Four phrases line the stairwell at the practice facility of the four-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, reenforcing the values woven into the fabric of franchise since its founding more than six decades ago.

Those values – made up of 11 words – emphasize the Chiefs' organizational duty to Win with Character, Unite our Community, Inspire our Fans and Honor Tradition.

The Kingdom is rife with individuals who embody those ideals, but there's perhaps no better representative of what this franchise stands for than Dr. Yvette Richards, who was named the Chiefs' "Fan of the Year" this week.

"When you think about Lamar Hunt and the Hunt Family, they're always giving back to this community," Richards said. "I believe that's also the assignment that God has given me."

A fan for nearly four decades and a Season Ticket Member for 11 years, Richards has made supporting the Chiefs a way of life. She proudly recalls attending games no matter the conditions or circumstances, cheering for her team – and specifically, her favorite side of the ball, the defense – through 2-14 seasons and AFC Championship Game victories.

"Where I've been sitting, I've seen people get engaged, get married, have children, and now their children are sitting in those seats," Richards said. "It's been a wonderful opportunity to meet people and share this together."

Indeed, Richards – who even has a shirt that details her priorities in order, reading "God, Faith, Football" – has never let her team down. Just as the Chiefs are so much more than just a football team, however, Richards' love for this franchise extends far beyond the white lines.

Instead, for Richards, it's really about the community – and the families – that this team brings together.

"I love football. I grew up in a military family and we traveled a lot, so sports were a way that we connected," Richards said. "Watching the games was a family thing for us."

Richards spent time all over the world during her childhood, including a stop in Germany, before settling in Kansas City as a 25-year-old following college. She credits her Uncle Robert and his two friends, George and Gene – all STMs since the days when the Chiefs played at Municipal Stadium – for asking if she would be interested in attending a game for the first time.

Her answer?

"Absolutely," Richards recalls saying. "From there, it was me and the three uncles."

Attending games became second nature for Richards, and the uncles noticed. So much so that when Gene passed away 11 years ago, he left Richards his tickets. Richards has proudly carried on the legacy of her uncles in the time since, and – far more importantly –she has continued to make her adoptive home a better place to live along the way.

"I had a grandmother who was born in 1898, and she always said, 'When you put your faith in God, he will open doors for you,'" Richards said. "My parents raised me to always give back, and that God will pour out the blessings on you, so everywhere I go, I try to give."

Richards has certainly lived by those values during her four decades in Kansas City, primarily doing so through her work at the St. James United Methodist Church. A member of the church since 1986, Richards served in various roles – from teaching vacation bible school to leading women's groups – before taking over as the organization's Director of Community Connection and Mission.

She has undoubtedly touched countless lives in that role, exemplified by her earning the 2025 "Heart of a Champion Impact Award," which recognizes the work and service of local leaders.

Richards has consistently asked for nothing in return despite her many contributions to her community, although the Chiefs' fan experience team – as a token of their gratitude for her years as an STM – had promised her a Chris Jones jersey when their paths crossed.

That's what Richards thought, at least.

A far greater reward was in the works behind the scenes, but as it turns out, it's difficult to surprise an individual as hands-on as Richards. Still, her co-workers at St. James – fully aware of her nomination as the Chiefs' "Fan of the Year" – were determined to make the reveal something that she would never forget.

"I'll admit it," Richards said. "My whole church, they got me."

A crafted ruse designed to avoid any suspicion, Richards' colleagues told her that the church was putting on a "Faith and Football" pep rally, and they needed her help leading it. Richards obviously jumped at the opportunity, and when a representative from the Chiefs stopped by, she figured she would ask about the Chris Jones jersey she was promised.

"She said that she didn't have the jersey with her," Richards recalled. "But, you're going to the Super Bowl"

Confusion, elation, euphoria – all of the emotions – proceeded to take place, including one of certainty. When asked what it would mean to Richards to watch the Chiefs play in Super Bowl LX with her in attendance, her response was resolute.

"It's not 'if,'" Richards said. "It's when."

In the case of Richards, that belief should come as no surprise. She has lived her life under the direction of her faith, whether that be on a Sunday at church or at GEHA Field at Arrowhead.

Richards is an outstanding example of what the Chiefs as a franchise – and this community as a whole – believes in, and while she wasn't looking for anything in return for her years of service, that's exactly why she's the Chiefs' 2025 "Fan of the Year."

"I am just so humbled that somebody would think enough of me to nominate me," Richards said. "To be selected by the Chiefs – an organization that I've loved for many, many years – is so special."

Voting for the league-wide competition will begin November 6, click here to cast your vote.