SOME TEAMS ARE JUST HOME

It’s football season.

Which means there is a very good chance that if the Kansas City Chiefs are playing, I’m watching.

And I’m perfectly content doing it.

I grew up in Kansas City. My brothers played Pop Warner football while I cheered.

And no—I wasn’t standing there in a cute little uniform yelling, “HOORAY! GO TEAM!”

I actually knew what was happening.

I knew offense.
I knew defense.
I knew zone coverage.

I understood football.

And I loved it.

I went to Chiefs games growing up, and one of my favorite memories happened because of cheerleading.

I won a cheerleading competition, and part of my prize was receiving my plaque on the field during a Chiefs game.

Which is how teenage me ended up meeting Derrick Thomas and Deron Cherry.

And not just a quick hello.

I actually got to talk to them.

They were funny. Kind. Generous with their time.

I remember that conversation like it happened yesterday.

Maybe that’s part of why the Chiefs have always meant more to me than just football.

I’ve been a Chiefs fan my entire life.

I bought Tony Gonzalez’s rookie jersey because I just KNEW that man was going to be spectacular.

Turns out, I wasn’t wrong.

And now?

Mahomes.

That man is the exception to every rule I thought I knew about the quarterback position.

Kelce? Regardless of who that man is dating, engaged to, married to, or photographed standing next to—he’s going to the Hall of Fame.

Chris Jones?

C’mon.

That’s it.

That’s the argument.

CHRIS. JONES.

But here’s the thing.

For me, it’s bigger than the players.

It’s Kansas City.

It’s Arrowhead.

It’s the sound of that stadium.

It’s growing up with football in the fall.

It’s my brothers playing Pop Warner while I stood on the sidelines in a cheerleading uniform actually knowing why everyone was yelling.

It’s Derrick Thomas and Deron Cherry taking a few minutes to talk to a kid who never forgot it.

I’ve moved.

I’ve traveled.

I’ve lived in different places and I’ve thought about living in completely different countries.

But there are certain things you carry with you because they feel like home.

For me, one of those things will always be the Kansas City Chiefs.

I don’t care where I’m living.

Put that game on and suddenly there’s a little piece of Kansas City sitting right there with me.

And I will not apologize for it.

So enjoy football season.

Root obnoxiously for your team.

Wear the jersey you’ve had entirely too long.

Make the food your family always makes.

Watch Friday Night Lights.

Argue with the referee from your couch like he can hear you.

Keep your traditions.

Because sometimes sports aren’t really about sports.

Sometimes they’re about the places, people and memories that remind us where we came from.

And sometimes they’re just home.

Now…

LET’S GO CHIEFS!!! ❤️💛🏈

Until next time…xoxo

Tracy