AA interview: Liz Moriondo

Despite their recent play, Kansas City Chiefs fans are all over the country. Many of them grow up in the region, and then move out to explore other avenues of life.

This is the case with singer/songwriter Liz Moriondo, who learned to love the team as a youngster and then moved to Nashville in pursuit of her musical dream. Moriondo has been performing since she was three years old and is hoping to make a career of her passion. Moriondo also played college basketball at Drury University in Springfield, Mo., and recently released her first single “Throw Ya Back,” which can be seen below. She is currently touring the United States with NASCAR.

Moriondo is best known for her “All About That Bass” parody, which has 11 million views across platforms and counting.

Q: How long have you been a Chiefs fan?

A: I’ve never known anything but being a Chiefs fan! I remember being a little girl and sleeping in a Joe Montana Chiefs jersey. That jersey has been passed down through both of my younger brothers, who are just as crazy about the Chiefs as I am. Sundays in the fall have always consisted of watching the Chiefs play with my family.

Q: Do you frequent Arrowhead or mostly watch from home/bars?

A: My family has been season-ticket holders for over 10 years. One of the things I miss most about living in Nashville is not being able to go to all the home games! We leave at 5 a.m. to head up to the stadium, tailgate like champs, cheer on the Chiefs, and head home ready for the next Sunday! It’s always a party around our tailgate area. My dad installed a huge sound system in his truck and we have special “Chiefs’ playlists” that draw people from all over to come and share their stories, and their food! It’s amazing the friendships that have formed with the people who park around us at the games. Chiefs’ fans really are one great big family.

Q: Why have you remained a Chiefs fan despite their current play?

A: Just because I’m upset about our current record doesn’t mean I stop being a Chiefs fan! Every team goes through its dry seasons, and the fans have an important part to play by hanging in there, showing their loyalty, and picking up our favorite team by believing in them no matter what. Our time is coming and the 2015 season is just beginning. I won’t give up on them!

Q: If you had to pick a favorite Chiefs moment, what would it be?

A: My favorite Chiefs moment has to be watching Priest Holmes break the single-season rushing touchdown record in 2003. He never let his size stop him from crushing his goals, and as an athlete at the college level who wasn’t always the biggest on the team, I relate to him and his heart and determination. Taking back our title as the loudest stadium in the NFL in 2014 was another sweet moment. I felt like I was helping make history.

Q: Who is your favorite player on the current team and why? How about all-time?

A: Jamaal Charles is my favorite player on the current team. He has overcome so much. After competing in the Special Olympics due to learning disabilities, he is now one of the top players in the NFL! I am so proud he is a Chief! I also love the story about him standing in line to get Peyton Manning’s autograph for his mom. He is such a humble and down-to-earth athlete.

My favorite player of all-time is Priest Holmes. About the time my family got season tickets Priest was exploding onto the scene. I love the underdogs. For one of the smaller players in the NFL, he had the biggest heart and proved time and again that the underdogs are not to be underestimated. He started as an undrafted free agent before finding a home with the Chiefs where he remained until his retirement. Despite many injuries he just kept coming back and went on to become a Chiefs Hall of Famer. I admire his heart and grit. He always had a great attitude and represented the Chiefs with dignity and class.

Q: Have you ever approached the team about singing before a game?

A: I have not ever approached the Chiefs about singing before a game, but that is one of my dreams. Hopefully someday I will get the chance to honor my Chiefs with our Nation’s Anthem!