“I mean honestly, to be a hater as an adult you have to have some deep-rooted issues you refuse to heal from childhood,” Brittany Mahomes’ words cut through the digital noise. In a world where NFL quarterbacks’ completion percentages are dissected ad nauseam, it’s Brittany’s ‘like’ on a Donald Trump Instagram post that has set the Chiefs Kingdom ablaze. This unexpected political play has not only ruffled feathers but also marks a seismic shift from the Mahomes family’s usual game plan for handling criticism.

The controversy ignited when fans noticed Brittany’s ‘like’ on a Trump Instagram post outlining the ‘2024 GOP Platform,’ which included hot-button issues like deportation and keeping “men out of women’s sports.” This digital endorsement sparked a social media wildfire, with critics – including Taylor Swift fans, who followed Brittany after Swift and Travis Kelce started dating – lighting up her notifications faster than Patrick Mahomes could release a no-look pass. What’s interesting is that in the past, Swift has spoken out against Trump and even endorsed Joe Biden in 2020. However, she hasn’t shared a presidential endorsement this year.

But coming back to Brittany, instead of taking a knee, the former soccer player chose to go on offense. She fired back on her Instagram story, doubling down on her earlier statement about ‘haters’. This clap-back stands in sharp contrast to Randi Mahomes’ long-standing approach to dealing with her son’s detractors- a strategy that has been as consistent as Patrick Mahomes’s on-field performance.

Randi, the original Mahomes matriarch in the spotlight, has historically opted for a more reserved stance. In a 2021 interview on ‘The Best Storyteller in Texas Podcast,’ she revealed her strategy: “I honestly, I pray for them… It’s like biting my lip to just keep my mouth shut and don’t say anything.”

The mother even shared instances where her rare responses led to unexpected apologies: “Some people I’ve responded to, and they’ve come back and like ‘I’m so sorry, I really shouldn’t’ and it’s made them kind of think like, you know, this is my child.”

The divergence in strategies between Brittany and Randi highlights the evolving nature of NFL families in the public eye. While Randi’s silent resilience has been a steady force behind Patrick’s rise to stardom, Brittany’s more direct engagement reflects a new generation’s approach to fame and criticism. However, this isn’t the first time Brittany has had to face criticism.

In January 2022, Brittany received a lot of backlash after she sprayed champagne on fans in cold weather. The incident took place after the Chiefs won a playoff game. “I just wish I could do what I want without getting attacked every week,” she responded back then. Clearly, Brittany believes in voicing out her thoughts no matter how controversial they can be perceived!

Brittany’s social media splash threatens to sack Patrick Mahomes’s political neutrality

As Brittany Mahomes takes on her critics, her actions might inadvertently put Patrick Mahomes in a tough spot. The star quarterback has previously stated his desire to stay out of the political end zone. In an April interview with Time magazine, the QB emphasized, “I don’t want to pressure anyone to vote for a certain president.” He instead encouraged fans to use their voice and do their own research.

But in the NFL, even a liked post can turn into unnecessary news. Brittany’s engagement with Trump’s content could draw unwanted attention to the Mahomes family during a heated election year. This puts Patrick in a potential predicament, trying to maintain his neutral stance while his wife’s social media activity suggests otherwise.

The timing couldn’t be more crucial. With the NFL season less than two weeks away, the last thing the Chiefs need is off-field distractions. Patrick Mahomes’s focus should be on leading his team to an unprecedented three-peat, not fielding questions about his family’s political leanings.

However, it is worth noting that other athletes, like Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr, have taken a much more direct political stance, endorsing Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the tightrope walk NFL families must perform. Well, only time will tell what happens next. What do you think?