The unexpected hero of the Kansas City Chiefs’ comeback win over the Houston Texans in Sunday’s AFC Divisional game wasn’t even on the field … or in the stadium for the majority of the game.
Charles Penn, a 31-year-old Chiefs fan from Lee’s Summit, Mo., went viral on Sunday after he tweeted a video of himself leaving Arrowhead Stadium with the Chiefs down, 21-0, in the first quarter. Penn was convinced that he was the problem — having only seen Chiefs losses in person — and needed to leave the stadium in order for the Chiefs to have a chance at a comeback.
Shortly after Penn left the game, Kansas City went on a 51-7 run and won handily. Penn’s story caught on so quickly that Patrick Mahomes jokingly asked Penn to watch the next game from home.
In the days since Penn’s ultimate sacrifice of a $258 ticket, Chiefs fans have gone all out to show their appreciation to Penn. According to The Athletic, donations to his CashApp and Venmo have far exceeded the price he paid for the ticket on StubHub. He’s also made an appearance on SportsCenter and various local TV/radio programs in Kansas City.
Mahomes even reached out to thank Penn on Twitter for doing what needed to be done.
And when it comes to Sunday’s AFC Championship, Penn plans to watch it from home. Head & Shoulders — one of Mahomes’ sponsors — contacted Penn with an offer to give him the “ultimate” Chiefs watch party.
So, yeah, it sure looks like that decision to leave the game worked out for Charles … and the Chiefs.
