Drake and Patrick Mahomes. It sounds like the setup for a high-budget Super Bowl commercial, doesn't it? Well, that's because it literally was.
Remember the 2021 State Farm spot? Drake stood there as "Drake from State Farm," chewing a red apple while Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers looked on with varying levels of confusion. That moment wasn't just a clever marketing gimmick; it was the public birth of one of the weirdest, most profitable, and occasionally "cursed" relationships in modern pop culture.
What Actually Links Drake and Patrick Mahomes?
Let’s get the facts straight. They aren't exactly childhood best friends who grew up on the same block. Drake is a 39-year-old hip-hop titan from Toronto; Mahomes is the 30-year-old face of the NFL playing in the heart of Missouri.
Their "friendship" is a mix of mutual respect, strategic branding, and a whole lot of gambling. Drake has this habit of name-dropping elite athletes to cement his own "winner" status. If you're at the top of your game, Drake wants to be in your orbit.
In the 2021 track "Lemon Pepper Freestyle," Drake rapped: “Patty Mahomes 'bout to fall short a couple hunnid.” It was a specific reference to Mahomes’ massive contract and the potential bonuses he missed out on after losing Super Bowl LV to the Buccaneers. Mahomes didn’t take it personally. He actually tweeted a GIF of Drake himself laughing. It was a classic "game recognize game" moment that showed they were at least on texting terms.
The Drake Curse vs. the Mahomes Magic
If you follow sports betting, you know about the "Drake Curse."
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For years, the superstition was simple: if Drake wears your jersey or bets on your team, you’re doomed. Just ask Anthony Joshua or the 2019 Toronto Maple Leafs. But Patrick Mahomes seems to be the only human being on the planet immune to the Canadian rapper's bad juju.
In February 2024, Drake famously dropped a $1.15 million bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. He posted the slip on Instagram with the caption, "I can't bet against the swifties."
The Chiefs won. Drake pocketed over $2.3 million.
He didn't just keep the cash, though. During a concert in St. Louis the following night, he told the crowd he was going to "bless" a fan with the winnings. Honestly, that’s a power move. While most people are stressed about their parlay hitting, Drake is using his Mahomes-backed winnings to fund someone’s college tuition or mortgage.
The "curse" essentially died at the hands of Mahomes. Drake has since doubled down, frequently placing six-figure wagers on the Chiefs during their 2024 and 2025 campaigns. As of early 2026, the data shows that betting on Mahomes is one of the few ways Drake actually stays "green" on his Stake account.
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Is This Just a Business Deal?
You've gotta wonder how much of this is authentic. Drake has a massive partnership with Stake, a crypto-betting platform. Mahomes is the ultimate safe bet for a brand ambassador.
Whenever Drake posts a screenshot of a million-dollar wager on #15, it generates millions in free impressions. It’s a cycle.
- Drake bets on Mahomes.
- Mahomes wins (because he's Mahomes).
- Drake posts about his "vision."
- The internet goes wild.
But there’s a human element too. In July 2025, Mahomes posted a preseason workout montage. The background track? Drake’s "WDIM." This happened right in the thick of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef that dominated the previous year. By choosing that song, Mahomes was subtly signaling where his loyalties stayed.
The Drake Maye Confusion
Lately, if you search for "Drake and Patrick Mahomes," you're going to see a lot of stats.
That’s because of Drake Maye, the New England Patriots quarterback. In late 2025, Maye started breaking records previously held by Mahomes for the most games with a 100+ passer rating by a player under 24.
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It’s confusing for the algorithms, but for the fans, it’s just more evidence of Mahomes’ legacy. He is the benchmark. Whether it's a legendary rapper trying to catch his vibe or a rookie QB trying to catch his stats, everything in the NFL still revolves around the guy in Kansas City.
Why This Connection Matters
Ultimately, the link between these two is about the intersection of "The Boy" and "The GOAT."
Drake needs Mahomes to prove he’s still connected to the winning side of culture. Mahomes, while arguably more grounded, benefits from the "cool factor" that comes with being the subject of lyrics and million-dollar bets.
If you want to follow their connection, don't just look for them in the same room. Watch the Instagram Stories on Saturday nights before a big game. Watch the pre-game tunnel walks to see what Mahomes is bumping in his headphones.
Actionable Insights for the Fans:
- Follow the Bets: If you’re curious about Drake’s "confidence" in the Chiefs, his Stake profile usually leaks his slips 24 hours before kickoff.
- Listen for the Lyrics: With a new Drake project rumored for late 2026, expect more than just a passing mention of the Chiefs' three-peat efforts.
- Ignore the Curse: The "Drake Curse" is statistically dead when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs. Don't let a rapper's endorsement scare you off a Mahomes moneyline.
The relationship isn't going anywhere. As long as Mahomes is winning rings and Drake is looking for a place to put his money, these two will be the ultimate power duo of the 2020s.