Twins tell Patrick Mahomesy that their mother has no food — his response changes the family’s destiny
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the streets of Kansas City’s East Side, where rows of aging homes stood shoulder to shoulder with boarded-up storefronts and bustling corner shops. The air was tinged with the scent of barbecue drifting from a food truck parked by the curb. Spring in Kansas City brought a gentle warmth, and the neighborhood buzzed with the sounds of children’s laughter and distant traffic.
Ten-year-old twins Malik and Maya Johnson dribbled a battered football down the cracked sidewalk. Their sneakers—scuffed and mismatched—slapped against the pavement as they raced toward the local park, a small lot with a sagging chain-link fence and a faded goalpost. The park was their refuge, a place where the worries of home faded with every pass and playful tackle.
Their mother, Alicia, had been laid off from her job at the community center six months ago. Since then, she’d scraped together cleaning gigs and long hours at a diner, but it was never enough. The fridge at home was nearly empty again, and an eviction notice hung on their door, heavy as a storm cloud.
“First to five wins!” Malik called, darting past his sister. Maya grinned and intercepted the ball, sprinting ahead to score. Their laughter echoed until a new sound cut through—a car door closing, followed by the unmistakable thud of athletic shoes on pavement.
A black SUV had pulled up to the curb. Out stepped none other than Patrick Mahomes, in a Chiefs hoodie and sweatpants, his easy smile lighting up the park. The other kids froze, jaws dropping. Malik and Maya clutched their football in disbelief.
Mahomes was in town for a charity event supporting youth sports in underserved neighborhoods—a cause close to his heart. He often visited places like this, away from the cameras, to connect with kids who saw in him not just a superstar, but hope.
“Mind if I throw around with you?” he asked, his tone warm and inviting. The twins nodded, starstruck. Malik finally managed, “Yeah, of course!”
Mahomes joined their game, tossing gentle spirals and showing Maya how to grip the ball. For several minutes, they played a friendly game of catch, laughter and shouts filling the air. After a while, Mahomes sat on the edge of the field, wiping sweat from his brow. The twins flopped down beside him, breathless.
He asked their names, favorite players, and how often they came to the park. “Almost every day,” Malik said. “It’s better here than at home,” Maya added, her voice softening.
Mahomes caught the hesitation in her words. He didn’t pry, but asked gently, “Things tough at home?”
The twins exchanged a look. Malik blurted, “We don’t have much food right now. Mom’s trying, but she lost her job.” Maya’s eyes filled with tears she quickly wiped away.
Mahomes felt his chest tighten. He’d heard stories like this before, but hearing it from these two kids, sitting under the Kansas City sun, made it painfully real.
“Does your mom get help from anyone?” he asked softly. Maya shook her head. “She doesn’t want to ask. She says we’ll be fine.”
Mahomes sat quietly for a moment, the city’s sounds fading into the background. Then he stood, extending a hand to each of them. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. My treat.”
The twins hesitated, then nodded, hunger outweighing pride. “There’s a barbecue truck around the corner,” Malik offered. Mahomes grinned. “Perfect.”
As they walked, Malik dribbled the football at his side. Mahomes discreetly texted his assistant: *Find out more about this family. I want to help.*
What began as a spontaneous stop at a local park was about to change the Johnson family’s future.
At the food truck, Mahomes ordered generously—ribs, brisket, mac and cheese, lemonade for everyone. The twins’ eyes widened, not just from hunger, but from the surreal experience of sharing a meal with one of the NFL’s greatest.
As they ate at a picnic table under a maple tree, Malik devoured his food, while Maya savored each bite. “Your mom going to worry where you are?” Mahomes asked gently. “She’s working a double at the diner,” Maya replied. “She won’t be home till late,” Malik added.
Mahomes nodded, noting how easily the twins masked their struggles. After lunch, Mahomes offered to walk them home. They hesitated, but eventually agreed.
They turned down a narrow street lined with patched fences and graffiti-tagged walls. Malik pointed to a weathered apartment building with a cracked window covered by a towel. “We live up there,” he said quietly, motioning to the corner unit.
Mahomes noticed the eviction notice taped to the door. He crouched beside the twins. “You two are tough,” he said softly. “But you shouldn’t have to be this tough.”
Just then, a neighbor stepped out—a kindly older woman. “You kids okay?” she asked, eyeing Mahomes with curiosity. Recognition dawned. “Aren’t you… Patrick Mahomes?” He smiled and nodded. The woman shook her head with a wistful smile. “Their mama’s been having a hard time. Works herself to the bone.”
Mahomes thanked her, then called his foundation’s director. “Hey, I need emergency assistance for a family—food, support, maybe housing resources. Tonight.” The twins watched, not fully understanding, but sensing something important was happening.
“Listen,” Mahomes told them, “I’m going to make sure your mom gets some help, okay?” Maya bit her lip. “You don’t have to.” Mahomes shook his head. “I want to. Sometimes people need a little help. That’s what community is for.”
A battered sedan pulled up. Alicia stepped out, her uniform wrinkled, exhaustion etched on her face. She froze at the sight of her kids with Patrick Mahomes.
“Mom!” Malik ran to hug her. Alicia stared in disbelief. “Is that…?” Mahomes stepped forward. “Hi, I’m Patrick. Your kids are incredible.”
Alicia’s pride flared. “We’re fine. We don’t need charity.” Mahomes met her gaze. “It’s not charity. It’s community.”
He handed her his number. “If you ever want to talk, or need anything.” As Mahomes walked away, Alicia stood on the sidewalk, the twins at her side, clutching the card.
That night, Alicia sat at the kitchen table, the apartment silent except for the twins’ soft breathing. Her pride told her to throw away the card, but the hope in her children’s eyes held her back. Finally, with trembling hands, she dialed.
“Hello?” Mahomes’ voice was calm and familiar. “This is Alicia, Malik and Maya’s mom.” They spoke quietly. Mahomes assured her his foundation could provide groceries, pay overdue bills, and connect her with job placement services—not as a handout, but as an investment in her family.
The next morning, a van delivered boxes of fresh food. Later, Mahomes returned with his wife, Brittany, who embraced Alicia and reminded her she wasn’t alone.
Soon, Alicia had a new job at the community center. Malik joined the school football team, Maya signed up for cooking club. The overdue rent was paid, dignity intact. The apartment, once heavy with worry, now hummed with hope.
A local news story about their journey spread, inspiring others. The park was refurbished, a plaque at the entrance reading: “It’s not charity. It’s community.”
On a sunny afternoon, Alicia watched her children play as Mahomes approached. “I used to think our story was about struggle,” she said. “But now I know it’s about resilience and connection.”
Mahomes smiled. “That’s what it’s always been about.”
And as the city moved around them, Alicia realized that—thanks to a moment of kindness and a champion’s heart—they would never be alone again.
Brittany Mahomes Shares Glimpse Into Easter With Patrick & Their Kids
Originally appeared on E! Online
The Mahomes family definitely had an egg-cellent Easter.
Brittany Mahomes shared a glimpse into how she and Patrick Mahomes spent the holiday with their little ones Sterling, 3, and Patrick “Bronze,” 15, months, which included spending time with their loved ones, dressing up in pastels and taking part in an egg hunt.
And they certainly dressed to impress for the occasion. Brittany donned a baby blue dress with white sandals, while the Kansas City Chiefs player wore a light blue polo t-shirt, white-washed jeans and white sneakers. As for their little ones, Sterling arrived in a baby blue gingham dress with her name in yellow embroidered on the front and Bronze wore a matching gingham shirt and shorts.
Alongside a series of sweet snaps of the family, she simply wrote, “Happy Easter.”
Brittany also shared videos on her Instagram Story March 31 of Sterling dancing in a circle with her cousins singing “Ring around the Rosy.” Later, Bronze and Sterling had some help from their parents while looking for colorful eggs during the annual Easter tradition.
“You found it,” Brittany exclaimed when Bronze found a gold egg, “Put it in your bucket! Good job!”
Brittany Mahomes/Instagram Stories
But the Mahomes quartet wasn’t the only NFL family to highlight their Easter celebrations. In fact, Russell Wilson and Ciara also shared some family photos March 31 with kids Future Zahir, 9—whom Ciara shares with ex Future—Sienna Princess, 6, and Win Harrison, 3, and Amora Princess, 3 months. The couple also posted videos of the kids running on a field during their egg hunt.
Brittany Mahomes
“Grateful for Family,” Russell wrote on Instagram. “Jesus continues to amaze me! HIS Sacrifice for us all. His Grace & Love for us all is more than enough! Forever Grateful for our babies and His Endless Love!”
Keep reading to see how other celebrity families chose to celebrate Easter this year.
Paris Hilton, Carter Reum & Phoenix
Paris, who shares son Phoenix, 14 months (pictured) and daughter London, 4 months, with husband Carter Reum (pictured), shared this behind-the-scenes look at her family’s Easter 2024 photo shoot.
Patrick & Brittany Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs players and Sports Illustrated model spent the holiday with their little ones Sterling, 3, and Patrick “Bronze,” 15, months, which included spending time with their loved ones, dressing up in pastels and taking part in an egg hunt.
