As I’m writing this blog, I’ve just been ordering more sports memorabilia items for my NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and it got me thinking. “When does a collection turn into an obsession?”
As a Chiefs fan from the United Kingdom, it’s very difficult to source autographed memorabilia of an American Football team (Gridiron football to you purists out there) so you really do have to pay over the odds to get items shipped across the pond, run the risk of receiving a customs and excise fees for said items, and then finally place your new item in your collection.
The Kansas City Chiefs came into my life during a very difficult time, and the connection I have with the franchise has built my confidence over the years to a whole new level. I watch the team play every week during the season on my iPad or TV (depending on which channel they’re on) I even stay up to watch the late games at 1:30am until 4:30am before going to work at 7:30am. My dedication to my team has consumed me, and the collection I made in my attic is proof that my collection is down to the obsession I have for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Having started supporting the Chiefs in 2012, I finally made the pilgrimage to Kansas City in October 2017. The whole city was vibrant and completely overwhelming. The people of Kansas City are amongst the friendliest people I’ve ever met or even known! Their hospitality, their eagerness to show off their proud city and the love of their team cannot be beaten. I’ve vistited places such as Paris, Rome, London, Barcelona etc, and I have yet to meet any city that can beat Kansas City, I truly mean that.
For instance, whilst tailgating before the game (tailgating is basically a huge party in the parking lot where fans cook food on huge BBQ grills, drink beer and have huge amounts of fun) I was given a gift by a follower of my YouTube channel, and he said he wanted me to have this gift as a show of appreciation of what I have done over in the UK by supporting the Chiefs through my YouTube channel.
To my surprise, he had given me one of his prized possessions, a signed Tony Richardson jersey that his Dad got signed for him years ago. I was completely blown away by this and couldn’t stop sobbing for about 20 minutes afterwards. This gift will never leave my collection, it’s one of the most treasured pieces of Chiefs memorabilia that I own, and I can’t wait to get it framed.
So back to my original question, “when does a collection become an obsession?” well when you are part of a fanbase that loves its fans just as much as the team/franchise itself, that’s when you know that there is an unbreakable bond.
This is a lifetime membership, and my collection will reflect that for many years to come.
