We won a Playoff game… Now what?

I can’t believe I’m still blogging about football season and we’re almost halfway through January! You see, this is our first time winning a playoff game (only second time to ever make it to the post season!) Before we get ready to head up to New England to take on the Patriots, I thought I would write a quick behind the scenes post.

As soon as we clinched a playoff spot and found out we were headed to Houston, I started planning out how to get there. We don’t travel with the team per se. We can stay in the team hotel and purchase game tickets from the team but that’s about it. Traveling to away games is an adventure to say the least. Add a busy 8 month old, and who knows what you will get! That being said, I asked my parents (who live in Dallas) if they would meet me for the game to help with Joy and arranged travel with one of my fellow Kansas City Wives.

Some tips for traveling with an 8 month old:

1. Find a friend to travel with. If anything someone to laugh with.
2. Plenty of snacks and leave majority of the toys at home. Joy was quite entertained with the zippers on the diaper bag, an empty water bottle, and fell asleep as soon as the flight took off.
3. Extra diapers, spare outfits, and disposable bibs are non- negotiable. On the way home, Joy had a blow out right before boarding the plan. Thank goodness we had a spare pair of pants.
4. Baby Wear! I have an Ergo 360 that I have been using since she was born. It helps keep your hands free and you don’t have to take it off the get through security. I wear Joy on my chest, and use my stroller (with my car seat attached) as a cart.
5. Smile! People truly want to help. If they are willing to fold up your stroller and gate check it for you, accept their help graciously. If you drop something, let them pick it up. One way or another, you will make it to your destination.

Once arriving in Houston, we check in the hotel and get a few precious hours to spend with Jeff. After an early dinner, its game mode. #71 has a routine that he likes to stick with and I understand that.

Game Day

There is always a bit of fear when going to an opponent’s stadium. A couple years ago, a few of us went to Indianapolis for a playoff game and we had a frightening experience. We were dressed in our Chiefs jerseys but very aware of the THOUSANDS of Colts fans around us. We didn’t cheer loudly and definitely didn’t taunt even though we had a sizable lead in the beginning. As expected, the Colts fans were intoxicated and a little vulgar. Well one of the ladies I was with witnessed her husband suffer a serious injury on the field. She was wearing his number on her shirt and the fans behind us started saying things like “Good. Get him out of here” “I’m glad he got hurt” things that were incredibly uncalled for. We ended up calling security because they were getting aggressive. That’s never ok. These guys are husbands, fathers, and sons. They are so much more than just players on your favorite team. There is nothing better than a passionate fan, but there are boundaries.

  Houston was a different situation. Their fans were still drunk, but they were gracious and respectful. There was a little playful bantering, but nothing serious.

For this team to make it to the post season… words can’t even articulate how incredible this is. They started 1-5. They lost a couple key players to season ending injuries, battled through negative public opinion, and the doubts of ESPN.

“Yet they prevailed; they fought for each other, this team, and this city.”

Last year, we said our goodbyes after the last game. It was somber but expected. At the end of each season, you have no idea who is returning to the team or who moving on (you included). I am thankful for each day all my friends are still here and hope this journey ends in San Franscisco! Thank you Kansas City and Chiefs fans everywhere. Y’all have really showed up for this team and I’m sure they just want to make you proud. See you in Foxborough!

GO CHIEFS! 

Marissa A