Sophie Cunningham turned a simple throw into another viral moment this week, borrowing a familiar NFL name for a playful new nickname. The Indiana Fever guard launched a signed ball into the second deck at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the Fever shared the moment online.
“Call me Patrick Mahomes from here on out,” Cunningham wrote after the clip spread. The comparison fits her Missouri roots and longtime Chiefs connection, while adding another memorable moment to her eventful season.
The throw that started the Mahomes comparison
Cunningham’s nickname idea came from a throw rather than a basketball play. Around Indiana’s Sept. 22 matchup with Minnesota, the Fever posted a video showing Cunningham launching a signed ball toward the upper seating at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with the ball reaching the second deck.
The moment quickly became part of the conversation surrounding Cunningham. She reposted the Fever’s clip on X and added the line, “Call me Patrick Mahomes from here on out.” The comment made the comparison clear while keeping the moment playful.
Mahomes is known for the arm strength and creative throws that have become part of his identity with the Kansas City Chiefs. Cunningham’s long-distance toss gave her an easy connection to the NFL quarterback, especially because she grew up in Columbia, Missouri.
Cunningham already has a history of viral moments
The Mahomes reference arrives during a season in which Cunningham has repeatedly found herself at the center of online attention. A finger-pointing moment during Indiana’s June matchup with Phoenix became a widely shared meme, giving her another viral identity away from the box score.
Cunningham has also embraced the playful side of her public image. Earlier in 2026, she interacted with Brittany Mahomes on social media, and her connection to the Mahomes family had already become part of the broader online conversation around the Fever guard.
The nickname joke also follows a season in which she has remained important to Indiana’s rotation. The WNBA lists Cunningham as a 6-foot-1 guard with 7 years of experience, and she entered the final week of the regular season averaging 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Why Patrick Mahomes fits Cunningham’s Missouri connection
The Mahomes reference carries a geographic connection for Cunningham. She was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, attended Rock Bridge High School, and later became one of the most accomplished players in Missouri women’s basketball history.
Her Missouri background also overlaps with Kansas City sports culture. Cunningham has publicly identified with the Chiefs, making the quarterback reference more personal than a random comparison to a famous athlete.
That multi-sport history makes the viral throw feel particularly on-brand. Cunningham’s athletic background has included different sports, while her professional career has centered on basketball and her reputation as a competitive, energetic player.
Fun fact: Sophie Cunningham earned a black belt in taekwondo when she was just 6 years old. The Indiana Fever guard also became the first girl in her high school’s history to score in a football game.
The timing adds another layer to the joke
The throw surfaced around Indiana’s 96-77 win over Minnesota at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Cunningham scored 11 points, while Caitlin Clark had 27 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, and Kelsey Mitchell scored 20.
The win moved Indiana to 28-15 and kept its home-court hopes alive entering the final regular-season game. Minnesota later clinched the No. 1 seed after Portland defeated Golden State, while Indiana’s performance gave the team momentum at the end of the regular season.
Cunningham’s Mahomes joke landed alongside a significant basketball result. Her deep throw became the lighter viral moment attached to a night when the Fever produced one of their biggest wins of the regular season.
Mahomes brings a recognizable comparison
Mahomes entered 2026 as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, known for arm talent, creativity, and unusual throws. Kansas City’s official statistics list him with 566 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception through 2 regular-season games this season.
Cunningham’s comparison was clearly playful rather than a claim about the 2 athletes having similar roles. Mahomes throws footballs professionally, while Cunningham’s value to Indiana comes from her perimeter shooting, veteran experience, and ability to contribute off the bench.
The joke works because the visual was easy to understand. A professional basketball player launching a ball into the upper deck creates a familiar sports image, and attaching Mahomes’ name to it gave the clip an instantly recognizable reference point.
Cunningham’s new nickname is part of a bigger 2026 season
Whether “Patrick Mahomes” becomes a lasting nickname for Cunningham is separate from why the phrase went viral. Her own post introduced it, and the comparison grew directly from a single throw that caught the attention of the Fever’s social media audience.
Cunningham has already had several nicknames and viral moments attached to her career. The Mahomes joke connects her athletic personality, Missouri background, and an NFL star in one short line.
The moment also captures how Cunningham’s presence extends beyond traditional statistics. She remains a rotation guard and long-range threat, but her personality and social-media moments have made her one of the Fever’s more recognizable players during a season that has generated substantial attention around the team.
TL;DR
- Sophie Cunningham joked that fans should call her Patrick Mahomes after she launched a signed ball into the second deck at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- The Indiana Fever guard made the comparison herself on X after the team shared the throw.
- Cunningham’s Missouri roots and connection to the Chiefs give the Mahomes reference a natural personal link.
- The viral moment came around Indiana’s 96-77 win over Minnesota, in which Cunningham scored 11 points.
Read More From This Brand:
- Sophie Cunningham reveals why WNBA jersey swaps are uncommon
- Sophie Cunningham reacts to Brittany Mahomes’ Chiefs opener outfit
- Sophie Cunningham says being 6-foot-1 shapes who she wants to date
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
