The nerves at the Kansas City Chiefs are apparently on edge after the poor 3:4 start to the season. Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu working off critical fans. He overshoots the mark by far. And finally backpedals.

Munich – Tyrann Mathieu is an honest skin. He is one who says what he thinks. As a leader, he has to do that, has to lead, push, steer his team. But the Kansas City Chiefs safety also doesn’t mince his words.

That is quite rare in professional sport and therefore all the more refreshing and valuable. But it’s also worth it when you give each other a piece of your mind. Like now before the all-important Week 8 game against the New York Giants.

No, as disappointing as the 3-4 record currently is – the game won’t make the final decision on the playoffs, but it will set a direction, a tone with other opponents like the Green Bay Packers (6-1), Las Vegas Raiders (5-2) and Dallas Cowboys (5-1).

Essential relationship with fans

Essential here is the relationship with the fans, who are known and notorious for their volume and ability to create a special atmosphere.

It was with a section of them that Mathieu and teammate Anthony Hitchens took issue. For example, Hitchens first commented, “All we’ve accomplished is three AFC Championships, two Super Bowls and a SB win. You fans will never be satisfied, it’s sad!”

A little later Mathieu went one better, describing Chiefs supporters as “one of the most toxic fan bases in all of sports.” 

He then lashed out at more fans, writing, among other things: “That’s your problem, you listen to haters. You’re all scum.”

Strong stuff for a leading player.

When another fan wrote: “You get millions of dollars to play a game,” Mathieu retorted, “Then you should have been a football player.”

The backdrop to the anger was a fan site poll on which general manager Brett Veach’s commitments were the worst. Hitchens was one option.

Constructive dialogue

One of the usual fan games. One where the players should be above things. But the nerves are obviously frayed, which does not leave a good impression, especially with leading players. They should be seeking and conducting a constructive dialogue with the fans, not a verbal war.

It is an insight that Mathieu has also come to in the meantime. He apologised for his comments.

“I didn’t have the season I wanted, and I think the same can be said for the team,” Mathieu said, “The frustration is building up. The people who really know me – teammates, people I deal with in the community, even fans I meet at the gas station – I think those people can see that I’m a genuine person. Of course, I shouldn’t have made that choice of words. I’m looking forward to playing better, performing better and most importantly not bothering my teammates.”

With all understanding for anger and frustration – the level of the argument is questionable. Mathieu, who reaches almost three million people on Twitter (1.2 million followers) and Instagram (1.7 million), knows that too. And for that reason alone he bears a certain responsibility.

He vows to mend his ways. “It’s one of the things I’d like to develop in,” he said. “Obviously I need to get better at dealing with negativity. There’s a time and a place for everything. “

Reid warns of dangerous area

Better sooner than later if coach Andy Reid has his way. The last thing an unsettled Chiefs team and fans need is a fight. Especially when their own supporters can develop a tremendous force – whether positive or negative. Because these discussions are conducted with a great deal of emotionality on both sides – escalations are thus almost pre-programmed.

“These are emotional boys who love being chiefs. They have a lot of pride – and pride in each other, and they protect each other,” Reid said, partially taking Mathieu and Hitchens to task.

But he also made it clear that the Chiefs do not want activities of this nature: “I’ve told Tyrann that this is a dangerous area. We made that very clear. You are actually talking to one man, but at the same time you are talking to the whole world. We have to do better in this case.”

Because building sites the Chiefs have enough.