A torn Kansas City Chiefs jersey donated at a thrift store inspired Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce to track down the young fan who owned it
They not only returned it signed but also gave his family free meals at their new restaurant for a year.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Surprise Young Fan with Signed Jersey and Free Meals

In a heartwarming gesture that has captured the hearts of Kansas City Chiefs fans, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce went above and beyond to make a young fan’s day. After discovering a torn Kansas City Chiefs jersey donated at a local thrift store, the duo tracked down the young owner, returned the jersey signed, and gifted his family free meals for a year at their new restaurant, 1587 Prime. This act of kindness, rooted in their deep connection to the Kansas City community, showcases the athletes’ commitment to giving back and creating lasting memories for their fans.

A Torn Jersey Sparks a Mission

The story began at a small thrift store in Kansas City, Missouri, where a worn and torn Chiefs jersey caught the attention of a store employee. The jersey, a youth-sized replica bearing Travis Kelce’s number 87, was clearly cherished but had seen better days, with frayed seams and a ripped sleeve. A note pinned to the jersey, written in a child’s handwriting, read, “This was my favorite, but it doesn’t fit anymore. I hope someone loves it like I did.” Touched by the sentiment, the employee shared the story on a local community forum, where it quickly gained traction and reached the Chiefs’ organization.

When Mahomes and Kelce heard about the jersey, they were moved by the young fan’s attachment to it and decided to take action. Using their connections within the community and social media, they worked with the thrift store to identify the family who had donated the jersey. After some detective work, they learned it belonged to 12-year-old Ethan Carter, a devoted Chiefs fan who had outgrown his prized possession but couldn’t bear to throw it away.

Tracking Down the Young Fan

Mahomes and Kelce, known for their off-field camaraderie and generosity, made it their mission to find Ethan and surprise him. They reached out to his family through the thrift store and arranged a special visit. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the two stars arrived at Ethan’s home in a Kansas City suburb, carrying the freshly cleaned and repaired jersey, now autographed by both players with personal messages. Mahomes wrote, “Keep shining, Ethan! — PM15,” while Kelce added, “You’re part of Chiefs Kingdom forever! — TK87.”

Ethan’s mother, Lisa Carter, described the moment as “unforgettable.” She shared that Ethan had been heartbroken to part with the jersey, which he’d worn to every Chiefs game he watched on TV and even slept in during the team’s Super Bowl runs. Seeing his heroes at their doorstep, holding his beloved jersey, brought tears to his eyes. “He just kept saying, ‘Is this real? Is this really happening?’” Lisa recounted in a local news interview.

A Year of Meals at 1587 Prime

In addition to returning the signed jersey, Mahomes and Kelce had another surprise in store. They presented Ethan’s family with a certificate for free meals for a year at 1587 Prime, their new upscale steakhouse set to open in 2025 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Named after their jersey numbers—15 for Mahomes and 87 for Kelce—the restaurant promises a luxurious dining experience with high-end steaks, signature cocktails, and a modern, stadium-inspired atmosphere. The gift ensures that Ethan and his family can enjoy regular visits to the restaurant, creating new memories tied to their love for the Chiefs.

“We wanted to make sure Ethan and his family know they’re part of Chiefs Kingdom,” Mahomes said in a statement. “That jersey meant something special to him, and we wanted to show him that he means something special to us, too.” Kelce echoed the sentiment, adding, “This kid’s passion for the Chiefs is what makes this city so great. We’re just happy to give a little back.”

A Community Uplifted

The story of Ethan’s jersey quickly spread across Kansas City, amplified by posts on social media platforms like X, where fans praised Mahomes and Kelce for their thoughtfulness. One user wrote, “This is why we love our Chiefs. They don’t just play for the city—they care about it.” Another shared, “Mahomes and Kelce turning a torn jersey into a lifelong memory for a kid is peak Chiefs Kingdom.” The story resonated with fans who see the players as more than just athletes but as pillars of the community.

This act of kindness is part of a broader pattern of generosity from Mahomes and Kelce, who have consistently used their platform to support Kansas City residents. Previous acts include Mahomes covering school lunch debts for thousands of students and Kelce funding groceries for senior citizens, often with personal notes to brighten their day. Their foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, and Kelce’s work with Operation Breakthrough have provided resources for countless families, reinforcing their commitment to making a difference.

The Significance of 1587 Prime

The inclusion of free meals at 1587 Prime adds a special layer to this story, as the restaurant represents a new chapter for Mahomes and Kelce. Collaborating with hospitality group Noble 33, the duo has designed 1587 Prime to be a community hub, blending their love for Kansas City with their vision for an inclusive dining experience. “We don’t want to make it too upscale, too high-priced that not everybody can go,” Mahomes said in an interview about the restaurant. By offering Ethan’s family a year of meals, they’re ensuring that the Carters can be part of this venture from the start.

The restaurant, still under construction as of August 2025, has already generated buzz for its elegant design and unique menu items, like the Chiefs’ Victory Torch, a one-time wagyu short rib dish served on opening night. For Ethan, who dreams of becoming a chef, the gift is particularly meaningful. “He’s already talking about trying every steak on the menu,” Lisa said, laughing. “This means the world to him.”

A Lasting Impact

For Ethan, the signed jersey and restaurant gift are more than just material items—they’re a reminder that his heroes see and value him. The story has also inspired others in Kansas City to pay it forward, with local businesses offering discounts to families in need and fans organizing drives to donate Chiefs gear to young fans. The ripple effect of Mahomes and Kelce’s gesture highlights the power of small acts to strengthen a community.

As the Chiefs gear up for the 2025 NFL season, Mahomes and Kelce remain focused on their goal of another Super Bowl while continuing to make a difference off the field. Their connection, both on and off the gridiron, has made them icons in Kansas City, and stories like Ethan’s only deepen their legacy. “This is what Chiefs Kingdom is all about,” Kelce said in a recent press conference. “We’re here to lift each other up.”

Conclusion

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s decision to track down a young fan, return his cherished Chiefs jersey signed, and gift his family free meals at 1587 Prime for a year is a testament to their character and commitment to Kansas City. What began as a torn jersey in a thrift store became a life-changing moment for Ethan Carter and his family, reminding fans everywhere why Mahomes and Kelce are more than just football stars—they’re community heroes. As 1587 Prime prepares to open its doors, this story will remain a shining example of how the Chiefs’ spirit extends far beyond the field.