Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes has been noticeably absent from training camp for the past two days, a rare occurrence for the NFL’s most driven quarterback. A source close to the team revealed the reason: Mahomes was attending the funeral of his old friend, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away recently. The emotional toll of this loss has left Mahomes devastated, forcing him to pause training to regain his mental strength. This shocking revelation unveils a surprising bond between the football icon and the WWE Hall of Famer, sparking curiosity about their friendship and its impact on Mahomes’ season.

A Champion’s Absence from the Field

Patrick Mahomes, the 30-year-old quarterback who has led the Kansas City Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles, is known for his relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to football. Since being drafted in 2017, he has rarely missed a practice, even through injuries like a dislocated patella in 2019 or a high ankle sprain in 2023. His absence from training camp on August 3 and 4, 2025, raised eyebrows among teammates and coaches, especially as the Chiefs prepare for a redemption season after their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

A source within the Chiefs organization, speaking anonymously, disclosed that Mahomes was not sidelined by injury but by grief. The quarterback traveled to attend the funeral of Hulk Hogan, the iconic wrestler whose larger-than-life persona defined professional wrestling for decades. Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away recently, leaving a void in the sports entertainment world and, unexpectedly, in Mahomes’ life. The source noted, “Patrick was shaken up. He needed those two days to process everything and get his head right.”

The Unlikely Friendship Between Mahomes and Hogan

The connection between Patrick Mahomes and Hulk Hogan may seem surprising, but those close to Mahomes reveal that the two shared a genuine friendship. While details of how they met remain scarce, it’s believed their bond formed through mutual connections in the sports and entertainment worlds. Hogan, a pop culture icon with a career spanning wrestling, acting, and reality TV, was known for his charisma and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Mahomes, a Texas native with a love for video games and pop culture, likely crossed paths with Hogan at a charity event or celebrity gathering.

Their friendship, though kept out of the public eye, was meaningful to Mahomes. Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and his own experiences as a high-profile athlete may have resonated with the quarterback, who navigates immense pressure as the face of the Chiefs. The source shared, “Hulk was someone Patrick could talk to about handling fame and staying true to himself. Losing him hit harder than anyone expected.”

Hulk Hogan’s Legacy and Passing

Hulk Hogan, aged 71 at the time of his death, was a cultural juggernaut. As a six-time WWE Champion and a key figure in the 1980s wrestling boom, he transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. His catchphrases like “Hulkamania is runnin’ wild!” and his signature red-and-yellow attire became synonymous with the sport. Beyond wrestling, Hogan starred in films, appeared on reality TV, and remained a beloved figure despite controversies in his later years.

Hogan’s death, reported in early 2025, shocked fans and peers alike. While the exact cause was not publicly detailed, it followed a period of health struggles, including multiple surgeries. Tributes poured in from figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who credited Hogan for inspiring his own career. For Mahomes, the loss was deeply personal, prompting him to prioritize attending the funeral over his rigorous training schedule.

The Emotional Toll on Mahomes

Mahomes’ absence from practice underscores the depth of his grief. The quarterback, known for his composure under pressure, has faced personal challenges before, including the recent passing of his grandfather, Randy Martin, in February 2025. Losing Hogan, a friend and mentor figure, compounded the emotional strain. The source revealed, “Patrick’s been quiet, not himself. He’s usually the guy lifting everyone up, but this hit him hard. He needed time to reflect.”

The Chiefs, under head coach Andy Reid, supported Mahomes’ decision to step away. Reid, who has navigated Mahomes through injuries and personal challenges, downplayed the absence to reporters, saying, “He’s dealing with something personal. We’re giving him space to handle it.” The team halted certain drills, adjusting practice to accommodate Mahomes’ absence, a testament to his critical role in the offense.

Mahomes’ emotional state has sparked concern among fans, especially given the Chiefs’ high stakes in the 2025 season. After falling short of a historic three-peat in Super Bowl LIX, Mahomes has been vocal about his drive to reclaim the title. However, this personal loss could test his mental resilience as he balances grief with the demands of leading a championship-caliber team.

A Team Rallying Around Their Leader

The Chiefs’ roster, including stars like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, has rallied around Mahomes during this difficult time. Kelce, who has faced his own emotional challenges after the Super Bowl loss, reportedly reached out to Mahomes to offer support. The team’s camaraderie, a hallmark of their dynasty, is evident as they give their quarterback space while preparing for his return.

Fans on platforms like X have expressed both concern and empathy, with hashtags like #MahomesStrong trending. One user posted, “Patrick’s human like the rest of us. Losing a friend hurts. Prayers for him and Hogan’s family.” Another wrote, “Mahomes missing practice for Hulk Hogan’s funeral? That’s a friendship I didn’t see coming.” The story has fueled speculation about the depth of their bond, with fans eager for more details.

The Road Ahead for Mahomes

Mahomes’ two-day hiatus from practice is unlikely to derail his preparation long-term. Known for his ability to bounce back—whether from injuries like a 2019 knee dislocation or the emotional sting of a Super Bowl loss—Mahomes has a track record of resilience. His trainer, Bobby Stroupe, has noted Mahomes’ ability to channel adversity into motivation, a trait that will likely guide him through this grief.

The Chiefs’ 2025 season carries immense pressure, with Mahomes aiming to restore the team’s dominance. The addition of healthy receivers like Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, alongside rookie offensive lineman Josh Simmons, bolsters the offense. Yet, Mahomes’ mental state will be critical as he navigates this personal loss while leading a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

A Bond That Transcends Fame

The revelation of Mahomes’ friendship with Hulk Hogan adds a new layer to the quarterback’s public persona. While he’s celebrated for his on-field heroics—32,352 passing yards, 245 touchdowns, and a 102.1 passer rating—moments like these highlight his humanity. Hogan, with his outsized personality, and Mahomes, with his grounded charm, found common ground in their shared experiences of fame and pressure. Their friendship, though private, speaks to the universal need for connection, even among icons.

As Mahomes prepares to return to practice, he carries the weight of Hogan’s memory. The wrestling legend’s mantra of “training, prayers, and vitamins” may resonate with Mahomes as he channels his grief into determination. Fans, teammates, and the NFL world will be watching closely, not just for his performance on the field but for how he honors a friend’s legacy through his own.

A Legacy of Heart and Hustle

Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era, but his influence lives on in those he touched, including Patrick Mahomes. The quarterback’s decision to pause his season preparations to mourn reflects the depth of their bond and the values Mahomes holds dear. As he steps back onto the field, Mahomes will carry Hogan’s spirit—bold, resilient, and unapologetically authentic—into the battles ahead.

This emotional chapter, though painful, may fuel Mahomes’ drive to lead the Chiefs to another Super Bowl. For now, the world sees not just a quarterback, but a man grieving a friend, reminding us all that even heroes need time to heal.