Before the rest of the world knew her as the poised, classy matriarch of the Kansas City Chiefs empire, Tavia Hunt was a Texas-born woman with a pageant crown, big dreams, and strong convictions. Before Super Bowl parades and sideline radiance, she was surrendering her life to scripture, service, and understated strength. Tavia has attempted for years to mix NFL pageantry with private purpose, never hesitant to address issues that counted, particularly those that touched her heart near home.

Following days of incessant rain, those torrents of water tore through the central and southern regions of the state. Sweeping homes out of their foundations, stranded vehicles, and worse, taking lives. Her response to the tragedy that was unfolding was a heartfelt eulogy on social media, which she began with, “Hearts are broken”. 

”If your heart is broken, I assure you God is near,” she wrote in her Instagram post. ”He is gentle with your wounds. And He is still worthy—even when your soul is struggling to believe it. Trust doesn’t mean you’re over the pain; it means you’re handing it to the only One who can hold it with love and restore what was lost. For we do not grieve as those without hope”.

Her down-to-earth, earnest words reflected the grief felt by many Texans. At least six individuals died in the flooding, which covered roads, toppled mobile homes, and submerged rescue teams in cities. Such as Martindale, New Braunfels, and San Marcos. Hundreds of houses had to be evacuated as water reached perilous highs. It was the most severe flooding for many in several years since the 2015 Memorial Day flood disaster. And to those who reside in Texas or are native to Texas, just like Tavia, this tragedy came with aching familiarity. 

Beyond the sidelines: The Hunt family become community voices

For all its history, the NFL has been a competition and commerce empire. Owners and executives generally labor behind the scenes, building franchises and running game days. Occasionally in unusual moments, especially moments of national crisis, those at the top have revealed a softer side.

While Chiefs owner Clark Hunt runs the business side, Tavia, his spouse, has built a quietly successful reputation on service. As the public face of the Chiefs Women’s Organization, she’s coordinated volunteer efforts way beyond token appearances. She hosts an annual Chiefs Style Lounge. A fashion fundraiser for the likes of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) with player, cheerleader, and Kansas City boutique involvement. She is also one of the leaders of the Red Friday phenomenon, which has given more than $6.5 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. Whether she’s distributing flags at J.C. Nichols Fountain or supervising team-based initiatives, Tavia’s grip is strong on the community culture of the Chiefs.

She also inspires the next generation. She had helped with Play 60 youth fitness programs and Back-to-School drives for low-income areas in many instances without seeking notice. During early COVID-19, Tavia quietly coordinated her wellness care packages for frontline responders and at-risk families throughout the Kansas City community. 

This message, in the wake of the Texas flooding, has its own rightful position in that legacy. Without pressurizing the press or mobilizing the troops, Tavia Hunt took her pulpit and made it a site of mourning and prayer. She did not just voice the pain; she gave hope.