US President had one question on his mind when he met the owner of a Kansas City barbecue restaurant at the White House: how Patrick Mahomes was doing. Trump spoke with Joe Pearce, co-owner of Slap’s BBQ, during the White House Small Business Summit on May 4, 2026. The conversation quickly moved from business to football as Trump asked about the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s recovery from his knee injury. Pearce told him Mahomes was doing well, while Trump then asked whether the quarterback could be ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season.
US President asks Joe Pearce about Patrick Mahomes’ recovery
President began the conversation by asking Pearce about Mahomes’ condition.“The most important thing, how’s Mahomes doing?” Trump asked. “Is he OK?”Pearce, who co-owns Slap’s BBQ with his brother Mike Pearce, replied that Mahomes was OK.Trump then made it clear that he wanted the quarterback to return soon.“You tell the people we love him,” Trump said.The president did not stop there. He asked Pearce whether Mahomes would be able to start the first game of the 2026 season.“So, he’ll start Game 1, you think?”Pearce and his brother responded that they were hopeful. When Trump asked if Mahomes would at least be close to returning, Pearce again gave an optimistic answer.“Real close, real close,” he said.Trump also asked whether Pearce knew Mahomes personally. Pearce explained that Mahomes and people around the Chiefs had ordered from his restaurant from time to time.Trump then asked Pearce to pass along his best wishes.“You let him know, I want him to get better fast, I hope he plays the whole season,” Trump said.
Patrick Mahomes continues recovery from knee injury
Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. He suffered the injury during the Chiefs’ 2025 season and has been working through his rehabilitation ahead of the new campaign.There have been encouraging signs in his recovery. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid recently said Mahomes was throwing the football and doing his training work without problems.“Yeah, I know he’s doing a lot of stuff right now,” Reid said.Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has also offered an upbeat update, saying Mahomes was “way ahead of schedule” in his recovery. Still, Pearce could only offer hope when Trump asked about Mahomes starting the season. His comments were not an official medical update from the Chiefs.The exchange showed how closely Mahomes’ recovery is being followed, even outside the team and the NFL. Trump used his meeting with a Kansas City business owner to ask about one of the city’s biggest sports stars, before returning to the business summit.