PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 13: Kansas City Chiefs MVP Quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks during a press conference at Phoenix Convention Center on February 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
NFL fans are praying for Patrick Mahomes and his family following some heartbreaking news.

Debbie Bates Martin, the grandmother of the Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback, passed away last Wednesday following unspecified health battles at the age of 72. Debbie was the mother of Patrick’s mom, Randi Mahomes..

Teresa Jane, a close friend of Randi’s, announced the sad news in a Facebook post. On Monday evening, Randi sent out this emotional message on Twitter:

Football fans offered a series of condolences to the Mahomes family on Twitter.

So sorry for your loss. My Nana passed last year, and she was everything to me. Prayers for your family. ??

— Lara (@LaraBis28105018) April 11, 2023

Martin appeared on several news stories throughout Mahomes’ first five years as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback. Ahead of Kansas City’s 2019 Divisional Round matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Martin was interviewed by KETK NBC in East Texas.

“I can’t believe it’s all happening. He’s only 23 years old, and Kansas City’s had him a year, and he’s just great up there…He hasn’t changed and he’ll always be Patrick,” Martin told the media outlet.

Mahomes, who won the regular season MVP award that year, led the Chiefs to a 31-13 victory over the Colts in the Divisional Round. That sent Kansas City to their first of five straight (and counting) AFC Championship Game appearances. The Chiefs lost the 2018 AFC title game to the New England Patriots but have rallied to win three of the last four conference championships, as well as two Super Bowls.

Martin’s obituary states that she is survived by husband Randy, their children, her four sisters, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Martin’s funeral was held Monday at the Rader Funeral Home in Henderson, Texas.

Our condolences are with the family and friends of Martin during this difficult time.