Sports Illustrated has hit back at people mocking Brittany Mahomes' inclusion in the 60th anniversary swimsuit issue.
The soccer mogul and wife of Kansas City Chiefs' star Patrick Mahomes posed for the magazine's upcoming 60th-anniversary edition as a "rookie," joining the publication's yearly pick of "eight extraordinary women from wildly different backgrounds."
Sports Illustrated shared a video of the beach photo shoot in Belize to Instagram on Thursday. Surrounded by clear seas and palm trees, the clip shows Mahomes frolicking in the sun while modeling a variety of swimsuit styles and accessories.
"Brittany Mahomes is your newest 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie!" it announced in the caption.
"Owner of the Kansas City Current NWSL team, former pro athlete, wife and mother, Brittany emerges as the epitome of a modern-day powerhouse.
"Founder of the world's first ever dedicated stadium for women's sports, Brittany's journey has surpassed all expectations, inspiring others with her tenacity and unyielding determination.
"We are proud to welcome her to the SI Swimsuit family where she will undoubtedly continue to empower women worldwide."
However, haters took to the comments section to troll Mahomes and Sports Illustrated.
"Why [the f***] is she in sports illustrated?" asked Angel Rodriguez.
"I Remember when this used to be top tier models..." said Matt Punisher.
"Sports illustrated has officially fallen off," wrote Brandon Brewer.
"So many models apply but because she is relevant and has money she gets it on her first try," said Vanessa Garcia.
"I never say much about Britney but I think this one was way out of line for a married woman with kids," commented Patty Bates.
Nancy Bolin Tripp agreed, writing: "Wife of NFL quarterback and mother of small children, showing it all for all the world to see. Did she have to one up her very successful husband?"
Newsweek has reached out to Brittany Mahomes for comment via Instagram and Sports Illustrated by email.
Many users defended Mahomes, with @alliehsoul calling the shoot "iconic."
"What's funny is amid all the haters this girl is killing it," said Jason Ferguson.
"Love watching you shine!!" wrote Kristin Juszczyk.
"She's not just a 'football wife..' She's a queen making her name known on her own and empowering girls everywhere," said Jolene Mendez.
"Love all she represents to women, proud to call her our Kansas City Queen we are blessed to have her in our community," commented Trish Butler. "It's refreshing to see a woman defined by her accomplishments rather than constantly labeled as 'so and so's wife.'"
User @dawnrorick reposted Sports Illustrated's description of Mahomes, telling the haters to "take a seat and read about [Brittany Mahomes] and how amazing she actually is."
Sports Illustrated also jumped in to defend the 28-year-old, commenting on @dawnrorick's post: "Couldn't have said it any better."
With the Super Bowl on Sunday, all eyes are currently on Mahomes' quarterback husband. The couple started dating in high school and share two children, Sterling Skye Mahomes, 2, and 1-year-old Patrick "Bronze" Lavon Mahomes III.
However, Brittany Mahomes can more than match the football star's success. The mom-of-two played soccer professionally for Icelandic club UMF Afturelding before retraining as a fitness instructor. She part owns women's soccer team, the Kansas City Current, with a stadium for the team being built on Kansas City's Berkley Riverfront.
Mahomes has also partnered with a number of brands including Auvi-q allergy injector for infants and Kim Kardashian's underwear brand SKIMS.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more
