workplace laxity.
As Armstrong walked past the breakroom, he noticed Robert engrossed in the game. Armstrong’s face darkened with disapproval. Here was his chance to demonstrate his authority. He stepped into the room, clearing his throat loudly.
“Mr. Franklin,” Armstrong’s voice cut through the game commentary. “I don’t believe we pay you to watch television.”
Robert straightened in his chair, maintaining his composure. “I’m on my break, Mr. Armstrong. Fifteen minutes as per policy.”
“Breaks are for recuperation, not entertainment. This is a workplace, not a sports bar. Consider this your first and final warning.”
“Sir, I’ve worked here for 15 years,” Robert replied calmly. “Never had any complaints about my work.”
“Times change, Mr. Franklin. So do expectations. I suggest you adapt, or we’ll have to reconsider your position here.”
The confrontation might have ended there, but Armstrong noticed Robert’s eyes drift back to the screen as Mahomes made a crucial scramble for a first down. This small act of defiance ignited Armstrong’s temper.
“That’s it. Clear out your locker. You’re terminated. Effective immediately.”
Robert stood slowly, his dignity intact despite the shocking turn of events. “Sir, I believe this is an overreaction.”
“What’s an overreaction is thinking you can disregard direct instructions from management. Security will escort you out.”
Word of Robert’s firing spread quickly through the facility’s night staff. Douglas Holland, a security guard who had known Robert for years, couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Neither could Angela Stafford, the evening receptionist, who had always appreciated Robert’s friendly greetings and immaculate maintenance of the lobby.
What Armstrong didn’t know was that Robert Franklin wasn’t just any janitor. Over his 15 years of service, he had become a fixture in the Chiefs organization. He had been there through playoff heartbreaks and Super Bowl triumphs, through late-night practice sessions and early-morning preparations. More importantly, he had formed quiet but meaningful connections with many of the players and staff.
The following morning, Patrick Mahomes arrived early for practice, as was his custom. He immediately noticed Robert’s absence. When Patrick learned what had happened from Douglas, his reaction was immediate and decisive. Mahomes’ presence filled Armstrong’s office without warning. The facility manager’s smug expression faltered as he found himself face to face with the team’s superstar.
“Tell me why you fired Robert,” Mahomes’ voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of steel.
“Mr. Mahomes, this is a personnel matter—”
“I don’t believe Robert has been here longer than you’ve been out of college,” Mahomes interrupted. “He’s part of this organization’s foundation, and you fired him for watching our game?”
“It’s about maintaining professional standards.”
Mahomes laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Robert arrives early every day. Stays late when needed. Never misses a day. The floor is so clean you could eat off it. Those are professional standards.”
“Mr. Mahomes, with all due respect, this is an administrative decision.”
“No,” Mahomes cut him off again. “This is about respect. Something you clearly need to learn about. Robert stays. In fact, he gets a raise. And if you have a problem with that, you can take it up with management after you apologize to him.”
The office fell silent. Armstrong’s authority had crumbled in the face of something far more powerful than his corporate policies—genuine respect earned through years of dedication and hard work.
Later that afternoon, Robert returned to work, greeted by smiles from his colleagues. Armstrong’s apology was stiff but complete. But the story didn’t end there. Mahomes had one more surprise in store. The next home game, Robert found himself with sideline passes—a gift from Mahomes himself.
As he stood there watching the team he had supported for so many years, Robert realized that respect and dignity aren’t determined by job titles or positions. They’re earned through character, dedication, and the way we treat others.
The incident became a turning point for the facility’s culture. Armstrong’s management style underwent a dramatic transformation as he learned that true leadership isn’t about wielding authority—it’s about recognizing and respecting the dignity in every person’s contribution.
Years later, when asked about the incident, Robert would simply smile and say, “Sometimes the greatest lessons in life come from unexpected moments. It’s not about what position you hold, but how you hold yourself in that position.”
The story of Robert Franklin and Patrick Mahomes’ intervention spread throughout the Chiefs organization and beyond, becoming a powerful reminder that every person, regardless of their role, deserves respect and dignity. It stands as a testament to the fact that true leadership isn’t about pushing people down, but lifting them up.
And sometimes, the greatest champions show their character not on the field, but in the quiet moments when they stand up for what’s right.
Patrick Mahomes Addresses Home Robbery Amid Ongoing Investigation: ‘It’s Disappointing’
Patrick Mahomes broke his silence on the recent robbery at his home.
“It’s frustrating. It’s disappointing,” Mahomes, 29, said during the Kansas City Chiefs press conference on Wednesday, November 13. “I can’t get into too many details because the investigation is still ongoing.”
He continued: “But [it’s] obviously something you don’t want happening to anybody, but especially yourself.”
When asked by reporters if Patrick and his family — which includes pregnant wife Brittany Mahomes and their two children: daughter Sterling, 3, and son Bronze, 23 months — were at the house during the incident, Patrick added that he “can’t speak” on the “details” due to the investigation. However, Patrick is “sure” that information will be discussed “at some point.” It has been unclear if the family was home at the time.
News broke on Tuesday, November 12, that Patrick’s home was burglarized. According to police documents obtained by People, officers from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were sent to the Chiefs quarterback’s Belton, Missouri property at 12:08 a.m. on October 6 after the home was “broken into around midnight.”
The robbery at Patrick’s home took place the night before the Chiefs faced off against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium for Monday Night Football.
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
It was also reported that Patrick’s teammate and friend Travis Kelce’s home was also burglarized. Kelce’s Leawood, Kansas property was robbed at 7:33 p.m. on October 7, with police “not called to the house until 1:36 a.m. the following morning,” per docs obtained by People. The authorities detailed that $20,000 was taken from the tight end’s home and a rear door at the estate “was broken.” The incident at Kelce’s home took place during the Chiefs game.
Kelce has not publicly addressed the robbery. Both incidents are currently being investigated, per TMZ.
Before the time of the break-ins, Patrick was seen at Kelce’s 35th birthday celebration which took place on October 5. The duo attended a Zac Townsend comedy show at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City.
Patrick bought his mansion in 2020 but he and his family fully moved in three years later. A series of renovations on the home were recently finished. Earlier this year, Brittany showed off a completed dog shower that was built for their two dogs, Steel and Silver.
Kelce, for his part, recently moved to a new location after going public with his romance with Taylor Swift in October 2023. “People would show up at his [previous] house and leave things on his doorstep,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly at the time. “It kind of freaked him out at first. He didn’t feel safe.”
