The Kansas City Chiefs’ 31-28 Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys was tough to swallow, but at the end of the day, it was just a game. Someone has to walk away without the win. Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, understands that better than most. That’s why she took the time to reach out to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s family on their big day.

Here’s what took place: Schottenheimer’s wife, Gemmi, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to celebrate their son Sutton’s 21st birthday. Interestingly, Tavia Hunt took to the comment section to wish him too.

“Happy Birthday, Sutton! You’re an amazing man of God, a strong leader, and such a joyful soul,” she wrote. “Grateful for the light you bring to every room. Praying this is your best year yet—full of purpose, favor, and blessing.”

But that’s not where it ends.

Adding to the birthday festivities, the Chiefs heiress Ava Hunt was part of the celebration in her own way. During the Thanksgiving showdown, Ava posted a selfie with Sutton, expressing her gratitude for having him in her life.

“@sutton_schottenheimer is 21!! 🥂 So thankful to have you in my life!!” she wrote in her Instagram story.

Considering the Hunt family is from the Dallas area, they would know the Schottenheimer family.

The Chiefs were founded in 1957 by Lamar Hunt Sr. Initially, the team was called the Dallas Texans, but moved to Kansas City in 1963 and got a new name.

So, even though the Chiefs and Cowboys go head-to-head on game days, the two families keep the competitive spirit strictly for the field. After all, Brian Schottenheimer holds a special connection to the Chiefs off the turf.

Brian Schottenheimer’s strong KC ties

Brian Schottenheimer carries a lot of affection for the Chiefs organization, deeply rooted in family history. His late father, Marty Schottenheimer, was a legendary coach who led the Chiefs during an era that transformed the franchise. No wonder the coach has such wonderful things to say about the organization.

“I have so much love for the Chiefs organization. I always will, every time I get a chance to go back to the stadium, I do, I want to see my dad’s name and his thing there in the Hall of Fame,” Schottenheimer said after winning against the Chiefs. In 1995, Marty’s Chiefs had lost to the Cowboys in a Thanksgiving matchup.

Marty’s influence runs deep, having turned around the Chiefs after a tough 15-year drought and guiding them to multiple AFC West titles and an AFC Championship Game appearance in 1993. But more than just professional respect, Schottenheimer keeps his father’s memory close during all his games.

During the offseason, he shared that when he was named Dallas head coach, the first thing he told his mom was his goal to win a Super Bowl for his father. That’s why he carries a football card of Marty in his pocket and mentally talks to him in tough moments.

“It just reminds me, I want to make him proud,” Schottenheimer said. “I think he’s a legendary football coach, but as I said, he was an incredible and better person and father, and leader of men.”

The head coach also shared that when the Cowboys aren’t facing the Chiefs, his family’s support clearly lies with Kansas City. “I’ll be cheering for them next week,” he said confidently.

Well, the Kansas City Chiefs are scheduled to face the Houston Texans in Week 14. After a loss against the Dallas Cowboys, they will be looking to win on Sunday.