Chiefs tight end thrills with visit to Olathe students who make the toys his dog loves
Twelve days before he steps onto the field for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray made a visit to Inclusion Connections’ PawsAbilities program in Olathe.
PawsAbilities which has 50 adult students, provides workforce training to get the students employed in the community. The students make dog toys, treats and other pet-related items while learning job skills and gaining independence. The program is under the umbrella of Inclusion Connections, a non-profit that provides opportunities and training for people with disabilities.
Gray arrived with his wife, Mary Markwordt and their 10-month-old daughter, Naomi, on Wednesday to tour the facility, sign autographs, talk with the students and pose for photos. “We were so honored and blessed to have Noah Gray come out today,” said Erin Galba, Director of Development at Inclusion Connections PawsAbilities and BelongKC. “It just means so much to our students because our goal is to give our students all the opportunities that life can afford them. And so this was really exciting, she added. “They’re big Chiefs fans and they’re rooting for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.”
Galba said Markwordt previously toured the program and became interested in what they were doing. “I knew that this was something that Noah would support and be behind,“ Galba said “I have an understanding that in the past, they’ve supported programs that have similarities to this, and supporting students with special needs.”
Gray was also drawn to visit after learning that the students crafted the nearly indestructible dog toys, ones his own dog loves to play with. “They make their dog toys out of recycled fire hoses that firefighters donate to them,” said Gray. “It’s just really incredible.”
Gray wanted to meet the students behind the toys and treats he regularly gives his dog.
“What kind of dog do you have,” asked Christina Eidt, 26, as she stood among the students.
“A border collie,” Gray replied. “My dogs rip a lot of toys, and, the fire hose toys, like you can’t do anything to it. “
Gold numeric balloons with Gray’s jersey number 83 floated above a white backdrop as Gray answered questions from the students and listened as they proudly shared details about their other jobs. The students hugged Gray, took selfies with him, and excitedly asked him to sign jerseys—many of them wearing number 15, the jersey of his teammate, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Gray also signed signed footballs, hats, anything the students brought to him, he signed. Student Sam Charpentier presented Gray with a hand-painted sign, signed by the students, that read, “#83 on your roster, but #1 in our hearts.”
Gray praised the organization for its impact in helping the adults develop job skills, build relationships, and find meaningful work.
“I just think it’s a really cool organization that really helps these young men and women be able to develop certain abilities to go out in the workforce, to develop relationships with each other, to be able to learn new skills,” Gray said. “And it’s just really encouraging to me.”
He voiced admiration for their enthusiasm and dedication, noting how rewarding it is to see them succeed in the workforce.
“I was in the gift shop earlier looking at all the different things that they made and some of the other different kind of sectors that they have here, “ Gray said. “It’s just really encouraging and really cool to see,” he added. “I’m just really glad to finally be able to come and visit and see all that work come to fruition.”
“It makes me feel super happy. I’m super thrilled,” he said. “And like I was saying before, they’ve given my dog treats and toys, which has brought a lot of happiness to my life and my dog’s life.”
