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.

It was November 15, 2016, when Winchester’s father was killed. Michael Winchester used to work for Southwest Airlines. James’ dad was shot outside the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Even though Michael was immediately taken to the hospital, he couldn’t make it. He was just 52 years old. Recalling his Dad’s teachings, James once said, “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.”

After 3 years, when the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV, he dedicated it to Michael, by writing on Twitter (now X), “This one’s for you, Dad #SuperBowlLIV #ChiefsKingdom.” Also recollecting the Super Bowl winning moment, he said, “I remember looking up and thanking the Lord, but also thanking my dad for everything he did to help get me there.” 

The 35-year-old still reflects on Michael’s words that he used to say while teaching his son football. The quality of ‘doing your duty no matter what’ led his son to win the Super Bowl.

James Winchester’s father: Remembering a life cut short

James believes winning the Super Bowl or even playing the game is a ‘one in life a lifetime’ opportunity. That’s why he regrets not having his dad on the sideline for Super Bowl LIV (2020). He describes it as, “You think about all of the years growing up and having him teach you and instill in you so many things that helped make you successful – obviously, I wish more than anything he could have shared in the whole Super Bowl experience with us.”

The snapper believes life would have been happier if Michael was alive. He iterated it as, “Looking back, I’m very thankful for what my dad did get to see while he was with us, especially my sisters, and the success they had at OU and me getting to follow in his footsteps there with the football program. That’s so special to all of us,”

As we reflect on the tragic loss of James Winchester’s father, we’re reminded that life is precious and fleeting. Though his dad may be gone, James continues to honor Michael’s memories through his unwavering dedication to football and his unshakeable resilience in the face of adversity.