The Kansas City Chiefs have become one of the best dynasties that the NFL has ever seen. Behind the leadership of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, they have been Super Bowl favorites almost every year. That isn’t going to change moving forward.
Once again, the Chiefs are at the top at the conclusion of the 2023-24 NFL season. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win yet another Super Bowl.
Looking back at the history of the franchise, there have been many legends that have played for the Chiefs. Let’s dive in and take a look at the five greatest Kansas City Chiefs’ players of all-time.
5. Len Dawson
In the realm of those formidable AFL squads, Len Dawson epitomized the Patrick Mahomes of the vibrant 1960s and the pre-disco 1970s. While their playing styles may have differed, Dawson was unequivocally the offensive linchpin of the franchise.
Dawson’s legacy is etched in the annals of franchise history, boasting quarterback records for games started (158), games played (183), and victories (94).
Similar to Mahomes, Dawson secured a Super Bowl ring and earned the prestigious SB MVP title, complemented by his triumphant three-time AFL Champion and AFL MVP accolades.
Though Dawson’s passing statistics may not rival Mahomes’ in today’s pass-centric era, he clinched the league’s touchdown passing crown three times in Kansas City and once in Dallas, prior to the Texans transforming into the Chiefs.
Before Mahomes emerged, no quarterback in Kansas City posed a legitimate threat to Dawson’s franchise records in passing yards (28,507) or aerial touchdowns (237).
Following the conclusion of his illustrious career, Dawson’s contributions earned him a revered position not only as a member of the AFL All-Time Team but also a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
4. Travis Kelce
While Travis Kelce has indisputably reigned as the NFL’s premier tight end for several seasons, clinching a third Super Bowl undoubtedly catapulted him even higher in the ranks, edging him closer to our third-place spot. With 10 seasons under his belt, Kelce has already amassed an impressive resume, boasting nine Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro honors.
His dominance on the field was evident in 2020 when he shattered the NFL’s single-season yardage record for tight ends with an astounding 1,416 yards.
In a remarkable feat, the 34-year-old also etched his name in NFL history by becoming the fastest tight end to reach the 10,000-yard milestone. Kelce’s trajectory suggests that with continued health and performance, he is well-positioned to ascend even further in the league standings of all-time tight ends.
3. Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 13th overall pick in the 1997 Draft, marking the beginning of a remarkable 12-season tenure with the team. His tenure with the red and white was nothing short of legendary, culminating in his final seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
A remarkable achievement during his time with the Chiefs was his ten consecutive Pro Bowl selections, a testament to his unparalleled skill and consistency.
During his illustrious career with the Chiefs, Gonzalez left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history by rewriting the team’s record book. He set new standards in career catches, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage, establishing himself as one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history.
Gonzalez’s impact extended far beyond the confines of the Chiefs’ organization. Not only did he become the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receiving yards, but he also etched his name in the annals of NFL history by ranking sixth on the league’s career leaderboard for receiving yards. This achievement is particularly notable considering that the next tight end on the list doesn’t appear until the 20th position, underscoring Gonzalez’s unparalleled dominance at his position.
2. Derrick Thomas
It’s a formidable challenge to identify a defensive end superior to Derrick Thomas, not only within the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster but across the annals of football history. Thomas burst onto the scene from the University of Alabama when the Chiefs selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft.
His rookie season was nothing short of remarkable, earning him the Defensive Rookie of the Year accolade. Thomas’s impact was felt with 75 tackles, ten sacks, and three forced fumbles. However, it was in his second season that he truly asserted his dominance, leading the league with an impressive 20 sacks. Notably, he set a record for sacks in a single game with an astounding seven.
Throughout his career, Thomas was a consistent force, earning Pro Bowl honors nine times by 1999. Tragically, his illustrious career was cut short.
Just two weeks after a devastating car accident left him paralyzed, Thomas passed away in the hospital. The incident occurred on February 8, 2000, robbing the football world of his immense talent and leaving a profound void at the young age of 33.
1. Patrick Mahomes
While Patrick Mahomes has only just embarked on his career, he has swiftly ascended to the echelons of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. While some may debate the merits of ranking him alongside legends like Thomas, for me, Mahomes’s prowess at the quarterback position solidifies his standing.
Since his debut season, where he only started one game, Mahomes has notched five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and consistently finds himself in discussions about the league’s top quarterbacks. Hailing from Texas Tech, he has already etched his name atop the Chiefs’ record books, boasting an average of 303 yards per game and ranking second in touchdown passes with an impressive 192.
Looking ahead, Mahomes is poised to surpass the franchise record for passing yards, needing just under 100 yards in the upcoming season. Given his remarkable average of yards per season over the past six years, he will achieve this milestone as early in Week 1 of 2024. It’s worth noting that Len Dawson, a Chiefs legend, took 183 games to set the previous franchise mark.
Furthermore, Mahomes’s trophy cabinet already boasts two NFL MVP awards and three Super Bowl MVP accolades. His victory over the San Francisco 49ers in this year’s Super Bowl continues to force his name into the potential GOAT conversation with Tom Brady down the road.
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