Marquez Valdes-Scantling makes a humble difference on and off the field
Photo by Josh Gregory
Thousands of fans flooded Legends Field Friday night as Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling hosted his first charity event for his recently launched foundation Humble Beginnings. Alongside to support MVS were over 30 Kansas City Chiefs players to participate in a home run derby, softball game, autograph signings, pictures, and much more.
Fans could purchase anything from general admission tickets to VIP (which included event access, a reserved stadium seat, and a mini-souvenir helmet autographed by MVS) with the option to add an on-field meet-and-greet. Players including MVS, Justin Reid, Jody Fortson, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and more were among fans signing footballs, merch, and even babies. All proceeds from the event would be donated to Valdes-Scantling’s charity.
As Patrick Mahomes began to walk on the field, fans started to cheer him on, excited to see the current NFL MVP gearing up to help MVS lead the offense to a victory. More Chiefs players began to enter the stadium as fans cheered them on, including Nick Bolton, Tommy Townsend, Willie Gay Jr., Skyy Moore, Creed Humphrey, and many more.
The night began with a Home Run Derby as the crowd rallied behind Townsend and Mahomes who hit multiple home runs, ultimately handing the Derby victory to Mahomes.
Following the Derby, it was only right to start the game the Chiefs way by blasting Tech N9ne’s Chiefs Kingdom anthem while KC Wolf danced on top of the pit. Following was a moment of silence honoring the great Norma Hunt, wife of the founder of the Kansas City Chiefs, Lamar Hunt, and mother to Clark Hunt. Norma is the only woman to attend every Super Bowl and was at her 57th Super Bowl this past February to cheer on the Chiefs.
When asked, “What legacy do you want to leave behind with Humble Beginnings,” Valdes-Scantling paused for a second then passionately answered: “That’s one of those questions that is a lot deeper than what this 10-second answer could even answer, but I want to inspire people for sure. I think that’s what it’s all about, more than anything I just want to be able to tell people that, you know, even with the little you may have, you can give to someone who has less.”
The players laughed, joked, and appeared to enjoy playing together in a game of softball. The closing speech by Valdes-Scantling included thanking the amazing fan base, his teammates, and everyone involved to help this event come to life. MVS was presented a $200,000 check for Humble Beginnings Foundation that will be donated to KC organizations Mothers in Charge, Cornerstones of Care, Community Linc, and KC Common Good.
All photos by Josh Gregory
