People have opinions. Especially when it involves a Mahomes. Whether it's a sideline celebration or a viral TikTok, Brittany Mahomes has spent years living under a microscopic lens that most of us would find suffocating. But when the brittany mahomes sports illustrated photos dropped for the magazine's 60th-anniversary issue, the conversation shifted from football stats to something much more personal: confidence, athleticism, and the "rookie" debut of a woman who is far more than just a famous wife.
Honestly, it caught a lot of people off guard.
Most folks know her as the high school sweetheart of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Others know her as the vocal co-owner of the NWSL's Kansas City Current. But seeing her in Belize, photographed by Derek Kettela against the turquoise backdrop of San Pedro Ambergris Caye? That was a different vibe entirely.
What Actually Happened in Belize?
This wasn't some months-long, meticulously planned transformation. In a move that sounds like a literal nightmare for anyone who likes their carbs, Brittany actually revealed that she only had one week’s notice before the shoot. One week. Basically, while most of us are deciding what to have for dinner on a Tuesday, she was getting the call to fly to Central America and pose for one of the most iconic publications in sports history.
She leaned heavily into her background as a former professional soccer player. That's the thing people forget—she played pro in Iceland. She isn't just "fit" for the cameras; she’s an elite athlete who treats her body like a machine.
The Outfits That Went Viral
The aesthetic of the shoot was bold, leaning heavily into the "Chiefs Kingdom" color palette without being too on-the-nose. If you saw the photos, you know exactly which one stands out: that fiery red Mugler one-piece. It featured strategic cut-outs that felt modern and architectural.
Here’s a breakdown of what she actually wore:
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- The Red Mugler: A high-fashion, cut-out one-piece that became the "hero" shot of the campaign.
- Andi Bagus Bikinis: She modeled several pieces from this brand, including a crochet-style look that felt very "island life."
- Natalia Fedner: Known for chainmail and intricate textures, this added a high-glamour element to the rugged beach setting.
- ALT Swim: Sleek, minimalist designs that highlighted her athletic frame.
She wasn't just standing there looking pretty. She was active. She was in the water. She was owning the space. Photographer Derek Kettela has a reputation for capturing movement, and he clearly utilized Brittany’s soccer-player agility to make the shots feel less like a static pose and more like a moment in time.
Why the Backlash Was So Predictable (and Wrong)
Let's be real for a second. The internet can be a dark place. As soon as the news broke, the "she only got it because of Patrick" comments started flooding in. It’s a tired narrative.
SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day was quick to shut that down, pointing out that Brittany is a "modern-day powerhouse." She isn't just a WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of athletes). She’s the woman who helped build CPKC Stadium, the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team. She’s a mom of three (having recently welcomed daughter Golden Raye in early 2025). She’s a fitness entrepreneur.
Brittany’s response to the haters? "Keep shining and being you."
It’s a simple message, but when you’re being dragged by millions of strangers, it’s a hard one to live by. She basically told the world that she’s unapologetically herself, whether you like her sideline energy or her swimsuit photos.
The "One Week" Workout Secret
Since she only had seven days to prep, people were dying to know the routine. She didn't do a crash diet. Instead, she doubled down on what she calls "functional strength."
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- Banded Hip Thrusts: Great for glute activation and stability.
- Single-Leg Deadlifts: Essential for balance, something she learned during her soccer days in Tyler, Texas.
- Consistent Hydration: She’s often talked about using OWYN protein shakes to stay fueled without feeling sluggish.
The Impact on Women's Sports
There is a deeper layer here than just a pretty photo shoot. By appearing in the brittany mahomes sports illustrated photos, she bridged the gap between the "model" world and the "sports owner" world.
She mentioned in her SI interview that she grew up watching elite athletes go out of their comfort zones for this magazine. For her, this was about showing young girls that you can be a boss in the boardroom, a beast on the pitch, and still feel beautiful and confident in your own skin. She wants girls to dream of playing at CPKC Stadium the same way boys dream of playing at Arrowhead.
It’s about visibility. It’s about taking up space in industries that haven't always welcomed women with open arms.
Making the Look Work for You
You don't need a professional lighting crew in Belize to channel that same confidence. The "Brittany Look" is less about the specific bikini and more about the posture. It’s that "unapologetic" energy she keeps talking about.
If you’re looking to replicate the vibe, focus on high-cut silhouettes. They elongate the leg—a trick models have used for decades. Look for bold, primary colors. Red isn't just a Chiefs color; it’s a power color. It commands attention.
Also, don't ignore the hair. For the shoot, they went with "windswept" blonde waves and a neutral, smokey eye. It wasn't overly "glam." It looked like she had just walked off the beach, which is exactly the point.
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What’s Next for Brittany?
Since these photos debuted, Brittany’s profile has only grown. She’s become a fixture in the fashion world, often seen alongside Taylor Swift at games, but she’s also stayed deeply involved in the Kansas City community.
The 60th-anniversary issue was a milestone for Sports Illustrated, and featuring a woman who is effectively a mogul in the making was a smart move. It reflected where the brand is going—moving away from just "models" and toward "impact players."
If you're looking to follow her lead, start by ignoring the noise. The biggest takeaway from the brittany mahomes sports illustrated photos isn't the Mugler swimsuit or the Belize sunset. It's the fact that she did it despite knowing exactly what the critics would say.
Actionable Insights for Personal Confidence:
- Audit your circle: Surround yourself with people who celebrate your wins, like Patrick does for Brittany (he was the first to drop those heart-eye emojis on her posts).
- Prioritize functional fitness: Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks. Stability and strength pay off more than vanity metrics.
- Own your narrative: If people are going to talk anyway, give them something worth talking about. Be bold in your choices.
- Invest in quality: Whether it's a swimsuit or a business venture, don't cut corners. The details matter.
The story of these photos is really a story about resilience. In a world that constantly tries to put women in a box—"the wife," "the mom," "the athlete"—Brittany Mahomes decided to be all of them at once, right there on the cover of a magazine.