In response to my comments this week about how cool it was for the Chiefs LBs to visit Alphapointe Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired where they put on blind goggles and worked alongside blind employees, several AP readers asked that I write a FanPost and share my personal story of blindness, vision, triumph of the human spirit and how I became a ravid Chiefs fan.   

For my personal life story, you can read my online profile and check out the 7-8 links to TV news videos and newspaper stories.  http://www.google.com/profiles/JasonJBryn#

But for the Chiefs ...My first job out of college in the early 90's was with a company in Overland Park.  Lived and worked there from 1990-93.  Yes, during the early years of the Shottenheimer Era.  I started out going to tons of KC Royals games in the summer, when my girlfriend-turned finance-turned wife (of 19 years now) was visiting from Chicago before we were married.  We loved KC, the Royals, the Plaza, BBQ, the Ozarks, etc.  Through my work I was able to get Chiefs tickets.  After my first game...against the Riaders...I was hooked.  Hooked on Red and Gold.  Hooked on Arrowhead.  Hooked on wild Chiefs fans.  Hooked on BBQ.  Hooked on "Oh, ah Oh.a Oh, Oh.", star spangled banner and "...home of the CHIEFS!!!!".  You know it...all very well.  Hooked after the first game. 

From then on I got tickets to almost every home game through work, with friends, a relative that lived in the area, etc.  I stood up whole games and was hoarse by half-time.  I road party buses and ate 10 pieces of chicken on the way to the stadium.  I went to tail gate parties and saw Bronco fans beat up...gotta love it!  I saw Miami fan get his Marino jersey torn off him and burned.  Gotta love it!  I saw Raider fans beat up.  Of course,  love that! 

From 91-93 went to 2-3 incredible Monday night games including Chiefs/Raiders.  Was at Arrowhead when Derrick Thomas had his 7 sacks against Seattle.   In essence, I became a Chiefs fan for life!  Ever since then, I've followed and rooted for the Chiefs religiously while living in Tucson, AZ and Virgnia.   In Arizona in 1995 our first child had about 5 Chiefs outfits as an infant.  We put pictures of her in her first Chiefs outfit on our wall!  I have Chiefs memorbilia around the house.   Have Chiefs snow jacket, shirts, sweatshirt, clock, license plate, etc...I'm sure like all of you!  I still wear my old 87 Vanover jersey!   We've traveled to Chiefs games for years...going to San Diego.  Was there for New Years and saw TG set game and season catch records in last game of the year at SD.  Hours early before game time to shake hands and chat with players...love it!  Was in DC last year when the Chiefs had their first victory of the year against the Redskins.  Slapped hands with Succop and Hali after his game winning safety - after the game on their way into the tunnel (remember than AP picture of Succup?).  My 3 children (now 10, 11 and 14) have always been Chiefs fans...that's what they know!  My daughters will watch games with me and describe what's going on...my oldest is fantastic play by play. 

For 20 years have adjusted my Sunday schedule around Chiefs games...finding them on TV, radio, Internet, bars, friends' houses with NFL Ticket, etc.  You name it.  Many view me as obscure Chiefs fan.  I bleed Red and Gold baby!   Found AP almost 2 years ago.  That's how I get my daily Chiefs fix and all things CHIEFSl 

Can you believe I haven't been to Arrowhead since we lived there ...Dec game 92.  I'm scheudling "work consulting trips" to blind centers (Alphapointe in KC and Envision in Wichita) in Sept and Oct this year so I will be in KC for Monday night home opener against Chargers and then SF 49ers third game of season.  Would love to hook up with any APers who tailgate!!! 

I'm looking for a ride with another Chiefs fan from the north Viginia area for the OPENING GAME agaist the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore.  I'm in Leesburg, VA. 

I'm blind/visually impaired and do not dirve.  I don't need any assistance at the game or anything, JUST A RIDE TO/FROM THE GAME!  Want to hook up with another Chiefs fan who is going to the game from the northern VA area or willing to swing by and get me to/from the game. 

Thanks!