Former Chiefs employee shows off team collection amassed over decades

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - An Independence woman who worked for the Chiefs for decades amassed a collection that would likely rival any Chiefs superfan.

Melinda Hudgens remembers the heartbreak Chiefs fans endured during the 70s and 80s, but her love for the team has never changed - and it’s evident from the collection in a back room of her Independence home.

“I just come in here and I just gaze,” Hudgens told KCTV anchor Zac Summers. “I come in here and I just think of the years and dedication, commitment of the team has given to the city.”

Every game day, before the Chiefs take the field, Hudgens spends time in what she calls her “Kingdom shrine.” Her dad introduced her to the sport when she was three. He died 11 years ago, never having reveled in a Super Bowl victory in the Patrick Mahomes era.

“I really would have liked to have my dad see all of this,” Hudgens said with tears in her eyes. “He would love this.”

Hudgens’ shrine began with an autographed football of the 1967 Chiefs. Her father gifted her the ball, which includes the signatures of Len Dawson and Willie Lanier.

“A lot of my collection has been given to me by my friends, family,” Hudgens said. “I also buy from auctions and go to training camps.”

Hudgens started working for the Chiefs in 1974 while in high school. She stayed with the organization, on and off, for the next 40 years.

“I did accounting, player contracts,” Hudgens recalled. “I did players stats, ticket sales. Anything in the office that needed to be done, I was doing.”

Over the decades, Hudgens amassed more than 1200 pieces of Chiefs memorabilia. At least, that’s the number she estimates is in her current collection.

“My prized possession is I have Clark [Hunt] and Lamar [Hunt], both of their signatures on both sleeves,” she said holding up a sweatshirt from the 80s. “Goosebumps.”

Hudgens’ collection includes limited edition bobbleheads, rally towels, pins, helmets, pictures, and other keepsakes. She also has a full display of autographed footballs from players like Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco.

“I feel completely at peace, just in awe and just satisfied when I look around,” she said.

Hudgens said she’s always known the Chiefs were special. Now, she revels in watching as the world discovers why.

“It’s joy when we really it need it in this world,” Hudgens added. “We really need something that gets us together and binds us.”

Hudgens has parted ways with several Chiefs mementos over the years, gifting them to children in her family. As for Super Bowl Sunday, she’s superstitious and plans to watch the game at a neighborhood bar – like she’s done all season.

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