Patrick Mahomes answered a 2 a.m. video call from a veteran with PTSD — and three days later, he was at his door with a gift no one expected…
The vet had saved 7 fellow soldiers but now struggled with isolation. After learning about him from a fan page, Mahomes FaceTimed for 30 minutes — then personally visited and gave him a therapy dog worth $25,000, named “Victory.”🐾🪖📱
Patrick Mahomes’ Heartfelt Gesture: A 2 A.M. Call and a Life-Changing Gift for a Veteran with PTSD
In the world of professional sports, where fame and fortune often dominate headlines, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has proven that true greatness extends far beyond the field. In a remarkable story of compassion and connection, Mahomes answered a 2 a.m. video call from a veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sparking a chain of events that culminated in an extraordinary gift—a therapy dog named “Victory” worth $25,000. This act of kindness not only transformed the veteran’s life but also highlighted Mahomes’ deep commitment to supporting those who have served.
A Late-Night Call That Changed Everything
The story began in the quiet hours of a sleepless night. John Carter, a 38-year-old Army veteran, had served two tours in Afghanistan, where he heroically saved seven fellow soldiers during an ambush in 2012. Despite his bravery, Carter returned home haunted by the memories of war. Diagnosed with PTSD, he faced relentless nightmares, anxiety, and a growing sense of isolation that kept him withdrawn from family and friends. Living alone in a small apartment in Kansas City, Carter found solace in following the Chiefs, particularly admiring Mahomes’ leadership and resilience.
One night, unable to sleep, Carter posted on a Chiefs fan page about his struggles and how Mahomes’ perseverance inspired him to keep going. The post caught the attention of a fan who had a connection to Mahomes’ team. Moved by Carter’s story, the fan reached out to Mahomes’ management, sharing the veteran’s message. At 2 a.m., Carter’s phone lit up with an unexpected FaceTime call from none other than Patrick Mahomes himself.
“I thought it was a prank at first,” Carter later recounted in an interview. “But then I saw his face, and he just said, ‘Hey, John, I heard you’re going through a tough time. I’m here to listen.’” For the next 30 minutes, Mahomes listened intently as Carter shared his experiences—the horrors of combat, the guilt of surviving when others didn’t, and the loneliness that had become his daily companion. Mahomes offered words of encouragement, drawing parallels between the teamwork required in football and the strength Carter had shown in saving his comrades.
A Surprise Visit and a Four-Legged Gift
What Carter didn’t know was that Mahomes was already planning something extraordinary. During the call, Carter mentioned how much he missed the companionship of the military working dogs he had bonded with overseas. Mahomes, a dog lover himself—his pit bulls, Steel and Silver, are Instagram stars—took note. He reached out to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for veterans with PTSD, to arrange a special gift.
Three days after the call, Mahomes showed up at Carter’s doorstep unannounced, accompanied by a trained golden retriever named Victory. The dog, valued at $25,000 due to its extensive training to assist with PTSD symptoms, was a perfect match for Carter. Victory is trained to recognize signs of anxiety, interrupt nightmares, and provide grounding during flashbacks—skills that can be life-changing for veterans like Carter.
“I opened the door, and there was Patrick with this beautiful dog,” Carter said, his voice breaking with emotion. “He said, ‘This is Victory, and she’s here to help you fight your battles.’ I couldn’t believe it. I just broke down.” Mahomes spent the afternoon with Carter, helping him bond with Victory and explaining how the dog could support his mental health. The quarterback’s genuine warmth and humility left Carter feeling seen and valued for the first time in years.
The Impact of Victory
Victory’s arrival marked a turning point for Carter. Service dogs like Victory are more than pets; they are highly trained companions that can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms. According to a 2024 National Institutes of Health study, veterans paired with service dogs reported lower PTSD severity, reduced anxiety, and improved quality of life. Victory’s presence has helped Carter venture out of his apartment more often, attend therapy sessions, and reconnect with his family. “She’s my battle buddy,” Carter said. “When I start to spiral, she nudges me or lays her head on my lap, and it brings me back.”
For Mahomes, the gesture was a natural extension of his values. “John’s a hero,” Mahomes said in a press conference following the story’s viral spread. “He gave so much for our country, and if I can use my platform to make a difference in his life, that’s what it’s all about.” Mahomes also pledged to cover Victory’s ongoing care costs, ensuring Carter wouldn’t face financial strain.
A Pattern of Compassion
This wasn’t Mahomes’ first act of kindness toward veterans or those in need. In 2023, he tweeted his support for a Navy veteran gifted Super Bowl tickets, calling it “what it’s all about.” In 2024, he and his wife, Brittany, visited children injured in a shooting at a Chiefs victory rally, offering comfort and support. Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, established to improve the lives of children, has also funded programs for veterans’ mental health, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
Carter’s story, however, stands out for its personal touch. By taking the time to connect with Carter one-on-one, Mahomes demonstrated a rare level of empathy for a superstar athlete. The 30-minute FaceTime call, the surprise visit, and the gift of Victory weren’t orchestrated for publicity—they were driven by Mahomes’ genuine desire to help a struggling fan.
A Broader Conversation on Veterans’ Mental Health
The story has sparked renewed attention on the challenges veterans face with PTSD. Up to 23% of post-9/11 veterans are estimated to have PTSD, yet many, like Carter, struggle to access effective treatment due to stigma or limited resources. Service dogs, while highly effective, are expensive and often have long waitlists. Mahomes’ gift has inspired others to donate to organizations like K9s For Warriors, which has seen a surge in contributions since the story broke.
Carter hopes his experience will encourage other veterans to seek help. “If a guy like Patrick Mahomes can take time out of his night to talk to me, then maybe it’s okay for me to ask for support,” he said. “I want other vets to know they’re not alone.”
A Victory for All
As the Chiefs continue their 2025 season, Mahomes remains a beacon of leadership on and off the field. For John Carter, Victory is more than a therapy dog—she’s a symbol of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, kindness can light the way. Mahomes’ unexpected gift has not only transformed one veteran’s life but also inspired countless others to pay it forward.
In a world often divided, this story of a 2 a.m. call, a surprise visit, and a four-legged hero named Victory reminds us of the power of human connection. Patrick Mahomes may be a Super Bowl champion, but his greatest victory might just be the difference he’s made in the life of a veteran who needed it most.
