Thousands of people waited hours for Rashee Rice to sign autographs and he gave them not just an autograph, but the heart and soul of Kansas City at Blind Box BBQ.

Thousands of people waited hours for Rashee Rice to sign autographs and he gave them not just an autograph, but the heart and soul of Kansas City at Blind Box BBQ.

SHAWNEE, Kan. — What started as a quiet bye-week appearance turned into a full-blown celebration of Chiefs Kingdom spirit. Kansas City wide receiver Rashee Rice showed up at Blind Box BBQ in Shawnee expecting a few fans — instead, he found more than 1,000 people waiting to see him, some lined up since 7:30 a.m. just to get a signature and a smile.

The event, hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs during their bye week, felt more like a festival than a meet-and-greet. Fans brought everything from jerseys to old Super Bowl tickets — and even a rice cooker — to have Rice sign. For a city that bleeds red and gold, this was more than just autographs. It was a reminder of how deep Kansas City’s connection to its team runs.

“I just wanted a chance to get something signed,” said Alejandro Enriquez, one of the first in line. “Rashee Rice is one of the greatest wide receivers we’ve ever had.” Another fan, Catherine Becker, admitted she wasn’t a football person until the Chiefs’ recent success. “Now, I love how the whole city gets excited. It just makes everyone happier.”

Joe Tulipana, owner of Blind Box BBQ, called the day a milestone for his restaurant. “When I opened ten years ago, my goal was to partner with the Chiefs,” he said. “Rashee went above and beyond what we imagined.”

When Rice finally took the mic, the crowd erupted. “You guys completely blew me away. I thought I was just coming to sign a few autographs, but you brought Super Bowl tickets, unforgettable memories, and so much heart. This is what Kansas City is all about — I didn’t come here just to sign shirts, I came here to feel the love and energy you give every single day!”.

He paused, looked around, and added: “5-4 isn’t where we want to be, but seeing your faces reminds me — this fire’s still burning. Believe me, it’s taking us back to the Super Bowl.”

As the crowd chanted “RASHEE! RASHEE!,” Rice hugged a young fan and whispered, “Keep grinding, kid — one day, you’ll wear red too.” The air filled with BBQ smoke, tomahawk chops, and the sound of Kansas City pride — proof that even on a bye week, the Chiefs Kingdom never takes a day off.