Chiefs name a faithful — and faith-filled — KC church leader as Fan of the Year
Yvette Richards thought her church was hosting a “Faith and Football” pep rally for the Kansas City Chiefs, everyone decked out in red team gear. As a season ticket holder, she was asked to lead it. But she didn’t know there was a special guest.
Standing in front of other congregants at St. James United Methodist Church, where she worships and works, she hopped up and down when Tech N9ne walked out to lead the congregation in “Red Kingdom.”
“We sort of weren’t honest with you all,” Tech N9ne told the crowd as someone shouted, “What?”
“So we’re not here for Faith and Football, but we’re here because the Kansas City Chiefs Fan of the Year is Dr. Yvette Richards.
“As our nominee, we will be sending you to the Super Bowl 60 to represent the Chiefs and a chance to be crowned the NFL’s Ultimate Fan of the Year.”
Then, they sang “Red Kingdom.”
The team announced the news Monday.
Richards, a self-described proud “Army brat” born in North Carolina, has been going to Chiefs games for 40 years. She has been steadfast in her allegiance to both the Chiefs and her faith, cheering on the team through “2-14 seasons and AFC Championships” alike, according to the Chiefs.
She sits in Section 102, where she has watched generations of Chiefs fans grow up.
“Where I’ve been sitting, I’ve seen people get engaged, get married, have children, and now their children are sitting in those seats,” Richards said in a story posted on the Chiefs website. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to meet people and share this together.”
Richards settled in Kansas City in 1985 as a 25-year-old right out of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She joined St. James in 1986 where, she has said, she began “to see God work in my life.”
Her Uncle Robert and his friends George and Gene — Chiefs season ticket holders — took her to her first game.
“I love football. I grew up in a military family and we traveled a lot, so sports were a way that we connected,” she told the Chiefs. “Watching the games was a family thing for us.”
When Gene died 11 years ago, he bequeathed her his Chiefs tickets.
“I had a grandmother who was born in 1898, and she always said, ‘When you put your faith in God, he will open doors for you,’” she told the Chiefs. “My parents raised me to always give back, and that God will pour out the blessings on you, so everywhere I go, I try to give.”
She has worked various jobs at St. James — leading women’s groups, teaching vacation Bible school and now, as director of community connection and mission, coordinating outreach efforts such as planning events and making sure people are fed and have clean clothes.
Earlier this year she was awarded a “Heart of a Champion Impact Award” by the local Caring for Kids Network for her work and service as a community leader.
“When you think about Lamar Hunt and the Hunt Family, they’re always giving back to this community. I believe that’s also the assignment that God has given me,” she said.
Richards will now compete against all the other “Fans of the Year” across the league. Beginning Thursday, you can see all the nominees and cast your vote at NFL.com.
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