In a surprising crossover event, Russell Wilson dribbled into Patrick Mahomes‘ territory, showcasing his stepson Future’s basketball skills at the Dallas Mavericks facility. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback’s Instagram story set sports fans abuzz with a bold claim: “Future and I 1-on-1 post workout! Good times! Got that Kyrie Irving handle! Hard work pays off.”

This wasn’t just another day at the gym. It was Wilson stepping onto the court where Mahomes reigns supreme as a die-hard Mavericks fan. The Chiefs quarterback’s connection to Dallas runs deep, rooted in his Texas upbringing. Born in Tyler, just 96.6 miles east of Dallas, Mahomes grew up cheering for the Mavs. He’s been spotted courtside during crucial games, even bringing along teammate Travis Kelce for support.

Mahomes’ devotion to the Mavericks reached new heights during their 2024 NBA Finals run. He narrated their hype video, his voice ringing with passion: “Nobody expected the Mavs. Nobody wanted the Mavs. But nobody can deny that you’ve earned it.” His tweet, “Let’s get it!!!” rallied fans as the Mavs faced off against the Boston Celtics.

But Mahomes doesn’t just watch from the sidelines. He’s been known to play armchair GM, offering his thoughts on potential free agency targets. During an appearance on FS1’s “First Things First” in June, Mahomes confidently stated, “I think the Mavs have what it takes. I think if Luka plays the way that Luka can play and Kyrie plays like Kyrie, they have as good a chance as anybody of winning it all.”

While Mahomes rules the roost in Dallas basketball circles, Wilson’s presence at the Mavericks facility adds an intriguing twist to the NFL-NBA crossover narrative. It’s not just about basketball, though. Wilson’s post highlights his commitment to fatherhood, a role he’s embraced since meeting Ciara and 9-month-old Future in 2015.

“When I walked in the room and saw, you know, little Future, who was 9 months at the time, and he crawls in my lap … it was like, ‘This is going to be my responsibility,'” Wilson shared with I AM ATHLETE in February 2024. This responsibility has blossomed into a multi-sport mentorship, with Wilson proudly showcasing Future’s athletic prowess across various fields.

As Wilson recalled, “God saying to me, ‘Raising this child it’s gonna be your responsibility.’ I even asked, ‘Are you sure this is what you want me to do?'”

Future is a rising star

Future’s talents aren’t confined to the basketball court. Wilson’s Instagram has become a highlight reel of his stepson’s athletic achievements. From baseball diamonds to football fields, Future’s proving he’s got a game in multiple arenas.

Remember when Wilson tagged the Pittsburgh Pirates in a video of Future rounding the bases? “Future rollin! 💨💨💨,” he captioned, hinting at a possible future in America’s pastime. Or the time he shared Future’s impressive ball-spinning skills, cheering, “Let’s see how long you can go! Let’s go, come on!”

But it’s the Kyrie Irving comparison that’s turning heads. Irving’s handle is legendary in NBA circles, known for its unpredictability and creativity. By likening Future’s dribbling to Irving’s, Wilson’s not just being a proud stepdad – he’s setting the bar sky-high.

Future’s athletic journey isn’t limited to backyard games. Wilson has introduced him to sports royalty, including an encounter with Steph Curry at an NBA All-Star game this year. The Warriors’ sharpshooter even gave the young protégé some pointers, a moment captured and shared by the Golden State Warriors with the caption “Leader, Mentor, All-Star.”

Wilson’s approach to nurturing Future’s talents is rooted in love and equality. “When you’re raising children … you’ve got to love every single child as if they’re yours,” he stated, showing that in his playbook, there’s no distinction between biological and step-children.

As Future continues to explore the vast playing field of sports, one thing’s crystal clear: he’s got an MVP-caliber cheerleader in Russell Wilson. Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or even a future in professional finger-spinning (hey, you never know!), Future’s got a solid foundation to build on.