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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Things are about to get super heated tonight as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles face off for Super Bowl LVII. However, in the midst of deafening cheers from both sides, the love still remains intact, with two rival fans coming together for the perfect story.

This is a story of generosity and love. But the brotherly love this time came from a Chiefs fan who donated his kidney to a Philly fan. And the two friends with rich history will be present at the State Farm Arena tonight to root for their beloved teams.

When brotherhood defeated rivalry and competition

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When Billy Welsh and John Gladwell served together in the Marine Corps unit at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, they didn’t think that their paths will forever be intertwined. However, during the early days of their acquaintance, the only thing common to both besides patriotism was the love for football.

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Welsh roots for the Philadelphia Eagles, while the older Gladwell is a Warrior Chief. And things didn’t start so smoothly for the duo. Gladwell thought Welsh was too chirpy and enthusiastic for his taste. And Welsh simply thought John was a “j-rk.”

However, years later, when Welsh was in desperate need of a kidney, his unfamiliar friend Gladwell showed up to the rescue. “I was shocked when he said he was a match and he was going to be in town next week, I cried. Never in a million years would I have ever thought that dude would’ve given me a kidney,” Welsh said.

The Kansas City Chiefs almost lost in the kidney trade scenario

John Gladwell will forever be a hero and savior to Welsh. However, the Chiefs’ fan had some major complications after his benevolent gesture to save his friend’s life. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gladwell found himself in quite a pickle when the virus resulted in acute kidney problems for the veteran.

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However, the ex-marine pulled through after fighting for more than a month. “I’m so thankful that he pulled through,” Billy Welsh said.

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On this historic night of their friendship, the two lifelong friends will commemorate their bond by watching their quarterbacks battle it out. Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts have already made history in their own capacity. And the vets can surely expect a cracker of a showdown for the Lombardi.

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