Emotional: Patrick Mahomes says goodbye to one of his oldest teammates with a funny message

Patrick Mahomes has officially bid farewell to one of his longest-tenured teammates, as defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton departs the Kansas City Chiefs after five seasons and two Super Bowl titles.  Wharton, who carved out a key role in the Chiefs’ defense, has signed a lucrative three-year, $54 million contract with the Carolina Panthers – a move that has earned praise and a bit of humor from Mahomes.

Reacting to the news on social media, Mahomes showed nothing but support for Wharton, writing: “Happy for my dawg! ” The Chiefs star, known for his strong connection with his teammates, clearly appreciated what Wharton brought to Kansas City on and off the field.

Chris Jones, another defensive stalwart and one of Wharton’s closest teammates, also chimed in with an emotional message: “I’m so happy for slime! Going to miss lil brudda .”  Both Mahomes and Jones have spent years alongside Wharton, watching him grow from an undrafted free agent into a key contributor for the Super Bowl-winning team.

Wharton Leaves Kansas City After Career Year

Wharton’s move to Carolina comes on the heels of his most successful season yet. Starting regularly for the first time in 2023, he recorded 29 total tackles – tying his career high – along with 18 solo tackles and a career-best 6.5 sacks. He even notched a sack in the postseason, adding value when it mattered most.  His versatility and relentless effort made him an invaluable piece of Kansas City’s defensive line, but now, he will look to bring that same energy to a Panthers team desperate to overhaul its defense.

The Panthers’ defense hit historic lows last season, allowing 3,057 rushing yards and surrendering 534 points – both among the worst marks in NFL history.  After missing out on other defensive targets like Super Bowl LIX hero Milton Williams, Carolina pivoted quickly to sign Wharton, adding him to a revamped defensive line that also includes Bobby Brown III, A’Shawn Robinson, and Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who is expected to return from injury.

 

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A Fresh Start in Carolina

At 6’1″ and 280 pounds, Wharton brings unique versatility to Carolina. While he has the size to play on the interior, his ability to rush from the edge could make him a dangerous weapon, much like Cameron Jordan has been for the Saints.

With veterans like Jadeveon Clowney and Derrick Brown on the roster, Wharton’s championship pedigree will be vital as the Panthers look to bounce back from a dismal 2024 campaign. For Kansas City, Wharton’s departure marks the end of an era for a player who embodied the Chiefs’ hard-nosed defense.  But for Mahomes, Jones, and the rest of his former teammates, it’s clear that Wharton leaves behind not only a championship legacy but also lasting friendships – and he does so with their full support.