qq. HIDDEN HERO: 69-year-old ex-Chiefs linebacker STILL mows Arrowhead’s sacred turf at dawn – “When 70,000 roar ‘CHIEFS KINGDOM,’ every ache vanishes!”
Kansas City, MO – Once a fiery linebacker in the heart of the Chiefs’ defense, a familiar face now walks the sideline of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — not as a player or executive, but as one of the quiet caretakers of its grass.
Now 69 years old, he begins each day before sunrise, helping mow, trim, and prepare the field for the next Sunday battle. For him, this stadium has never been just a workplace — it’s home.
That man is Gary Spani, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978 to 1986. Known for his toughness, discipline, and leadership, Spani became one of the most dependable linebackers of his era, appearing in over120 career games and serving as team captain for several seasons.
He remains one of the most respected defensive figures in franchise history, remembered for his consistent tackling and relentless pursuit — a player who embodied the blue-collar soul of Kansas City football through eight hard-fought seasons.
After retiring, Spani never truly left the organization. In 1989, he joined the Chiefs’ front office, later becoming the Director of Community Engagement, where he spent decades connecting players with fans, charities, and Kansas City’s schools.
Through it all, his loyalty never wavered. Even after stepping down from his executive duties, Spani stayed close to the team. And now, in his late 60s, he has returned once again — this time to the grass itself.
Today, he works with the stadium crew, ensuring that every yard line is perfect and every patch of turf ready for game day. For Spani, the field represents everything he’s given to the franchise — and everything it’s given back.
When asked why he still does it, he laughs softly: “You don’t retire from something that feels like family.”
