KANSAS CITY, Mo. On the outskirts of Country Club Plaza on his way to the Chiefs training facility for an introductory news conference on April 26, Frank Clarks gaze became riveted to a sight many of us either are oblivious to or consciously avoid seeing.
Passing what he recalled as a bridge by Brush Creek, his scan locked in on what he instinctively recognized as homeless people. Even en route to his first public appearance since the Chiefs had acquired the defensive end in a trade from Seattle, he had an urge to get out of the car.
I know where to look; I understand where they are and what they do, he said. I have some pity.
More specifically, he also has the empathy you could only feel if youve ever lived not knowing where your next meal is coming from or where youll sleep tonight, or doubting why you should have faith in the world.
They might be on the edge of it, where they really dont want to be a part of this stuff (any) more, he said. You get to a point where its, Is life over for me? Is this the end?
Clark wondered that plenty as a child when he was in constant flux and distress as his single mother, Teneka Clark, contended with addiction and struggled for stability. That remains elusive for her even in the months since he signed a five-year, $105 million contract.
But his agonizing past and reverence for his mother are part of a journey he appreciates deeply and figures makes him who he really is for better or worse, hell tell you.
Never mind that its been a turbulent expedition that has featured Clark entering into troubles of his own and his father dying in a fire last year.
Along the way, Clark has come to feel his parents in his blood every day, apart from him as they are for different reasons, as he sets about what he sees as a mission to use football to provide for family that includes a young daughter, Phoenix.
In the process, hes also become immersed in what might be seen as a full-circle twist. Where once he grasped for the purpose of his life when he was trying to escape the streets, he now realizes this:
Some of his most meaningful purpose remains there.
All of which helps explain the thought he had coming off the practice field the other day.
Thinking of his mother and those who live in poverty and the Chiefs fan base, Clark decided he wanted to bring homeless guests to the home opener next week against Baltimore.
Shortly after practice, he said, he turned to the teams community relations staff to present the thought.
Via the Chiefs, the idea morphed into reaching out to the Womens Employment Network, which seeks to holistically support and empower women. Many are in tough financial straits, though clients are of all socio-economic groups, ranging from some who might be experiencing homelessness to those who have relocated here with their husband and want to network to many circumstances in between.
According to Ashley Williamson, WENs community engagement manager, seven single mothers who have graduated from the program and 13 of their children are expected to be his guests for what Clark calls a treat that will include a limousine ride to the stadium, seats in a suite and a postgame meet and greet with him.
