Going behind enemy lines is something we do each week with the editor of the opposing team’s NFL Wire site.
With the Bye week ahead of the Super Bowl, we wanted to chat with Charles Goldman of the Chiefs Wire, but with a slant away from the game since we’ll have a more in-depth preview next week.
Instead, we talked to Charles about his NFL fandom, some of his favorite players, and the tourism industry in Kansas City.
Niners Wire: Think back – what’s your FIRST memory of Chiefs football.
Charles Goldman: It wasn’t even the team or the game, but instead, the smell of the tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium. It was some combination of wood smokers, charcoal grills, barbecue and beer altogether. It’s the aroma of football for every Kansas City Chiefs fan. I’m not sure if the San Francisco 49ers fans do much in terms of tailgating, but I’d suggest every fan from every fanbase take an opportunity to go to Arrowhead and experience that.
NW: Who has been your favorite Chiefs player in the time you’ve watched them?
CG: Patrick Mahomes should be everyone’s answer right now, but I’ll give you something else. For me, it has to be Marcus Allen. I loved the drama with him coming in and being a former Raider. The guy was just so fun to watch during his prime. When he had the ball in his hands and decided to make a cut, it was like time slowed down for him. He just ran past everybody else. He was so good in goal-line situations, catching the ball, and it just seemed like when the Chiefs needed a play he was the guy that was able to make it.
NW: Who’s been your favorite NON-Chief in the time you’ve watched football?
CG: I was a big Randy Moss fan growing up. He was a fun player to watch and got me through some tough times as a Chiefs fan. You look at the size, speed and hands — I’m not sure you could build a better player in a laboratory. I can’t count the number of times I watched him make a spectacular catch and he did it playing on multiple teams throughout his career.
NW: You can add any NFL player that doesn’t play for the 49ers to the Chiefs’ roster for the Super Bowl. Who are you adding?
CG: I’m going with Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. He’s a consummate professional and deserves another chance to win a Super Bowl. He’s been hyper-productive during his career despite a few seasons with a shaky quarterback situation.
Personally, I love what he’d bring to the Kansas City offense, even in his 16th season. The Chiefs have speed everywhere and like to go for the long ball a lot. I feel like Fitz is a player that really excels at getting open in that intermediate area of the field. Plus, he knows San Francisco after playing the team for years. It’d be useful having that type of knowledge.
NW: If I’m visiting Kansas City — where’s one place I have to eat, and one thing I have to see or do?
As far as something to see and do, it’s worth heading down to the Museums on 18th & Vine. Go to the Negro League Baseball Museum, admission is just $10.00 and it helps to keep the rich history of the league alive. You can also check out the American Jazz Museum right next door. They have live music, film screenings and more, so be sure to check out the events calendar on their website.