‘It’s really exciting:’ Long-time Chiefs fan ready for Super Bowl

Brent Parker will finally get a chance to once again see his favourite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, play in a Super Bowl.

It has been half a century since the last time.

“We lived in Topeka, Kansas, when I was real young,” Parker said. “I remember my dad (Russ) — (Chiefs quarterback) Len Dawson was his favourite guy — and having the old Chiefs helmet on the old big-box TV when they played in it 50 years ago.”

That was back in 1970 and now quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the Chiefs chasing their second-ever Super Bowl title. They earned the right to play for the NFL’s top prize by defeating the Tennessee Titans 35-24 in the AFC championship game on Jan. 19.

In Sunday’s Super Bowl, the Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers, who punched their ticket by beating the Green Bay Packers 37-20 in the NFC championship game.

Parker admitted it’s a bit surreal to see his team in the final.

“It’s not going to affect my mood next week if they lose, but it is awesome to see,” he said. “I’ve been following them for a long time and — having lived down there going way, way back and having some ties business-wise — it’s really exciting.”

Parker said his Chiefs fandom followed him when his family moved to Regina.

He also has had opportunities to meet Chiefs players, including his favourite player ever – linebacker Derrick Thomas.

“I think he was the best linebacker of all time,” Parker said of Thomas, who died in 2000 at the age of 33. “His life was cut short but he had an infectious smile (and was a) really good person. Just to meet him, you could tell he really had passion for the game (and) had a passion for Kansas City.”

Parker has also had a chance to see the Chiefs play at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I get goosebumps thinking about it, I really do,” he said.

Parker said his preparations to watch the Chiefs lock horns with the 49ers began on Wednesday.

“I’ve got the Kansas City ribs going and we’ve got a pork belly going on the smoker early and everything’s going to be Kansas City barbecue-related,” Parker said. “I might even sit out on my driveway and tailgate for a while. My neighbours might think I’m crazy but it will be a full day, an exciting day.”

Parker will be hosting a few people for the game, including a few 49ers fans.

“I think we have six to eight people coming, enough to help me eat all the food,” Parker said. “There has to be a little trash talk but I don’t think it will be anything too crazy. They’re fans — I don’t think at the level that I am — but it will be fun. We will have a good time.”

While he’s hoping the Chiefs can become champions, Parker admits he doesn’t feel confident going into the game.

“With Mahomes you’ve always got a chance,” Parker said. “They’re going to have to score and the big challenge is if San Francisco can put pressure on Mahomes with just four guys and allow them to double (Travis) Kelce and Tyreek Hill, then they’re going to be in trouble. Unfortunately, I think the team with the wrong red jersey is going to win.”

Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m. Regina time.