Mahomes and Kelce’s Secret Pact: What Really Happened After the 2023 AFC Championship?

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where every play can make or break a season, the Kansas City Chiefs have been a dominant force, largely due to the dynamic duo of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Their on-field chemistry has been the stuff of legends, leading the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances and cementing their status as one of the most formidable quarterback-tight end pairings in league history. But whispers of a “secret pact” between Mahomes and Kelce following the 2023 AFC Championship have sparked intrigue among fans and analysts alike. What exactly happened after that pivotal game, and what was the nature of this alleged pact? Let’s dive into the story, piecing together the events, context, and implications of this rumored agreement.

The 2023 AFC Championship: A Turning Point

The 2023 AFC Championship game was a clash of titans, with the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. The game was a rematch of the previous year’s AFC title bout, which had seen the Bengals upset the Chiefs and derail their Super Bowl aspirations. This time, however, Mahomes and Kelce were determined to rewrite the narrative. Despite Mahomes playing through a high-ankle sprain, the Chiefs eked out a thrilling 23-20 victory, sealed by a late field goal from Harrison Butker. The win propelled Kansas City to Super Bowl LVII, where they would go on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in a classic.

For Mahomes and Kelce, the 2023 AFC Championship was more than just a ticket to the Super Bowl. It was a statement of resilience and a testament to their unyielding partnership. Kelce, who had been a vocal leader throughout the postseason, hauled in seven receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown, while Mahomes threw for 326 yards and two scores, battling through pain to deliver in the clutch. The game underscored their ability to elevate each other’s performance under pressure, but it also set the stage for what some insiders claim was a pivotal moment off the field—a “secret pact” that would shape their future endeavors.

The Rumored Pact: What Was It?

While no official documentation or public statement has ever confirmed the existence of a “secret pact,” the rumor mill began churning shortly after the 2023 AFC Championship. According to sources close to the Chiefs’ locker room, Mahomes and Kelce, in the euphoric aftermath of their victory, made a private commitment to each other. This pact, as the story goes, was not just about winning more Super Bowls but about building a legacy that extended beyond the gridiron. The two reportedly vowed to stay with the Chiefs for the long haul, to push each other to new heights, and to venture into business together, leveraging their fame and friendship to create something enduring.

The idea of a pact gained traction because it aligned with the duo’s personalities and their history of mutual support. Mahomes, the cerebral quarterback with a knack for defying expectations, and Kelce, the charismatic tight end with a larger-than-life presence, have always shared a unique bond. Their chemistry is evident in their on-field improvisations—think of the countless times Mahomes has scrambled to extend a play, only to find Kelce open for a crucial gain. Off the field, their friendship has been equally strong, with the two often seen joking together, golfing, or collaborating on charitable initiatives. A pact to solidify their partnership, both professionally and personally, seemed plausible.

The Business Venture: 1587 Prime

One of the most tangible outcomes of this rumored pact came to light in March 2024, when Mahomes and Kelce announced their joint venture: 1587 Prime, an American steakhouse in Kansas City. Named after their respective jersey numbers (15 for Mahomes, 87 for Kelce), the restaurant was a bold step into the business world, signaling that their partnership was evolving beyond football. In an interview with Fox4KC in 2024, Mahomes revealed that he and Kelce had long discussed entering the restaurant industry together, with a vision to create a welcoming space for Chiefs fans and Kansas City locals alike. “We wanted to make it affordable so everyone can come enjoy it,” Mahomes said, emphasizing their commitment to accessibility.

The announcement of 1587 Prime lent credence to the idea of a pact, as it demonstrated Mahomes and Kelce’s willingness to take risks together off the field. The venture was not without challenges—by April 2025, the duo was actively seeking an executive chef to helm the restaurant, indicating the complexities of translating their on-field synergy into a business setting. Yet, the project underscored their shared ambition to build a lasting legacy, one that could outlive their playing careers.

The Football Commitment: Chasing History

On the football side, the alleged pact seemed to manifest in Mahomes and Kelce’s relentless pursuit of greatness. After the 2023 AFC Championship, the Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl LVII, with Kelce and Mahomes delivering standout performances. The following year, they returned to the Super Bowl, defeating the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 to secure back-to-back titles. By 2025, the Chiefs were chasing an unprecedented three-peat, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Though they fell short, losing 40-22, Mahomes and Kelce’s resolve remained unshaken.

Kelce, at 35, faced retirement rumors after the 2025 Super Bowl loss, but Mahomes was quick to support his teammate, stating, “He knows he still has a lot of football left in him.” The quarterback’s confidence in Kelce suggested a deeper commitment to their shared journey, perhaps rooted in the pact they made two years earlier. Kelce, for his part, spoke of taking time to make a “wholehearted decision” about his future, indicating his loyalty to his teammates and the Chiefs’ organization.

The Legacy Beyond the Game

If the secret pact was indeed real, its implications extend far beyond championships or business ventures. Mahomes and Kelce have become cultural icons, with Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift and Mahomes’ growing family life adding layers to their public personas. Their ability to navigate fame while maintaining their on-field excellence speaks to the strength of their partnership. The pact, whether formalized or not, represents a mutual promise to uphold each other’s ambitions, to challenge one another, and to leave an indelible mark on Kansas City and the NFL.

The 2023 AFC Championship was a crucible that tested their mettle and, according to some, forged a bond that transcended the game. While the details of their pact may remain shrouded in mystery, its effects are visible in their continued success, their off-field collaborations, and their unwavering loyalty to each other. As Mahomes and Kelce move forward, whether on the field or in the boardroom, their story serves as a reminder that greatness is not just about individual talent but about the partnerships that amplify it.

In the end, the “secret pact” may be less about a single moment and more about an unspoken understanding—a shared vision that has carried them from the chaos of Arrowhead Stadium to the cusp of history. Whatever happened after the 2023 AFC Championship, one thing is clear: Mahomes and Kelce are in it together, for the long haul.