KC Wolf joins Bode football team send-off honoring teammate’s late mother
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Kansas City Chiefs mascot, KC Wolf, made a special appearance Tuesday afternoon at Bode Middle School as the Panthers football team honored the memory of a teammate’s mother.
The send-off was scheduled before the team departed for its away game in Cameron, Missouri, and came after the recent death of Jenna Shepheard, the mother of player JaKobe. Shepheard died during the team’s last football game.
"I wanted to think of anything positive we could do in order to have the boys have a better experience," said Lacey Clark, organizer of the event and parent to one of the players on the team.
JaKobe rejoined his teammates on the field Tuesday, and parents and school staff hoped the celebration would lift spirits.
"It was my cousin, and I want him to know that I'm here for him anytime he needs and that he's not alone," said teammate Javion.
Other teammates shared the same sentiment about unity and community as they prepared to head to their game.
"You know we're ready to win, we're happy to be here, we're happy he's here and we're ready to get a dub," said teammate Acacia.
Fans from both schools wore purple in remembrance of Shepheard. Organizers said the show of support was meant not only for JaKobe but also to unify the community around the team.
