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theultimatefan · 2 years ago

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Higashioka, Showalter, Nimmo, Sörenstam to be honored at 43rd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner Feb. 7

The 43rd annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner will benefit AHRC New York City Foundation on Tuesday night, February 7th at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers (23rd Street at West Side Highway) in New York City, and the honorees have been announced today: New York Yankees catcher and ’21 Roberto Clemente Award nominee Kyle Higashioka; New York Mets centerfielder Brandon Nimmo; New York Mets manager and four-time Manager of the Year Buck Showalter; and LPGA champion & World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam will all receive Thurman Munson Awards in the “Class of 2023.”

The “Thurmans” are presented to individuals for on-field excellence, community outreach, and betterment of their sport. The AHRC NYC benefit has helped to keep the memory of the legendary Yankees catcher and captain Thurman Munson alive since his untimely passing 43 years ago, while raising more than $19 million for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives.

Thurman's widow Diana Munson is an honorary chair who has supported AHRC NYC and its fund-raising efforts through the Thurman Munson Awards for four decades, and will be in attendance.

For media inquiries contact John Cirillo/Cirillo World by email at [email protected] or text 914-260-7436.

For tickets call 212-249-6188 or email [email protected]. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ahrcnycfoundation.org/munson2023

The co-Masters of Ceremonies will be FOX 5 lead sports anchor and Sports Extra host Tina Cervasio and Michael Kay, the Voice of the Yankees on YES Network and host of the Michael Kay Show on ESPN NY Radio.

Special guests for the evening will include previous Thurman Award honorees: Radio Hall of Famer and WFAN Yankees analyst Suzyn Waldman (previous Media Hero recipient), Football Giants Super Bowl champions Harry Carson, Chris Canty and Karl Nelson; as well as Thurman's teammate and two-time Yankees World Series Champion Roy White, Giants Super Bowl champ Howard Cross, YES Network personality Nancy Newman, former women’s featherweight boxing champion Heather Hardy, popular New York Radio/TV personality Sweeny Murti, WFAN Radio golf and tennis reporter Ann Liguori, and former Mets pitcher Nelson Figueroa with others to be announced.

The list of previous Thurman Munson Award recipients reads like a “Who’s Who” of sports stars for the ages including: Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Yogi Berra, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Joe Torre, Bernie Williams, Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Gary Carter, David Wright, Willis Reed, Patrick Ewing, Julius Erving, Jim Brown, Harry Carson, Aly Raisman, Nancy Lieberman, Theresa Weatherspoon, and Mark Messier, just to name a few.

Kyle Higashioka was a seventh-round selection by the Yankees in the 2008 MLB Draft. After battling a series of injuries early in his minor league career, Kyle made his major league debut for the Yankees in 2018 when Gary Sánchez was sidelined. After starting his major league career 0-for-22, the longest hitless streak to start a Yankee career of any position player ever, he had his first major league hit, a home run, on July 1 against the Boston Red Sox. His next two hits, on July 3 and July 4 against the Atlanta Braves, were also circuit blasts, making him the ninth MLB player since 1920 to have three home runs as his first three hits. On September 16, 2020, Higashioka hit three home runs in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays to became the 24th Yankee to hit three HR in a game. On May 19, 2021, Higashioka caught Corey Kluber's no-hitter against the Texas Rangers, the first Yankees to catch a no-hitter since Joe Girardi caught David Cone's perfect game in 1999.

Higashioka was the Yankees 2021 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award which embodies representing the game of baseball through extraordinary character and community involvement, both on and off the field. In 2006, MLB opened its first Urban Youth Academy in Compton, CA. Among the athletes who attended the inaugural camp was Higashioka. He grew up roughly 25 miles away in Huntington Beach, looking for any and every opportunity to achieve his goal of playing professional baseball. He never forgot the impact the MLB Youth Academy had on him and the trajectory of his career. He spent numerous offseasons volunteering his time to support the social reach of the program. The academy focuses on Inner City youth, and assists after-school programs, preparing kids for any type of life, whether it's professional baseball or getting in the workforce. Kyle has embraced the causes of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which ensures complete post-secondary educational support and additional educational opportunities for eligible surviving children of fallen Special Operations Personnel and children of all Medal of Honor Recipients; and provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Personnel.

Four-time Manager of the Year Buck Showalter, in his first season at the helm of the Mets last season, led the team to a 101-win campaign en route to the best skipper trophy. During a 30-year managerial career, Showalter has amassed 1,652 victories managing the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Orioles, and Mets. Like Thurman, Showalter was drafted by the Bronx Bombers, and is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame. (Thurman led the Chatham A's to their first league title with a .420 batting average, while Showalter, playing for the Hyannis Mets, won the league batting title with a .434 average). Showalter was an All-American and set the Mississippi State record for batting average in a season by hitting .459 during the 1977 season.

Showalter participated in the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s second annual Homeruns & Highballs fundraiser last July, the team’s largest fundraising event of the season. AMF is committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families and underserved groups in neighborhoods and communities to inspire change and make a lasting impact on and off the field. On the 21st anniversary of 9/11, Showalter and the team paid tribute to the first responders during the game against the Marlins. While managing Baltimore, Buck supported the LUNGevity Foundation, a charity inspired by the Orioles late public relations director Monica Pence Barlow.

The homegrown smiling, starting centerfielder Brandon Nimmo was a first round pick by New York in the 2011 MLB draft, and made his big league debut for the Mets in 2016. The seven-year veteran enjoyed his finest season last year, recording 159 hits, 30 doubles, and 64 RBI with 580 at bats in 151 games, all career highs. His 16 home runs fell one short of equaling his lifetime best of 17 circuit blasts. During the off season, the Cheyanne, Wyoming native signed a nine-year contract with the Mets. Nimmo played for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic in 2017.

During the off season, Nimmo dressed as an elf at the Mets annual holiday party. Last season, Nimmo held a special sandlot baseball game for local Little Leaguers at Flushing’s Hinton Park on July 8 with two dozen Little Leaguers taking part. Following a pre-game pep talk, Nimmo spent much of the game pitching to the kids, playing the outfield, and giving players fist bumps when they made a good play. Nimmo has also taken part in the fundraiser Call of Duty: Warzone Charity Royale to support veterans with teammate Pete Alonso. Nimmo was named the Mets recipient of the 2022 Heart and Hustle Award, awarded to players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game, by the MLB Players Alumni Association.

Annika Sörenstam is the most celebrated and winningest female professional golfer in history as a three-time Women’s U.S. Open champion, three-time PGA champion and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 2003, she achieved a career Grand Slam, winning at least once in her career each of the four tournaments recognized as major championships. She tops the LPGA’s all-time money list with earnings in excess of $22 million. In all, the native of Sweden has captured 72 official LPGA tournaments and has been named Player of the Year a record eight times.

Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation (www.annikafoundation.org) to provide opportunities in women’s golf at the junior, collegiate and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition. It annually conducts six major golf events for aspiring junior girls throughout the world. And with the support of the Haskins Commission, the Foundation created the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel, which is given annually to the best collegiate female golfer. Since 2014, the Foundation has also annually hosted the ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M, a college tournament featuring 12 top Division I schools. Each year, the Foundation also conducts several “Share My Passion” grass roots clinics designed to introduce kids to the game.

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bongaboi · 5 years ago

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Kansas City Chiefs: Super Bowl LIV Champions

LEN DAWSON FORMER CHIEF, HALL OF FAMER

“The excitement you’ve brought to this city reminds me of that magical season when we won the Super Bowl 50 years ago. It’s now your turn to bring the trophy home.” — Dawson, the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV MVP and Hall of Famer, via KMBC-TV in a message to this year’s team

GEORGE BRETT ROYALS LEGEND, HALL OF FAMER

When we called him, he was running home to pick up his iPad so he could watch Chiefs highlights at the gym. “Well, what DON’T you like about the Chiefs? I watched the Chiefs’ comeback against the Texans the other day. Then I went home and I watched the Royals’ comeback in Game 4 (against the Astros in the 2015 American League playoffs). I’m going, how could this happen? To the same city, against the same city?”

MELISSA ETHERIDGE SINGER-SONGWRITER

This rock icon from Leavenworth has sung the national anthem at Arrowhead. How many people can say that?: “Last Sunday (Jan. 12, vs. Houston), when (Daniel) Sorensen made that tackle on the fake punt, my eyes welled up with tears because I felt it: that heart, that soul, that, ‘We are doing this for KC’ feel. It’s hard to describe, but it’s why I have been a fan since the 1970 Super Bowl.”

Join the conversation on Twitter Go to Twitter and tell us what you love about the Chiefs. We may use it in an upcoming story.

#MyChiefsLove DAVID KOECHNER ACTOR, COMEDIAN

Koechner, a native of Tipton, Missouri, who attended Mizzou, has an allegiance to the Chiefs that goes back to Christmas 1971 and their double-overtime playoff loss to the Dolphins. “Which we all know didn’t turn out right. Because the Dolphins cheated. A lot of people don’t know that,” he said with a laugh during a recent Facebook Live session with The Star. Count him among those enamored with this season’s team: “Wow, it just keeps getting better. You know, we had that little hitch in the middle of the season, but that’s the right time to have it. … You can’t help but think we’re in great shape.”

TECH N9NE RAPPER, ENTREPRENEUR

The rapper, producer and entrepreneur who’s still based in Kansas City, and whose lyrics often include nods to the city or things related to the region says, “What I love about our players is they are FEARLESS! Executing plays as if it were their very last game on Earth ... at least it feels that way to me!”

WENDY GUILLIES PRESIDENT/CEO, KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION

“In so many ways, this team reminds me of the 2015 Royals. It feels like their time — they have a will that’s undeniable and they find ways to win. They are quintessential Kansas City: full of heart.”

NED YOST FORMER ROYALS MANAGER

“I’m sitting here in Georgia, but Andy Reid is my coach, Patrick Mahomes is my quarterback, (Travis) Kelce’s my tight end.” He says this season’s Chiefs are like the 2015 World Series champion Royals because of how close they came the season before: “The experience gained is invaluable. And now that they’ve been there, they understand what it’s like. And once you get a little taste of it, it’s like a mountain lion with blood: Once you get a little taste, nothing’s going to stop you.”

BOBBY BELL FORMER CHIEF, HALL OF FAMER

Bell, the first Chiefs player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, helped the club to a pair of Super Bowls, including their victory 50 years ago in Super Bowl IV. “What I love is they’re winning games, big games. ... They’ve got a lot of character. We haven’t seen anything like this in how many years?”

DONNA MAIZE KCFD CHIEF

“Besides that exuberant feeling of community you get walking into Arrowhead Stadium on game day, what I really love about the Kansas City Chiefs is the excellent teamwork utilizing everyone’s strengths to achieve a common goal, which embodies what KCFD excels at each and every day.”

ALBERT PUJOLS MLB ALL-STAR

Pujols, the three-time National League Most Valuable Player and two-time World Series champion who played high school baseball at Fort Osage in Independence, said: “I love the determination from their core of young players and veterans. It seems like they only became hungrier after last year’s AFC Championship Game.”

BILL SELF KU HOOPS COACH

“I think they’re ... what did they call the Rams back in the day? The Greatest Show on Turf? And this may be the Greatest Show on Grass. I’m just amazed with how many weapons and how fast ... it doesn’t matter who you put out there, it seems like they can all make people miss, and then you’ve got the most talented guy in the league orchestrating it all. I think they’re so fun to watch. But not being a football expert, I think defensively is where we’ve gotten so much better. ... We’re flying around, and even if people score points, the defense has to feel good that, ‘Hey, if we only give up 21, it’s going to be a good day for us.’”

TOM WATSON GOLF LEGEND

The winner of eight major golf tournaments, including two Masters championships, is a lifelong Chiefs fan who wants to see them “make amends for Super Bowl I against Green Bay. I love the intensity and fun with which they play. To see their joy and passion in playing a game. You can see it in how the team plays, how the players respond to each other ... that’s what I love about the Chiefs.”

TRAI BYERS ACTOR

Star of the TV drama Empire and the movie Selma and native of Kansas City, Kansas: “The grit, the fight and the next-man-up mentality is exactly how we ended up here! And EXACTLY why the road to the Super Bowl goes through the world’s loudest stadium with the world’s best fans. LETS GO CHIEFS.”

ROGER MARSHALL U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, R-KANSAS

“They’re just so exciting. I mean, I’ve got to tell you, in my conversation with the President — we had an hour together — I bet we spent 10 minutes talking about the Chiefs and just what an exciting game that (win over Houston) was. You know, I’ve got a buddy there in Kansas City, a pledge brother, we’ve been waiting now for 50 years to go to a Super Bowl. I grew up with Len Dawson and Otis Taylor and Jim Lynch and Willie Lanier and Bobby Bell and Ed Podolak. We watched some great teams and so we’ve been waiting anxiously for this team.”

ROB RIGGLE ACTOR, COMEDIAN

Riggle, who attended Shawnee Mission South High and KU, has been obsessive for as long as he can remember about the Chiefs and Royals, once telling The Star that their fates and his are entwined. “I love this year’s team,” he said in a recent Facebook Live session with The Star. He said Patrick Mahomes changes everything. “I definitely think he creates things. Not only like a broken play, but whatever he sees out there, he’s always making it up. A lot of it, you have a plan, but the defense has a vote in that plan. A lot of times it gets screwed up, and so you have to adjust. And he is one of the best at adjusting on the fly, and he’s got all the physical skills to make that happen. Yeah, I’d say he’s an improv genius.”

TONY GONZALEZ FORMER CHIEF, HALL OF FAMER

Gonzalez, the NFL’s most prolific receiving tight end ever and 2019 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, spent 1997-2008 with the Chiefs. “With Patrick Mahomes, I love the ad-libs,” said Gonzalez, now an NFL studio analyst for Fox. “The magic in anything is in the ad-libs. When there’s a breakdown and things go awry, that’s what gets us out of our seats. When the pocket breaks down, guys get open, Tyreek Hill over the top, it’s so much fun to watch.”

CLAIRE MCCASKILL FORMER SENATOR, NOW TV ANALYST

The former Democratic senator from Missouri puts it like this: “Well, how can anyone not love this team? Last week showed the country why the Kingdom is having so much fun. And while Mahomes is breathtaking, Reid’s creativity and a much-improved defense is our ticket to Miami.”

KEVIN HARLAN VETERAN BROADCASTER

A resident of Mission Hills, Kansas, Harlan punctuated his calls with his trademark “Oh, baby, what a play!’’ as radio voice of the Chiefs from 1985-93. He’s now an NFL play-by-play man for CBS Sports. “What I like about the Chiefs is how they continue to compete every season,” Harlan said. “That is such a difficult thing to do in the NFL. … I love how they’re continually good, because we know that for so many years, there wasn’t hope and the level of their play was not close to this. Every year now, they’re always in the conversation, and that’s what I like best.”

HEIDI GARDNER ‘SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’

Says the SNL star and Kansas City native: “What I love about the Chiefs is they’ve got each other’s backs always. On the field and off the field, they’re brothers. They’re all accountable and step up when called. It’s not offense, defense, coaches, all separate. It’s one big family. And I love that.”

JOE CARTER FORMER MAJOR-LEAGUER

Carter, who hit the walk-off home run that won the 1993 World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays, has made his home in Leawood since the end of his baseball career. “I see 53 guys having fun who love one another. It’s a big family, and that makes it fun to come to work. It starts with Coach Reid and goes to Mahomes and goes down. When you’ve got a special guy like Mahomes leading the charge … you’re going to be happy for the next 15 to 20 years.”

MITCH HOLTHUS VOICE OF THE CHIEFS

“Resiliency,” said Holthus, radio voice of the Chiefs since 1994. “They embody the spirit of what makes up the people of the Chiefs Kingdom. They reflect this region. Hard-working. Tough. On task. Take nothing for granted. They’re a neat group.”

KATHY NELSON KANSAS CITY SPORTS COMMISSION

Says the president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission (and championship team parade planner): “There is so much energy and excitement around the city! Driving home at night has become an emotional high to see so many buildings lit up in red. And wearing red every day of the week has become an anticipated challenge. How can you not love these guys? Sundays can’t come soon enough right now. It’s becoming easier to visualize and plan another parade, this time in red.”

CARL PETERSON FORMER CHIEFS GM

Peterson, the Chiefs’ president and general manager from 1989 to 2008, revived a struggling and stagnant franchise by turning the team into an annual playoff contender and creating the frenzy in the parking lots and seats that continues today at Arrowhead. “I love their never-say-die attitude. They never think they’re out of a game and have proven it a number of times, and the Houston game proved it big-time. A great deal has to start with the quarterback. He’s exceptional.”

PAT WARREN KANSAS SPEEDWAY

Warren is president of a track that plays host to a NASCAR playoff race every year, so he knows something about postseason pressure. “This team has a confidence in itself unlike anything I’ve seen in professional sports. They always believe they can win. It’s a culture that exists in a team, and it’s a culture that breeds winning and is cool to see. When they were down 24-0 (vs. Houston), the attitude was not defeatist. It was, ‘How are we going to get back in this thing?’”

RICK SUTCLIFFE FORMER MAJOR-LEAGUER

Sutcliffe, of Independence, was the National League Cy Young Award-winner in 1984 with the Chicago Cubs. He attended Chiefs games with his grandfather and has established relationships with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. “I love them more as people than even as players,” Sutcliffe said. “That’s so important to a community. That’s the reason you see so much red in Kansas City. You fall in love with them even more once you get to meet them.”

QUINTON LUCAS MAYOR OF KCMO

Weeks after his inauguration last year, “Q” stood atop City Hall and envisioned a championship parade for the team he has cherished forever: “What’s not to love about this team? I mean, you look at the excitement, the happiness they have to be around each other, the fact that they have a young quarterback who can come back from 24 down. … This is the sort of thing you want to follow. It’s infectious. There’s joy every day. They hang out together. They care about Kansas City.”

DICK VERMEIL FORMER CHIEFS COACH

The former Eagles, Rams and Chiefs coach who keeps as busy as ever with his Vermeil Wines operation in California, still follows the Chiefs closely and loves this group for several reasons. His email on the topic: “# 1, I love the coaching job Andy (Reid) & his staff have done! #2, I love how they get the ball down field in the passing game. # 3: I love the improvement in the defense coordinated by Steve (Spagnuolo) & staff! Go Chiefs!”

KEVIN WILLMOTT WRITER, KU PROFESSOR

Kevin Willmott, a professor of film and media studies at the University of Kansas who won an Oscar for co-writing “BlacKkKlansman”: “Have been a fan since fifth grade when I got a Chiefs vs. Vikings electric football game of their Super Bowl win for Christmas. Exciting time for Kansas City.”

TRENT GREEN FORMER CHIEFS QB

Green, the Chiefs quarterback during 2001-06, now serves as the club’s preseason television analyst and is a commentator for CBS television and radio. “The excitement they bring is infectious. The offense has been that way for a couple of years, but the defense has brought a lot of energy. The additions of Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu … there’s a whole new attitude on that side of the ball.”

DAYTON MOORE KC ROYALS GM

“I mean, I’m a fan like everybody else and like to see action on the field and athletes playing against one another. But from my viewpoint across the street, I think it begins and ends with the great leadership that they have in their organization. That speaks to the consistency, and that’s what I admire about it. Regardless of what happens going forward — because what happens on the field, as we all know, is very unpredictable at the professional level — the steady, quality leadership is something that I notice and pay attention to.”

LIDIA BASTIANICH CHEF, AUTHOR

The proprietor of Lidia’s Kansas City says: “The Chiefs are amazing to watch and cheer for. It is extraordinary how the team energized the city and makes Kansas City rally together. The comeback by Patrick Mahomes (against Houston in the Chiefs’ playoff opener) shows that if you put your mind to something, you can do anything. I am so proud that Lidia’s is a part of Kansas City’s fiber and a cheerleader for the longstanding tradition of the Chiefs.”

BILL HANCOCK COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF DIRECTOR

Says Hancock, who calls Prairie Village, Kansas, home: “What I love the most is the balance between the offense and the defense. They are very good on both sides of the ball, and I always enjoy that in a football team. You don’t see it very often.”

JAN STENERUD FORMER CHIEF, HALL OF FAMER

Stenerud, the first pure kicker inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, made all three of his field-goal attempts in the Chiefs’ victory over Minnesota in Super Bowl IV. “In addition to their tremendous talent is the impression I have of the whole team, that they’re nice young men. I like the way they represent the organization. Every time you see someone interviewed, I’m impressed with the way they handle themselves. I’m proud of them.”

CHRIS GOODE FOUNDER/OWNER OF RUBY JEAN’S JUICERY

“As a lifelong Kansas Citian, the biggest change I’ve seen is the depth of camaraderie the players have amongst each other. There’s this sense of family that we have in Kansas City and I believe the Hunt family, along with coach Andy Reid, have found a nucleus of guys that not only mesh on the field, but off as well. You can see them genuinely supporting each other’s community endeavors and lifting each other up when there’s a dropped ball, or when we’re down. That energy is reflective of what is so special about Kansas City and makes me admire this Chiefs squad. It reinforces the sense of pride I feel to call KC home.”

VLATKO ANDONOVSKI U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SOCCER COACH

“The excitement around the Chiefs in Kansas City is just awesome. We have a great community feeling in Kansas City and the Chiefs bring everyone even closer together, so for them to be having such a successful season is fun for everyone. I really love how entertaining they are and how they play aggressively, creative and fast. Coach Reid, the assistant coaches and all the players have done a great job and I appreciate how much they want to win for the fans. I know they can get to the Super Bowl and bring a championship back to Kansas City.”

KAY BARNES FORMER KCMO MAYOR

“Remembering the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win 50 years ago, I’m just as excited today about the Chiefs hopefully winning again.”

JOE POSNANSKI AUTHOR, FORMER KC STAR COLUMNIST

“There are so many things to love about these Chiefs, but I think you have to start with Patrick Mahomes. How can you not? What a joyous presence. What a fantastic player. But even that doesn’t quite cover it. I was in Kansas City for so many Chiefs heartbreaks. And the thing that stood out was that the Chiefs simply couldn’t find their own quarterback. Trent Green was a fine player, but he had bounced around for a few years. Elvis Grbac — we all remember that. Rich Gannon came and went. Joe Montana stopped by for a time after already becoming a legend. You couldn’t help but wonder: When would the Chiefs ever have another quarterback who owned the town the way Len Dawson did? And this kid came along and he played fearlessly and the Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl. He’s the screensaver on our oldest daughter’s phone. I don’t know what else you need to say.”

GEORGE TOMA GROUNDSKEEPING GURU

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Man has served as a groundskeeper for all 53 Super Bowls, and No. 54 falls on Feb. 2, his 91st birthday. The longtime groundskeeper for the Chiefs and Royals was selected as head groundskeeper for Super Bowl I after then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle admired the pristine green grass at KC’s old Municipal Stadium. “This team has a hell of a coach in Andy Reid. I took care of his practice fields in Jacksonville for the Super Bowl when he was the Eagles’ coach, and he was so gracious and I think the world of him.”

CHRISTIAN OKOYE FORMER CHIEF

The Nigerian Nightmare led the NFL in rushing with 1,480 yards in 1989, when the Chiefs’ offense was built on a power-run game. “We were exciting when I played, but it’s totally different now with Mahomes and how he plays,” said Okoye, who runs the California Sports Hall of Fame, which he founded in Ontario. “What I love about them is not giving up. When they were 24 down, and fans were going home, I looked at the players, and they didn’t flinch. I saw Mahomes talking to his teammates, and I told the people I was with, ‘We’re going to win this game.’”

JASON KANDER FORMER MISSOURI SEC. OF STATE

“Like the ’14/’15 Royals, this team feels truly connected to the community and they help people around the world learn more about this awesome town. Plus, watching the Chiefs win takes me back to my childhood growing up in the ’90s. I can almost taste the Velveeta queso.”

MATT BESLER PRO SOCCER STAR

Besler, a Sporting KC and U.S. National Team veteran who attended Blue Valley West High, says this: “Watching the win against Houston as an athlete, with seven of my teammates, I couldn’t help but notice two things in particular about this special Chiefs team. The first was the tremendous enjoyment that every Chiefs player displays on the field. We saw firsthand the passion they have for the sport, the passion they have to compete and the passion they have to represent Kansas City and its amazing fans. The second thing that stood out to me: confidence. They’ve shown it all season long. No matter who they play, where they play or what the score is, this Chiefs team believes it can win. They’re not afraid of anyone.”

HARRIS FAULKNER TELEVISION NEWS ANCHOR

Faulkner, anchor of Fox News Channel’s “Outnumbered Overtime,” spent 1992-2000 as a news anchor at WDAF-TV (Ch. 4) in Kansas City. “Loving the Kansas City Chiefs is first driven by my fascination with sports. ... There are a lot of NFL superstars out there but, through the 50 years leading up to this moment, Kansas City players have carried a banner of passion and talent that fans can be proud of. Glad to count myself among those loving fans this Super Bowl Sunday — GO CHIEFS!”

DAVID COOK MUSICIAN, AMERICAN IDOL WINNER

David Cook has worn, and continues to wear, many hats: musician, American Idol winner. Broadway star. Blue Springs native. And unabashed fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. “I love this team’s resiliency and focus. They remind me of the vibe surrounding the 2015 Royals. No deficit feels too large, and no moment too big.”

WILL SHIELDS FORMER CHIEF, HALL OF FAMER

Shields, the Pro Football Hall of Fame guard, has started more games, 223, than anyone in Chiefs history: “The simple fact is they’re putting up big numbers, they’re winning games, and are electric in what they do. They give you that optimism of saying, ‘We have a chance to get to and win a Super Bowl.’’’

DAVID DASTMALCHIAN ACTOR

Overland Park native and co-star in the Ant-Man movies, Blade Runner 2049 and next year’s The Suicide Squad, which is now filming: “I’ve never thrown a Super Bowl Party before. I’m having preposterous amounts of KC BBQ shipped to an undisclosed location where I’m working on an undisclosed film with a handful of undisclosed individuals. A couple are 49er fans, so they won’t be getting any of my BBQ.”

WILLIE LANIER FORMER CHIEF, HALL OF FAMER

“All of the games that you’ve participated in in your life start trying to give you some answers to an illogical situation,” said the ever-analytical Lanier, an anchor of the Chiefs’ 1969 Super Bowl champion team and Hall of Famer who went on to a distinguished business career. When the Chiefs found themselves in a 24-0 hole against Houston, Lanier considered their plight to be “aberrations of the moment” as he waited to see what it would lead to. The result was testimony to experience and a group dynamic he considers essential in a championship team, like the trust and accountability that buoyed those 1969 Chiefs.

JEFF KRUM PRESIDENT OF BOULEVARD BREWING CO.

“No longer just one-dimensional, this team — like a fine beer — is beautifully balanced. With their spirit, energy and integrity, these Chiefs are easy to cheer for, and we’re proud to have them represent our city.”

BILL SNYDER FORMER K-STATE FOOTBALL COACH

The Wildcats’ coaching legend and College Football Hall of Famer knows the game better than just about anyone else, but the things he’s most struck by in watching these Chiefs start with their MVP quarterback: “Like most, I’m impressed with Patrick and Andy, but I’m also so very impressed with how well their offensive line protects the quarterback and the improvement of the defense. Above all, I appreciate the continuity and teamwork of both players and staff. No true weak links.”

EMANUEL CLEAVER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, D-MISSOURI

The KC congressman said his three favorite things about this year’s Chiefs team are: “Mahomes’ chemistry with the Legion of Zoom; the luncheons held by our pass-rushers in opponents’ backfields every week; and Mathieu taking the defense to another level and demonstrating his superior football IQ.”

JOSH HAWLEY U.S. SENATOR, R-MISSOURI

“One thing that comes immediately to mind is I just love the creativity and almost the joyful and kind of childlike joy the team plays with. I think Mahomes really sets the tone for that. ... It just reminds me of the best parts of Little League. The sense that you’re out there, you’re loving the game, it’s so much fun. … I don’t want to be quoted as saying I’m comparing Mahomes to a Little League ballplayer, but in just the love of it. It’s just so fun.”

JONATHAN JUSTUS CHEF

Executive chef/owner of the former Justus Drugstore and Black Dirt and future executive chef/owner of Justus Drugstore 2.0. “These guys, at the end of the day, are looking you down, and smiling while licking the barbecue sauce off of their fingers and sayin’ ‘Who’s next?’”

JEAN PETERS BAKER JACKSON COUNTY PROSECUTOR

“The Chiefs stadium is truly a Kansas City experience. It’s not about the coach, any player, or the fans. It’s about the moment. The minutes before the kickoff when we collectively embrace the palpable energy and an unwavering belief that we cannot lose. It’s exciting, unifying, and a little bit scary in a blur of red. But win or lose, it’s our team, our town and our pride.”

KELLY COLE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF HALLS

“This team loves their fans as much as we love them. They are great supporters of Halls, and we appreciate them.”

PAT ROBERTS U.S. SENATOR, R-KANSAS

The senator said his favorite things about this year’s Chiefs team are: “They are a team everybody can cheer for ... whether you’re from Missouri or Kansas, you are a Chiefs fan. It really brings the community together. The Chiefs have completely changed the game this season. With Patrick Mahomes using the no-look pass, the Chiefs have become the Golden State Warriors of the NFL. ... I love seeing my Wildcats find professional success, and No. 13, Byron Pringle, the wide receiver, is a K-State alum.”

MICHAEL MACCAMBRIDGE AUTHOR, HISTORIAN

“What’s so compelling about this year’s Chiefs is that it’s not only about the Magic Unicorn Quarterback and The Legion of Zoom. In 2019, the defense has a clear identity and personality as well, thanks in large part to the man with perhaps the most nicknames in the NFL, Tyrann ‘Honey Badger’ ‘T-5’ ‘Kingdom Landlord’ Mathieu. The road to the AFC Championship Game has been tougher this time around, but this team is more balanced, more battle-tested and more resilient than the Chiefs of 2018. Also, Patrick Mahomes is a year smarter and more experienced, and — this part hasn’t changed — remains more fun to watch than any athlete in the country.” MacCambridge attended the Barstow School and was editorial coordinator of the Chiefs’ Hall of Honor. His books include a biography of Lamar Hunt and “’69 Chiefs: A Team, a Season and the Birth of Modern Kansas City.”

GARY PINKEL FORMER MU FOOTBALL COACH

“There’s a lot of things (to love). … We were shooting ourselves in the foot about every way possible (against Houston) … (then) the leadership came through. When things got really, really tough, they weren’t yelling and screaming at each other. They were encouraging each other. … That’s how you get a chance to get out of it. … (And) when you’ve got Patrick Mahomes, you’re never out of a game. There’s a guy like that in New England.”

BILL JAMES AUTHOR, HISTORIAN, STATISTICIAN

The Holton, Kansas, native and KU alum says: “It is fun for us to be the team that has that guy that you just can’t stop, like Elway or Aaron Rodgers or Brady or whoever … it’s fun that now we have that guy. The thing I enjoy is the creativity of the offense. Andy Reid will always come up with something that you haven’t seen before, and before you can process what he has been doing, he moves on to doing something else entirely. I know that he is responding to something the defense has done, but that’s all over my head: It’s like watching a chess match. I’m thinking one step behind and they’re working two steps ahead. But it’s fun to watch.”

JEREMY DANNER 4 HANDS BREWING CO.

The on-premise specialist/brand ambassador for 4 Hands Brewing Co. enjoys watching the Chiefs achieve success and says he especially appreciates what QB Patrick Mahomes and longtime girlfriend Brittany Matthews do for our furry friends: “I’m a healthy level of obsessed with Patrick and Brittany’s dogs, Steel and Silver. As a pit bull owner and advocate myself, I think their dogs are gorgeous, but beyond that, I appreciate what they do to help them serve as ambassadors for pits and Cane Corsos. Their Instagram feed is super cute!”

CHASE MCANULTY FOUNDER/CEO, CHARLIE HUSTLE

“The best thing about these Chiefs is they represent who we are as a city. They share the same values we do as citizens and embody the heart and spirit this city thrives on. A true team on the field, led by the best organization off of it.”

MICHAEL SMITH CHEF

The chef/co-founder of Farina and Extra Virgin In The Crossroads says: “Patrick Mahomes always gives the Chiefs a chance to win a ballgame. Over the years they’ve never had THE quarterback that could score in a flash from anywhere on the field. There are only a handful of quarterbacks in the NFL who can flip a game and give the fans eternal hope that the team can come from behind and win a game. That feeling and belief will be with Chief fans for the next dozen years.”

GARY WOODLAND PRO GOLFER

The PGA Tour star and University of Kansas grad says: “I love the energy this team brings. Obviously starts with Andy Reid, which it feels like every player wants to play for. Then Mahomes controlling the sideline like a veteran and playing like he’s in the backyard with his buddies is awesome. All brought together with the attitude Mathieu has brought to the defense. It’s exciting to watch.”

DERRICK JOHNSON FORMER CHIEF

Johnson, the Chiefs’ career leader with 1,262 tackles from 2005-17: “I love the confidence they play with. I had some really good years here, but they have taken confidence to the next level. They’ve raised the bar, and the Super Bowl is right in their grasp and it could make their dreams come true.”

CLINT BOWYER NASCAR DRIVER

Bowyer, the NASCAR Cup star from Emporia, Kansas, attends games when they don’t conflict with his racing schedule and was in the stands for the playoff comeback win against Houston. “What do I love about the Chiefs? Here’s a simple answer: All of it. I love it all. I love what they’ve done for the city, what Arrowhead means as a fan, to be able to watch them go to battle every week. I love the quarterback, I love Andy Reid, how far the defense has come. And I love knowing you’re an elite group in the playoffs and knowing the team you root for is the team everyone in these playoffs are worried about.”

JACK SOCK PRO TENNIS STAR

Sock, a two-time Wimbledon and 2018 U.S. Open tennis doubles champion and four-time state champion at Blue Valley North, counts some Chiefs players as friends. “They feel like my NFL family. We have the best fans in the league. I’m all about the CHOP. What’s not to love?”

BUBBA STARLING ROYALS OUTFIELDER

The Gardner, Kansas, native was the No. 5 pick overall in the 2011 baseball draft after starring in both football and baseball at Gardner Edgerton High. “I think they’ve got the potential to go all the way. … I mean, I could see the Chiefs, the next however many years, getting to that point. But it’s like, it doesn’t happen very often, just being in the Super Bowl, and, gosh, that would be sweet to go cheer them on.” One more thing: Starling was picked in elementary school to get to wear the KC Wolf costume. “The most awesome thing I’ve ever done,” he said, laughing.

FRANK BOAL TV/RADIO BROADCASTER

“I’ve been covering this franchise since 1981, I’ve never seen anything quite like this team. They are on the verge of something special and no one deserves it more than the Hunt Family and the Chiefs Kingdom. As Patrick Mahomes said, ‘Let’s do something special.’ How about a ‘sea of red’ flowing through downtown in all of our February splendor?”

COLBY GARRELTS CHEF AND CO-OWNER OF BLUESTEM AND RYE

“The Kansas City Chiefs define our city’s culture by bringing friends and families together to share great food and great memories. When we go to the Super Bowl you will always know where you were and who you were with!”

CROSBY KEMPER III DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SCIENCES

The outgoing executive director of the Kansas City Public Library’s reason for loving the Chiefs is short and sweet: “Snatching victory from defeat.”

— Quotes collected by Randy Covitz, Derek Donovan, Pete Grathoff, Vahe Gregorian, Blair Kerkhoff, Allison Kite, Bryan Lowry, Sam Mellinger, Jesse Newell, Jon Niccum, Glenn E. Rice, Jeff Rosen, Joyce Smith and Lynn Worthy

#2020 #nfl #national football league #kansas city chiefs #haifuri #hikari ogasawara

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