Think you have more Chiefs spirit than these fans at team’s training camp in St. Joseph?
By Emily Curiel ,
Tammy Ljungblad and
Dominick Williams
Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman signed autographs for throngs of fans after a training camp practice.
Tammy Ljungblad
Tljungblad@kcstar.com
It’s one thing to be a Kansas City Chiefs fan satisfied with sitting in the stands at Arrowhead Stadium on a beautiful, crisp fall day. It’s another thing to be a Chiefs fan who feels compelled to be at the team’s St. Joseph training camp standing in line at the crack of dawn, waiting for a chance to get close to your favorite player on what is sure to be a brain-melting, hot day.
The comfort of cheering from a seat at Arrowhead just doesn’t seem to compare to what the fans at training camp go through to get their hit of Chiefs magic. The line forms early every morning at the training complex at Missouri Western State University. Fans line up, then run to the stands by the practice field to claim their spots as soon as they hear the signal that they can go.
There is a certain commitment to be here. For these fans, that commitment doesn’t seem to stop with their ability to rise early and wait, or to cheer under the threat of heatstroke. For these fans, putting on a team jersey is just the beginning of how they express their loyalty to Chiefs Kingdom.
Thirteen-year-old Eva Ippolito holds a Kansas City Chiefs-themed goat at training camp. Ippolito’s grandfather bought the goat to hopefully get it signed by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Look around at the faithful who make the pilgrimage to get close to their idols and you’ll see why fans in Chiefs Kingdom are built different. They’re here with a little, or a lot, of extra bling, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that they are Chiefs fans. They’re here with something in their hands, whether it’s a sign, a football or a goat they want autographed by a player so they can have a tangible piece of these gods of the gridiron.
Chiefs fans can never seem to get enough coverage of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the many other players who bring them such joy. The journalists at The Star bring our readers stories and photos of those players’ amazing feats on the field throughout the season.
But once in a while, it’s important to report on another part of the game that is packed with as many — or more — personalities and story lines as a season with the Chiefs. Throughout this season, we’ll be turning our attention to the fans, showing and telling you the stories of the People of the Kingdom.
Meet some of those extra-dedicated fans we spotted at the Chiefs’ training camp this summer.
Chiefs fan Taylor Garrison of Springfield, Missouri, donned an oversized Super Bowl ring headpiece during training camp in St. Joseph. Garrison bought the headwear on Etsy for the Kelce Jam concert. Tammy Ljungblad Tljungblad@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy holds a fan’s baby and poses for a picture after a recent training camp in St. Joseph. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Five-year-old Boyd Nielsen peeks between barricades to watch players walk to the field for practice at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Chiefs fan Clau Gris, a native of Mexico City, brought some items she wanted to get autographed from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelvis among others during her visit to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Gris now lives in Parkville, Missouri. Tammy Ljungblad Tljungblad@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs fan Rodney Clemoens shows off his championship rings and neckless while attending training camp. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Fans at the Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph gather along a fence in hopes of getting players’ autographs. Tammy Ljungblad Tljungblad@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shakes hands with a very young fan at training camp in St. Joseph. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
For some Chiefs fans at the team’s training camp, every accessory worn must be in support of the Chiefs. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Fans watch Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) run a drill during training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. Tammy Ljungblad Tljungblad@kcstar.com
The influence of Patrick Mahomes on Chiefs fans can be seen everywhere at the team’s training camp, including the fans wearing wigs in Mahomes’ signature hair style. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A young “clone” of Patrick Mahomes takes in practice during a hot morning at training camp in St. Joseph. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Brittany Mahomes and 3-year-old daughter, Sterling and 1-year-old son Bronze, were on the field near the end of practice on a recent day at Chiefs training camp. Tammy Ljungblad Tljungblad@kcstar.com
Waylan Hayes, 6, of St. Joseph, climbed the face mask of an over-sized helmet during a visit to Chiefs training camp. Hayes was at camp with her mother, Selena Hayes. Tammy Ljungblad Tljungblad@kcstar.com
A sign reads “Hey Travis, can I have Taylor’s number, please?” among a sea of fans as Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce signs autographs at training camp in St. Joseph. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce jokingly pretends to sign a young fan’s head at training camp. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Chiefs fans can load up on fan gear to support their favorite team at the pro shop set up at the team’s training camp in St. Joseph. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker signs autographs after a training camp practice. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs fans wait for players to sign autographs after practice at Chiefs training camp. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Brian Abbott walks with his life-sized Travis Kelce bobblehead at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
A young Chiefs fan wearing a wristful of friendship bracelets holds cardboard cutouts of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce during practice at Chiefs training camp. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice smiles as he signs autographs for fans after a training camp practice. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Louis Rees-Zammit gives a fist pump to a young fan while signing autographs after a practice at Chiefs training camp. Rees-Zammit was a professional rugby player in England and is now working to get a spot with the Chiefs playing American football. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Truman Jones flashes a heart symbol to fans at training camp in St. Joseph. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
