Kansas

Kansas City’s charm, years of misfortune make Chiefs a feel-good Super Bowl story

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2023

Kansas City’s charm, years of misfortune make Chiefs a feel-good Super Bowl story

This was a random Tuesday afternoon in early January 1998, and the person on the opposite facet of the lunch desk was smiling impishly. Throughout us, eyes have been lasered at our desk. It was unsettling on my facet of it. On the opposite?

“Individuals have checked out me this fashion for 35 years on this metropolis,” Len Dawson stated cheerfully.

I requested, “Isn’t that a bit of …”

“Bizarre?” Dawson stated, laughing. “At first. However the factor about this metropolis is, they simply need you to know they keep in mind you. What they need greater than something is to say thanks. You realize, I’ve had dinner with Joe Namath in New York and Bob Griese in Miami and that’s a complete totally different factor. Individuals don’t simply stare, they strategy. In waves. Till you both have to depart or ask the proprietor for a non-public room.”

He waved his arms across the Houston’s within the coronary heart of the Nation Membership Plaza district.

“This,” he stated, “is Kansas Metropolis.”

It had been 28 years since Dawson had led the Chiefs to their first Tremendous Bowl win, 23-7 over the Vikings in Tremendous Bowl IV. It might be 22 extra years earlier than the Chiefs would add a second. Dawson had been round all of it, first as a participant, later as an area TV newscaster and community commentator and at last because the native analyst on radio.

Chiefs’ quarterback Len Dawson within the Tremendous Bowl I in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers.

Darryl Norenberg/WireImage.com

The Chiefs have been dreadful in numerous these years, and once they weren’t they have been one thing even worse: a tease, a big-game disappointment, as soon as shedding three straight house video games as a No. 1 seed within the playoffs.

“That’s the factor with the followers round right here,” Dawson stated that day, which was two days after the Chiefs had stumbled as a 1 seed, shedding 14-10 to the Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium, sending the whole metropolis into everlasting midnight for a couple of mournful weeks. “They present their loyalties even fiercer when occasions are dangerous than once they’re good.”

It’s why I can vouch for the next: In case you don’t have a canine within the hunt every week from Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.; if you’re a fan of neither the Chiefs nor the Eagles; if you’re not a gambler; if the happiness of your day received’t be dictated by field swimming pools … you possibly can be ok with rooting for the Chiefs.

A fan holds up an indication throughout the first quarter within the AFC Championship at GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium.

A Chiefs fan poses for a photograph earlier than the AFC Championship between the Chiefs and the Bengals

As a result of the Chiefs are the product of a metropolis that has withstood years — generally many years — of slapstick with its two main tenants, the Chiefs and Royals, and but nonetheless put on the gear, nonetheless fret over the little issues, even in summers when the Royals flirt with 100 losses (as they did this summer time) and autumns when the Chiefs go 2-14 (which that occurred as lately as 2012).

A couple of months after lunch with Dawson I spent the morning of the Royals’ house opener trailing George Brett from his house to an look downtown to the primary occasion at Kauffman Stadium, a 1:05 begin in opposition to the Orioles. And it was the identical factor: each eye, in each café, in each parking zone, in each section of the stadium, was mounted on him.

It was just like the President strolling across the individuals, solely there weren’t Secret Service males maintaining the individuals at bay, simply their very own strict codes of Midwestern decorum. Every time he shook a hand the fan froze, as if in a thrall; however the ones who didn’t get handshakes didn’t spew envy. They have been — sincere — simply completely satisfied to be there.

“I’m a California child, OK?” Brett informed me later, as he sipped a pregame beer. “I really like the solar. And but I dwell, year-round, on this metropolis the place it will get to be about 90 beneath in January. Perhaps now you see why I do that.”

Look, each metropolis has pleasure in its groups. Most, in actual fact, aren’t as fickle as New York or Boston or Philly, locations the place killing the native 9 (or 5, or 11) isn’t only a lifestyle, however a rule of order. St. Louis has some KC in it. Pittsburgh, too. Cleveland? They do love their groups in Cleveland.

NFL — Followers pose for an image previous to a recreation between the Bengals and Chiefs within the AFC Championship.

However I lived in Kansas Metropolis for a 12 months. It was totally different there. Purer. Regardless of the best way it’s appeared the final 5 years, it hasn’t all the time been straightforward to be a Chiefs fan. That January in 1998 I noticed real despair in scores of saloons and VFW halls and highschool basketball gyms. It’s why I felt so good when the Chiefs received Tremendous Bowl LIV on Feb. 2, 2020.

Typically as a sports activities fan you surprise if there’ll ever be a payoff for all of the devotion. There was that day. There was, in Kansas Metropolis, on day-after-day since Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid began dueting. Good for that metropolis. Good for its followers. And good for you, when you select to undertake them the subsequent 11 days. You’ll be able to be ok with that decide. I promise.

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Kansas

Caitlin Clark sits with Taylor Swift at Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans NFL playoff

Published

6 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Caitlin Clark sits with Taylor Swift at Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans NFL playoff

Caitlin Clark has never been shy about her Kansas City Chiefs fandom, and her superstardom allowed her to enjoy Saturday’s game with coveted company.

The Iowa women’s basketball legend and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year was spotted in the same box as Taylor Swift during the team’s NFL Divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans.

According to Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star, Swift invited Clark to the game when Clark attended one of the pop star’s Eras Tour concerts.

Clark and Swift were even caught on camera chatting during the game.

Swift is famously dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is trying to help his team become the first team in NFL history to three-peat as Super Bowl champions.

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Chiefs vs. Texans: Divisional Round Preview, Score Predictions

Published

14 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Chiefs vs. Texans: Divisional Round Preview, Score Predictions

After a long wait thanks to a first-round bye, Kansas City Chiefs playoff football is officially back. Saturday will see the reigning Super Bowl champions host the Houston Texans, a team they recently faced off against less than a month ago. This time around, the stakes are even higher and both sides will duke it out with a spot in the conference title game on the line.

How will the game unfold? The Kansas City Chiefs On SI crew makes its predictions for the divisional round of the postseason.

Joshua Brisco: Against all recent history, I’m picking the Chiefs to do something they never did in the 2024 regular season: score more than 30 points in a game. This isn’t all about the Chiefs’ playoff experience and pursuit of history, either. The offense — with a healthy Hollywood Brown and a well-rested suite of weapons — finally has enough firepower to make fans forget the slow-and-steady offensive slogs of KC’s midseason survival. I find myself becoming more worried aboutJoe Thuney and Mike Caliendo at left tackle and left guard than most, but Thuney should be stable enough to prevent any disasters. With the return of cornerback Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs may also have the league’s best remaining defense.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Texans 13

Jordan Foote: With all due respect to DeMeco Ryans and the Texans, we’ve seen this type of game unfold before. Despite Houston boasting a tremendous defense, Kansas City has the benefit when it comes to quarterback play, coaching, rest and playing environment. Add in a fired-up Travis Kelce and the returns of Watson and Chris Jones, and you’ve got a recipe for a win. I’m rolling with another eight-point Chiefs-Texans margin, albeit with the visitors doing some window-dressing late to make things look closer than they actually were.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Texans 23

Zack Eisen: Between sitting players in the season’s final week and having the bye, it seems like the Chiefs haven’t played in forever. The good news is the extra time allowed them to get a key piece back in Jaylen Watson. The defense was easily one of the best in the league when he was in the lineup, and it would be great to see that version return for the playoffs. On the other side of the ball, it’s playoff Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid. This may be the first time the Chiefs score more than 30 points all season. I expect a dominant performance from this team, as they have been waiting all year to get to the postseason.

Prediction: Chiefs 35, Texans 16

Mark Van Sickle: The Chiefs tend to dominate the divisional round under Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. They are playing an opponent they just beat a few weeks ago and coming off plenty of rest to get ready for this playoff push. The Texans are a solid team and worthy opponent, but there is too much on the line for the Chiefs to lose at home in this spot. The defense will have everyone available to them for the first time all season (Charles Omenihu started the season on injured reserve, then Watson was on it when he came back), and that’s not good for the Texans who have had injury issues all season on offense. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ offense will be about as healthy as it’s been all season as well. Look for Mahomes to be Mahomes and the Chiefs to win and actually cover the spread!

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Texans 17

Kansas

Oregon loses volleyball coach Matt Ulmer to Kansas, begins national search for new leader

Published

22 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Oregon loses volleyball coach Matt Ulmer to Kansas, begins national search for new leader

Oregon is on the market for a new volleyball coach.

Matt Ulmer was named the new coach at Kansas on Friday, ending his successful eight-year run as a Duck.

“My staff and I are ready to give our all for the future success of Jayhawk volleyball,” Ulmer was quoted as saying in press release from Kansas. “I’m beyond excited to get to Lawrence and meet the team, start practice and get better every day.

“The past 11 seasons in Eugene have given us memories and relationships that will last forever.”

Oregon volleyball begins search to replace head coach Matt Ulmer

Oregon assistant Erika Dillard will serve as interim head coach as the athletic department conducts a national search for a new head coach, said Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens in a statement released by the school Friday.

“We look forward to finding a new coach who will build upon the strong foundation in place for our program and provide a world-class student-athlete experience,” Mullens said.

Ulmer guided Oregon volleyball to 7 NCAA Tournament appearances

During his eight seasons as head coach, Ulmer’s teams went 166-77 with seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including three trips to the Elite Eight and five Sweet 16s.

Oregon won at least 22 matches in each of the last four seasons, including in 2024 when the Ducks went 24-8 overall, 14-6 in their first season of Big Ten Conference play, and made the Sweet 16. Kansas was 25-5 in 2024 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

“We want to thank Matt for all of his efforts and successful seasons with the Oregon volleyball program,” Mullens said. “We extend our best wishes to him and his family in this next phase of their journey.”

Ulmer accused of pressuring injured player to transfer or medically retire

Ulmer’s time at Oregon also wasn’t without controversy.

He was named head coach in 2017 after the contentious departure of former coach Jim Moore — the program’s all-time leader with 246 wins — who resigned after complaints about his coaching style and despite nearly two dozen former players publicly voicing support for Moore.

Ulmer, who had been on Moore’s staff for three seasons as an assistant coach or associate head coach, was quickly named Moore’s replacement.

In 2022, former player Taylor Williams made allegations that she was played when she wasn’t healthy, misled by Oregon on the severity of her injury, then was pressured and harassed by Ulmer to either transfer or medically retire. Those allegations led to an independent investigation.

Ducks saw success in 2022, 2023 under Ulmer

On the court in 2022, Ulmer guided the Ducks to a 26-6 record and a 17-3 mark in Pac-12 play to set a program record for conference wins in a season.

Oregon’s postseason run came to an end in a five-set thriller against Louisville in the Elite Eight and the Ducks ended the season ranked No. 7 in the final AVCA poll.

In 2023 the Ducks also finished ranked No. 7 after going 29-6 and making the Elite Eight.

Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him at chansen@registerguard.com and you can follow him on X @chansen_RG

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