When Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes auctioned off his custom “15 and FARE” cleats for more than twentytwo thousand dollars, it was more than just a gameday fashion moment, it was a deeply personal gesture shaped by his children’s health and his family’s commitment to advocacy.
Patrick Mahomes selected Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) as his charity for the NFL’s 2024 My Cause My Cleats initiative.
The decision hit home: both of his children, Sterling and Bronze, face food allergies that took the couple by surprise.
The unwanted wakeup call came when Brittany‘s attempt at early peanut introduction led Bronze to break out in hives and require an emergency room visit.
“Within minutes it began to grow and grow, and eventually covered his whole body and got up to his face,” she recalled.
Mahomes added, “It’s critical that every family has what they need. Food allergy reactions can happen anytime, anywhere.
Rather than simply donating, Mahomes used his platform to educate and empower. The auctioned cleats supported the new “15 and FARE” initiative, a partnership between his own 15 and the Mahomies Foundation and FARE.
This effort aims to bring FARE Neighborhoods and Food Allergy Academy training to Kansas City restaurants, community food banks, schools, and more.
A community-centered push to support allergy education
Brittany Mahomes reposted news that LK Snacks, the winning bidder, had donated each cleat to two Kansas City medical centers, Children’s Mercy and The University of Kansas Health System, as symbols of their shared dedication to food allergy awareness and care.
The cleats were presented by FARE CEO Sung Poblete during a backtoschool event, highlighting the expanding reach of the FARE Neighborhoods initiative.
The effort is designed to increase education, improve access to epinephrine, and foster safer environments for children and families managing allergies.
The original auction drew 69 bids, closing on February 11, 2025, with a high bid of $22,050. All proceeds go through the NFL Foundation to the player’s chosen charity, here funding FARE and the Mahomies Foundation for allergy awareness efforts.
Mahomes‘ decision reflects more than philanthropy. He explains that since neither parent nor their family history included allergies, their children’s diagnoses came as a shock and motivated greater action.
Brittany added that managing food allergies “is not just about avoiding certain foods, it’s a lifethreatening disease that requires constant attention”.
To raise awareness beyond the cleats, Brittany and Patrick continue to promote food allergy education.
Brittany has partnered with brands like OWYN and kaléo, and championed resources like AUVIQ autoinjectors and Food Allergy Game Plan tools to support affected families.
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