From a Chest Bump to Full Tuition – How Patrick Mahomes Changed This Student’s Life

In a moment that will be etched in Texas Tech history, a spontaneous chest bump between a student and NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes during a basketball game has evolved into a life-changing act of generosity. On February24, 2025, Texas Tech senior Blake Porter became an instant celebrity after sinking a jaw-dropping 94-foot putt during a commercial break at a Red Raiders basketball game against Houston. The viral celebration with Mahomes, a Texas Tech alumnus and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, was only the beginning. Days later, Mahomes stunned Porter and the nation by announcing that Texas Tech Athletics would cover his tuition for the upcoming fall semester, transforming a fleeting moment of glory into a profound opportunity.

The electrifying scene unfolded at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, where Porter, a finance major, was randomly chosen for a halftime promotion challenge. The task was daunting: sink a golf putt from the baseline, 94 feet away from the hole. As the crowd watched with bated breath, Porter took the shot. The ball rolled steadily across the court, defying the odds, and dropped into the hole. The arena exploded in cheers, and Porter, overcome with excitement, sprinted toward Mahomes, who was in the stands supporting his alma mater. “I was just so hyped, and I saw Patrick Mahomes, and I thought, ‘Why not chest-bump him?’” Porter told Lubbock’s KCBD-TV. The impromptu celebration, captured on video, spread like wildfire across social media, with fans marveling at the unlikely connection between the student and the football icon.

Porter’s prize for the putt initially included Apple AirPods, an iPad, and a cooler—generous rewards for a college student. However, the story took a remarkable turn when Porter was invited to appear on The Today Show on February 27, 2025. Joined by his mother and girlfriend, Porter shared his whirlwind experience with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly. The segment reached its emotional peak when the hosts played a pre-recorded video from Mahomes, who had a surprise up his sleeve. “Blake, that was an incredible moment the other night, and I was thrilled to be a part of it,” Mahomes said with a smile. “You think you know what you won, but here’s the real prize: Texas Tech Athletics is paying your tuition for next fall.” The announcement left Porter speechless, his family visibly moved as the weight of the gesture sank in.

Mahomes’ generosity didn’t end with tuition. He revealed that he and his sponsor, Adidas, would make Porter an honorary member of “Team Mahomes,” an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) collective Mahomes established with Texas Tech in 2024 to support student-athletes. Additionally, Porter would receive a care package to nurture his newfound golfing fame. The gesture was a reflection of Mahomes’ deep ties to Texas Tech, where he played college football from 2014 to 2016, setting records like the NCAA FBS mark for 819 yards of total offense in a single game against Oklahoma. His commitment to his alma mater extends beyond the field, as seen in his $5 million donation in 2024 toward the $242 million Dusty Womble Football Center, which includes a walk-through room named in his honor.

For Porter, the tuition support is a game-changer. With plans to pursue graduate school, the financial relief will allow him to focus on his studies and future career without the burden of student debt. “I’m still in shock,” Porter said on The Today Show. “Thank you, Patrick, and thank you, Texas Tech.” His gratitude resonated with viewers, and posts on X echoed the sentiment, with users praising Mahomes’ character. “This is why Mahomes is a legend—not just for his arm, but for his heart,” one user wrote. Another commented, “From a putt to tuition, only Mahomes could make this happen.”

Mahomes’ act of kindness is part of a broader pattern of giving back to Texas Tech. Through his Adidas partnership, he has launched apparel lines that boost school spirit, with proceeds supporting athletic programs. His “Team Mahomes” initiative has empowered student-athletes, and his presence at games, like the one where he met Porter, reinforces his role as a proud Red Raider. The story of Blake Porter’s 94-foot putt has become more than a viral moment—it’s a testament to the power of generosity and the enduring bond between a superstar and his roots.

As Porter prepares for graduate school, he carries with him not just the memory of a perfect putt, but the knowledge that a single moment, amplified by Mahomes’ compassion, has changed his life forever. For Texas Tech fans and beyond, it’s a reminder that heroes can make a difference in ways that go far beyond the scoreboard.