The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a number of challenges last season both on field, finishing last place in the NFL, and off the field, with the murder suicide of Kasandra Perkins and Jovan Belcher. Management has turned a new page hiring coach Andy Reid to set a new tone. But, can a team who has seen such hardship transform itself in one season?
Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark Donovan, believes the expectation is very high from the fan base, but right now he just wants to focus on Jacksonville and coming back 1-0.
Donovan's excitement for the upcoming season also comes with new additions to the "fan experience" in Arrowhead Stadium this season. Not only will wifi be available, but also a new Chiefs app will be coming out in the next few weeks. This app will not only include instant replays of the game fans are watching live, but also interactive components for fans to interact while watching the game in-stadium.
In the case of the tragic murder suicide last year, Donovan asserts that the hardship brought on by such unfortunate events has and will continue to bring the organization together. He feels the support from the community, and even from all of the other teams in the NFL, has been tremendous to help the team to continue progressing through the difficulty. This hard hit, and other hits taken throughout the season that landed the Chiefs in last place, are hurdles that the team must overcome this season.
Nevertheless, Donovan feels the Kansas City Chiefs fans are the best in the NFL, and have been supportive of the organization through thick and thin.
One of the Chiefs' most faithful fans is sports blogger, Joel Thorman, who operates Arrowhead Pride, a blog associated with the SB Nation blog network. He says the must-see home game this season will be Kansas City Chiefs v.s. Denver Broncos in October. Thorman believes the Chiefs will be competing with the Broncos for the division title at that point. Another exciting game will be the home opener against the Dallas Cowboys with player Brian Waters who recently came out of retirement and signed with Dallas.
Thorman shares more insider information as the Chiefs have many new players, rookies, and new coaching staff. Although a bit under the radar, he advises Chiefs fans to look out for Knile Davis, a back-up running back from Arkansas who also did a 100-yard kick return in the pre-season. Thorman says that come December, the Chiefs should be competitive and in the running for a play-offs spot. While it may be early to say that they will be winning the division, Chiefs fans can expect to see a competitive team.
Guests:
- Mark Donovan: President of the Chiefs
- Joel Thorman: Editor of ArrowheadPride
