Young Fan Trades Lunch Money for Patrick Mahomes Poster—Patrick’s Reaction Turns Into a National Story
Little moments can change everything. That’s what people say, right? That the smallest decisions can alter the course of your life in ways you’d never expect. For one young boy in Kansas City, that moment came down to a choice between lunch for a week or a poster of his hero.
The hallways of Truman Middle School buzzed with the usual Monday morning chaos. Sneakers squeaked against the floors, locker doors slammed, and the air was thick with weekend stories. Among the crowd moved a thin, quiet boy clutching a brown paper bag and a battered backpack. His name was Jason Robels, 12 years old, and he’d already learned what it meant to be invisible. Not the cool kind from comic books, but the kind where teachers forgot your name and even bullies didn’t bother with you.
Jason’s father had left three years ago. His mother, Dawn McKe, worked double shifts as a nurse’s aide, leaving before he woke and returning after he’d gone to bed. They got by, but just barely. The apartment was small, the heat unreliable, but Dawn made sure Jason always had clean clothes, food in his lunch bag, and all the love she could give. What she couldn’t give him was what every other kid seemed to have that year—anything with Patrick Mahomes’ name on it.
It was 2024, and Kansas City was obsessed with the Chiefs. Mahomes wasn’t just a quarterback; he was a legend, a magician with a football, a superhero who happened to play in their city. Kids wore his jersey, mimicked his no-look passes at recess, and plastered their walls with his image. Jason’s walls were bare—not because he didn’t worship Mahomes, but because posters cost money they didn’t have.
At lunch, Jason sat alone, unpacking his peanut butter sandwich, apple, and a carton of milk he’d bought with his lunch money. Two tables over, Christopher Fletcher, star of the school’s flag football team, was showing off a new Mahomes magazine. “They’ve got the Super Bowl poster at Sports Galaxy,” Christopher bragged. “My dad’s getting it for me after school.” Jason listened, heart pounding. He’d seen the poster in the shop window—Mahomes, arms raised in triumph, confetti falling, the Lombardi trophy gleaming beside him. It cost $20. Jason did the math. That was a week’s worth of lunch money.
He’d been saving for new sneakers in an old coffee can—$32 scraped together over months. If he took $20 for the poster, the sneaker fund would be devastated. But it was Mahomes. The rest of the day, Jason couldn’t stop thinking about it. If he used his lunch money for the week—$4 a day, five days—that was exactly $20. He could bring lunch from home and drink water. His mother wouldn’t know. By next week, he’d figure something out.
After school, Jason found himself walking to Sports Galaxy. Just to look, he told himself. The shop was crowded with kids. The poster was even more beautiful up close. “You buying or just looking, kid?” the owner, Mr. Martin, called. Jason hesitated, then, heart pounding, pulled out the $20 he’d been saving for lunch. “The Mahomes Super Bowl poster, please.” “Good choice,” Mr. Martin said, handing him the last one in stock.
The walk home felt different with the poster tube in his hands. His stomach grumbled—he’d been too nervous to eat—but he didn’t care. He had a piece of greatness. At home, he carefully taped the poster above his bed. Mahomes, the greatest quarterback in the world, now watched over his tiny room. “Worth it,” Jason whispered, going to bed hungry but happy.
The next day, Jason packed his sandwich and apple, no money for milk. At lunch, he drank water. He was about to eat when Holly Humphrey, a quiet girl from his English class, slid onto the bench across from him. “No milk?” she asked. “Not thirsty,” Jason shrugged.
A commotion at the cafeteria entrance made everyone turn. The principal, Mr. Garcia, walked in with a tall man in a Chiefs cap and sunglasses. Even with the disguise, there was no mistaking that walk. Whispers spread: “Is that…?” But it was. Patrick Mahomes was in their cafeteria.
“I’m looking for Jason Robels,” Mahomes said, his voice unmistakable. The cafeteria fell silent. Jason froze, sandwich halfway to his mouth. Holly nudged him. “He’s asking for you.” Jason somehow stood and walked up, heart pounding. Mahomes knelt to his eye level. “Heard you’re a fan,” Mahomes said, extending his hand. Jason shook it, barely able to speak.
Mr. Garcia offered his office for privacy. Mahomes explained: “Mr. Martin at Sports Galaxy is an old friend. He called me last night about a kid who spent his week’s lunch money on my poster.” Jason blushed. “I was gonna figure something out,” he mumbled. “I know you were,” Mahomes said kindly. “But I wanted to see that poster myself—and meet your mom if she’s home.”
Mahomes had already called Jason’s mom at work. She was meeting them at the apartment. Jason rode in Mahomes’ SUV, barely believing any of it. At home, Mahomes admired the poster. “Super Bowl LVIII. That was a good night,” Mahomes said softly. “The best,” Jason replied, rattling off stats. Mahomes grinned. “You know your football.”
Dawn arrived, shocked but smiling. Mahomes shook her hand. “Your son made a hard choice for something he believed in. That’s rare.” Dawn protested, “We’re fine—Jason never goes without.” “I know,” Mahomes said gently. “But even the best need teammates sometimes.” He handed Dawn an envelope. “A year’s worth of lunch money, and a little extra for poster frames and some Chiefs gear.”
Dawn hesitated but accepted. “Thank you,” she said, voice trembling. “One more thing,” Mahomes added. “The Chiefs have a scholarship for promising students—academic, not athletic. I’m nominating Jason. Four years from now, it’ll be waiting for him.” Dawn’s eyes filled with tears.
They went out for burgers. Mahomes asked about school, football, and Dawn’s nursing classes. Before leaving, Mahomes signed a football for Jason: “To Jason—Always believe. Patrick Mahomes.” “Don’t you dare sell it for lunch money,” he joked. Jason laughed, clutching the ball like gold.
The next day, the story was everywhere: “Mahomes Surprises Young Fan Who Traded Lunch for Poster.” Jason became a minor celebrity at school. Classmates asked to see the ball. Teachers congratulated him. Holly smiled at him in the hallway. “You don’t have to tell them everything,” she whispered. “It’s okay to keep some of it just for you.”
That week, Mahomes invited Jason and Dawn to a Chiefs game. They wore custom jerseys, met the team, and watched from VIP seats. After the game, Mahomes told Jason, “What you did—sacrificing for something you believe in—that’s what champions do. But remember, some sacrifices aren’t worth it. Your health and education come first. Deal?” “Deal,” Jason whispered.
A few weeks later, Jason and Dawn starred in a Gatorade commercial with Mahomes, telling their story of dedication and sacrifice. The commercial aired during the playoffs. Jason’s story inspired thousands. His father, who had drifted away, called to say he was proud. But Jason knew now—he was doing great, with or without him.
By the end of the year, Jason was no longer invisible. He had a signed football, a scholarship waiting, and a new sense of confidence. But the most important thing he’d gained was the lesson Mahomes had taught him: Dedication and sacrifice aren’t just words—they’re principles to live by. And sometimes, the smallest choices can reveal who you truly are.
Patrick Mahomes Makes Young Fan from Bullard, Texas VERY HAPPY
Patrick Mahomes has been amazing on the football field since his time growing up in Whitehouse, Texas. But beyond being a star athlete from everyone you meet, they will tell you that Patrick hasn’t changed, and he is still a kind person.
Which is why I love to highlight things like this where Patrick did something that made one fan from here in East Texas feel like a million bucks.
East Texas Family Traveled to Kansas City to See Patrick Play
The Kansas City Chiefs were playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past weekend and Mandy Milam Harris and her son Josiah were able to make the trip to Kansas City to see the game. Josiah even made a sign that said, “15-Mahomes Your #1 Fan from Bullard, TX.”
Photo courtesy of Mandy Milam Harris
Like so many kids who go to a sporting event Josiah wanted to say hi to Patrick, but knew the chances were not great. But he kept his hope alive.
After the Game Patrick Mahomes Made Dreams Come True
As Patrick was getting ready to leave the field he gave a few things to fans such as sweat bands, and Josiah was one of those kids! As you would imagine Josiah LOST HIS MIND with excitement.
If I’m hearing it correctly, I think Patrick says, “Bullard, Texas.” as he handed the sweatband to Josiah. Here is the video so you can see for yourself.
It’s just so cool to see star athletes taking care of young fans, especially ones that travel hundreds of miles to see them. Sometimes it doesn’t happen for one reason or another, but when you see a video of a kid so excited, it makes you love that athlete even more for making the special moment happen.
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes’ Past
Mahomes is most well known as the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, but in high school, he played more than just football.
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Former Whitehouse quarterback and current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Former Whitehouse quarterback and current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes dribbles down the court on his Whitehouse High School basketball team.
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes goes up for a shot
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes tosses a ball
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes tries to avoid getting hit by a pitch
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes fires the ball to third base
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes fires off one of his 110 pitches
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks for room to run
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Townsquare Media file
A Look Back at Patrick Mahomes
Former Whitehouse quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) and his group of receivers
