One month in: the state of The Chief in the North Newsletter

I take stock of what we've done and discuss our direction moving forward

Hi.

If you’re reading this, you’ve either signed up to receive free posts from The Chief in the North Newsletter (thank you!) or you’ve subscribed in order to unlock all content (thanks even more!). Either that, or you’ve randomly clicked on this link that I’ve shared on Twitter (thanks for that too, I suppose!).

One month ago, I posted the “Welcome to the Chief in the North Newsletter” preview for this site and laid out my vision for it: A direct line from me (a lifelong Chiefs fan who is somehow fortunate enough to become an analyst) and you (Chiefs Kingdom. My goal was simple as well: As much in-depth content as I could possibly provide, another outlet for me to explore the depths of football with you.

In the past month, I’ve written 12 articles with that goal in mind… like a discussion of how Tyreek Hill has become a refined receiver with an argument as the best in the league, an in-depth look at Andy Reid’s genius in disguising the leak concept, how Patrick Mahomes’ velocity buys hidden yards and is underrated. I’ve initiated Freak Play Friday as a celebration of greatness. I’ve started a new mailbag (I love those). I’ve been able to quickly react to breaking news, like Chris Jones’ new contract. And a lot more of Mahomes, like his high school highlights and his best throws that didn’t count.

In other words, I’ve created more content here than I thought possible. And in the interest of transparency, the reason I’ve been able to do that is you. Let’s celebrate by watching Mahomes and Kelce destroy Jacksonville’s morale.

I’m a busy person. I don’t say that with any intention other than stating a fact. I have a full time job, a writing gig at The Athletic, a wonderful family, and only so many hours in the day. But because you all just kept subscribing it didn’t feel right not putting as much time as possible into it (also, subscriptions certainly help me justify time spent to Mrs. MNchiefsfan).

I figured I would eventually have to end the “startup sale” and that thought killed me. I never, ever, ever want price to be the reason someone can’t enjoy content they love. But I haven’t needed to. And again, in the interest of transparency, the reason is you.

So here’s my report:

1 month in… I’m altering my goals. Because of you.

You, dear reader (I’ve always wanted to use that phrase. Felt nice), are turning this into something more than I thought possible.

I viewed this as a passion project to provide diehards with more depth to their Chiefs coverage. Now? Thanks to you, I have an entirely different goal for this site. A bigger one. And with how things are going so far… a reachable one. I see a future in which I continue to create content on this site multiple times a week (rather than just once or twice), from short reaction pieces to multi-thousand-word breakdowns.

So thank you. Thank you for helping me start to dream big with a project a decade in the making. Thank you for making me think that perhaps this is the future for how I provide you Chiefs content.

Here’s the deal: the $12 a year price is here to stay, officially, as long as Substack allows me to keep it. If you’re reading this and haven’t subscribed, you can do it here.

I have not spoken with a single person who has regretted subscribing, and my hope is we can keep that trend going (and with part 2 of the best Mahomes throws that didn’t count coming soon, I think we can).

If you can’t afford the $12 a year (editor’s note, NOT a month), reach out to me on twitter and we’ll figure something out. This place is for you, and I’ll figure out a way to make it happen. I mean that.

Thank you for subscribing. Thank you for reading. If you’ve enjoyed it, please tell as many Chiefs fans as you can. Because I’m telling you… this is just getting started. I’ve been able to provide content roughly every other day during the doldrums of June and July. And if football somehow gets cancelled in 2020, well, I’ve got almost a decade of Gamepass film to start breaking down to ensure I meet your football fix needs. Imagine what we can do once football is back!

Thanks again to all of you, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. It’s been a great month to be a Chiefs writer, and a great one to be a Chiefs fan!