People love to talk. Especially when you're Brittany Mahomes.
One minute she's the "Queen of the WAGs" on the sidelines of a Kansas City Chiefs game, and the next, she’s the centerpiece of a massive cultural moment. When the Brittany Mahomes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit announcement dropped in early 2024, the internet basically had a meltdown. Honestly, it was a mix of "wait, what?" and "of course she did."
But here’s the thing: most people saw the photos and immediately assumed it was just some celebrity perk. You know the narrative. She's only there because of Patrick. Or maybe, It’s the Taylor Swift effect.
That's a pretty lazy take, though. If you actually look at the 60th-anniversary issue, there’s a lot more going on than just a famous last name and a red swimsuit.
The Belize Shoot: More Than Just "Chiefs Red"
The 2024 rookie debut wasn't just some studio session in NYC. Brittany flew out to San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize, to work with legendary photographer Derek Kettela.
They didn't play it safe.
The standout look—the one everyone saw—was that fiery red Mugler one-piece. It had these wild, aggressive cutouts and crisscrossed straps. It wasn't just a nod to the Chiefs; it was a statement. While most people were focused on the color, the choice of Mugler signaled a shift toward high fashion that we hadn't really seen from her before.
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What happened behind the lens?
Brittany admitted she was "humbled and in disbelief" during the shoot. It's easy to forget she grew up in Tyler, Texas, as a self-described "sports girl." Modeling wasn't the plan.
She was actually following in the footsteps of athletes like Alex Morgan and Sue Bird. SI has been trying to bridge that gap between "model" and "powerhouse athlete" for years, and Brittany fit that 2024 mold perfectly. She wasn't just there to look pretty; she was there because she’s a co-owner of the Kansas City Current and a literal pioneer for women's sports facilities.
Why the "Mahomes Wife Sports Illustrated" Search Spike Matters
Search trends don't lie. People weren't just looking for "Brittany Mahomes photos." They were searching for mahomes wife sports illustrated because there’s a specific curiosity about her individual identity.
For years, she was just the high school sweetheart who stood by the GOAT quarterback. But 2024 was different. This shoot coincided with the opening of CPKC Stadium—the first stadium in the world built specifically for a professional women's sports team.
"I hope this sets the bar for women's sports everywhere," she told SI during the Belize shoot.
That’s the nuance people miss. The magazine didn't pick her just to sell copies to NFL fans. They picked her because she’s an entrepreneur with a kinesiology degree who actually played pro soccer in Iceland. She’s got the "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust) that Google—and actual humans—should care about.
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Clapping Back: The Reaction Nobody Expected
The internet can be a dark place. Within hours of the reveal, the comments sections were a war zone. People questioned her "rookie" status. They claimed it was a PR stunt for the Super Bowl.
Brittany’s response? Basically, a shrug and a "keep shining."
She posted on her Instagram story: "People will dislike you, people will love you. Don't let any of that define you." It was surprisingly blunt. No PR-polished corporate speak. Just a woman who’s been in the public eye since she was a teenager telling everyone to stay in their lane.
It’s a vibe that resonates in 2026. We’re tired of fake. We like the "unapologetically myself" energy she brought to the spread.
Breaking Down the Numbers (and the Style)
If you’re looking for the specifics of the shoot, it wasn't just one red suit. The gallery featured a variety of designers that showcased a range of "WAG-core" and athletic chic:
- Mugler: The iconic red one-piece with the plunging center cutout.
- Natalia Fedner: A metallic, chainmail-inspired look that felt very "warrior queen."
- Andi Bagus: A more relaxed, bohemian beach vibe paired with a Free People hat.
- Heavy Manners: Floral prints that felt youthful and accessible.
She was 28 at the time of the shoot, a mother of two (Sterling and Bronze), and managing a fitness empire. The physical discipline required for an SI shoot is no joke. Her mother-in-law, Randi Mahomes, even commented on how disciplined Brittany is with her diet and gym routine. It wasn't "luck" that got her into that Mugler suit; it was years of kinesiology-backed training.
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The Evolution Since the 60th Anniversary
Since that debut, life hasn't slowed down. By early 2025, the Mahomes family grew again with the birth of their third child, Golden Raye Mahomes.
But the SI legacy stuck.
She’s no longer "just" a wife in the eyes of the fashion world. She’s a brand. You see her now at the Met Gala, or sitting front row at fashion weeks, often alongside her "new BFF" Taylor Swift. That Sports Illustrated moment was the catalyst. It moved her from the sports pages to the lifestyle and entertainment pages permanently.
Practical Takeaways from the Brittany Mahomes Era
If you’re looking to channel that same "unapologetic" energy or just want to understand the impact, here’s the real deal:
- Own your narrative. Brittany didn't wait for people to stop criticizing her. She leaned into the platform SI gave her to talk about women's sports.
- Health is a long game. Her "SI-ready" body was the result of being a former pro athlete and a certified trainer, not a 3-day juice cleanse.
- Ignore the "Friend Zone" critics. People often mention she kept Patrick in the friend zone for a long time back in Texas. It worked out. Build your own life first.
- Support women's sports. If you really want to follow her lead, look into the NWSL. The CPKC Stadium is a bigger legacy than any magazine cover.
The Brittany Mahomes Sports Illustrated feature was a pivot point. It proved that you can be a mom, a wife to a superstar, and a powerhouse owner all at the same time. Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit: she’s changed the game for what it means to be a "WAG" in the modern era.
Keep an eye on the KC Current this season if you want to see her real work in action. The stadium is usually sold out for a reason.