Fan Profiles 1.2 Claire Stewart

In the second our fan proile series we meet Claire Stewart.

Hometown?

Ballygowan, a little village about 5 miles south of Belfast How long have you supported the Chiefs?

About 5 years Why the Chiefs?

My cousin emigrated to Wichita about 15 years ago and the Chiefs are his team. I started following them to be able to banter with him, initially to wind him up when they lost! After a really poor 4 – 12 season in 2009, we turned it around in 2010 with a division winning 10 – 6 season, winning our first three games and I was hooked. Favourite moment as a Chiefs fan?

First visit to Arrowhead in September 2012. I remember my husband looking at me after I had wept my way through the Star Spangled Banner when a B2 Stealth Bomber flew overhead. We were just wondering what amazing thing would happen next? Turned out it was one of the cheerleaders, Susie, riding the horse Warpaint up and down the field when we scored a touchdown. Can you imagine that happening at a Premiership football ground?

Worst moment as a Chiefs fan?

Losing in the wildcard playoff game in 2013 to the Colts by 1 point after being in total control of the game. Favourite current player?

Jamaal Charles. When he’s on form, he can run rings around the best defenders in the game.

Favourite ever player?

Derrick Thomas. That skill and that smile. Such a terrible waste of a great talent. Favourite non Chief player?

Marshawn Lynch Least favourite non Chief player?

I really can’t stand Peyton Manning How did you react to the news of the Chiefs coming to Wembley?

I texted my cousin in Wichita “yes, there is a Santa Claus!” Favourite piece of Chiefs memorabilia?

Got myself a replica Jamaal Charles shirt from the shop in Arrowhead last September. Any other sports teams you like?

I’ve been a fan of Leeds United since the late 1960’s. Does that count as sport?!! Other hobbies?

I do a bit of cycling, go to gigs as much as I can and love travelling in general. Do you plan to visit Arrowhead?

Have been twice and in the early planning stages of a trip next year. Life without the Chiefs would be like . . . chips without ketchup!