From no sign of winning championship titles for decades to taking home three Super Bowls in under 5 years, the Kansas City Chiefs have come a long way. As the entire team reunites for the Ring Ceremony today at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Clark Hunt, the Chairman and CEO of the franchise, looks back on the fifty-year waiting period for Kansas City’s second Super Bowl victory.
Advertisement
During the event, Clark looked quite happy to talk about the last five years and dedicated the success that they had to the team’s staff, players, and star QB, Patrick Mahomes. He also spoke about the nine players who were there through thick and thin during the last three championships.
“Absolutely amazing. Uh, what a special 5-year period it has been. Obviously, credit goes to staff, Patrick Mahomes, and all the players. I think there are nine or so players who have been here for all three of the championships. It’s an amazing accomplishment all the way around,” Clark said while addressing the reporters.
Clark was about to turn five when his father and the KC Chiefs won their first franchise Super Bowl in the 1969 season. Since then, and over a decade into Clark’s ownership, which began in 2006, the team has achieved their second Super Bowl victory. For Clark, this unbearable gap signifies how challenging the journey has been for the team.
“Well, I think the journey we talked about 5 years ago was the 50-year period between Super Bowl 4 and Super Bowl 5. I think if anything signifies how hard it is to win a trophy, it’s that five decades went by without one, and then we had this incredible run,” Clark continued.
The Chiefs’ golden period talks are all about Mahomes’ arrival in Kansas City. Indeed, Patrick Mahomes joining the team in 2018 was the start of an era. Plus, Andy Reid’s guidance coupled with Mahomes’ on-field performance helped in the resurgence of the franchise.
In 2020, the Chiefs won their second Super Bowl versus the San Francisco 49ers. That year, Patrick also earned his Super Bowl MVP title. And, from there, there was no looking back! The Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl three more times.
The Chiefs lost in 2021 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but won the titles for the third and fourth time in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Dialing back to the 19th century, the Kansas City Chiefs won their Super Bowl in 1970. That year, the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. Previously, the Chiefs had played in the AFL-NFL World Championship in 1957 but lost to the Green Bay Packers.
How Did the Chiefs Win Three Super Bowls in Five Years?
In February, the Chiefs lifted their third Super Bowl in the last five years. And that is when former NFL players Davis Sanchez and Luke Willson discussed a possible strategy behind the team’s victory with sports analyst James Duthie.
When the reporter asked for an expert opinion, Sanchez chimed in. Firstly, the former cornerback lauded the Chiefs’ knack for winning and how this quality puts them on par with other storied franchises like the Patriots, Cowboys, and Steelers.
Secondly, he gave all due credit to the management and the comprehensive approach of the coaching department. Thirdly, Sanchez put the spotlight on Mahomes, whose leadership is what kept the team together.
Furthermore, the former NFL player turned TSN’s game analyst acknowledged how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan guided the Chiefs’ secondary when a comeback was needed.
On February 13, after the comeback, the finale went into overtime. Ultimately, Patrick Mahomes’ 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII.
Talking about the Super Bowl victory brings us to the question of whether the Chiefs can pull off another one in the upcoming season. Well, the team is considered one of the top contenders alongside the San Francisco 49ers. So, there’s a high possibility.
