Want to see a warrior mindset in action? Next time you see Chiefs‘ #41, remember that you’ve witnessed it firsthand. How? When James Winchester learned his father had died and rushed to see him, the next moment he called Andy Reid and the Chiefs special team saying he would be there to play against the Buccaneers. He was ready to do his job even then but the franchise excused Winchester and instead offered love and support.

Who was James Winchester’s father?

Michael is the father of James Winchester. He was a solid dude who worked for Southwest Airlines. He wasn’t just about the grind; he was all about teaching James the importance of hard work and dedication. Michael was the kind of guy who believed in never making excuses—whether it was about calling in sick or not showing up when things got tough. Those values stuck with James, and you can see them play out in his career. Michael’s lessons on doing your job, no matter what, have clearly shaped James into the guy he is today, from his time with the Chiefs to winning a Super Bowl.

Who is James Winchester’s mother?

Pam Roberts is the mother of James Winchester. She has been a major influence in his life. She’s the Practical Nursing Director at Canadian Valley Technology Center, where she helps train future healthcare professionals. Beyond her work, Pam is super proud of her son’s Native American heritage, which holds a lot of meaning for their family. She’s also got a special connection to his journey—she said, “We always say with the Warriors, ‘Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior,’ and he went from being a Warrior to a Chief.” Through all of James’ success, Pam has been right there, cheering him on every step of the way.

What happened to James Winchester’s father?

On November 15, 2016, James Winchester’s father, Michael, was tragically shot outside Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Michael, who worked for Southwest Airlines, was rushed to the hospital but, unfortunately, didn’t survive the attack. He was just 52 years old.

James Winchester has often reflected on the lessons his dad taught him, especially when it came to work ethic. Michael was a man who didn’t believe in making excuses—whether it was about calling in sick or staying home when it was too cold. He taught James that hard work and commitment were non-negotiable. “That’s just part of working hard and doing your job. He never really believed in calling in sick, calling in when it’s too cold or whatever, making up this and that,” James recalled.

Even after his father’s untimely death, Michael’s teachings stayed with James, fueling his drive to succeed. While the pain of losing him remains, James continues to honor his father’s legacy through his relentless work ethic and dedication to the game.