The last Super Bowl was not just a day of triumph and defeat on the field – it was also a whirlwind day of glam for the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of the Kansas City Chiefs players. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Joey Diaz, a 30-year-old makeup artist from Kansas City, shared his experience of a 24-hour travel day to provide makeup services for the Chiefs’ WAGs during the Super Bowl weekend.
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Joey Diaz is no stranger to intense glam days. Having worked with the prominent WAGs of the Chiefs for the past five years, he is well-versed in the art of creating stunning looks. However, for Joey, nothing compared to the pressure and excitement of Super Bowl Sunday. As the Chiefs secured their spot in the big game, Joey wasted no time booking his flight to New Orleans, even though finding accommodation in the bustling city proved to be a challenge just two weeks before the event.
Arriving in New Orleans at 11 p.m. the night before the Super Bowl, Joey had a restless night at the airport, dealing with a sore back from sleeping on uncomfortable chairs. The next morning, he headed to the Chiefs’ hotel to join a team of makeup artists and hair stylists for an early 8 a.m. call time. The cramped space was buzzing with activity, with WAGs coming in for their makeup amidst the chaos of the pre-game preparations.
Describing the scene as a mix of New York Fashion Week energy with a tailgate vibe, Joey highlighted the fast-paced nature of the day. With the challenge of creating makeup looks that would last through a full day of events, interviews, afterparties, and the game itself, Joey had his work cut out for him. Providing touch-up kits for the WAGs to maintain their looks, he navigated through the bustling room, ensuring everyone was ready for the big day.
After hours of intense work, Joey had to leave for the airport before the game started, catching bits of the action during layovers on his journey back to Kansas City. Despite the Chiefs’ loss to the Eagles, Joey reflected on the experience with humility, saying, “I was just a boy with a dream.”
While the Super Bowl may be a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on the field, behind the scenes, dedicated professionals like Joey Diaz work tirelessly to ensure that the players’ loved ones look and feel their best for the significant event. The coordination, creativity, and skill required for such a demanding day of glam highlight the unsung heroes who contribute to the overall spectacle of the Super Bowl.
As Joey Diaz reminisces about his Super Bowl glam day, his story sheds light on the intricate and high-pressure world of makeup artistry in the realm of professional sports. His dedication and passion for his craft underscore the importance of every detail, no matter how fleeting, in creating a memorable and impactful experience for those involved.