For three seasons Ryan Zisman has led the KC Guyz with a passion and vision that have reshaped the standard of fantasy football. In his stewardship, the league transformed from mere competition to a brotherhood defined by faith, friendship, fidelity, and football. And now, like the 3-year ministry of Christ himself, his era approaches its end.
You might argue that this office led only two years. But here, we measure time as Christians do the days between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, what should be just two days has become three by the sacred arithmetic where the extraordinary transcends the literal. Thus, three extraordinary years it has been.
Many know the KC Guyz, but few are privy to its lore. Today, we reveal a long-held truth: the “Z” in KC Guyz was no casual addition. Much like the X in X-Men, symbolizing both the x-gene and the eponymous Charles Xavier, the “Z” has always stood for something greater. It embodies the league’s “Z-Factor” (like in Dragon Ball Z)—the ineffable spark that powers its vibrancy—and, in homage, the name of its Greatest Commissioner, Ryan Zisman.
From the beginning, Zisman has been the cornerstone of the KC Guyz. Both as commissioner and as its highest-scoring manager, he brought the best of fantasy to football and the best of friendship to fidelity. Now, we honor his legacy with a tribute fit for his stature: a reimagining of the KC Guyz through the lens of the 12 disciples.
The 12 Disciplez
Matthew the Apostle
John Gilmore, Can You Take Me Higher?
Chronicling the KC Guyz’ journey through the league podcast, Gilmore embodies Saint Matthew, author of the first book in the New Testament.
Mark the Evangelist
Matthew O’Neil, The Great Escapist
O’Neil channels Saint Mark connected by a literary lineage through his father’s writings on the Gospel and his own personal interest in history.
Luke the Evangelist
Sam Arends, The L Train
As the league’s foremost medical expert, Arends reflects Saint Luke, the physician.
John the Apostle
Travis Cotton, Not Fine.
Cotton, the league’s fastest, mirrors Saint John, younger brother of James (represented here by Green) and beacon of brotherly love.
Andrew the Apostle
Connor Lamb, The Show
Older brother to Peter (represented here by Kennedy), Lamb personifies Saint Andrew, the steady presence in turbulent waters.
Peter the Apostle
Trey Kennedy, Ball Don’t Lie
Kennedy embodies Simon Peter, younger brother to Andrew (represented here by Lamb), both bold and flawed—betrayer, redeemer, and eventual leader.
Jude, Brother of James
Andrew Norton, Brock Hard
Norton channels Saint Jude, the apostle of humility and perseverance. Though his words are few, they are formidable.
James the Great
Collin Green, THE RIPPER
As the older brother of John the Apostle (represented here by Cotton), Green resonates with Saint James, steadfast and unyielding.
Simon the Zealot
Jordan Bosch, Noah’s Flood
Bosch, through his ministry as a worship leader, reflects the passionate zeal of Saint Simon.
James the Just
Spencer Mobley, The Sunday Scaries
Mobley’s industriousness and grit recall Saint James, Brother of Jesus, first head of the Church, and writer of the epistle for his demonstration of domination by works through hustle and his leadership founding the KC Guyz.
Doubting Thomas
Chris Wahrman, World Wahr III
Wahrman channels Saint Thomas, for doubting his draft picks and start/sit decisions, yet finding salvation in the end.
Judas Iscariot
Unknown, Unknown
Judas here stands as a symbolic representative of the future disciplez who will fail to keep the fellowship of the KC Guyz.
⁂
Our editorial would like to point out that Mark, Luke, Jude the brother of James, and James the Just were not counted among the 12 disciples. However, given the KC Guyz’ recent struggles in Bible trivia, we doubted any of our readership would notice.
We also point out that these comparisons cannot be sacrilegious as the very nature of our faith demands our sanctification and Christ-likeness. Therefore, we would be remiss not to include this final comparison.
⁂
Jesus Christ, Son of God
Ryan Zisman, Greatest Commissioner
Zisman, the Greatest Commissioner, stands as a Christ-like figure for his justice, humility, and unwavering commitment to the good of the league. His leadership has brought hope, his departure sorrow, and whispers abound of his eventual return—a coming as swift and unexpected as a thief in the night.
⁂
To the KC Guyz, Zisman was more than a leader; he was a savior. And though his time as commissioner ends, his influence remains everlasting.
~The End~
KC Guyz 