From the Sidelines: Game Faces of the NFL

Text & photography by Gregg Riess

"You don't really appreciate the Chiefs fans until you try to pull into Arrowhead Stadium.  The gates to the parking lots won't open until 9am for a Noon game, but there are people waiting in line as early as 8am to gain access.  They're seeking a great parking spot for tailgating, hoping to miss traffic and hoping to spend some quality time with friends before the game.  These fans come in their custom vehicles and adorn their apparel which may include make-up and tattoos supporting their team."

"Once you step on the sidelines for a professional game, you're virtually on the inside of a fairly exclusive club.  Granted, there are far too many bystanders and fans that probably don't need to be there - but there's something incredible about being near the stage where the pros compete while 80,000 fans look over your shoulder."

"I love watching the way the primary coaches will make physical contact with the players during warm-up.  Various touches providing connection, reassurance, motivation, and a transfer of emotion.  Heck, Al Saunders will even provide that same strong presence to photographers and most anyone on the sideline.  It's as if he wants everyone within the Chiefs sideline to be on the same emotional wavelength.   He'll make eye contact with you as though he cares about you and that he's glad to see you there along the sidelines. 

One morning, I saw Gunther Cunningham approach some soldiers that were on the field for a flag ceremony: he provided a tremendous amount of emotional energy as he looked in their eyes and then had to simply hug several to transfer physically what I believe he was feeling that very moment.  You can see the fire in the coaches' eyes as they move around prior to that first kick-off."

"My favorite time of an NFL game is well before they open the gates.  Often I'm on the turf while a select few athletes are warming-up in the early moments of the day.  No fans.  No officials.  Hardly anyone else.  Then, someone like Tony Gonzalez walks out and runs through a warm-up.  Minimal gear, with no pads.  The orange/red glow of the early light spills into the stadium: that's the golden hour for light at Arrowhead.  Later, the other players and coaches arrive on the field."

"Hank Stramm was on the field with his family in 2003 to be recognized for his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.  His wife had the energy and spirit of 10 players."

"Yep, these guys are big.  The players are mostly well over my six foot height.  Add pads, spikes, helmets, and lots of muscle and you feel like a miniature horse in the pasture of Clydesdales.  Throw in former Chief Bill Maas and KCFX's Bob Gretz as sideline reporters and you really have to watch your step.  Don't let the cheerleaders distract you, right?"