AI Deepfake of Patrick Mahomes Goes Viral After Super Bowl LIX Loss
Super Bowl LIX, held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, was a tough night for the Kansas City Chiefs as they suffered a 40-22 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the game itself wasn’t the only thing people were talking about. Shortly after the Chiefs’ loss, an AI-generated deepfake video of quarterback Patrick Mahomes began circulating on social media, quickly gaining viral attention.
The deepfake video depicted Mahomes in what appeared to be a self-deprecating rant, mocking himself, his team, and even head coach Andy Reid. It also included comments about teammate Travis Kelce and his girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, implying that Kelce was more focused on impressing Swift than on the game. The video amassed 7.7 million views and over 557,000 likes on TikTok, leaving many viewers shocked by its realism.
What the Deepfake Video Showed
In the viral footage, the AI-generated version of Mahomes was heard saying, “I’m a choker, I’m a trash can. Jalen Hurts absolutely destroyed me tonight.” The altered video also suggested that the Chiefs played poorly and implied that Kelce was more interested in his looks for Taylor Swift rather than the outcome of the Super Bowl.
While the video initially surprised many fans, it quickly became clear that it was meant as a parody. The creator had labeled the content as AI-generated, and TikTok’s AI watermark was visible, indicating that it was not a real video. Some Chiefs fans even appreciated the humor, with one comment saying, “I’m a Chiefs fan and this is funny as hell.”
The Rise of AI-Generated Content
This deepfake was created using Parrot AI, a tool recognized for generating highly convincing artificial videos. Though remarkably realistic when viewed on a smartphone screen, closer examination revealed unnatural mouth and jaw movements. The Mahomes deepfake is part of a growing trend of AI-generated parody content, particularly targeting NFL players and referees.
Deepfake technology has become increasingly sophisticated, leading to concerns about its potential misuse. Other public figures, including Tom Hanks and Gayle King, have appeared in unauthorized AI-generated advertisements without their consent. Political leaders such as Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Elon Musk have also been featured in AI-manipulated videos, some of which have been used to spread misinformation.
Tech Companies Combatting Deepfakes
With the rapid expansion of AI-generated media, major technology companies are stepping up their efforts to combat misleading deepfake content. Platforms like Facebook and Google are implementing better detection systems to identify and remove deceptive videos. The use of AI watermarks and content labels is an important step in helping audiences recognize manipulated media. However, as AI technology improves, so does the challenge of distinguishing between real and altered footage.
Final Thoughts
While this particular deepfake of Patrick Mahomes was clearly a joke, it highlights the growing capabilities of AI in digital media. These realistic-looking videos can easily blur the line between fact and fiction, raising concerns about how they might be used in the future. Misinformation spreads quickly, making it more important than ever for both media consumers and tech companies to remain vigilant.
AI-generated content is evolving at a rapid pace, and while it can be used for entertainment, it also has the potential to mislead audiences. As such, developing better safeguards and awareness around digital manipulation is essential. The controversy surrounding Mahomes’ deepfake serves as a reminder that even when AI is used for humor, its impact is very real. Moving forward, the challenge will be ensuring that technological advancements remain in check while preserving the integrity of digital media.