More than a thousand Kansas City Chiefs fans lined up outside Blind Box BBQ in Shawnee for a chance to meet wide receiver Rashee Rice, some waiting more than three hours for just a few seconds of face time.“I just wanted an opportunity to get a signature,” said Alejandro Enriquez, who called the experience worth the wait. “Obviously Rashee Rice, one of the greatest wide receivers that we have so far.”For many, the event was about more than just football.“I wasn’t really into football a whole lot until the Chiefs got really good,” said Catherine Becker. “Now I just love how excited the community gets. Everyone’s in a better mood.”The meet-and-greet also marked a major milestone for Blind Box BBQ owner Joe Tulipana.“It’s been a goal of mine ever since we opened about 10 years ago to partner with the Kansas City Chiefs,” Tulipana said. “Rashee has exceeded expectations.”Fans arrived early, some as early as 7:30 a.m., bringing everything from jerseys to unconventional items for Rice to sign.“I legit needed a new rice cooker, and I was like, I might as well bring it and get it signed,” said fan Tyler.Another fan, Damon Lusher, finally got the autograph he’d been chasing since training camp. “I appreciate him coming out because I tried to get my Super Bowl ticket signed at training camp and I’ve been holding onto it for a while, so it’s worth the wait,” he said.Even a few familiar faces stopped by for some barbecue and camaraderie, no cooking required.“Our main goal is to just get the word out and let everybody know we’re here,” Tulipana said.For both fans and restaurant staff, the night ended as a clear touchdown.

SHAWNEE, Kan. —

More than a thousand Kansas City Chiefs fans lined up outside Blind Box BBQ in Shawnee for a chance to meet wide receiver Rashee Rice, some waiting more than three hours for just a few seconds of face time.

“I just wanted an opportunity to get a signature,” said Alejandro Enriquez, who called the experience worth the wait.

“Obviously Rashee Rice, one of the greatest wide receivers that we have so far.”

For many, the event was about more than just football.

“I wasn’t really into football a whole lot until the Chiefs got really good,” said Catherine Becker. “Now I just love how excited the community gets. Everyone’s in a better mood.”

The meet-and-greet also marked a major milestone for Blind Box BBQ owner Joe Tulipana.

“It’s been a goal of mine ever since we opened about 10 years ago to partner with the Kansas City Chiefs,” Tulipana said. “Rashee has exceeded expectations.”

Fans arrived early, some as early as 7:30 a.m., bringing everything from jerseys to unconventional items for Rice to sign.

“I legit needed a new rice cooker, and I was like, I might as well bring it and get it signed,” said fan Tyler.

Another fan, Damon Lusher, finally got the autograph he’d been chasing since training camp.

“I appreciate him coming out because I tried to get my Super Bowl ticket signed at training camp and I’ve been holding onto it for a while, so it’s worth the wait,” he said.

Even a few familiar faces stopped by for some barbecue and camaraderie, no cooking required.

“Our main goal is to just get the word out and let everybody know we’re here,” Tulipana said.

For both fans and restaurant staff, the night ended as a clear touchdown.