East Texas Fifth-Grader’s Big Moment: Patrick Mahomes Surprises Young Superfan During Chiefs Game

For one lucky fifth-grader from Bullard, Texas, a trip to Arrowhead Stadium turned into the experience of a lifetime, thanks to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and East Texas native Patrick Mahomes.

Josiah Harris, a 10-year-old Chiefs superfan, had already made the long eight-and-a-half-hour journey to the stadium to watch the undefeated Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a Monday night. But little did he know that his night would go from exciting to unforgettable in a matter of moments.

As the game was underway, Josiah held up a sign proudly declaring that he was Patrick Mahomes’ No. 1 fan from Bullard, Texas. The sign caught the attention of the star quarterback, who was playing in front of his home crowd. In a heartwarming gesture, Mahomes spotted Josiah, waved, and even tossed him a headband, creating a moment that Josiah will never forget.

“I would say he was starstruck and thankful at the same time,” said Josiah’s mother, Mandy Harris. “He was jumping up and down, incredibly excited… started yelling ‘thank you! Thank you!’”

The moment was made even more special when Mahomes, who was born in Tyler and graduated from Whitehouse High School, recognized the Bullard, Texas, sign and called out the town’s name as he acknowledged Josiah’s enthusiasm. It was a personal and touching connection for both the young fan and the hometown hero.

Josiah’s admiration for Mahomes runs deep, not just for his impressive record and achievements but for his incredible skill and ability to read the game. According to Mandy, Josiah looks up to Mahomes for his playmaking abilities, especially his knack for finding open receivers and creating opportunities when it matters most.

“He loves the way Patrick drives the ball and how he can read the game,” Mandy said. “He always knows where someone’s going to be. And he’s really good at finding the gaps and making plays, whether it’s hitting an open receiver or just creating an opportunity when it counts.”

The Harris family’s love for the Chiefs is more than just a game-day tradition; it’s a family event. They decorate their home for every Chiefs game and gather together for a special meal while watching the action unfold. Josiah, in particular, has a special pre-game ritual where he tries to mimic Mahomes’ signature entrance to the stadium. Without the professional gear, he records a walk-through video of his own and posts it on social media, sharing his excitement with other fans.

Josiah’s dedication to the Chiefs and his admiration for Mahomes is evident in his everyday life. According to his mother, he proudly wears team gear to school nearly every day of the week.

“He definitely deserves that No. 1 fan label,” Mandy Harris said. “He will wear team gear to school four out of the five days.”

Josiah wasn’t alone in this unforgettable experience. His parents and 12-year-old sister accompanied him to the game, and the family enjoyed connecting with other fans who helped draw Mahomes’ attention toward Josiah.

“They were also calling for Patrick and pointing to Josiah,” Mandy recalled. “I think they really helped Patrick spot him.”

Beyond just being a sports icon, Mahomes’ values and leadership on and off the field have made a lasting impact on the Harris family. Mandy admires the quarterback for his Christian family values and the positive influence he’s had on his community and fans.

“He’s proven that you can be from a small town and truly accomplish whatever you set out to do,” she said.

For Josiah, this moment with his hero was more than just a dream come true—it was proof that with passion, dedication, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.