Randy Martin, grandfather of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has passed away just five days after Super Bowl LIX.
The news was announced on Friday by Randi Mahomes, Patrick's mother, who had previously revealed her 78-year-old father had entered hospice care in January.
The family tragedy comes in the wake of the Chiefs' Super Bowl appearance in New Orleans, where Martin was unable to attend due to his declining health.
Prior to the Super Bowl, Randi Mahomes spoke about her father's condition during the NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans on 6 February.
Patrick Mahomes and his family are in mourning following the death of his grandfather, just days after the Kansas City Chiefs lost the Super Bowl
REUTERS
"I know that it has meant a lot to him," she told People magazine. "And I think he's hanging on because he wants to see his grandson do an amazing thing or just let him play."
She added: "I mean, he must be such a proud grandpa, so proud. And my mom was very proud and his other grandparents [were too]."
Jackson Mahomes, Patrick's younger brother, shared a touching tribute to his late grandfather on Instagram.
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Patrick Mahomes' brother, Jackson Mahomes, has paid tribute to their grandfather on social media
The 24-year-old social media influencer posted a childhood photo of himself dancing with Martin, accompanied by the message "love you papa".
Both Jackson and Randi Mahomes had made the journey to New Orleans to support Patrick at the Super Bowl, though Martin was unable to attend what would be his grandson's fifth Super Bowl appearance in six years.
The Eagles dominated the Super Bowl, securing a 40-22 victory and denying the Chiefs what would have been a historic three-peat.
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Following the defeat, Patrick Mahomes took to social media to address Chiefs supporters.
"Appreciate all the love and support from #ChiefsKingdom," he wrote. "I let yall down today. Ill always continue to work and try and learn and be better for it."
He added: "Want to give thanks to God for every opportunity he has given me. We will be back."
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Patrick and Jackson Mahomes are Randi Mahomes' two sons from her marriage to ex-husband Pat Mahomes Sr.
The family also includes two half-sisters, Mia Randall and Zoe Mahomes, who complete the Mahomes family unit.
Patrick Mahomes has insisted the Kansas City Chiefs will bounce back following their Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday
REUTERS
The cause of Martin's death has not been disclosed by the family.
Patrick Mahomes has yet to make a public statement regarding the passing of his grandfather.
