Why Chiefs-Chargers Is Personal To Me

Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) is stopped after a short gain during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

From then on I watched every game that season. Even better, halfway through the season my father returned home and it became the first real bonding opportunity. I quickly began soaking up as much information about football as I could, reading and watching clips of the Chiefs teams of the past while learning to memorize the roster of the current team by heart. I grew more and more attached, until my love for the Chiefs hit a high when my dad told me he got us tickets to the Chiefs-San Diego game at Qualcomm.

We drove to San Diego from our home in Arizona the day before the game, got to our hotel, and anxiously began talking about our chances in the next day’s game. Then, we read the news online. Matt Cassel had an emergency appendectomy before the game, and Brodie Croyle would be getting the start. Still, we went to the game cautiously optimistic.

We lost 31-0. We never went the length of the football field during the entire game. It was my first live Chiefs game, and it was a disaster.

Even so, it made me realize how much it hurt to see the Chiefs lose. The emotional highs and lows were unlike anything I’d experienced. It was exhilarating.

Ever since the 2010 season, I’ve thrown myself headfirst into Chiefs fandom. I’ve grown to love the team and everything to do with them. I watch every game. I read all the news sites. I play probably 30 games a week online in Madden, never once with a team other than the Chiefs. I could name the entire roster. I obviously think very highly of Jamaal Charles. I will be a Chiefs fan for the rest of my life.

All because of a Chargers fan. So every year, when we meet our division rivals, I remember all of this, and all I can think is we’re going to beat the Chargers.