No Shave November in KC

No Shave November.  It didn't last too long in Kansas City.

For those that don't know, No-Shave November is a silly tradition that some people do where they take bets and see who can grow the best beard.  Some even compete in categories: creepiest, bushiest, most non-existent.  No clue where it came from, but, hey, it's here.

It's a sad November day for Chiefs fans here in Kansas City, though.  Our hopeful winner of this year's contest will most likely be shaving his beard off after today.  The Chiefs lost in a beat down by the winless - previously winless, sorry, it's still a sore point - Dolphins.

Todd Haley had said he would not shave his beard until the Chiefs lost.  He kept his word for four weeks before this first November game.  It didn't matter that he didn't shave October 31st so that he started fresh like everyone else; it just mattered that he made it through November with his beard in tact.

"A month?  I did this in 2 weeks. "

Now, a decision has to be made.  Since Haley has lost his handicap - well you know, the fact that he was winning - who is the new front-runner for this year's trophy?

Maybe Haley can keep his lead.  He's a likable guy, sometimes, but the odds are stacked against him.  He can start the beard anew next week with a win against the Denver Broncos.  They are sitting at the bottom of the division with a QB that's starting on a week-by-week basis.  After that though, well, it's going to be rough for him to keep a lead.

The Chiefs round out November with the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers; there's a chance there.  The Chiefs have been the long shot against them before and pulled it off. It'll be a really tough game, but in Arrowhead, anything is possible. (Just ask the Dolphins; still a sore point)  The Patriots, though, that's another story.  Monday night in New England against a Patriots team that has been struggling of late.  They're going to take the opportunity to thrash the Chiefs if they get it.  Hometown pride aside, it'll be rough.

So is there anyone else in the area that can grab the title?  Bill Snyder had a chance until his Wildcats lost their past two.  The rest of their schedule doesn't look any better.   Gil Turner maybe?  Depends.  Can you refuse to grow your beard until your team wins?  If so, he has the best chance of all.

Haley, I was rooting for you.  But now, I am just going to have to bet on that scraggly guy that came to Lawrence almost 10 years ago and comes back every year with a swagger that you can't help but root for.  With a healthy team, Bill Self may just be the new fan favorite.

"Hmm, I do make this look good."

Sorry Coach Haley.  Maybe next year you'll have a shot.  Unfortunately, the fans of Kansas City have been saying that since Joe Montana left.  But hey, maybe you can prove us wrong.  For once.