Having photo credentials for NFL football games can be one of the advantages of working for the press, and Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs game gave me a unique look at team pulling together in one of its darkest times.
Forget the fact the Chiefs were 1-10 coming into this week’s game versus the Carolina Panthers. Forget the fact they have struggled on offense and defense against top-ranked opponents on the field.
On Saturday morning, linebacker Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend multiple times, killing her, before driving to the Chiefs’ practice facility at Arrowhead Stadium and shooting himself in front of three coaches. Any team, 1-10 or 10-1, would feel the blow of losing a teammate in such a terrible and tragic way. And yet, the NFL decided to move forward with the game against Carolina.
I had been planning on attending Sunday’s game to take photos from the sideline, and I knew this game would be a bit different than most. To add to the fact, I had never even been to a pro football game before, and my first would be the best seat in the house.
There was much criticism from players, fans and commentators about the NFL’s decision to move forward with the game. Their money-driven agenda is not always appreciated when tragedy strikes ball clubs, especially in a circumstance like Saturday’s. However, the players didn’t seem to be surprised. They knew they had a job to do.
It was evident the atmosphere was a bit different in Arrowhead Stadium. There was no mention of Belcher’s name in the pregame festivities — just a moment of silence as the Chief’s organization recognized victims of domestic violence. The announcer referred to the murder-suicide as “yesterday’s events.” Fans held non-specific signs that said “out hearts and prayers go out to you.” Their prayers may have been heard.
As I watched from the sidelines, I saw an energized Chiefs team. Their offense had a spark that many fans can say they haven’t seen all season.
I felt like a fish out of water compared to the other journalists photographing the game. At times it was hard for me to concentrate on my job, trying hard not to get caught up in the drama and excitement of the action. I’ll admit I missed a photo of a Chiefs’ touchdown in the second quarter because I was cheering for the home team.
The Chiefs’ offense and defense did have a solemn attitude. They didn’t cheer and celebrate as if they were a team that was about to win their second game for the season. I don’t know if it was concentration or if their minds weren’t dwelling on the game, but it didn’t seem to matter.
The players put together some of the most impressive drives of their season, battling past the Panther defense for Sunday’s win. My heart went out to the organization, and I was glad to see them come out with a victory.
As for me, the game was a highlight for my year. I had the opportunity to be around players that I normally get to see only on TV or as names on my fantasy football roster. I got to shake hands with Dwayne Bowe and walk the sideline with Cam Newton. It was important for me to catch a glimpse of how the NFL works, and it was eye-opening.
The NFL may be driven on money alone, but Sunday’s Chiefs team was not. They knew they had to play, it is their job. But they were going to play on their own terms, for their own reasons, and that just happened to be enough for a win.
Some cynics may point out the Panthers were also one of the worst teams in the league, and that a victory wouldn’t need a special motivation. I choose not to believe that. Despite the NFL’s decision to move ahead with the game, the Chiefs came out looking like a better team. They needed to believe they are a team that can win, now more than ever.
Chiefs rise above tragedy, controversy
