Local kids paint pictures for Chiefs players… months later they’re in the locker room

By Jazmine Knight

It seems like a story out of a movie.

Brothers Reid and Bryden Swink attend the Chiefs training camp yearly. For the 2023 training camp, the brothers decided to paint pictures for their favorite players, Justin Reid and Isiah Pacheco.

For Reid, Justin Reid happens to be his favorite because the two share the same name, spelled the exact same way.

Bryden said Pacheco is his favorite because ”I’m a running back and he’s a running back and I like his number. I wanted to get it this year, but I got number 44. But that’s fine. And, I like his personality, his kindness, how tough he plays and how aggressive he is.”

While Reid was able to give his painting to Justin Reid, Bryden wasn’t so lucky. Pacheco had left the facility early that day, due to what the family believes was an injury. Frantically, the boy’s father tried to flag down another player. He caught the attention of wide receiver Rashee Rice, who said he would pass along the painting to Pacheco.

“I had no clue for like 6 months,” said Reid Swink.

“We had no clue that he got it and Bry was freaking out about it. And then I was watching a TikTok one day on the Chiefs page. I was watching this TikTok about their message notifications, seeing how much they have and then when it went to Isiah Pacheco, I seen the picture on top of Isiah Pacheco’s locker.”

After about 6 months of wondering, the Swinks’ finally got their answer. They boys were so excited. Their father, Matt, says they ran down the stairs screaming. He didn’t even know what they were yelling about until they told him.

Reid said he felt “emotional.” While his brother Bryden was “ecstatic.”

“I was jumping up and down,” said Bryden.

For the Superbowl, Reid and Bryden can’t wait to watch. They commend the Chiefs on their success as well.

“Amazing. Back to back is crazy. I know for a fact that they’re going to win,” Reid said.

He continues by saying “just absolutely destroy the 49er’s.”

Even though their dreams came true with the painting, they still have one request.

“Justin Reid, Pacheco, Rashee Rice, if you guys are watching this we really want to meet you guys in person,” Reid said.