Patrick Mahomes Discovers a Teacher Using Her Salary for Students’ Meals—His Next Move Stuns Everyone
Patrick Mahomes never expected that his visit to Lakeside Elementary would lead him to a momentous discovery—a moment that would change not just the lives of the children at the school, but his own life too. What started as a routine appearance at the school turned into an emotional journey to fulfill a promise made 30 years ago.
It all began when Patrick arrived early to observe the school before his scheduled assembly. As he casually strolled through the hallways, he noticed something unusual in Miss Eleanor Winters’ classroom. He watched as she discreetly gave her own lunch to a hungry student, a quiet boy named Darius. This simple act of kindness piqued Patrick’s curiosity. What was behind this teacher’s selflessness?
As he watched further, he discovered that Miss Winters, a dedicated teacher at Lakeside Elementary for 15 years, regularly sacrificed her own meals, money, and time to provide for her students. She spent part of her modest salary buying extra food for those who couldn’t afford lunch, ensuring they never went hungry. But this wasn’t all she did—she provided school supplies, arranged medical care, and offered emotional support, all without seeking recognition or reward. She was a quiet hero, and her actions struck a chord with Patrick.
He couldn’t help but wonder why this particular teacher was so devoted to her students, going above and beyond what anyone could expect. It wasn’t just her hard work or dedication that stood out—it was the deep empathy and sacrifice that seemed to define her every action. Patrick decided he needed to learn more about Miss Winters, the woman behind the heroic acts.
He spoke to Principal Martinez, who revealed that while other schools offered better pay and resources, Miss Winters had repeatedly turned down opportunities to work at wealthier districts. She stayed at Lakeside because she believed these children needed her. The principal mentioned that Miss Winters had been offered better positions in the past but had always chosen to remain at the school where her impact was most needed. But what struck Patrick the most was what Principal Martinez shared next: Miss Winters had never shared her own struggles with anyone. She had been giving her own money to ensure that no child would go hungry, even if it meant sacrificing her own well-being.
The connection between Miss Winters and the children she helped was undeniable. Patrick knew there was something personal in her dedication, but he couldn’t quite place it. A deep feeling of familiarity lingered, and he felt a powerful need to understand her story.
Later that day, Patrick met with a school cafeteria worker named Tama Jones, who revealed more about Miss Winters’ extraordinary sacrifices. Tama shared how Miss Winters had spent at least $200 a week from her own salary to feed the hungry children in her class. When Patrick learned that Miss Winters had done this for years, without ever telling anyone, he felt compelled to do something to help her.
As Patrick continued to investigate, he uncovered something that startled him—Miss Winters was no stranger to tragedy. Diane, his foundation director, found that Miss Winters had suffered a devastating loss when she was just a child. Her older brother, James Winters, had died saving Patrick’s life. It turned out that James had been Patrick’s best friend when they were 12. The two had spent a summer together fishing, but one day, at Miller’s Pond, Patrick had gotten caught in a dangerous current. James had gone in after him, pushing Patrick to safety, but tragically, James drowned in the process. At the time, Patrick had promised James’ parents that he would look after his little sister, Ellie, as she was called. But as the years passed, Patrick got caught up in his career, and he lost touch with the Winters family.
When Patrick learned that Eleanor Winters, the teacher he had been observing, was James’ sister, it felt like a moment of destiny. He had never forgotten his promise to James, and now he had a chance to fulfill it—30 years later.
Patrick knew he had to keep his promise, but he wanted to do so in a way that would respect Eleanor’s dignity and not embarrass her. He planned to create a food security fund in her name that would provide meals for students at Lakeside Elementary and other schools in the area. The fund would ensure that no child in these schools would ever go hungry again. It would also offer emergency assistance to families struggling with food insecurity.
He kept his plan a secret, even from Eleanor. But on the day of the field trip, everything changed. Patrick Mahomes, in his signature style, arrived at the United Center with an incredible surprise for Miss Winters and her students. The children were thrilled with the luxurious bus ride, the special activities, and the opportunity to meet some of the Kansas City Chiefs players. But what they didn’t know was that Patrick’s visit wasn’t just about football. It was about something much deeper.
As the day came to a close and the children settled into a small theater room at the United Center, Alicia, the tour guide, told them that someone wanted to speak to them. The lights dimmed, and Patrick Mahomes himself entered the room. The children gasped in excitement. He was here to speak to them personally.
Patrick addressed the children and shared his story of perseverance and the importance of believing in themselves. But his speech took a surprising turn when he introduced Miss Winters to the children. He shared how he had seen her give her lunch to a hungry student and how she had spent her own money to ensure that her students had enough to eat. The room fell silent as Patrick revealed the creation of the $2 million Eleanor Winters Food Security Fund.
The children were shocked. They had no idea that their teacher’s kindness had inspired such an incredible gesture. But Patrick wasn’t finished yet. He pulled out a worn photograph from his wallet—one that showed him as a young boy, fishing with his best friend, James Winters. He handed the photo to Eleanor, revealing the truth that had remained hidden for so long.
“James Winters was my best friend,” Patrick said, his voice thick with emotion. “I made a promise to him that I would look after you, Ellie. I’m here to fulfill that promise.”
Eleanor’s heart stopped as she processed the moment. The man who had once been saved by her brother was standing in front of her, keeping the promise he had made so long ago. Tears filled her eyes as she realized that her brother’s legacy had been honored by the most unexpected of heroes.
As Eleanor stood there, surrounded by her students and the man who had kept his word, she understood something profound—some promises transcend time, fame, and fortune. Some promises, like the one Patrick made to James, are worth waiting decades to fulfill.
Patrick Mahomes Surprises Student With Free Tuition on ‘Today’ After Sinking Putt at Texas Tech Game
John E. Moore III/Getty Images
Patrick Mahomes surprised a student at his alma mater after he sank a 94-foot putt in front of the Chiefs quarterback at a basketball game earlier this week.
Texas Tech student Blake Porter went viral after nailing the impressive putt during the school’s showdown with the University of Houston on Monday, February 24. In his euphoric celebration, Porter made his way over to Mahomes, 29, who was sitting courtside with his wife, Brittany Mahomes, for a mid-air shoulder bump.
During a Thursday, February 27 appearance on the Today show, Porter said he received an iPad, a cooler and some Texas Tech gear for making the putt.
However, Today cohost Carson Daly said there was a “special message” awaiting Porter — which came in a video message from Patrick.
“What’s up, Blake?” Patrick said. “What an awesome moment it was the other night. I was so excited just to be a small part of it. I know you think you know what you won. But what you don’t know is Texas Tech athletics is going to be paying your tuition next fall.”
TODAY
Patrick added, “On top of that, Adidas and I are going to make you an honorary member of Team Mahomes.”
In August 2024, Patrick announced the six inaugural signings to Team Mahomes, the quarterback’s official NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) initiative with Adidas. Patrick played three seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2014 to 2016 before foregoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.
“We’ll be sending a nice care package your way to support your golf game,” Patrick’s video message concluded. “Congrats again and enjoy your time on the Today show.”
Porter hugged his crying mother after the video aired and said, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, that’s so cool.”
Today cohost Savannah Guthrie joked Porter’s mom was the “happiest” about the big surprise. “No tuition next fall!” Guthrie, 53, exclaimed.
In reflecting on his putt at the basketball game, Porter revealed he “barely” even made it inside the arena.
“I was kinda late,” he said. “The line was out the door. People were camping out two days beforehand.”
No. 10 Texas Tech ultimately lost to No. 4 Houston 69-61, but despite his school coming up on the short end of the score, it’s the memory of running over to Mahomes courtside that he’ll remember forever.
“I was just like, I really want to celebrate,” he said on Today. “I like to chest-bump people. There’s Patrick Mahomes. I didn’t even think about it. It was just one of those things.”
