SAD NEWS: Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs teammate shed tears and prayed for Jimmy Wilkerson after a heartbreaking announcement…

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In a somber turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs organization and its iconic quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, found themselves grappling with heartbreaking news: former Chiefs defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson has been diagnosed with cancer. Known for his grit on the field and his charisma off it, Wilkerson’s announcement has sent ripples of sadness through the NFL community. The news, delivered in a private meeting with his former teammates, coaches, and friends, left everyone in attendance deeply emotional, showcasing just how cherished Wilkerson remains within the Chiefs family.

A Beloved Figure in Kansas City

Wilkerson’s tenure with the Chiefs from 2004 to 2009 cemented his place as a fan favorite. His hard-nosed playing style, leadership, and dedication to his team made him a respected figure not only in the locker room but also among fans. After retiring from professional football, Wilkerson continued to stay connected with the Chiefs, attending games and participating in community events that exemplified his commitment to giving back.

The news of his diagnosis has brought an outpouring of grief and support from the Chiefs organization and fans alike. It’s a moment that has united the football community in prayer and solidarity for one of its own.

A Heartbreaking Announcement

The news of Wilkerson’s illness was revealed during a closed meeting at the Chiefs’ training facility. Present were head coach Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and several former and current players who had shared the field with Wilkerson. With tears in his eyes, Wilkerson disclosed his diagnosis. Though the specific type of cancer has not been made public, the weight of the revelation was undeniable.

Patrick Mahomes, speaking at a press conference shortly after, struggled to contain his emotions. “Jimmy has always been a fighter,” he said, his voice breaking. “He’s someone who’s given everything to this team and this city. To see him face this battle is heartbreaking. But we’re here for him. Whatever he needs, we’ll be there.”

The announcement has prompted an immediate response from the Chiefs’ organization, which has rallied to support Wilkerson during this challenging time. The sense of unity and family that the team has long been known for is now more important than ever.

The Emotional Response

The news hit Mahomes particularly hard. Although Wilkerson’s time as a player ended before Mahomes became the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, the two formed a close friendship through their shared commitment to the team and the community.

“Jimmy was someone I looked up to even before I joined the Chiefs,” Mahomes shared. “Hearing about the impact he had on the team and seeing how he carried himself off the field made me respect him even more. He’s always been a source of positivity and strength for everyone around him. Now it’s our turn to be that for him.”

Former teammates also expressed their deep sorrow. Defensive lineman Chris Jones, who had the chance to learn from Wilkerson early in his career, described the news as “a gut punch.” Jones said, “Jimmy was more than a teammate—he was a mentor and a friend. He taught me about resilience and determination, lessons that I carry with me every day. It’s hard to process this, but all we can do is support him and pray for his recovery.”

Rallying Together

The Chiefs organization has wasted no time showing their unwavering support. Players and coaches have visited Wilkerson, offering words of encouragement and making sure he knows he’s not alone in this fight. Fans have also joined the effort, flooding social media with messages of love and strength. Across Twitter and Instagram, the hashtag #FightForJimmy has trended as fans and former players alike share memories, prayers, and well wishes.

One particularly moving gesture came from the Chiefs’ official account, which posted: “Jimmy, we stand with you. Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are behind you every step of the way. #ChiefsKingdom is your family forever.”

The support isn’t just emotional. Fundraising campaigns have been launched by fans to help cover Wilkerson’s medical expenses. Players like Mahomes and Jones have pledged to contribute personally, ensuring Wilkerson receives the best care possible. It’s a testament to the profound impact he’s had on the Chiefs and their community.

The Power of Faith and Positivity

Amid the grief, the Chiefs have turned to their faith for strength. Mahomes, known for his spiritual leadership within the team, shared that the players and coaches gathered to pray for Wilkerson.

“We believe in the power of prayer,” Mahomes said. “Jimmy is strong, and I know he’s going to fight this with everything he’s got. We’re going to stand with him, not just as a team but as a family.”

Wilkerson’s family has expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support. They shared that the messages of hope and encouragement have brought them comfort during this difficult time. “Jimmy’s strength comes from the people who love him,” his wife said in a statement. “The Chiefs and their fans have shown us that we’re not alone in this battle.”

The Road Ahead

As Wilkerson begins his journey through treatment, the support of his Chiefs family and the broader football community will undoubtedly be a source of strength. While the road ahead may be uncertain, the resilience and determination that defined his playing career will now be channeled into this new fight.

For the Chiefs, the focus remains on both their playoff aspirations and their unwavering support for Wilkerson. The team has made it clear that, regardless of what happens on the field, their hearts are with their brother as he faces this life-altering challenge.

“Football is about more than wins and losses,” Mahomes said. “It’s about the relationships we build and the people we fight for. Jimmy has always fought for us, and now we’re going to fight for him.”

This moment, though filled with sadness, is also a testament to the unbreakable bond within the Chiefs’ organization. The outpouring of love and unity demonstrates that when one member of the Chiefs family is in need, the entire Kingdom rises to stand behind them. As Wilkerson faces this battle, he can draw strength from the countless voices rallying in his corner, proving that he’s not just fighting alone—he’s fighting with an entire family beside him.

What to Know About Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ 3 Kids’ Names

The couple welcomed daughter Golden Raye on Jan. 12

From left: Patrick, Sterling, Bronze and Brittany Mahomes; Golden Mahomes. Photo: than Miller/Getty; Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes have kept up their elemental naming tradition with the Jan. 12 birth of their newborn daughter.

The Kansas City Current co-owner and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, both 29, announced on Instagram on Monday, Jan. 13, they welcomed their third baby the previous day and named her Golden Raye.

The baby girl joins their other two children — daughter Sterling Skye, 3, and son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III, 2 — all of whom are either named or nicknamed after types of metal.

Brittany has spoken openly about how the pair chose their kids’ names in the past. In May 2023, she revealed during an Instagram Story Q&A that the themed naming idea originally stemmed from one of her beloved dogs.

Their dogs, Steel and Silver, also follow this naming system.

“I got Steel in college and named him that,” she explained, referring to her older dog. “We then got our second dog and was gonna name her Sterling because it went with Steel perfect. Then I said no, I want that to be my daughter’s name, so then we came up with Silver to go with Steel.”

Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes’ dogs.Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

After that, according to Brittany, she and her husband still wanted to keep the Mahomes naming tradition alive by putting their own twist on their next child’s name with a nickname.

“Then having a boy and him being Patrick Mahomes III, Bronze was just meant to be and went perfect,” she added.

At a press conference in November 2022, Patrick also shared that his brother, Jackson Mahomes, was the one to suggest Bronze as his nickname.

“My brother Jackson, whenever we were trying to find something that was a little unique and different, he said, ‘What about Bronze? It fits perfectly with Sterling,’ ” Patrick told reporters in November 2022, per TMZ. “So, we went with that.”

“It works out well,” he added. “He can have his own thing now where he’s not Patrick, he’s Bronze, even though he’s Patrick. And, Sterling and Bronze can have that connection moving forward.”

Patrick, Sterling, Bronze and Brittany at the Super Bowl in 2024.Ethan Miller/Getty

In an interview with PEOPLE in June 2024, Brittany also shared that her pup Steel was named after the Pittsburgh Steelers — and that he was a gift from Patrick to Brittany during her junior year of college at the University of Texas at Tyler.

“I actually got Steel when I was in college. Patrick bought him for me for a Valentine’s Day gift when I was a junior,” Brittany shared at the time. “I actually used to be a Steelers fan and that’s how I got the name Steel, so that’s a great story.”