I work as a concierge for a hotel in Hollywood. Tonight some guests were in the concierge lounge and I overheard them talking as I sat at my desk browsing CP. As they went on one of the guys mentioned he played in the last football game ever played in Metropolitan Stadium. This piqued my interest. Then he casually mentioned that it was when he was playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.*
Now, a lot of celebrities come through this hotel and I am practically never tempted to say anything. I find it generally embarrassing not to mention it could get me fired if the person in question wanted to be a dick about it. But when he said that, I all too bluntly busted in with, "You used to play for the Chiefs!?!" He looked over at me surprised and said, "Yes." I told him I was a huge Chiefs fan and he replied, "Well, I played there for two years, I'm really more of a Raider. I played there for nine."
He looked at me for a moment wondering what my response would be. I finally said, "Well for now I'm going to forget that last part. By the way, your drinks are on me. Raider or not, no former Chief pays for drinks in my lounge." Not a really charitable gesture in actuality since the booze wasn't mine to give, but he seemed grateful.
His name was(is) Jeff Gossett. He was a punter in the league from '81 to '96. I honestly didn't remember him, since at the time he was with the Raiders, that was when I was really getting into Chiefs football and didn't notice things like opposing punters. When he was with the Chiefs I wasn't alive. Never the less, the guys with him went on to pressure him into giving me an autograph. He was more than willing, but he cautioned me it would be on a picture of him as a Raider since he was in town to sign autographs at a Raiders booster rally. I told him that would be fine, but it would be going on my dartboard this Sunday.
This is what he gave me:
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/5474/raiderc.jpg
He told me about how great it was playing in Arrowhead, even as an opposing player. How the passion of the fans always made it memorable. He also couldn't help but remember that in the nine years he played for the Raiders they only beat us twice. I couldn't stifle my satisfied chuckle at that one. It was cool hearing him talk about how great the rivalry was and his affection for Lamar Hunt. He told me about living near the Plaza and having Bill Kenney as the best man at his wedding.
Probably the best part was that when he talked about those games, you could just feel that fire that the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry used to spark in the players. (Yes, even the punters:p) I am hoping that the guys playing now can get to that point. It already feels like a more intense rivalry than it's been in years.
When they were done he tipped me very well and left. Seemed like a really great guy. Here's hoping he's sorely disappointed this Sunday.:evil:
