KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are undoubtedly bringing joy to fans as they continue to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team won the AFC title Sunday night in a 38-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills, launching themselves to Super Bowl LV in Tampa.
The win could not come at a better time for Kansas Citians.
"It's been challenging. I own my own business and so it's one of those things that I have had to ebb and flow and go with the flow," said Tammy Barton, a Chiefs fan.
COVID-19 is leaving people with anxiety, stress and for some, a dark cloud that just lingers over them. That's why seeing this team play is an escape for fans.
"I am all in it. I am up and down and hollering. I am all in it! It does take away the stressors," Barton said.
A doctor 41 Action News spoke to said watching the Chiefs could be a mental health boost.
"When we are part of a team like that, we tend to feel a lot of camaraderie and connectedness that has been really lacking over this pandemic," said Dr. Savannah Geske, a behavioral Health Specialist at Saint Luke's Health System. "This is so good for people to be able to feel connected and to have this shared happiness."
Geske said Chiefs fans and football fans in general have better coping skills.
"We have even researched that people who follow sports have better resiliency and hope," Geske said.
The team that brings win after win is now a team that brings much needed joy to their fans.
"It's bringing everybody back home and it's the heart of KC," Barton said.
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