In one of the most unexpected developments of the 2025 NFL preseason, tech mogul and Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly offered an astonishing $255 million endorsement and media deal to Cardi B’s family, on the condition that the chart-topping rapper publicly endorse Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throughout the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
But the music icon shocked both the tech and sports worlds by flatly refusing the offer, citing deeply personal reasons tied to NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs — a revelation that has since dominated headlines and ignited speculation across social media.
Sources close to Apple’s internal marketing division claim that the offer was part of a new global campaign to promote Apple Vision Pro 2, which is expected to integrate with NFL content in an unprecedented way. Tim Cook reportedly viewed Mahomes as the “face of the NFL’s digital future,” and wanted Cardi B to serve as the campaign’s pop-cultural amplifier.
“She has influence far beyond the music industry,” a source close to Apple said. “She speaks directly to a younger generation of consumers. Tim believed that if she backed Mahomes, it would not just be a touchdown — it would be a game-changer.”
The rumored contract included appearances in Apple-sponsored NFL events, exclusive behind-the-scenes Super Bowl access, a mini-documentary on Cardi B’s journey from the Bronx to superstardom, and a stake in Apple’s streaming sports platform.
But then came the unexpected twist.
During a private call that was later leaked to the press, Cardi B reportedly said, “I got nothin’ but love for Mahomes, but my heart ain’t in this for him. If I stand behind anybody this season, it’s Stefon [Diggs].”
This statement sparked instant frenzy. Cardi B and Stefon Diggs had never been publicly linked before. Rumors started swirling — were they friends? Was there more to the story? And most importantly, why would she reject a $255 million offer for a player who’s not even on the same team as Mahomes?
In an impromptu livestream, Cardi B later explained her decision in more detail. Holding back emotion, she revealed that her cousin — who struggled with homelessness and depression — once met Stefon Diggs at a Baltimore charity event in 2023.
“Stefon didn’t just sign autographs and bounce,” Cardi B said. “He took my cousin aside, talked to him for over 30 minutes, gave him his cleats, and told him to stay strong. That moment helped change my cousin’s life. He’s now sober, working, and dreams again. That kind of heart? That don’t come with a price tag.”
The sports world is now in turmoil. Some fans applaud Cardi B’s unwavering loyalty and moral compass, calling her “the most real celebrity in the game.” Others argue she’s missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime financial opportunity and potentially hurting Mahomes’ already immense brand.
Meanwhile, Diggs himself has remained mostly silent, except for a cryptic tweet that read:
“Loyalty is louder than contracts. 🫡”
His message has since gone viral, fueling even more speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Insiders at Apple have described Tim Cook as “extremely disappointed” by the rejection, though officially, the company has not commented on the situation. However, it is believed that Cook is now in talks with other A-list celebrities to pivot the campaign in a new direction — possibly Taylor Swift, whose ongoing relationship with Travis Kelce (Mahomes’ teammate) might be leveraged instead.
Still, Cardi B’s choice has sent a powerful message: not everything in 2025 is for sale.
What began as a business proposition has turned into something far more complex — a story about loyalty, personal values, and the invisible threads that connect lives off the field. Whether or not Cardi B ever partners with the NFL again, she’s already made her mark this season without even stepping foot in a stadium.
As one fan on X (formerly Twitter) put it:
“Tim Cook may have the billions. But Cardi B? She’s got the heart.”