SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It may be just a few hours north of Philadelphia, but plenty of Chiefs and Brett Veach fans can be found in Mount Carmel, the general manager's hometown.
“We’re in the middle of Philadelphia Eagles country, but there is no doubt the Mount Carmel area is rooting for Brett Veach and the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Pete Cheddar, a former classmate of Veach who now serves as the superintendent of the Mount Carmel Area School District.
Veach is proud of his roots and vice versa, which is why it's unsurprising to find a school trophy case full of Chiefs gear or Brett Veach Way, the street outside the football stadium.
“I’m super proud of where I’m from and grew up in Pennsylvania,” Veach said. “Football is a big part of people's lives, especially where I’m from and grew up, so can't help but think the love of football has ultimately led to where I’m at now.”
Cheddar has known Veach for many years. In addition to being classmates, the two played football together.
Despite living in different parts of the country, their friendship continues.
"Brett is, without a doubt, the hardest worker I've ever known," Cheddar said. " personally know if I need to get a hold of Brett, it has to be like four in the morning or at 11 o’clock at night because that's the only time he's not at the facility."
He also says it was clear Veach was going to achieve great things even while they were kids.
“Growing up with him, he was a leader,” Chedder said.
Even in his public role as the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, Veach says he likes to go home and catch up with those he grew up with, honoring the memories of his Mount Carmel roots.
“It’s a lot of fun going back there and talking about all those high school memories with my guys when you have a chance to do something like this and take a deep breath and really enjoy it," Veach said.
