Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Face Backlash for Packed Golf Cart Ride Days After Fatal Accident Involving John Elway’s Agent

By Ace, Published May 4, 2025

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, have found themselves at the center of controversy after being spotted riding in a crowded golf cart on May 3, 2025—just days after a tragic golf cart accident claimed the life of Jeff Sperbeck, a longtime friend and business partner of NFL legend John Elway. The incident, reported by TMZ in a post that quickly went viral, has sparked a heated debate about celebrity responsibility, the dangers of golf carts, and the optics of the Mahomes’ actions in the wake of a high-profile tragedy.

A Packed Golf Cart Ride Sparks Outrage

On the evening of May 3, 2025, at 23:48 UTC, TMZ shared a post on X with the headline: “Patrick & Brittany Mahomes Ride in Packed Cart Days After John Elway’s Agent Fell From One.” The accompanying photo and story detailed how the Mahomes, a power couple in the sports world, were seen riding in a golf cart described as “packed” with passengers. The timing of the outing couldn’t have been more striking: it came less than a week after Jeff Sperbeck, a 62-year-old sports agent, died following a fall from a golf cart driven by John Elway on April 26, 2025, in La Quinta, California.

Sperbeck’s accident occurred as he, Elway, their wives, and Elway’s son were leaving a post-party following the Stagecoach music festival. According to a report from The Denver Post, paramedics rushed Sperbeck to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was placed on life support. Despite medical efforts, he passed away at 1:10 a.m. on April 30, 2025. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and concluded it was a “horrific accident” with no criminal activity involved, though the exact circumstances of the fall remain unclear. Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback and former Denver Broncos executive, expressed his grief in a statement, saying, “There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me… Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship, and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others.”

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the sports community, not only because of Elway’s prominence but also because it highlighted the unexpected dangers of golf carts—vehicles often seen as harmless fun. So when Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, who are no strangers to the spotlight, were seen engaging in what appeared to be a similar activity just days later, the public reaction was swift and polarized.

Social Media Erupts: Criticism, Concern, and Dismissal

The TMZ post (Post ID: 1918814942146293998) quickly garnered attention on X, with users expressing a wide range of reactions. Some, like @JoeMaristela, were scathing in their criticism, writing, “Can we just take a moment to appreciate the absolute fucking absurdity of Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany riding around in a packed golf cart, just days after John Elway’s agent fell off one and died?” Joe went on to describe the Mahomes’ behavior as akin to a “low-budget action movie” scene, with people “hanging off the sides,” and argued that famous athletes should “know better” than to engage in such recklessness. His post highlighted a broader sentiment that celebrities, especially those with young fans, have a responsibility to model safe behavior—particularly in the wake of a tragedy that likely hit close to home for the Mahomes, given their shared circles in the NFL world.

Others expressed concern rather than outright condemnation. @LadyRaeInTheUK wrote, “That’s quite the timing! Hope everyone’s taking extra care after that scare with Elway’s agent. Gotta stay safe out there!” Meanwhile, @SwaggyMcNasty took a more neutral stance, commenting, “Gotta live it up, but stay safe out there!” However, not everyone saw the Mahomes’ actions as a big deal. @DegenChieF questioned the newsworthiness of the story, stating, “People’s personal lives don’t have to make it to the news bro,” while @prolificalpha suggested TMZ was “running out of stories to post.” Another user, @thestevemahoney, referenced Elway directly, writing, “Well – when you’re drunk like John Elway usually is – bad things happen,” though this comment appeared speculative and unverified.

The varied reactions underscore the complex relationship between celebrities and the public. For some, the Mahomes’ golf cart ride was a tone-deaf move that disregarded the gravity of Sperbeck’s death and the risks involved. For others, it was simply a private moment that didn’t warrant scrutiny. But the incident also raises broader questions about golf cart safety—a topic that has been gaining attention in recent years.

Golf Carts: A Hidden Danger

Golf carts may seem like innocuous vehicles, often associated with leisurely rounds of golf or fun rides at resorts, but they pose significant risks when misused. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Safety Research, which analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 1990 to 2006, found that golf cart accidents resulted in over 65,000 injuries in the U.S. during that period—an average of about 3,800 injuries per year. More recent data from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia indicates that approximately 6,500 annual golf cart accidents involve injuries to adolescents, challenging the notion that these incidents primarily affect adults.

Common causes of golf cart accidents include overcrowding, speeding, sharp turns, and operating on uneven terrain or in crowded areas. A 2024 article from Swartz Law noted that many accidents occur in non-golf settings, such as resorts, festivals, or retirement communities—precisely the kind of environment where both the Elway-Sperbeck incident and the Mahomes’ ride likely took place. In Sperbeck’s case, the golf cart was being used to transport people after a music festival, and while the sheriff’s investigation found no foul play, overcrowding or reckless driving could have been factors. Similarly, the description of the Mahomes’ golf cart as “packed” raises red flags, as overcrowding increases the risk of falls, ejections, or collisions.

The dangers of golf carts are not limited to recreational settings. A 2024 article by Blumenshine Law Group highlighted similar risks in airports, where golf cart-like vehicles are often used to ferry passengers in crowded, high-traffic areas. The Federal Aviation Administration reports dozens of incidents involving such vehicles each year, often due to lack of passenger awareness or insufficient safety barriers. These parallels underscore the need for greater awareness and regulation around golf cart use, regardless of the setting.

The Mahomes’ Prior Focus on Safety: A Stark Contrast

Adding a layer of irony to the controversy is the Mahomes’ prior emphasis on safety. In a March 8, 2025, article from Motorcycle Sports, the couple was praised for taking “decisive steps to protect their family in light of growing safety concerns.” The article described Patrick and Brittany as a “united front” in ensuring the well-being of their children, Sterling and Bronze, and highlighted their “proactive approach” to safety. While the specifics of their measures weren’t detailed, the article painted a picture of a couple deeply committed to protecting their family—a stark contrast to the optics of their May 3 golf cart ride.

Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the NFL’s biggest stars, has often spoken about the importance of family. In a September 2024 interview with People magazine, he discussed relying on FaceTime to stay connected with his wife and kids while on the road with the Chiefs, saying, “It makes the distance feel a little smaller when I’m on the road.” Brittany, a former professional soccer player, has also been vocal about her role as a mother, frequently sharing glimpses of their family life on social media. Just months before the golf cart incident, on September 22, 2024, Brittany posted an Instagram Story of Sterling and Bronze playing in a mini golf cart, a moment that People described as “adorable.” These glimpses into their family life have endeared the Mahomes to fans, but they also set a high bar for their public behavior—making their recent actions all the more jarring.

Celebrity Responsibility in the Spotlight

The Mahomes’ golf cart ride has reignited a broader conversation about celebrity responsibility, particularly in the context of health and safety. High-profile figures like Patrick Mahomes, who has a massive platform as one of the NFL’s most recognizable stars, are often expected to set an example for their fans. A 2009 survey cited in a PMC article found that 24% of parents place “some trust” in vaccine safety information given by celebrities, illustrating the significant influence public figures can wield. Similarly, studies have shown that children are more likely to choose food products endorsed by celebrities, with one study noting increased consumption of endorsed items after exposure to celebrity promotions.

While the Mahomes’ golf cart ride isn’t a direct endorsement of risky behavior, the optics—especially so soon after Sperbeck’s death—suggest a lack of caution that could influence others. As @JoeMaristela put it on X, “Famous athletes can be just as reckless and irresponsible as the rest of us, even when they should know better.” This sentiment reflects a growing expectation that celebrities, particularly those with young fans, should model responsible behavior, especially in the wake of a tragedy that likely resonated within their own social and professional circles.

A Call for Greater Safety Awareness

The Mahomes’ incident, while seemingly trivial, underscores a broader need for increased awareness and regulation around golf cart use. The statistics are clear: these vehicles are not toys, and their misuse can lead to serious injury or death. In light of incidents like Sperbeck’s accident, there’s a strong case for stricter safety guidelines, such as limiting the number of passengers, enforcing speed limits, and ensuring operators are trained to handle the vehicles responsibly. Public awareness campaigns could also help, particularly targeting high-traffic environments like festivals, resorts, and sports events where golf carts are commonly used.

For celebrities like the Mahomes, who are constantly in the spotlight, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of leading by example. While they may not have intended to send a message by riding in a packed golf cart, the timing—coming just days after a fatal accident in their own community—has amplified the criticism. A more prudent approach might have been to avoid such activities, at least publicly, until the dust had settled from the Elway-Sperbeck tragedy.

Looking Ahead: Lessons from the Controversy

As the conversation around this incident continues, it serves as a sobering reminder that even seemingly harmless activities can have serious consequences if safety is not prioritized. For Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, the backlash may prompt a moment of reflection about the example they set as public figures. For the broader public, the incident highlights the need for greater awareness of golf cart dangers, particularly in settings where these vehicles are used recreationally.

Jeff Sperbeck’s death was a tragic loss for John Elway and the sports community, and it should serve as a wake-up call about the risks of golf carts. While the Mahomes likely intended no harm, their actions have inadvertently brought renewed attention to this issue. As the NFL season progresses and Patrick Mahomes continues to lead the Chiefs on the field, one can only hope that this controversy will lead to positive change—both for the Mahomes family and for the countless others who use golf carts every day.