Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Arrowhead Stadium.

Established in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), the Chiefs started playing as the Dallas Texans, owned by league founder Lamar Hunt. In 1963, the team moved to Kansas City and adopted its current name. The Chiefs joined the NFL in 1970 as a result of the AFL–NFL merger. After Hunt's death in 2006, his wife, Norma, and children became legal owners of the team. After Norma's death in 2023, the Hunt children inherited her stake in the franchise. Clark Hunt, one of the Hunt children, has served as chairman and CEO since 2006.

The Chiefs won three AFL championships and were the second AFL team to defeat an NFL team in a Super Bowl when they won Super Bowl IV. Since then, the team experienced less success in the playoffs for many years. However, under head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones, the Chiefs have appeared in five Super Bowls since the 2019 season and won three: LIV, LVII, and LVIII. Today, the team is valued at over US$4.85 billion.

History

American Football League

In 1959, Lamar Hunt began talking with other businessmen about creating a professional football league to rival the National Football League. Hunt wanted to secure a football team and tried to buy an existing NFL team to move to his hometown of Dallas, Texas. When that didn’t work, he started the American Football League and began his own team, the Dallas Texans, in 1960.

Hunt hired Hank Stram, a coach from the University of Miami, to lead the team. The Texans shared a stadium with the Dallas Cowboys for a few years. In their third season, the Texans reached the championship game and won. However, Hunt decided to move the team to Kansas City because he thought Dallas couldn’t support two football teams.

On May 22, 1963, the team moved to Kansas City and was renamed the Kansas City Chiefs. The name “Chiefs” came from the mayor’s nickname. The team became very successful in the American Football League, winning many games and championships. This success helped lead to the merger between the American Football League and the National Football League.

The Chiefs played well in the early years after the merger, winning Super Bowl IV in 1970. They had many great players and coaches during this time.

Hank Stram leaves team

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Chiefs had many changes. Coach Hank Stram left after a few seasons, and the team didn’t win as much. There were many coaches and players come and go, and the team struggled to find success.

Marty Schottenheimer era (1989–1998)

In 1989, Marty Schottenheimer became the head coach. Under his leadership, the Chiefs returned to the playoffs many times. They had a strong team with great players and reached the AFC Championship Game a few times.

Dick Vermeil years (2001–2005)

Dick Vermeil became the head coach in 2001. He brought in new players and helped the team improve. The Chiefs had some great seasons but didn’t always make it far in the playoffs.

Decline

After Vermeil left, the Chiefs went through several coaches and had many ups and downs. There were times when the team did well, but they also had some very tough seasons.

Reemergence and the arrival of Andy Reid (2013–2017)

In 2013, Andy Reid became the head coach. He brought in new players like Alex Smith and helped the team return to the playoffs. The Chiefs had some great wins and reached the playoffs several times during this period.

The Kelce—Mahomes era (2017–present)

In 2017, Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback. He led the Chiefs to many victories, including several Super Bowl appearances. With players like Travis Kelce and coaches like Andy Reid, the Chiefs became one of the best teams in the NFL, winning multiple Super Bowls and making deep playoff runs each season.

Championships

The Kansas City Chiefs have won four Super Bowl Championships. They have also won three AFL Championships, two as the Chiefs and one as the Dallas Texans.

Super Bowl championships

American Football League championships

AFC championships

Logos and uniforms

Main article: Logos and uniforms of the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs started with a logo showing the state of Texas and changed it to an arrowhead design, which was sketched by Lamar Hunt. The team's colors are red and gold, and these colors have stayed the same since the team began. The Chiefs have made only a few small changes to their uniforms over the years. Their uniforms include a red helmet and red or white jerseys with the opposite color for numbers and names.

The team has used white pants with both jersey colors in the past but started switching between white and red pants for away games in 2009. In 2013, they introduced an all-red uniform for home games, which is now used often for special evening games. The Chiefs also wore special uniforms in 2009 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Football League.

Arrowhead Stadium

Further information: Arrowhead Stadium

Arrowhead Stadium has been the home of the Kansas City Chiefs since 1972. It can hold 76,416 people, making it one of the biggest stadiums in the NFL. The stadium was updated in 2010 with new features, and it is famous for being very loud because of its excited fans.

Fans once made the stadium the loudest in the world, with noise reaching 142.2 decibels. In 2021, the stadium was renamed GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. In 2025, the Chiefs announced plans to move to a new stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, which is set to open for the 2031 NFL season.

Training camp and practice facility

When the Kansas City Chiefs first started, they held their training camp at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico. Later, they moved to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and then to Swope Park in Kansas City. From 1972 to 1991, their camp was at William Jewell College in Clay County, Missouri.

From 1992 to 2009, the team held training camp at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in River Falls, Wisconsin. In 2010, after getting help to improve their stadium, the Chiefs moved their training camp to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. They built a special indoor field and offices there. During the regular season, the Chiefs practice at their own training facility near Arrowhead Stadium.

Recently, the Chiefs announced plans to move their headquarters and training facility to Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas.

Rivalries

Divisional rivals

Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas Raiders

Main article: Chiefs–Raiders rivalry

The Chiefs have a long and intense rivalry with the Las Vegas Raiders, dating back to the early days of the American Football League. Both teams have been in the same division since the league began, and they have faced each other in important games, including the first two Super Bowls. The Chiefs have won more regular season games against the Raiders, and they also have a better record in the playoffs.

San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Main article: Chargers–Chiefs rivalry

The Chiefs also have a strong rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers, especially in recent years. Their games often feature exciting plays and great quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs and Justin Herbert for the Chargers. The Chiefs have won more regular season games, but the Chargers did win their only playoff meeting.

Denver Broncos

Main article: Broncos–Chiefs rivalry

Another important rivalry for the Chiefs is with the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have won more regular season games, but the Broncos did win the only playoff game between the two teams.

Conference

Buffalo Bills

Main article: Bills–Chiefs rivalry

The Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have been rivals since the beginning of the American Football League in 1960. They have met in several important playoff games over the years, including some very close and exciting matches. Recently, the rivalry has grown stronger as both teams have been strong contenders for the conference title. The quarterbacks, Josh Allen for the Bills and Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs, have also developed their own rivalry.

Other

Preston Road Trophy: Dallas Cowboys

Main article: Preston Road Trophy

The Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys have a unique rivalry because of a friendship between the owners, Lamar Hunt and Jerry Jones. They created a trophy called the "Preston Road Trophy" for the winner of their games. The two owners often played jokes on each other when the trophy changed hands. As of the 2025 season, the Cowboys hold the trophy.

Missouri Governor's Cup: St. Louis Cardinals/St. Louis Rams (retired)

Main article: Governor's Cup (Missouri)

The Chiefs had rivalries with teams from St. Louis, Missouri. From 1960 to 1988, they played against the St. Louis Cardinals, and from 1995 to 2015, they played against the Rams when they were in St. Louis. The Rams moved back to Los Angeles in 2016, ending this rivalry. The Chiefs have won more games in this series.

Mascots and cheerleaders

The Kansas City Chiefs have had fun mascots and cheerleaders for many years. Their first mascot was Warpaint, a special horse that led the team onto the field from 1963 to 1988 and again in 2009. Warpaint was later retired in 2021.

Since 1989, the Chiefs have had a mascot named K. C. Wolf, a friendly wolf character who brings excitement to games. K. C. Wolf was honored in 2006 by being added to the Mascot Hall of Fame.

The Chiefs have had cheerleaders since 1960. They were first called the Chiefettes and were only women. For a short time in the 1990s, both men and women cheered together, but now it is mostly women again, with one man joining in 2020.

Players

Roster

Retired numbers

Pro Football Hall of Fame members

Twenty-five important players and coaches are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of their time with the Chiefs. Some of them helped the team win the Super Bowl Championship. Derrick Thomas was added to the Hall of Fame after he passed away.

Chiefs Hall of Honor

Since 1970, the Chiefs have honored special players, coaches, and helpers each year in their Hall of Honor. Some were added even if they hadn’t been out of the NFL for four years. Three of these honorees were added after they passed away.

Records

Some Chiefs players have set big records in football. Patrick Mahomes has the highest rating for quarterbacks, Derrick Thomas had the most sacks in one game, and Travis Kelce has the most catches in playoff games. Tony Gonzalez, who played mostly for the Chiefs, is the best tight end for catching the ball ever.

Individual league awards

Many Chiefs players have won big awards. Patrick Mahomes has won the Most Valuable Player award and helped the team win Super Bowls. Other players like Derrick Thomas and Eric Berry have also been recognized for their great play.

Head coaches

Main article: List of Kansas City Chiefs head coaches

Thirteen head coaches have led the Kansas City Chiefs since the team started in 1960. The first coach, Hank Stram, guided the team to three championship wins and two trips to the Super Bowl. He was the coach the longest, from 1960 to 1974. Marty Schottenheimer joined in 1989 and took the team to the playoffs seven times during his ten years, having the highest winning rate of any Chiefs coach. Other notable coaches include Dick Vermeil, who started the 2003 season with a great 9–0 record, and Andy Reid, who became coach in 2013. Under Reid, the Chiefs have always had a winning season, reached the playoffs ten times, won their division six times, and went to the Super Bowl twice in a row, with three victories. On November 5, 2023, Reid tied Stram’s record for the most regular season wins in Chiefs history with 124 victories.

Ownership and administration

The Kansas City Chiefs began in 1959 when Lamar Hunt started the team. He was the owner until he passed away in 2006. After that, his family kept owning the team, and his son Clark Hunt now speaks for them. Clark is also the CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Lamar Hunt helped create the NFL, and the AFC Championship trophy is named after him. Over the years, many people have helped lead the team, including Jack Steadman, Carl Peterson, Denny Thum, and others. In 2017, Brett Veach became the team's general manager.

Staff

Media

Main article: List of Kansas City Chiefs broadcasters

The Kansas City Chiefs have a radio network led by station KFNZ-FM (96.5). This network reaches many places including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, as well as listeners online. Special big games like the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl are shown only on certain stations because of rules set by the NFL.

For television, most games not shown during prime time air on CBS or Fox, mainly in big cities such as Kansas City, Wichita, and Omaha. The Chiefs also have their own production company called 65 Toss Power Trap Productions, named after an exciting play in their Super Bowl IV win. In 2024, they started another company called "Foolish Club Studios" that helped make a special Hallmark Channel Christmas movie titled Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.

Culture

Fan base

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most loyal fan bases in football. Even though Kansas City is a smaller city, their fans show up in huge numbers. The team has had very high attendance for over ten years. Fans are known for their excitement, especially when the national anthem is played. At home games, many fans shout "CHIEFS!" instead of the last word of the song. This tradition is loved by players and fans alike.

Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs play, is famous for being very loud. In 2014, it was recorded as the loudest outdoor stadium in the world!

International outreach

Further information: NFL International Series

The Chiefs have fans all around the world. The team has played games in places like London, Mexico City, and Berlin. They were the first team to win games in four different countries outside the United States.

Tony DiPardo

From 1963 to 2008, trumpeter Tony DiPardo and his band played music at every Chiefs home game. He was even given a Super Bowl ring for the team's win in Super Bowl IV. DiPardo passed away in 2011 at the age of 98.

Name controversy

The Kansas City Chiefs have faced questions about their team name and traditions. The name comes from a former mayor of Kansas City who called himself "Chief" as part of a group linked to Scouting America. Over the years, the team has used symbols like an arrowhead logo, fans making special gestures, a horse, a large drum, and fans wearing traditional Native American clothing.

Fans also use a special chant during important moments in games, starting with a drum bang by a special guest before each home game. However, some people feel that these traditions might not respect Native American cultures. Many Native American groups and leaders have asked the team to stop certain traditions, saying they stereotype and misunderstand Native American people. Even though the team has not changed its name like some others, there is ongoing discussion about how to respect all cultures.

Season-by-season record

Main article: List of Kansas City Chiefs seasons

The Kansas City Chiefs have played many seasons in the NFL. Each season shows how the team performed, with wins, losses, and ties. You can find the full list of their seasons to see how they did each year.