Another Convert

by Ozarks on Sep 27, 2010 10:03 AM CDT

While my heart fills with pride over the resurgence of our beloved Chiefs, I got something else out of the Niners game. A son who I think will now be able to share his father’s love for the Chiefs. A son who will now be a fan for life.

Let me explain.

My now fifteen-year-old son has been what I call “force fed” the Chiefs for as long as he’s been alive. His room has a red and gold stripe around the top. Autographed pennants, pictures and posters all over the place. I took him to his first game when he was six or seven years old (Chiefs 49, Cardinals 0… told him it wasn’t going to be that easy every time). We’ve seen a few others together. Actually he’s never seen them lose in person. But he’s never seen the Chiefs be very good. Most of those games I took him to were the ones late in the year when they were just playing out the string. Half full stadiums. Rotten weather. Largely indifferent crowds. I’d tell him stories about when Arrowhead literally vibrated with noise and excitement back in the 90’s. And while he understood what I was saying, I really don’t think he ever GOT IT. He likes the Chiefs and talks a good game. But he’s just never given himself completely to the team. I’m OK with that. And I accepted the fact that he may just never get the passion that I feel for this team.

This past Sunday, a couple of tickets came my way for the 49ers game. I thought I would take my son to the game again. He was excited to go, as it meant a road trip and a fun afternoon. But I had something different in mind. After years of TELLING him about how it used to be, I’d finally get to SHOW him. The Chiefs were 2-0. The weather was going to be nice. Arrowhead was going to be ROCKING. And I couldn’t wait.

We tailgated. Cooked some brats. Smelled the bar-b-que all around us. Tossed the football around. Fans around us were smiling, happy, confident. Confident? That’s certainly something he hadn’t seen before. Our walk around the stadium to our seats took us through the new Hall of Honor. We paused to look at some of the displays. Took a picture by the Lombardi Trophy from that “ancient” 1970 Super Bowl winner. We took our seats just before kickoff, with a reluctant sun just beginning to splash the field with color. When I say took our seats, I’m really lying. We stood by our seats. We never sat. We yelled, stomped, beat on the seats in front of us. And so did everyone else around us. It was an absolute party.

Then early in the second quarter, I saw it. Brandon Flowers tipped a ball and caught an interception on his back. The place just erupted. Shook with noise. While everyone was high fiving one another, I looked at my boy and I saw it. Not just a smile. Not just happy. But joyful. Caught up in a moment shared by thousands of his newest, closest friends. I was caught up too. Because I knew that I had finally shown him what it REALLY means to be a Chiefs fan. To lose yourself. To think that you can have an outcome on a game by making as much noise as humanly possible. To have the passion.

I sincerely hope that the Chiefs are successful this year. I want to see them win a Super Bowl. But mostly, I just want to watch the games with my kid. I want him to look forward to Sunday. Maybe he’ll want to stop what he’s doing and sit down with his dad for a couple of hours. Then again, he’s fifteen. Indifference is the normal attitude right now. I do know this. He saw the passion on Sunday. And he finally understood.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Great read.

Rec’d. We’re starting to see people come out of the wood work and jump on the bandwagon. I’m glad to see it, I guess. There are people I want to say “I told you so” to, but I ’m not like that.

"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"

by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 27, 2010 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I had a guy on campus this morning

Tell me I was on the bandwagon because I’m wearing my Chiefs hoodie. Im standing there thinking, “Because somehow my BEAUTIFULLY aged hoodie looks like I just went out and bought it at WalMart?” Thats how you find a genuine fan: Look for the guy with the apparel that looks like he took it off a homeless man. Fuck bandwagons. I welcome ALL new Chief-Fans, except for the few who will “like” our team because its a pop culture fashion statement.

by KCJayhawk on Sep 27, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I have yet to be called a band wagoner.

I’ll take offense to that. I’ve followed the Chiefs for about a decade now, and have watched every game. I’ve been rocking an authentic Cassel jersey since week 1 last year. I have always been able to recite the starting line up and can name 90% of the players by number.

That said, I’m not mad at people that didn’t stick with it for the last 4 or 5 years. Not everyone is as masochistic as some of us, but I’ll be damned if some guy tries to tell me I’m a band wagoner. I’ve suffered for a long ass time. I’ve earned my wings.

by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 27, 2010 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Good to hear your support for Cassel

It’s the same as when I play Madden, it’s ALWAYS with my Chiefs, no exceptions. So, naturally I get my ass kicked sometimes but I use them because I cant stand controlling another franchise. Yet, when the video game world catches up with the real world, ill be tagged as using the Chiefs just because they’re that good. Like the guy who wont use anyone but the Saints of the Colts nowadays just because theyre afraid to lose. Sorry had to get that off my chest

Side note: If you have earned your wings with the Chiefs…does that mean you’ve earned your “Red” Wings?

by KCJayhawk on Sep 27, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Ha ha... no comment.

by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 27, 2010 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Awesome story and rec'd.

I have yet to have children but I often think about how great it will be to teach my child about the red and gold. Just a great story and thanks for sharing.

by OnlyKCFanNVA on Sep 27, 2010 10:24 AM CDT reply actions

Ozarks

I’ll be honest, that may have brought tears to my eyes. haha Reminds me of when my Dad first took me to a game.

by KCJayhawk on Sep 27, 2010 10:52 AM CDT reply actions

Same here too.

Kind of strange here at work. Thankfully most everyone is still at lunch.

by Archyrr on Sep 27, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

rec'd

good stuff. That’s what it’s all about!

There is no red like Chiefs red.

by labbadabba on Sep 27, 2010 10:52 AM CDT reply actions

You guys are way too kind.

I just wanted to get it off my chest. thanks.

by Ozarks on Sep 27, 2010 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

Well written, brought a smile out on this end.

Glad to hear the young’un finally gets it.

Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.

by TRSChief on Sep 27, 2010 11:01 AM CDT reply actions

Very good post

And kudos to you for taking the time to try and bond with your son.

A lot of dads give up when they have teenagers (I have no idea how I’ll handle it).

A h/t to you for sticking with it.

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.

by MNchiefsfan on Sep 27, 2010 11:21 AM CDT reply actions

Cool.

"The Hammer"

by G.L. on Sep 27, 2010 11:24 AM CDT reply actions

fantastic post, Ozarks, and wow ... picked THE right game to take him to

how awesome that he loved it so much … what kid wouldn’t? and great to see a new generation with a GOOD football team to watch and cheer for, instead of having to hear parents and grandparents say “why, I remember when this team was GOOD! back in the dark ages of my youth …”

annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd wreck’d

Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award (I'd like to thank my producer, my director, all of my wonderful fans ... )
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Sep 27, 2010 11:34 AM CDT reply actions

Talk is cheap, soooo SHOW ME!!!!

Awesome Ozarks! My fanship to the Chiefs began in the early 60’s when my granpappy took me to old municipal stadium. That place not only shook, it swayed! Bringing up new fans in the Show Me state gives them lifelong pride in something bigger than themselves AND which they can take part in down the road. Who knows maybe someday you’ll get to be your son’s son granpappy.

by dubld on Sep 27, 2010 11:34 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Boy I remember that...I thought the place was gonna fall down. Course I was only like 5 or 6.

Anyway, great story, Rec’d, and Rec’d

"spend all your time on Xs and Os and Jimmys and Joes" -- Charlie Weis

by rwalke10 on Sep 27, 2010 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Rec'd, Ozark - great story!

I was fortunate enough to be able to take both of my daughters to some AWESOME games in the ’90’s when Arrowhead was rockin’. We saw Vanover run back the opening kickoff on Christmas eve in ’95 – man, that place was CRAZY! So glad to see the good times @ Arrowhead are back!

another dopeless hope fiend

by hebegb on Sep 27, 2010 11:46 AM CDT reply actions

Being with your son at the time he truly became a Chiefs Fan. Priceless...

Scott Pioli's star will shine in 2010.
Win or lose, the Chiefs scare the bejesus of all opponents in 2010

by ChiefsChance on Sep 27, 2010 11:52 AM CDT reply actions

He's not the only one...

Thanks for sharing Ozarks. As I said above your story really got me. I took my girlfriend to the MNF game, and had much the same experience. She’s an STL native, and despite growing up in the “Greatest Show on Turf” era (yeah, I’m robbing the cradle a little bit), wasn’t really a football fan, and had never been to a game. She always talked about the Cardinals, and baseball. We went to a game earlier in the year, and it was a nice walloping of the other team.

Little did I know it, but she fully bought in to my football fandom. Even before I finally shelled out the cash for my tickets, she had put in to have the weekend off. Then she snagged a spare DT jersey I had and wore it, not to mention buying a Chief’s Keychain to hold her wallet. Arriving at Arrowhead was a thing of beauty. I was stuck constantly looking around myself (it’s been nine years since I’ve gotten to go to a game), and watching her reactions. The crowd, the decorative vehicles, the character fans, and that was just the parking lot.

We arrived early enough to walk around the stadium and check out the new features, as well as the Hall of Honor. She was quiet, and I could tell a bit surprised by the numbers of people and their excitement. Getting out to our seats and the build-up to the game was great though. Thanks to a set of tickets my dad got for me (I ended up having to sell my originals), we were down in the area where the players family and friends were seated. McCluster’s mother sat right behind us, and Moeaki’s brother was right next to us. I saw Studebaker and T-Jax’s family in the area as well. With the way that game went, it was pretty much perfect. Moeaki’s brother actually called the play that he scored his touchdown on.

Since then every time football comes up, or our trip to KC, she completely sells the experience, and how great it was. I’m loving it.

by Archyrr on Sep 27, 2010 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs

Rec'd for robbing the cradle!

I’m robbing the cradle

by NJ Chiefs Fan on Sep 27, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Dang, I got greened.

That’s only like the second time for me I think. Thanks guys.

On another note, hope I didn’t steal any of your spotlight Ozarks.

by Archyrr on Sep 27, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Cause you're robbing the cradle.

Not because it was a good post :)

What's the difference between jelly and jam?

by WestonK on Sep 27, 2010 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Great story, brought a tear to my eye

This is a story anyone can understand, but it has special meaning if you’re a father. My son is only 3, so I understand the “force feeding” heh. I took him to his first game last year; I envy you so much for this moment, and can only hope I have a similar experience some day.

Thanks for that.

In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.

by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Sep 27, 2010 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

Oh I meant to ask how close to Springfield you are Ozarks?

In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.

by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Sep 27, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions

In Springfield

by Ozarks on Sep 27, 2010 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow....

We’re neighbors – I’m just down the road in Monett!

another dopeless hope fiend

by hebegb on Sep 27, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Hello Cubs

by Ozarks on Sep 27, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

In Springfield as well

Assuming you drink we should grab a beer sometime

In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.

by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Sep 27, 2010 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Very nicely done Ozarks and rec'd

You chose your words well and they did not let you down. Good for you and your son. May you enjoy this season of Chiefs resurgence. CHIEFS WIN. CHIEFS WILL. BELIEVE.

"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"

by Aiken_Drum on Sep 27, 2010 1:01 PM CDT reply actions

Great story

rec’d

"Sure, luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck."
-Don Shula

by Aero on Sep 27, 2010 1:24 PM CDT reply actions

Nice -

Thanks for sharing!

Member of the "done discussing Matt Cassel till week 6 club"!

by chiefsfan62 on Sep 27, 2010 1:31 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Sweet story.

Once you are a part of the Arrowhead Roar – there is no going back. My children WILL be force fed Kool-Aid. :)

What's the difference between jelly and jam?

by WestonK on Sep 27, 2010 4:08 PM CDT reply actions

Great post!

Rec’s here as well. Great story and very well written. My son now away to college in New Mexico called during the game and it was like- sorry Dad, I know the Chiefs are on, but can you call me back when it is over- sure son. Turns out he tried to find the game on TV and what shocked me is that he never cared much about the game when he was here. The teen-agers Will come around when we least expect it, kinda like our Chiefs came around.

by Bassbustin on Sep 27, 2010 5:13 PM CDT reply actions

I know where your son is coming from.

I’ve always been a casual Chiefs fan. Sure, I’d cheer for them and get upset when they lost, but I never really fully submerged myself into the whole fan ‘culture’ (ie; checking this website every day, breaking down stats, etc.). However, this all changed when I went away to college. Although not as far away as NM (I am in Rolla, MO), the Chiefs sorta gave me an identity of where my hometown was-St. Joseph, MO.

Same can be said with the Royals. Maybe one day I can experience what my parents did in the 80s with the Royals

by NaturalsLight on Sep 28, 2010 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Building upon the momentum here...

My fiancee is from Australia and needless to say has never been around American football let alone the NFL………that is until yesterday. Her first Chiefs game at Arrowhead and I think we have another convert. Replete in her Chiefs red hoodie and a $8 Bud Light in hand we were about 30 yards from Bowe during his catch in the endzone when she smiled great big and gave me a kiss and a high five. She even sat with me as soon as we got home and watched the game again on the DVR. I can see the wedding colors now baby……red and gold!

"What we need is......more cowbell." - C. Walken

by ChiefMedic on Sep 27, 2010 7:07 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Great post, Ozarks!

and I too had to fight off shedding a tear. I’m 37 now and I was 8 for my first game at Arrowhead. That’s what’s so great, so addicting about the place. No matter how old your son is, he can always return to Arrowhead, scream his head off, pound on the seats, and feel 15 again.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Sep 27, 2010 7:07 PM CDT reply actions

Very nice.....

I bet it felt great to be able to share that experience with him, especially during such a great game. Did you guys get a good look at the Moeaki grab? I would have loved to see that live!

by Pra1984 on Sep 27, 2010 7:11 PM CDT reply actions

Springfield here...

Took my son to his first game a couple years ago…walked him to the top and held his eyes closed until we walked out and then had him take in arrowhead for first time from up high…nothing like sharing something like that. with your kid

by Turkeyleg on Sep 27, 2010 7:47 PM CDT reply actions

very cool.

butr a little scary, walking up those stairs with your eyes closed.

by Ozarks on Sep 28, 2010 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions

reminds me of me and my dad

when i was younger i was a niners fan. A trip to arrowhead was all i needed now i have season tickets. great story

by kcpablo on Sep 28, 2010 5:48 PM CDT reply actions

The Chiefs have been helping Dads and their kids bond for about 50 years now...

just a couple of years shy of my entire life. You’ve tapped into one of the greatest gifts the Chiefs have to give us. Remember, when your son gets older, and you no longer see eye to eye on everything, (it happens to all fathers and sons), to use them to your advantage. My Dad and I had a rocky relationship over 50 some years, and he passed in October of 09. The one thing we always could find to talk about though, were the Chiefs.

Reminded me of when I was that kid, and my dad took me to the Dolphins/Chiefs playoff game, X-mas day, 1970, “The Longest Day”. That was really the day, that this fan was born even though, we lost the game. Seeing the effect it had on the old man, we shared the pain, and from then on the joy as well. It’s great to hear that history is repeating, among other fathers and sons.

Those are the real fruits of being a Chiefs fan.

Enjoy it.

"Well, gentlemen, you are about to see a baked Appel." ~George Appel~
- last words before being executed by electric chair in 1928.

by TheK-man on Oct 2, 2010 12:36 PM CDT reply actions

and Rec'd.

"Well, gentlemen, you are about to see a baked Appel." ~George Appel~
- last words before being executed by electric chair in 1928.

by TheK-man on Oct 2, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

You can put me down as a convert, also

although I don’t guess I ever really left. Sort of like the Chiefs, I’ve been out in the wilderness for the last several years. I’m out in Redskins country, but I proudly sport my Chiefs screen saver for all to see. Go Chiefs!

by peppermartin on Oct 2, 2010 10:25 PM CDT reply actions