A former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver has voiced his support for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce following a recent lawsuit involving their restaurant. The legal challenge, filed last week by 1587 Sneakers, accuses Mahomes, Kelce, and their business partner Noble 33 of trademark infringement concerning the use of the number “1587.” The sneaker company seeks to stop the athletes from using the name and prohibits them from selling apparel featuring the number.
On Monday, Adam King, co-founder of 1587 Sneakers, posted a statement on Instagram addressing the lawsuit and the significance of the brand.
“When Sam and I dreamed up 1587 in our basement, our goal was simple: celebrate AAPI culture and make amazing products. We rallied around the deeply human need to be unapologetically yourself — and never imagined how widely that idea would resonate. We are proud of, and grateful for, the hard work, creativity and persistence that have helped build 1587 into a national brand. It represents AAPI history, resilience and a community that has long been overlooked,” King wrote.
“This past week, we took formal legal action against Noble 33 for using our name, causing significant harm to our business. While we are fans of Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes and respect their accomplishments on the field and in the community, it’s important to acknowledge that — for years now — 1587 has stood on its own, shaped by intentional effort and cultural storytelling.”
Former Teammate Questions Popularity of Sneaker Brand Before Lawsuit
Gehrig Dieter, a former wide receiver for the Chiefs, expressed skepticism over the sneaker brand’s recognition prior to the lawsuit against the high-profile athletes. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Dieter challenged the brand’s visibility before the dispute became public.
“Have you heard of 1587 Sneakers before this lawsuit? Zero chance,” Dieter wrote.
Mahomes and Kelce’s restaurant, named 1587 Prime, draws its inspiration from their jersey numbers, 15 and 87 respectively. In contrast, the sneaker company’s name refers to the year Filipino sailors first arrived in what would become the United States.
Ongoing Careers of Mahomes and Kelce Amid Off-Field Disputes
Patrick Mahomes is currently recovering from the first major injury of his career, which occurred late in the 2025 season, with an optimistic goal of being ready for the season opener. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce debated retirement but ultimately chose to continue playing. After the Chiefs’ disappointing 6-11 record, the team is aiming to return as strong contenders in the coming seasons, with hopes that Mahomes and Kelce will continue their successful partnership on the field.
Implications of the Lawsuit for Brand Identity and Athlete Ventures
This legal clash highlights the complexities athletes face when entering business ventures that intersect with established cultural brands. While Mahomes and Kelce have earned significant acclaim with the Chiefs, the lawsuit underscores how trademark conflicts can arise when brand names overlap. The outcome of this dispute could influence how professional athletes manage and protect their business endeavors in the future.
Have you heard of 1587 Sneakers before this lawsuit? Zero chance. https://t.co/jds9UAKlGD
— Gehrig Dieter (@GehrigDieter) February 26, 2026
