She had been struggling for months to keep the lights on. When the power company called to confirm payment, she discovered the note from Mahomes and Kelce — and what it said made her burst into tears.

Kansas City Chiefs Stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Pay Single Mom’s Overdue Electricity Bill, Leaving Her in Tears

On a rainy afternoon in Kansas City, Missouri, a heartwarming act of kindness unfolded that would leave a lasting impact on a local single mother and her small diner. Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, known for their dynamic partnership on the football field, extended their teamwork off the gridiron to quietly pay off the overdue electricity bill for Sarah Thompson, a single mom struggling to keep her business afloat. The gesture, accompanied by a poignant note, brought Thompson to tears and highlighted the duo’s commitment to giving back to their community.

Sarah Thompson, 38, has been running Thompson’s Diner, a cozy eatery in Kansas City’s Polly Hook neighborhood, for nearly a decade. The diner, a beloved local spot known for its hearty breakfast plates and warm atmosphere, has been a labor of love for Thompson, who took over the business after her mother passed away. As a single mother of two young children, she has poured her heart into keeping the diner operational, but the past year had been particularly challenging. Rising costs, coupled with a dip in customers due to economic pressures, left Thompson struggling to cover basic expenses, including the diner’s electricity bill. For months, she juggled payments, prioritizing her children’s needs and the diner’s supplies, while the overdue utility bills piled up, threatening to shut off the power.

“I was doing everything I could to keep the lights on,” Thompson shared in an interview with The Kansas City Star. “I’d stay up late going over the books, trying to figure out how to make it work. It was exhausting, and I felt like I was failing my kids and my customers.”

On that rainy afternoon in early August 2025, Thompson received an unexpected call from the local power company. She braced herself for bad news, fearing a final notice or disconnection. Instead, the representative informed her that her overdue electricity bill—amounting to nearly $3,000—had been paid in full. Stunned, Thompson asked for clarification, assuming there had been a mistake. The representative confirmed that the payment was made anonymously but mentioned that a note had been included with the transaction.

When Thompson visited the power company’s office later that day to collect the note, she was handed a simple, handwritten message. It read: “Sarah, you’re a rockstar for keeping this diner going and being an amazing mom. Kansas City’s got your back. Keep shining. — Patrick & Travis.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Thompson broke down in tears. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “To know that people like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, who don’t even know me personally, would do something like this—it’s more than I can put into words.”

The act of generosity was kept under wraps initially, as Mahomes and Kelce are known for their discreet philanthropy. However, word of their kindness spread when Thompson shared the story with a close friend, who posted about it on social media. The post quickly gained traction, with Kansas City residents praising the Chiefs stars for their selflessness. “This is what makes Kansas City special,” one commenter wrote. “Our heroes on the field are heroes in our community too.”

Mahomes and Kelce, who have been teammates since Mahomes joined the Chiefs in 2017, have a history of giving back to Kansas City. Their latest venture, 1587 Prime, a modern steakhouse set to open later this summer in the Loews Kansas City Hotel, reflects their desire to invest in the community that has supported them throughout their careers. Named after their jersey numbers (15 for Mahomes and 87 for Kelce), the restaurant is a collaboration with hospitality group Noble 33 and aims to bring a unique dining experience to the city. But their off-field contributions extend far beyond business ventures.

Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, has been actively involved in charitable efforts through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children through health, wellness, and education initiatives. Kelce, a seven-time All-Pro tight end, has also made significant contributions, including supporting local youth programs and hosting charity events. Together, their bond as teammates has translated into a shared commitment to uplifting Kansas City.

The story of Thompson’s diner resonated with the duo, who reportedly learned about her struggles through a mutual acquaintance in the Kansas City business community. According to a source close to the players, Mahomes and Kelce were moved by Thompson’s determination to keep her diner running despite overwhelming financial challenges. “They didn’t want any fanfare,” the source told People magazine. “They just wanted to make sure Sarah could keep doing what she loves without worrying about the lights going out.”

Thompson’s Diner has long been a gathering place for Chiefs fans, with game-day specials and a wall adorned with memorabilia celebrating the team’s successes. Thompson herself is a lifelong Chiefs supporter, often playing games on the diner’s small TV and cheering alongside her customers. “I’ve always admired Patrick and Travis for what they do on the field,” she said. “But this—this is something else. They’ve given me hope and shown me that people care.”

The note from Mahomes and Kelce has since been framed and hung on the diner’s wall, next to a signed Chiefs jersey that Thompson proudly displays. Customers have flocked to the diner in the days following the news, eager to support Thompson and share in the feel-good story. “It’s been busier than ever,” Thompson noted with a smile. “People are coming in, saying they heard about what happened and want to help keep the diner going. It’s like a little miracle.”

The broader Kansas City community has also rallied around Thompson. A local crowdfunding campaign was launched to help cover other outstanding bills, and several businesses have offered to partner with the diner for promotional events. “It’s not just about the money,” Thompson emphasized. “It’s about knowing that I’m not alone. That’s what Patrick and Travis did—they reminded me that this city is a family.”

Mahomes and Kelce have remained humble about their gesture, declining to comment publicly on the specifics. However, during a recent press conference, Mahomes spoke generally about the importance of giving back. “Kansas City has given us so much,” he said. “We’re just trying to show our appreciation and help where we can.” Kelce echoed the sentiment on his New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, saying, “This city’s got heart, and we’re just proud to be a part of it.”

The story of Mahomes and Kelce’s kindness comes at a time when the Chiefs are preparing for another NFL season, aiming to rebound from their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2025. On the field, their chemistry remains unmatched, with Kelce catching 686 passes from Mahomes for 8,126 yards and 56 touchdowns over their seven seasons together. Off the field, their partnership continues to inspire, proving that their impact extends far beyond football.

For Sarah Thompson, the support from Mahomes and Kelce has been a lifeline. She plans to pay it forward by offering free meals to single parents in need once her diner is back on stable footing. “They’ve shown me what it means to lift someone up,” she said. “I want to do the same for others.”

As Kansas City looks forward to the opening of 1587 Prime and another exciting Chiefs season, the story of Thompson’s Diner serves as a reminder of the power of compassion. In a city that loves its football and its food, Mahomes and Kelce have shown that true greatness lies in making a difference—one act of kindness at a time.