The Kansas City Chiefs and their fans just pulled off something incredible, and it had nothing to do with touchdowns or trophies.
In a celebration filled with frosting, laughter, and children dressed as miniature Andy Reids, the Chiefs and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City announced that this year’s Red Friday raised $1 million to support local families in need.
Linebacker Nick Bolton and teammate Jack Cochrane joined the event at the Ronald McDonald House downtown, where they helped kids decorate cakes alongside mascot KC Wolf and the Chiefs cheerleaders. “At the end of the day, it’s bigger than football,” Bolton said. “Helping other people in need is what it’s all about.“
A Global Wave of Red and Gold
Fans from around the world joined the effort on September 5, the same day the Chiefs opened their 2025 season in Brazil against the Chargers. Red Friday flags, sold for $5 in person and $10 online, featured Andy Reid’s signature phrase:“How ’bout those Chiefs?”
From McDonald’s locations to Hy-Vee grocery stores across Kansas City and St. Joseph, fans snapped up flags to show pride and give back. The result was a record-breaking $1 million donationthat will help families stay close while children receive medical care.
“Every dollar raised through Red Friday is a message of love and support,” said Tami Greenberg, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. “This gift gives families comfort, hope, and the reminder that they are never alone.“
More Than a Tradition, a Kansas City Legacy
Red Friday began in 1992 when Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt and the Red Coaters created a way to unite the city while supporting local causes. Three decades later, it has become a core part of Kansas City’s culture.
We play for Kansas City, but we live for moments like this
To date, Red Friday efforts have raised about $9 million for local charities, including $7.5 million for the Ronald McDonald House. The 2025 campaign marked the 34th year of the tradition and its most successful yet.
Bolton summed it up best: “We play for Kansas City, but we live for moments like this.” In a city that bleeds red and gold, sometimes the biggest victories happen far from the field.
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