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Explore 5 stories revealing Kansas City’s resilient leaders and teams driving excellence

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City’s unbreakable spirit shines through its heroes and teams. Royals owner John Sherman shows deep-rooted loyalty to the city, despite fierce criticism during the downtown ballpark debate. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes adapted his fearless style to embrace a gritty, smarter game plan, proving flexibility leads to greatness.

Veterans like George Brett and Tom Watson honor their friends’ fights against ALS with lifetime commitments, embodying resilience. Meanwhile, Coach Andy Reid's steady leadership drives the Chiefs' quest for a historic three-peat, blending humility with relentless competitiveness.

In this KC Star file photo, Kansas City sports writing legend Joe McGuff, center, shares a laugh with, from left, Tom Watson, Len Dawson, Buck O’Neil and George Brett during the second annual Joe McGuff ALS Golf Classic Tournament at the Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Overland Park, Kansas, in 1999.

NO. 1: GEORGE BRETT AND TOM WATSON FONDLY REMEMBER THIS ICON WHO TRULY MADE KANSAS CITY BETTER

Among the deeply personal reasons George Brett and Tom Watson are driven to fight ALS is this beloved Kansas City leader. | Published June 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks for a receiver during training camp at Missouri Western State University on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in St. Joseph. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: WHY CHIEFS ARE AIRING IT OUT AFTER PATRICK MAHOMES CONCEDED PUNTING IS ACCEPTABLE

On the way to winning their second straight Super Bowl and third in five seasons, the Chiefs’ offense was relegated to almost a cameo role and has to return to form for a chance at a three-peat. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Royals owner John Sherman applauds his team during warm-ups ahead of a game against the before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. By Denny Medley/file photo

NO. 3: CONTRARY TO FALSE NARRATIVES, KC ROYALS OWNER JOHN SHERMAN IS CRUCIAL COMMUNITY PILLAR

Through the eyes of seven of the numerous beneficiaries of Royals owner John Sherman’s philanthropy, here’s the truth about his meaning to Kansas City. | Published September 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with Lamar Hunt trophy, and tight end Travis Kelce celebrate after winning the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. By Dominick Williams

NO. 4: HOW CHIEFS’ AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WIN OVER BUFFALO VALIDATES SEASON OF GRINDING WINS

“The strength of our team is the team, right?” | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid after the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate the teams’ 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills to claim the AFC Championship on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 5: WHY ANDY REID’S THE PERFECT COACH TO LEAD KANSAS CITY CHIEFS’ HISTORIC THREE-PEAT QUEST

“They put something in the Geritol,” said Andy Reid, who loves to use self-deprecating humor to deflect an ever-present spotlight. | Published February 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.