06 June 2023 , 15:06
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Patrick Mahomes' reactions have not dulled during the offseason as he was on hand to block Kansas City Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce from attempting to deliver one of his infamous speeches during the team's visit to the White House.
The Super Bowl LVII champions were the guests of President Joe Biden on Monday to honour February's victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. During the visit, Mahomes and Kelce handed the President a custom Chiefs jersey with 'Biden 46' on the back.
After the handover, the tight end embraced President Biden before slowly moving away from the scene and towards the vacant podium. He managed to muster a few words before Mahomes moved in from across the stage to stop the situation.
"So I’ve been waiting for this," the eight-time Pro Bowler said before being whisked away from the microphone by his quarterback to the back of the stage where the rest of the Chiefs personnel were standing. While moving Kelce away, Mahomes said: "Sorry, sorry," before raising a hand in apology to the crowd.
They saw the funny side of it, though, as laughter followed once they realised what was averted. With Kelce's moment foiled by Mahomes, only President Biden and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke on stage.
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Perhaps, providentially, the first lady Jill Biden, whom the President acknowledged is a "Philly girl", was absent from the ceremony. "Fortunately, she is overseas right now, in the Middle East," Biden said.
Mahomes and Kelce presented President Joe Biden with a custom Chiefs jersey (AFP via Getty Images)"She’s a rabid Eagles fan, and the way the game ended, I might be in for a rough night," he joked. "Jill still doesn’t even believe the Eagles player (James Bradberry) who acknowledged the holding penalty," alluding to the game-changing penalty that set the Chiefs up for their game-winning field goal.
Biden continued his opening address, adding: "But I figure if the Kelce family can make it work with Travis and Jason, the first two brothers to play against each other in the Super Bowl, then I know there’s hope for — hope for the rest of us."
For the Chiefs, it is the team's first visit to the White House. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from visiting in 2020.
Coach Reid thanked Biden for the opportunity to visit. "I’ll tell you what — we’re fired up to be here, as a football team," he said.
"President Biden, your staff — we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us to the White House. From the tour that we had, to the history here, to the great food — you can’t forget the great food — and to this right here — this celebration: We thank you. It’s been 100 per cent first class, and we appreciate your hospitality.
Reid added: "It’s been a long wait to stand before you. We missed the first one due to COVID, but we are here strong — Kansas City strong."