KANSAS CITY | Chiefs fans don’t have an ounce of malice in them. However, since their team constantly wins in its quest for a third Super Bowl in a row, they know very well that they are now playing the role of villains. Far be it from them to complain about it, as we saw during a rally in the heart of Kansas City.
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It was early morning, Friday. The city was still shrouded in darkness and there was not a single traffic jam to get to the city center.
In the early morning, when Kansas City is still sleeping, Union Station is a reminder that the city is permanently in the colors of the Chiefs.
PHOTO STÉPHANE CADORETTE
Kansas City seemed asleep, but in its belly, a surge of madness was already brewing. Inside the magnificent Union Station, all decorated in the colors of the Chiefs, dozens of fans gathered for a rally in honor of their team, in the presence of the popular morning show Today Showbroadcast across the United States on NBC.
Nicknamed Naphi, this Chiefs fan does not go unnoticed with his huge team flag.
PHOTO STÉPHANE CADORETTE
For the occasion, Chiefs fans donned their most beautiful red gear, each more colorful than the last.
“When you have a winning team, the whole city gets behind it. The atmosphere in the city is so positive. Everyone is happy and united for the same cause,” rejoiced Janel Carbajo, aka “Puppet Lady,” proudly showing off her puppets of the Chiefs and Bills who were punching each other, just like in the final. of the American conference, Sunday, in Kansas City.
Janel Carbajo, aka “Puppet Lady”, has always supported the Chiefs and expects a tough battle against the Bills.
PHOTO STÉPHANE CADORETTE
The team to beat
For the lady, who has held her season tickets for 36 years, it would obviously be preferable if the Chiefs were adored for their exploits. Seven straight conference finals, four Super Bowl appearances in five years and 90 wins in seven seasons since Patrick Mahomes has been the starting quarterback is surreal.
“We went through so much bad football before this period! Unfortunately, we’re the new Patriots and that’s not the fun part, but winning is just as good as losing. I’d rather we were seen as the good guys in the story. At least it gives us better football because each team gives so much to beat us,” she noted.
Always special
Blair Falconer and her 10-year-old daughter realize how lucky they are to support a dominant team like the Chiefs.
PHOTO STÉPHANE CADORETTE
Wearing a hat in the shape of a championship ring, Blair Falconer understands that fans of other teams now wish 100 years of misfortune on the Chiefs, but too bad for them.
“No one here is bad, but society has made us bad because it can’t tolerate that certain teams always win. The players feed off this energy. I don’t think we’re hated as much as the Patriots were yet…but it’s coming! If we are champions three years in a row, the hatred will increase,” he smiled.
Two friends, one of whom now lives in Arizona, gathered in Kansas City to cheer on the Chiefs on Sunday in the American Conference final.
PHOTO STÉPHANE CADORETTE
Long-time fans like him, who endured difficult years in Kansas City, know that everything could end tomorrow.
“I know this won’t last forever, but that’s not the case for everyone. My daughter is 10 years old and this is all she has ever known. For people like her, it’s normal. We should never get used to earning so much,” he summed up.
Wink of destiny
Taylor Garrison is a big supporter of the Chiefs, especially Travis Kelce.
PHOTO STÉPHANE CADORETTE
In the crowd, we notice a man with a huge red coat, a replica of the Vince-Lombardi trophy in his hand and a jersey of his idol Travis Kelce on his back. Ironically, he has the same first name as Kelce’s sweetheart, Taylor Swift. You can’t make this up!
“It must be destiny!”, Taylor Garrison said simply.
Three years ago, a violent heart attack gave him a 20% chance of survival. He escaped unscathed, reflecting the resilience of his Chiefs, who always find a way to get out of trouble.
“Since that time I have decided to live life to the fullest and with everything going on with the Chiefs it has become the greatest story ever.
“We are spoiled, but we realize how lucky we are. We grew up hating the Patriots for what they accomplished and now it’s our turn to be hated. We enjoy being the bad guys. You might as well win in Kansas City and be hated as be loved, but be on vacation in Cancun!” he proclaimed.
Well, some will say that Kansas City is not a seaside resort, but with the Chiefs one step away from the Super Bowl, we assure you that the city is overheating.
