Check Out Ty Rowton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Rowton.

Hi Ty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started dressing up 31 years ago,  hoping to get on TV so all my family and friends in my hometown could see me. I painted my body half red and yellow, wearing Chiefs shorts, slippers and a red wig for seven years. I found the first time I dressed up that when I stood up in row one of upper deck waving my arms for everyone to get up and loud, that whole section rose. Also everyone wanted pictures with me due to my passion. In 1997, Andre Rison joined Chiefs and took the nickname Spider-Man so I made a red and yellow Spider-Man outfit. This was when I started getting media attention and getting on National TV. It also allowed me to be recognized by players and started hanging out with them. In 2000, Rison was cut and I vowed never to tie myself to another player. After a weekend of partying, I had my identity come to me in the shower. I was to be XFACTOR which stands for external factors such as player’s injuries, weather, etc. I represented the greatest Xfactor in the world, all 80,000 fans at Arrowhead and millions watching at home.

In 2003, I was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the biggest Chiefs fan. In 2004, I created my charity organization KCSuperfans which has made thousands of appearances at schools, hospitals, rest homes, handicapped facilities and charity events. I have taken over 600 kids with major illnesses like cancer and kids with disabilities and their families to preseason games all free of charge. In 2007 I set a world record for watching 70 straight hours of football. In 2013 and 2014, I was a part of five person group to bring 2 Guinness World Records for the loudest crowd noise in the world. The current record still stands at 142.2 decibels. I had a streak of 339 straight games at Arrowhead but I ended that after the home opener last year as Arrowhead just wasn’t Arrowhead I loved and bang for my buck just wasn’t worth it. I’ve attended 100 away games over the last 31 years and been to every stadium except Atlanta. My greatest joy comes from bringing smiles and happiness to other fans all over the world, especially kids. I’m currently writing a book about my struggles with semi fame. My struggles with alcohol and drugs. I was saved by Jesus four years ago and my life was saved. I’ve been clean for four years at the end of July and have dedicated my life to serving God and helping others. I considered retiring this year because fans had become so vicious about my past and made up so many lies. I put it out on social media and the response was unbelievable as fans all over the world begged me to come back for at least one more year. So I’ll strap on the outfit for year 32 and go help make Arrowhead the most amazing experience in the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I got caught up in the lifestyle and suffered for many years with alcohol and drugs. Being sober at games for all the games the last nine years makes you in extreme minority but it also shows others that you can have an amazing time without chemicals. My biggest challenges have come from fellow Chiefs fans as my life is under a microscope. I made mistakes many other fans have but since I’m “quote,” the face of the fan base it’s magnified. I have a couple of haters who actually used to be my apprentices that started vicious lies about me trying to get me to quit. Some fans view it as a popularity contest which is so sad cause we are all supposed to be family. Burnout has been a problem also as for so many years, I made 200-250 appearances a year and this is just my hobby as I donate my time and always donate any appearance fees back to charity. As the saying goes, it’s lonely at the top as I’m now the longest-tenured Superfan, as Arrowman was forced to end his outfit due to Native American ties.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the last four years, I was Car Saleman but now I’m helping on my family farm. I’m most proud of working with adults with disabilities as a manager teaching staff how to make individual’s lives more independent. My heart is what sets me apart from everyone cause I want to always help people even if my paycheck suffers.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
It has been really tough on me as I can’t go visit my angels, as I call them kids with special needs. Also, charity events have disappeared for the most part. Of course, seeing Arrowhead with only 17000 was so sad.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: kcxfactor
• Facebook: Ty Rowton
• Twitter: kcxfactor
• Youtube: XFactor Chiefs