Xaviar Babudar, better known by his moniker ChiefsAholic, became a familiar figure at Chiefs games, donned in a distinctive full-body wolf suit. His passionate support made him a minor celebrity, often captured by TV cameras and featured in numerous fan photos. However, Babudar's story took a dark turn when he mysteriously vanished from social media, alarming the Chiefs community. It was later uncovered that he had been arrested for robbing a credit union.

As the bizarre details unfolded, ESPN released an in-depth investigative report revealing the complexities of Babudar's life – a man who lived on the fringes even as he hobnobbed in the limelight of the sports world. His saga escalated when he cut off his ankle monitor while on bail and fled, leading to a months-long manhunt that ended with his placement on the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers' most wanted list.

The true-crime documentary, ChiefsAholic: A Wolf in Chief’s Clothing directed by Dylan Sires, delves into Babudar's paradoxical life. Featuring exclusive post-bail interviews with Babudar and detailing his subsequent escape and capture, the film provides a comprehensive look at his double life of fandom and felony. The documentary includes perspectives from bail bondsman, defense attorneys Matthew Merryman and Frank Frazier, law enforcement, credit union advisor Payton Garcia, and a chorus of Chiefs fans who found themselves entwined in this unusual tale.

Exclusively with Fandom Daily, we sit down with Dylan Sires, the director behind the lens, to discuss the making of this compelling documentary and the insights he gained into the surreal world of ChiefsAholic. Join us as we explore the captivating and convoluted story of ChiefsAholic, shedding light on the man behind the mask and the impact his actions had on those around him.

Fandom Daily: What has the response been like to the documentary now that it has been out for a while?

Dylan Sires: "The response has been wild. Reading some of the comments on Twitter and seeing what people are saying, it's been very positive overall. I didn't expect anything less, honestly." 

Fandom Daily: Could you tell us more about the development of the documentary, especially how you adapted as the story unfolded?

Dylan Sires: "When I reached out to Xavier in the Tulsa County Jail about doing a documentary, I had my own reasons for wanting to interview him. Initially, it was to explore allegations of him being a serial bank robber to fund his trips to Chiefs games. I did some legwork and found similarities in a few bank robberies across different cities that matched his M.O. The idea was to film him if he got out on bail and use the cover of discussing his well-known large bets. However, during filming, Xavier was very elusive, popping in and out, never really sitting down with us until later. The process was dynamic, with plans changing frequently, especially after he cut off his ankle monitor, which initially made us think we wouldn't have a film at all. But my producer saw it as a new beginning for our documentary."

Fandom Daily: What values do you bring into your work, especially from your Midwest background?

Dylan Sires: "I believe in being straightforward and honest. In documentary filmmaking, I respect the risks that interviewees take by sharing their stories without compensation. I make it clear that they are under no obligation to answer anything they're uncomfortable with. My approach is influenced by the Ken Burns method, ensuring that everyone I interview, from the subject to the supporting cast like lawyers and bondsmen, feels accurately and fairly represented."

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Fandom Daily: How do you choose who to interview for your documentaries?

Dylan Sires: "The process starts with research, usually on social media platforms like Twitter, to find people who have a personal connection to the subject. For instance, in this documentary about Xavier, we looked for super fans who knew him before he became widely known. This approach helps us gather more personal and in-depth stories about our subjects."

Fandom Daily: What's next for you now that the documentary is getting attention?

Dylan Sires: "I'm currently chasing multiple stories, focusing on subjects connected to the Midwest. One fascinating story I'm diving into involves Steven Bloomberg, known as the world's greatest book thief. He stole rare books and manuscripts worth millions from various institutions across the U.S., not for profit but to keep in his private collection. This story intrigues me because it explores the motivations behind unusual behavior, which is a common theme in my work."

Photo Credit: Provided by Amazon Studios