Tucker Franklin, the Kansas City Chiefs reporter, recently made headlines after sharing a private message he received from quarterback Patrick Mahomes following the death of his father. Franklin, who is now twenty-eight, posted the interaction on X on Sunday, September 6, giving fans a glimpse into the kind of person Mahomes is off the field."Praying for your family man," Mahomes, who is now thirty years old, wrote in the direct message. "Chiefs and Chiefs Kingdom is with you! 🙏🏽"Tucker Franklin shared the DM with his followers, writing that"I think it's easy to wonder if the quarterback of your favorite team is actually a good guy."He then added,"We don't have to wonder about that in KC ❤️"Before joining the Chiefs beat, Franklin graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in sports media. He was previously the sports editor at The Maryville Forum, where, as a full-time student, he took on the role of the outlet's main sports reporter, covering eight different high schools and Northwest Missouri State simultaneously. As per his background, Franklin also served as the former host and producer of Bearcat Banter and brings over five years of both newsroom and live radio broadcast experience to his current role.Tucker Franklin pays tribute to his father Doug Franklin following his unexpected death:Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks on the team sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri - Source: GettyTucker, who covers the Chiefs for KC Sports Network, announced the passing of his father, Doug Franklin, on August 31. Doug was fifty-five years old.Franklin shared the heartbreaking news via X, writing that"My dad, Doug Franklin, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. He was a great father, phenomenal husband, and an amazing man. The only thing he loved more than the Kansas City Royals was his family. He will be greatly missed."The journalist then added,"It's easy in times like these to be upset by all the things you didn't get to experience. I'm crushed and devastated. Life is not fair but in these unfair moments, I'm choosing to be thankful for the 28 years I had with a man I was honored to call my father. Though, it should've been more. Thank you, Dad."Tucker Franklin pens his father's obituary and is blown away by the outpouring of support:Patrick and Brittany Mahomes on the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria on June 16, 2026 at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, MO - Source: GettyTucker Franklin described writing his late father's obituary as "the hardest writing assignment of my life." In the piece, he painted a picture of who Doug Franklin was beyond just being his father."He was an advocate for teachers, having served on the Trenton R-IX School Board for six years, including the last three as president," Tucker wrote. "On top of that, Doug worked as an adjunct professor for North Central Missouri College, teaching world religion and fire science," he added.The obituary also read,"He loved doing life together. He believed the church was the people. He gathered to camp, sit down at a table, and celebrate regardless of any inconvenience to himself. He showed up for people. He was not perfect and wasn't afraid of it. His selfless nature was evident to everyone he came across."Following the announcement of his father's passing, Tucker Franklin shared via X on September 1 that he was overwhelmed by the responses he received."I can never thank each and every one of you for reaching out, no matter our relationship. I'm overwhelmed. Thank you ❤️," he shared.Tucker Franklin makes emotional return to KC Sports Network after the loss of his father:Patrick Mahomes performs on stage during the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend benefiting Children's Mercy Hospital on May 30, 2026 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri - Source: GettyAs per a report shared by Us Weekly, Tucker Franklin returned to work on September 7, cohosting KC Sports Network's That Football Show. The broadcast opened with Franklin addressing his late father and the support he had received in the days following Doug's passing."In these times, it's good to be together," he said. "It's great to see all the support … that I have had, that my family has had, from people that I've never met," he continued.Franklin then added,"That's been really touching, really moving. I just want to say thank you."