Travis Kelce has a theory about what Patrick Mahomes drank before the Chiefs’ Week 2 win over the Colts, and it involves pickle juice and a mystery bottle. Kelce was talking about the viral moment before the game, and he admitted he couldn’t quite identify the bottle.
“It looks like some Limoncello or somethin’, man,” Kelce said, before adding that he wasn’t sure. Then he launched into a joke about a wife named Maria.
He suggested Mahomes might have the coach’s wife’s famous Limoncello, describing it as a nice little click noise that gets you going and raises the blood pressure. Kelce then pivoted to pickle juice, calling it the drink Mahomes was actually having.
“I would say that that’s the pickle juice that we have. He’s just drinkin’ electrolytes; it’s hot out here, it’s humid out here. He wants to make sure he gets those electrolytes. Pickle juice is one of the most famous things to help you not cramp during the game and keep you hydrated, so he’s just taking a quick shot of that pickle juice, baby,” Kelce said.
Mahomes’ Big Night
Whatever Mahomes consumed, it seemed to work. He threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover, putting together an MVP-like performance. Kelce led the Chiefs with nine receptions and 101 yards, catching his first touchdown of the season after the defense intercepted Daniel Jones.
The game went to overtime, but Kansas City won. The Chiefs will now visit the winless Miami Dolphins in Week 3 before playing the Las Vegas Raiders the following week.
Mahomes’ Road Back
Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL injury suffered in December 2025. He returned in time for the Chiefs’ Week 1 game over the Denver Broncos, though it wasn’t perfect. Kansas City still pulled out the win.
Through two games, Mahomes has thrown for 566 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He has also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown.
What Kelce Said
Kelce’s joke was the whole point. He didn’t claim to know what Mahomes drank — he said it looked like Limoncello. But then he pivoted to pickle juice, a staple of his own explanation, and made the comparison sound like a compliment.
The “nice little [click noise]” reference was clearly aimed at the coach’s wife. Kelce framed the joke as a tribute, but the punchline was always the pickle juice.
The Win Over the Colts
The Week 2 win over the Colts was a statement. Mahomes looked sharp despite the injury history, and the offense moved the ball well.
Kelce’s nine catches were a team-high, and his 101 yards showed he remains a major threat in the passing game. The defense’s takeaway led to his touchdown, which came in the game that went to overtime.
What Comes Next
The schedule is tight. After the Dolphins, the Raiders loom. Neither game will be easy.
Kelce’s joke about the drink was harmless fun, but it landed. Mahomes is back, and the Chiefs are finding ways to win.
Schedule at a Glance
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | Indianapolis Colts |
| Week 3 | Miami Dolphins |
| Following week | Las Vegas Raiders |
Source material: “Chiefs news: Travis Kelce reveals what Patrick Mahomes drank before KC's WK 2 win,” Yahoo Sports.
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