Inside Patrick Mahomes' Fiancee's Tragic Loss

Super Bowl LV is right around the corner, and fans are eager to see the showdown between Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady — not to mention what's sure to be an epic halftime show headlined by The Weeknd. But while football enthusiasts and sports analysts break down Mahomes' touchdowns and passing yards, his time off the field is of equal interest.

The football star, who has been with certified personal trainer Brittany Matthews since high school, popped the question to his longtime love in 2020 after confessing that he was more nervous to propose than to play in the 2020 Super Bowl. Aww! (Also, excuse us while we peep this adorable throwback of the pair on their way to prom in 2013.) Last year brought more big changes for the couple, who announced shortly after their engagement that they were also expecting their first child together. (Spoiler: it's a girl.)

To the casual observer, this eight-year relationship has all the trappings of a modern fairytale, but that's not to say Matthews and Mahomes haven't experienced their fair share of hardship. In fact, Washington Post reports that Matthews lost a member of her immediate family in 2018. Here's a look inside the tragic loss.

In November 2018, Brittany Matthews posted a heartfelt tribute to her stepfather, Paul, who passed away during the Kansas City Chiefs' 26-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals, per Washington Post. Though paramedics were quick to transport him to a local hospital, he never recovered. Matthews took to Instagram to share the sad news, assuring fans that she knew he was "called to heaven" and that she took solace in the fact he was "looking down on us cheering loud that his chiefs won today!" 

"We will miss you Paul ... I will take care of mom for you," Matthews added, alongside a photo from the hospital.

Luckily, Mahomes was there to provide a shoulder for Matthews to lean on. NFL Network's James Palmer tweeted that the quarterback skipped post-game interviews in order to leave Arrowhead Stadium as quickly as possible due to "a family emergency." Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid was also alerted of the situation and offered his support to Mahomes and Matthews. "We're sorry to hear about what took place yesterday," Reid said, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "Our prayers and blessings are with the family. I've talked to Patrick and they're doing well for the circumstance that took place." Whether Mahomes and the Chiefs win or lose on Feb. 7, Paul will certainly be looking down on his beloved team and cheering them on.

Paul Harvey Massey, Brittany Matthews' stepdad, collapsed outside of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in November 2018, according to The Washington Post, and died shortly after.

Massey was commemorated at a memorial service in Arp, Texas, on Nov. 16, 2018, according to the Cottle Funeral Home website. His obituary notes Massey's love of sports, obviously a family interest. He was a soccer coach for over 20 years and "he supported his children and grandson on and off the field." With all of this in mind, it'll come as no surprise that the Kansas City Chiefs got a mention. "Mr. Massey also did everything he could to never miss the thrill of a Kansas City Chiefs game," the obituary read, so he obviously was a huge supporter of Patrick Mahomes.

For work, Massey was a general manager for DCD Warehouse in Tyler, Texas, for over 35 years. He was also a man of faith and kindness, as his obituary noted that "Mr. Massey never met a stranger and shared his faith with others including posting a daily devotional." Obviously a big loss for the family, Mahomes himself spoke about the shock.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn't know at the time what had happened to Brittany Matthews' stepdad, Paul Massey, as it happened during a Chiefs' game. Mahomes was actually told by his coach, he later explained to reporters. "I didn't know about it until after the game," Mahomes said. "Coach [Andy] Reid actually told me in the tunnel after the game and it was shocking," he added, according to Yahoo! Sports. In fact, Mahomes skipped his customary interviews and post-game news conference to rush to the hospital, according to The Washington Post.

"He was a great man and he was a great stepdad for Brittany [Matthews]," Mahomes said of Massey. As for Matthews, Mahomes said, "She's back home now with her mom and her family. I'm still sending my prayers to them and I'll be here during the week."

It was undoubtedly a tragedy for the whole family, but at least Matthews had the love and support of Mahomes as she dealt with her shock and grief.