As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of the
game being in constant change, conventional wisdom suggests that
players from different eras cannot be compared. However, I have
decided to defy that notion.
Considering that the Kansas City Chiefs were founded in 1959, the
task becomes enormously challenging. The Chiefs were known as the
Dallas Texans for three years. Today, I have taken on the daunting task
of compiling an All-Time Chiefs team. Considering that the franchise
recently broke a 50-year drought between Super Bowl titles, now would
be as good of a time as any to create such a team. The Chiefs won AFL
titles in 1962, 1966 and 1969. The last of those three, however, is the
most significant because it led to a 23-7 demolition of the Minnesota
Vikings in Super Bowl IV. The Chiefs faced lean times from 1974-
1985, missing the playoffs in each of those years. The Marty
Schottenheimer era (1989-1998) had some great regular seasons but
postseason flameouts. The mid-2000s to early 2010s featured another
decline. Andy Reid’s arrival, however, led to a rebirth beginning in
2013 that culminated with a 31-20 come-from-behind Super Bowl win
over the San Francisco 49ers in February.
With quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently signing a 10-year contract
extension worth $477 million with another $26 million in potential
bonuses, for a total of $503 million, the richest in North American sports
history, the question becomes, how many more Super Bowl titles might
the franchise be positioned to win?
There are some rigid criteria in making this team. First of all, the player
needed to have played for the Chiefs for a minimum of four seasons -- no
exceptions. Since the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard
needs to be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. Personality or
legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team. This is football, not
the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame is the first consideration
coupled with impact on the franchise. The number of All-Pro seasons are
a top consideration with longevity also helping immensely. While I
understand it is hard to compare eras, I’m not going to convolute this
discussion.
Generational reminders
Being on the Chiefs during a season of being a contender does not get
you a hall pass on this team. Winning or losing eras, all high-level
performers get considered.
To further the challenge, we are constructing the roster in two-deep format,
which means some worthy players get left off the list. So, if you want to
make a case for a player being on the team, don’t just tell me he should be
there and why, tell me who you would remove. Before you make a case
to put someone on the list, ask yourself, “Who do I take off the list at that
position?”
OFFENSE
QB -- First team: Len Dawson. Honorable mention: Trent Green.
In case you're wondering why Mahomes is not on this list yet despite his
at times otherworldly play, he has only been in the league for three years.
Sorry, rules are rules. No exceptions. However, Mahomes getting on this
list in the near future is likely a matter of formality. Dawson played 14 of
his 19 seasons of a Hall of Fame career with the Chiefs. In that span, he
led them to a Super Bowl championship (1969), two Super Bowl
appearances, and three AFL championships. Dawson was a six-time
AFL All-Star, four-time All-AFL (two first-team), AFL MVP in 1962
and Super Bowl MVP. Dawson holds every meaningful Chiefs passing
record to this day. Green had his peaks and valleys in his six seasons
(2001-2006) with the Chiefs but is second to Dawson and many of the
passing categories in franchise history. Green made the Pro Bowl on two
occasions with the Chiefs.
RB -- First team: Jamaal Charles, Priest Holmes. Honorable mention:
Abner Haynes, Larry Johnson.
Charles played nine seasons (2008-2016) with the Chiefs, the last two of
which were injury-marred. In four of Chales’ first seven seasons, however,
he surpassed the 1,000 yard rushing mark and is the franchise's all-time
career leading rusher. Charles brought track speed and also caught 295
career passes in a Chiefs’ uniform. Charles was a four-time Pro Bowler and
three-time All-Pro (two as a first-teamer). Like Charles, Holmes was an
incredibly versatile running back. He is the franchise's number two all-time
leading rusher. In his seven seasons (2001-2007) with the Chiefs he
caught 236 passes. Holmes was a three-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro
and NFL offensive player of the year in 2002. Johnson played seven
seasons (2003-2009) with the Chiefs and became the franchise's No. 3
all-time leading rusher. Johnson was a Pro Bowler twice and All Pro (one
as a first-teamer) on two more occasions. Haynes played just five
seasons, overlapping the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs era, but
his impact was very significant. Haynes was a four-time All-Star, four-
time All AFL (three first-team), AFL Rookie of the Year and MVP in
1960 and AFL comeback Player of the Year in 1964.
FB -- First team: Curtis McClinton. Honorable mention: Tony
Richardson.
McClinton played eight seasons (1962-1969) and was one of the early
stars of the AFL. Clinton rushed for 3124 yards and also amassed 1,945
yards receiving and scored 33 total touchdowns. McClinton was an AFL
All-Star three times and was the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1962. He also
helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl in 1969. Richardson spent 11
seasons (1995-2005) with the Chiefs. In that span, he reached two Pro
Bowls and helped lead the way for Holmes and Johnson to have 1,000
-yard seasons.
WR -- First team: Otis Taylor, Dwayne Bowe. Honorable mention:
Tyreek Hill, Henry Marshall.
Taylor's numbers may look modest over an 11-year span (1965-1975).
Taylor caught 410 passes for 57 touchdowns but considering that he did
not play in a pass-first era, those numbers are pretty impressive. Taylor
helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl in 1969. He is a two-time Pro
Bowler and All-Pro. He is also a one-time AFL All-Star. No wide
receiver in franchise history has caught more passes than Bowe (532),
who played eight seasons (2007-2014). Bowe was a Pro Bowler in 2010.
Though Hill has some off-the-field baggage, there is no denying his
dominant performance over his first four seasons. During which time he
has caught 281 passes and has been a Pro Bowler for four consecutive
seasons. Hill is also a three-time All Pro (two as a first-teamer). Despite
playing on many subpar teams in his 12 years (1976-1987) with the
Chiefs, Marshall remains No. 4 in franchise history with 410 career
receptions.
TE -- First team: Tony Gonzalez. Honorable mention: Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs have an embarrassment of riches at this position. Gonzalez,
who is in the Hall of Fame, is considered by many to be the best tight
end to ever play the position. Though he spent his last four seasons with
the Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez's 12 seasons (1997-2008) in Kansas City
were nothing short of legendary. He holds numerous NFL and Kansas
City Chiefs franchise records. Gonzalez was a 14-time Pro Bowler and
ten-time All Pro (six as a first-teamer). Off the field, Gonzalez is one of
the most respected human beings with current or former NFL ties.
Kelce is considered the current best tight end in the NFL along with
San Francisco's George Kittle and Philadelphia's Zach ertz. Kelce recently
completed his seventh season after helping the Chiefs win their second
Super Bowl in franchise history. Kelce is a five-time Pro Bowler and
four-time All Pro (two as a first-teamer).
OT -- First team: Jim Tyrer, Willie Roaf. Honorable mention: John
Alt, Mitchell Schwartz.
Tyrer played eight seasons (1962-1969) and was All AFL each time. He
was a seven-time AFL All-Star, three-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro,
member of three AFL Champions and the 1969 Super Bowl champions.
Though Roaf’s Hall of Fame career is most commonly known with his
nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints, his four seasons (2002-2005)
as a Chief were nothing short of spectacular. In that span, Roaf made the
Pro Bowl four times and was All-Pro four times (three as a first-team) as
well. Alt played 13 seasons (1984-1996) with the Chiefs. Though he was
only a Pro Bowler on two occasions, he was a consistent cog on some
excellent Kansas City offensive lines that featured a punishing running
game. Schwartz will enter his ninth NFL season with the Chiefs. Schwartz
has been an incredibly durable player in his career, at one time playing
7,894 consecutive snaps. He has been to the Pro Bowl twice and All-Pro
once.
OG -- First team: Will Shields, Ed Budde. Honorable mention: Dave
Szott, Brian Waters.
Szott, Brian Waters.
Shields and Budde played 14 seasons (1993-2006) with the Chiefs.
Shields was a 12-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro (three as a
first teamer). Shields block for three 1,000 yard rushers (Marcus Allen,
Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson) and two 4,000 yard passers (Elvis
Grbac, Trent Green). In his Hall of Fame career, Shields only missed
one game. Budde played for two AFL Champions, including the 1969
Super Bowl winning team. Budde was a five-time AFL All-Star and
two-time all AFL (two as a first-teamer). Szott played 11 seasons
(1990-2000). His lone Pro Bowl and All-Pro season was 1997 but he
was also the definition of reliable. Waters played 11 seasons (2000-
2010) with the Chiefs and is a very impressive story. Waters originally
made it into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 1999 with the Dallas
Cowboys. After getting released by the team and picked up by the
Chiefs, the rest as they say is history. Waters was a six-time Pro Bowler
and two-time All-Pro (one as a first-teamer).
Shields was a 12-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro (three as a
first teamer). Shields block for three 1,000 yard rushers (Marcus Allen,
Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson) and two 4,000 yard passers (Elvis
Grbac, Trent Green). In his Hall of Fame career, Shields only missed
one game. Budde played for two AFL Champions, including the 1969
Super Bowl winning team. Budde was a five-time AFL All-Star and
two-time all AFL (two as a first-teamer). Szott played 11 seasons
(1990-2000). His lone Pro Bowl and All-Pro season was 1997 but he
was also the definition of reliable. Waters played 11 seasons (2000-
2010) with the Chiefs and is a very impressive story. Waters originally
made it into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 1999 with the Dallas
Cowboys. After getting released by the team and picked up by the
Chiefs, the rest as they say is history. Waters was a six-time Pro Bowler
and two-time All-Pro (one as a first-teamer).
C -- First team: Jack Rudnay. Honorable mention: Tim Grunhard.
Rudnay’s career with the Chiefs spanned three decades (1969-1982). He
was a member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions and one of the best
centers in the 1970s. Rudnay was a four-time pro bowler and All-Pro.
Rudnay played 144 consecutive games, third most by an offensive
lineman in franchise history. Grunhard played 11 seasons (1990-2000).
Though he only earned Pro Bowl recognition one time, Grunhard was
the linchpin of the Chiefs offensive line throughout the 1990s. Grunhard
started 164 games, third most by an offensive lineman in franchise history.
Twenty years after retiring, Grunhard remains popular among Chiefs fans.
was a member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions and one of the best
centers in the 1970s. Rudnay was a four-time pro bowler and All-Pro.
Rudnay played 144 consecutive games, third most by an offensive
lineman in franchise history. Grunhard played 11 seasons (1990-2000).
Though he only earned Pro Bowl recognition one time, Grunhard was
the linchpin of the Chiefs offensive line throughout the 1990s. Grunhard
started 164 games, third most by an offensive lineman in franchise history.
Twenty years after retiring, Grunhard remains popular among Chiefs fans.
DEFENSE
DE -- First team: Neil Smith, Jerry Mays. Honorable mention: Art Still,
Jared Allen.
Jared Allen.
Smith was one of the best defensive linemen of his era. Smith and
teammate Derrick Thomas formed a deadly pass-rush combination. Smith's
85.5 career sacks rank third in franchise history. Smith was a six-time Pro
Bowler and four-time All-Pro (one as a first-teamer). Mays played in an
era (1962-1968) before sacking the quarterback was an official stat. Mays
was a six-time AFL All-Star and eight-time all AFL (two as a first-teamer).
Mays played on two AFL champions. Still played ten seasons (1978-1987)
with Chiefs and led the team in sacks on six occasions. Still was a four-
time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He was also a member of the NFL
All-Rookie team in 1978. Still also recovered 12 fumbles in his career.
Though Allen is known for his time as a Minnesota Viking, his four years
with the Chiefs (2004-2007) were impactful. Allen made the Pro Bowl in
2007 and also led the NFL in sacks that season.
teammate Derrick Thomas formed a deadly pass-rush combination. Smith's
85.5 career sacks rank third in franchise history. Smith was a six-time Pro
Bowler and four-time All-Pro (one as a first-teamer). Mays played in an
era (1962-1968) before sacking the quarterback was an official stat. Mays
was a six-time AFL All-Star and eight-time all AFL (two as a first-teamer).
Mays played on two AFL champions. Still played ten seasons (1978-1987)
with Chiefs and led the team in sacks on six occasions. Still was a four-
time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He was also a member of the NFL
All-Rookie team in 1978. Still also recovered 12 fumbles in his career.
Though Allen is known for his time as a Minnesota Viking, his four years
with the Chiefs (2004-2007) were impactful. Allen made the Pro Bowl in
2007 and also led the NFL in sacks that season.
DT -- First team: Buck Buchanan, Curley Culp. Honorable mention:
Bill Maas, Dan Saleamua.
Bill Maas, Dan Saleamua.
Culp and Buchanan are both Hall of Famers and we're a menacing pair of
defensive tackles, perhaps the best tandem in NFL history. Buchanan
played 13 seasons (1963-1975), including being a member of the 1969
Super Bowl champions. He was a six-time AFL All-Star, six-time first-
team All AFL and a two-time Pro Bowler. Despite playing a position
where he took a physical pounding, Buchanan played 166 consecutive
games. Culp played seven seasons (1968-1974) as a Chief. Culp was a
member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions, six-time Pro Bowler, five-
time All-Pro (one as a first-teamer). Maas played nine seasons (1984-
1992). He was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1984. Maas was also a
two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. Saleamua was a Chief for eight
seasons (1989-1996). He was in All Pro in 1990 and Pro Bowler in
1995. Saleamua recorded 35.5 career sacks and three interceptions.
defensive tackles, perhaps the best tandem in NFL history. Buchanan
played 13 seasons (1963-1975), including being a member of the 1969
Super Bowl champions. He was a six-time AFL All-Star, six-time first-
team All AFL and a two-time Pro Bowler. Despite playing a position
where he took a physical pounding, Buchanan played 166 consecutive
games. Culp played seven seasons (1968-1974) as a Chief. Culp was a
member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions, six-time Pro Bowler, five-
time All-Pro (one as a first-teamer). Maas played nine seasons (1984-
1992). He was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1984. Maas was also a
two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. Saleamua was a Chief for eight
seasons (1989-1996). He was in All Pro in 1990 and Pro Bowler in
1995. Saleamua recorded 35.5 career sacks and three interceptions.
OLB -- First team: Derrick Thomas, Bobby Bell. Honorable mention:
Justin Houston, Tamba Hali.
Justin Houston, Tamba Hali.
Thomas died in an automobile accident in the year of 2000 but he was
one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. In his 11
seasons (1989-1999), Thomas recorded 126.5 sacks and is one of 32
players in NFL history that surpassed the century mark in quarterback
sacks. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989. Thomas is also
a nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro (three as a first-teamer). He
was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Bell is also
a Hall of Famer and had a rare combination of size and speed during his
era. Bell played from 1963-1974, when quarterback sacks were not
recorded. Chiefs unofficial records have him with 40 sacks. Bell also
intercepted 26 passes and scored eight touchdowns. Bell was the
Defensive Player of the Year in 1969, the year the Chiefs won their
first Super Bowl. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and six-time AFL
All-Star. Houston will enter his second season with the Indianapolis
Colts after eight with the Chiefs. Houston and Hali could make this
team either as 4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 linebackers. Houston was a
four-time Pro Bowler at first team All-Pro in 2014, when he recorded
22 sacks. That mark was second in NFL history two Michael Strahan
of the New York Giants. Houston is fourth in franchise history of 78.5
career sacks. Hali played 12 seasons (2006-2017) and is second in
franchise history with 89.5 career sacks. He was a six-time Pro Bowler
and two times second-team All-Pro.
one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. In his 11
seasons (1989-1999), Thomas recorded 126.5 sacks and is one of 32
players in NFL history that surpassed the century mark in quarterback
sacks. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989. Thomas is also
a nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro (three as a first-teamer). He
was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Bell is also
a Hall of Famer and had a rare combination of size and speed during his
era. Bell played from 1963-1974, when quarterback sacks were not
recorded. Chiefs unofficial records have him with 40 sacks. Bell also
intercepted 26 passes and scored eight touchdowns. Bell was the
Defensive Player of the Year in 1969, the year the Chiefs won their
first Super Bowl. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and six-time AFL
All-Star. Houston will enter his second season with the Indianapolis
Colts after eight with the Chiefs. Houston and Hali could make this
team either as 4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 linebackers. Houston was a
four-time Pro Bowler at first team All-Pro in 2014, when he recorded
22 sacks. That mark was second in NFL history two Michael Strahan
of the New York Giants. Houston is fourth in franchise history of 78.5
career sacks. Hali played 12 seasons (2006-2017) and is second in
franchise history with 89.5 career sacks. He was a six-time Pro Bowler
and two times second-team All-Pro.
ILB -- First team: Willie Lanier, Sherrill Headrick. Honorable mention:
Jim Lynch, Dino Hackett.
Jim Lynch, Dino Hackett.
Lanier, who is a Hall of Famer, is one of the best inside linebackers ever to
play the position. Lanier played for 11 seasons (1967-1977) and has an
incredible resume. Lanier played on the 1969 Super Bowl champions,
six-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All-Pro and two-time AFL All-Star.
Besides being strong against the run, Lanier was incredible against the
pass as he intercepted 27. Headrick earned the nickname “Psycho” for
playing with a broken vertebrae in his neck. Headrick played for eight
seasons (1960-1967) and was a five-time all AFL selection (three as a
first-teamer), five-time AFL All-Star and was a member of the 1969
Super Bowl champions. Lynch played in the shadow of Lanier for 11
seasons (1967-1977) but was a vital cog in the team's success. Lynch
was a member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions. He was an AFL
All-Star one time and second All AFL on two occasions. Lynch
intercepted 17 passes and recovered 14 fumbles. Hackett played six
seasons with Chiefs and was a solid but not spectacular inside linebacker.
His best season was 1988, when he made the Pro Bowl.
play the position. Lanier played for 11 seasons (1967-1977) and has an
incredible resume. Lanier played on the 1969 Super Bowl champions,
six-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All-Pro and two-time AFL All-Star.
Besides being strong against the run, Lanier was incredible against the
pass as he intercepted 27. Headrick earned the nickname “Psycho” for
playing with a broken vertebrae in his neck. Headrick played for eight
seasons (1960-1967) and was a five-time all AFL selection (three as a
first-teamer), five-time AFL All-Star and was a member of the 1969
Super Bowl champions. Lynch played in the shadow of Lanier for 11
seasons (1967-1977) but was a vital cog in the team's success. Lynch
was a member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions. He was an AFL
All-Star one time and second All AFL on two occasions. Lynch
intercepted 17 passes and recovered 14 fumbles. Hackett played six
seasons with Chiefs and was a solid but not spectacular inside linebacker.
His best season was 1988, when he made the Pro Bowl.
CB -- First team: Emmitt Thomas, Albert Lewis. Honorable mention:
Kevin Ross, Dale Carter.
Kevin Ross, Dale Carter.
Any discussion whatsoever about a Chiefs Dream Team secondary begins
with Thomas. The Hall of Famer has a franchise leading 58 career
interceptions. He was a member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions,
five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All Pro (two as a first-teamer). After
retirement, Thomas was a longtime assistant coach for various teams
including nine with the Chiefs (2010-2018). For a decade (1983-1993),
Lewis and Ross were among the best cornerback tandems in NFL history.
Lewis was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. Lewis
recorded 37 interceptions in a Chiefs uniform, fifth most in franchise
history, 20 of those picks came in his first four seasons until teams got
wise and started throwing away from his direction. Ross was known as
“The Rock.” He was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team
All-Pro. Ross scored a touchdown in four different ways: interception
fumble recovery blocked field goal and blocked punt. He was one of
only three players in franchise history to accomplish that feat. Though
Carter accumulated some baggage with off-the-field actions, he shined
for seven years (1992-1998) as a Chief. He was Defensive Rookie of
the Year in 1992, two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro.
with Thomas. The Hall of Famer has a franchise leading 58 career
interceptions. He was a member of the 1969 Super Bowl champions,
five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All Pro (two as a first-teamer). After
retirement, Thomas was a longtime assistant coach for various teams
including nine with the Chiefs (2010-2018). For a decade (1983-1993),
Lewis and Ross were among the best cornerback tandems in NFL history.
Lewis was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. Lewis
recorded 37 interceptions in a Chiefs uniform, fifth most in franchise
history, 20 of those picks came in his first four seasons until teams got
wise and started throwing away from his direction. Ross was known as
“The Rock.” He was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team
All-Pro. Ross scored a touchdown in four different ways: interception
fumble recovery blocked field goal and blocked punt. He was one of
only three players in franchise history to accomplish that feat. Though
Carter accumulated some baggage with off-the-field actions, he shined
for seven years (1992-1998) as a Chief. He was Defensive Rookie of
the Year in 1992, two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro.
S -- First team: Johnny Robinson, Deron Cherry. Honorable mention:
Eric Berry, Gary Barbaro.
Eric Berry, Gary Barbaro.
Robinson is a Hall of Famer with 57 career interceptions, second most in
franchise history. Robinson played all 12 seasons (1960-1971) with the
Chiefs and is only one of 20 players to have played in the AFL for its
entire 10-year existence. Robinson was a member of the 1969 Super
Bowl champions, six-time AFL All-Star, seven-time All AFL (five as
a first-teamer) and the AFL's all-time leader in interceptions. Cherry is
not in the Hall of Fame but one could make a case that he should be
inducted. Cherry remains one of the most popular players in franchise
history. He is one of 26 players to record at least 50 career interceptions.
Cherry is also a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. Berry played
nine seasons (2010-2018). He was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time
first-team All-Pro and one of the best safeties of his era. Berry's most
amazing accomplishment was overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma in
2014 and then becoming the NFL Comeback Player of the Year the
following season. Barbaro reached three Pro Bowls in his eight seasons.
He recorded 39 career interceptions. In 1977, Barbaro intercepted eight
passes for an NFL record 165 yards, 102 came in a single game against
the Seattle Seahawks.
franchise history. Robinson played all 12 seasons (1960-1971) with the
Chiefs and is only one of 20 players to have played in the AFL for its
entire 10-year existence. Robinson was a member of the 1969 Super
Bowl champions, six-time AFL All-Star, seven-time All AFL (five as
a first-teamer) and the AFL's all-time leader in interceptions. Cherry is
not in the Hall of Fame but one could make a case that he should be
inducted. Cherry remains one of the most popular players in franchise
history. He is one of 26 players to record at least 50 career interceptions.
Cherry is also a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. Berry played
nine seasons (2010-2018). He was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time
first-team All-Pro and one of the best safeties of his era. Berry's most
amazing accomplishment was overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma in
2014 and then becoming the NFL Comeback Player of the Year the
following season. Barbaro reached three Pro Bowls in his eight seasons.
He recorded 39 career interceptions. In 1977, Barbaro intercepted eight
passes for an NFL record 165 yards, 102 came in a single game against
the Seattle Seahawks.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K -- First team: Nick Lowery. Honorable mention: Jan Stenerud.
One could strongly make a case for Lowery to be in the Hall of Fame.
Lowery was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. He
is the franchise's all-time leading point scorer with 1,466 yards. Stenerud
is in the Hall of Fame and spent 13 seasons (1967-1979) with the Chiefs
including the 1969 Super Bowl championship season. Stenerud is a
four-time Pro Bowler, six-time All Pro (four first-team), and two-time
AFL All-Star. Stenerud was the first Norwegian born player in NFL
history.
Lowery was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. He
is the franchise's all-time leading point scorer with 1,466 yards. Stenerud
is in the Hall of Fame and spent 13 seasons (1967-1979) with the Chiefs
including the 1969 Super Bowl championship season. Stenerud is a
four-time Pro Bowler, six-time All Pro (four first-team), and two-time
AFL All-Star. Stenerud was the first Norwegian born player in NFL
history.
P -- First team: Jerrel Wilson. Honorable mention: Dustin Colquitt.
Wilson and Colquitt each played 15 seasons with the Chiefs and are
the longest tenured players in franchise history. Though Ray Guy is
often referred to as the best punter in NFL history, Wilson might have
been the first to make people aware of the importance of special teams.
He was a three-time pro bowler and averaged 43.0 yards per punt.
Colquitt played for the 2019 Super Bowl champions. Colquitt was a
Pro Bowler on two occasions. Out of his 1,124 career punts, 462 were
downed inside the 20-yard line and another 98 for touchbacks.
the longest tenured players in franchise history. Though Ray Guy is
often referred to as the best punter in NFL history, Wilson might have
been the first to make people aware of the importance of special teams.
He was a three-time pro bowler and averaged 43.0 yards per punt.
Colquitt played for the 2019 Super Bowl champions. Colquitt was a
Pro Bowler on two occasions. Out of his 1,124 career punts, 462 were
downed inside the 20-yard line and another 98 for touchbacks.
RETURN -- First team: Dante Hall. Honorable mention: Tamarick
Vanover.
Vanover.
Hall was nicknamed “The Human Joystick” for a reason, because every
return looked like a jailbreak. Hall was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-
time All-Pro. He returned 12 kicks for touchdowns in his career. In
2003, he returned a kick for a touchdown in four consecutive games.
Vanover had some off-the-field issues and played five seasons with the
Chiefs. He averaged 10.2 yards on punt returns and 24.0 on kickoff
returns. In 1995, in a Monday Night Game against the San Diego
Chargers which the Chiefs won 29-23 Vanover’s punt return for the
game-winning touchdown. It was the first game in NFL history that
was won in overtime on a punt return.
return looked like a jailbreak. Hall was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-
time All-Pro. He returned 12 kicks for touchdowns in his career. In
2003, he returned a kick for a touchdown in four consecutive games.
Vanover had some off-the-field issues and played five seasons with the
Chiefs. He averaged 10.2 yards on punt returns and 24.0 on kickoff
returns. In 1995, in a Monday Night Game against the San Diego
Chargers which the Chiefs won 29-23 Vanover’s punt return for the
game-winning touchdown. It was the first game in NFL history that
was won in overtime on a punt return.
HEAD COACH -- First team: Hank Stram. Honorable mention:
Andy Reid.
Andy Reid.
The Chiefs have had some recognizable names as their head coach but
it's hard to argue against the two that delivered Super Bowl titles.
Stram is in the Hall of Fame and after a career of near-misses, Reid
enhanced his chances of the Hall of Fame. Stram’s impact however
goes beyond winning. He was an innovator and a shrewd judge of
talent. Stram was the first coach to use Gatorade on the sidelines and
run both the I-formation and two-tight end offense. Defensively, he
employed the triple stack defense of hiding three linebackers behind
defensive lineman. After being jettisoned by the Eagles after 14
seasons, the Chiefs quickly jumped at the chance to hire Reid, who
revitalized a struggling franchise. In his seven seasons at the helm,
the Chiefs have been to the postseason six times including ending an
eight-game playoff losing streak that dated back to 1993 and delivering
the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years.
it's hard to argue against the two that delivered Super Bowl titles.
Stram is in the Hall of Fame and after a career of near-misses, Reid
enhanced his chances of the Hall of Fame. Stram’s impact however
goes beyond winning. He was an innovator and a shrewd judge of
talent. Stram was the first coach to use Gatorade on the sidelines and
run both the I-formation and two-tight end offense. Defensively, he
employed the triple stack defense of hiding three linebackers behind
defensive lineman. After being jettisoned by the Eagles after 14
seasons, the Chiefs quickly jumped at the chance to hire Reid, who
revitalized a struggling franchise. In his seven seasons at the helm,
the Chiefs have been to the postseason six times including ending an
eight-game playoff losing streak that dated back to 1993 and delivering
the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years.
TEAM -- 1969
Though it would be tempting to put the 2019 team as No. 1, recency
bias must be considered. The 1969 team gets the nod for historical
reasons. Their Super Bowl win over the Minnesota Vikings as underdogs
cemented the idea that the New York Jets’ Super Bowl victory a year
earlier was no fluke and that the AFL had caught up to the NFL, which
led to the AFL/NFL merger. The 1969 team has nine Hall of Famers
including coach Stram and was one of the best defenses in NFL history.
The Chiefs faced little resistance in the postseason beating the New
York Jets (13-6) and Oakland Raiders (17-7) in the AFL playoffs before
making mincemeat of the Vikings (23-7) in Super Bowl IV. The Chiefs'
defense became the fourth defense in the history of pro football to lead
its league in fewest rushing yards, fewest passing yards and fewest total
yards. Also significant was Dawson missing five games due to a knee
injury and getting mistaken for being involved in sports gambling.
The guilty party was named Donald Dawson.
bias must be considered. The 1969 team gets the nod for historical
reasons. Their Super Bowl win over the Minnesota Vikings as underdogs
cemented the idea that the New York Jets’ Super Bowl victory a year
earlier was no fluke and that the AFL had caught up to the NFL, which
led to the AFL/NFL merger. The 1969 team has nine Hall of Famers
including coach Stram and was one of the best defenses in NFL history.
The Chiefs faced little resistance in the postseason beating the New
York Jets (13-6) and Oakland Raiders (17-7) in the AFL playoffs before
making mincemeat of the Vikings (23-7) in Super Bowl IV. The Chiefs'
defense became the fourth defense in the history of pro football to lead
its league in fewest rushing yards, fewest passing yards and fewest total
yards. Also significant was Dawson missing five games due to a knee
injury and getting mistaken for being involved in sports gambling.
The guilty party was named Donald Dawson.
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