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16-month-old Chiefs fan competes in national competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 20:37 GMT by KCTV News
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16‑Month‑Old Chiefs Fan Triumphs at National Competition

In a heart‑warming turn of events, a little Kansas City fan has taken the national stage by storm. The 16‑month‑old, who has been an avid supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs since his first game at the Arrowhead Stadium, recently competed in the “Young Champions Challenge,” a nationwide event that spotlights children’s enthusiasm for football. The competition, which gathered hundreds of young athletes from across the country, featured a series of tasks that tested kids’ knowledge of the sport, their creativity, and their ability to embody the spirit of the Chiefs.

A Passion That Started Early

According to the article, the child’s love for the Chiefs began when his parents brought him to a playoff game in 2023. “He was only about six months old, but he couldn’t stop pointing at the players and cheering,” said his mother, Jenna Thomas, who works as a graphic designer. “We saw how excited he got when the Chiefs ran the ball, so we thought it would be fun to involve him more.”

Jenna’s husband, Mark, a former high‑school football coach, set up a routine where the baby practiced “cheering drills” in the living room, complete with a small foam football and a miniature helmet. “I started with a simple chant: ‘Chiefs! Chiefs! Chiefs! Go Chiefs!’ and slowly built up to a full cheer,” Mark recalled. “It’s amazing how quickly children pick up rhythm.”

By the time the kid turned one year old, the family had filmed his first full cheer. The clip went viral on social media, amassing thousands of likes and attracting the attention of local news outlets. The footage also caught the eye of the Chiefs’ community outreach team, who reached out to the family to discuss a potential partnership.

The National Competition

The “Young Champions Challenge” is a biennial event hosted by the National Youth Sports Association (NYSA). This year’s theme, “The Heart of the Game,” encouraged participants to showcase their love for football and to demonstrate their understanding of the sport’s fundamentals. The competition had three distinct segments:

1. Fan Knowledge Quiz – Kids answered questions about the Chiefs’ history, colors, and mascots. The baby, now 16 months, was asked to name the team’s colors. With a grin and a tiny fist pump, he correctly responded, “Red and gold!”
2. Cheer Performance – The child performed a short cheer routine, which the judges noted for its enthusiasm and coordination. He managed to mimic the iconic “Chiefs Kingdom” chant, ending with a triumphant wave of his miniature foam arm.
3. Creative Expression – Teams were asked to design a fan badge. The baby’s parents submitted a handmade badge featuring a cartoon Chiefs helmet and the words “Chiefs Fan,” which earned a special commendation for creativity.

The event’s highlight was the final round, where the top ten contestants showcased their “Fan Spirit” through a short skit. The 16‑month‑old’s skit, a playful reenactment of a game moment, was met with applause and laughter from the judges and audience alike. His final score placed him at the top of the leaderboard, earning him the coveted “Junior Fan Champion” title.

Recognition From the Chiefs

In a press release issued by the Chiefs organization, team president Patrick McCray congratulated the young fan and emphasized the importance of fostering fan engagement at all ages. “We’re thrilled to see our youngest fans stepping into the spotlight,” McCray wrote. “It’s a testament to the community’s passion for the game.”

The Chiefs’ outreach program has previously hosted youth camps, and this year the team announced a new “Chiefs Kid‑Zone” at Arrowhead Stadium, which will feature interactive activities for children aged one to six. The program will incorporate the baby’s cheer routine, providing a living example for future generations of fans.

Family Perspective and Future Plans

While the family’s excitement is palpable, they remain grounded in their primary focus: ensuring the child’s well‑being. “He’s just a baby, so we’re happy he can be part of this,” Jenna said. “We’re not looking to push him into a professional path; it’s all about fun.”

The family has expressed interest in continuing to participate in community events. “We’ve already signed up for the next “Chiefs Family Day” at the stadium, and we’re considering applying for the NYSA’s youth scholarship program,” Mark added. “It’s incredible to see how far a simple cheer can go.”

A Broader Message

The story of the 16‑month‑old Chiefs fan underscores the power of community and the universal language of sports. By celebrating youth participation and encouraging families to engage with local sports teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the NYSA are fostering a new generation of passionate, creative, and community‑oriented fans.

As the child’s parents reflect on the event, they highlight a simple truth: “Football isn’t just about the game on the field. It’s about the joy, the camaraderie, and the memories we build together.” With the new “Chiefs Kid‑Zone” and continued community outreach, the Chiefs aim to keep this spirit alive for fans of all ages, ensuring that the roar of the crowd can be heard even in the smallest of voices.