Arrowhead Legends: Kansas City Chiefs' 10 Most Influential Players from Inception to Super Bowl Glory
Arrowhead Legends: Kansas City Chiefs' 10 Most Influe...
By Oliver Wiener August 28, 2024 09:14
No team has grown more than the Kansas City Chiefs, who went from one of the AFL's original members as The Dallas Texans in 1960 to winning their first championship. In this article, we take a look at the 10 biggest names who have influenced their status as one of these teams that made up NFL history.
When you follow the careers of these 10 all-time greats, it reveals so much about what has made the Chiefs such an important part of pro football for nine decades. But their tales are more than just those of individuals who pushed themselves, overcame obstacles and in the process informed the fabric of what it means to be a Kansas City Chief.
1. Len Dawson
Quarterback Len Dawson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class that was enshrined in 1987 and an All-Pro selection five times during his career with the Chiefs from 1963 to 1975, was really cornerstone for what success or early success they had. During his time in KC, Dawson won three AFL titles and also a Super Bowl IV, where he became the MVP. The name Dawson instantly whisks old AFL timers back to a time when precision passing and leadership put the Chiefs on top in football.
Dawson had an impact well beyond the field. It became a face of the franchise, representing everything that made this Chiefs fanatic spirit hard nosed and desperate. He still ranks within the top 10 in franchise history for both passing yards (19,372) and touchdowns (237).
2. Bobby Bell
Bobby Bell, enshrinee by the Hall of Fame in 1983, was a highly versatile behemoth on defense. With great speed and athleticism for his size, he was a problem child in every way. Bell was an integral part of the Chiefs Super Bowl IV-winning team and a six-time All-Pro.
The impact of Bell on the defense for the Chiefs can not be oversold. That began the reputation for defensive excellence that so many great Chiefs teams in the years to come would be built upon.
3. Willie Lanier
Willie Lanier (Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986) was another mainstay on the Chiefs' stout defense that dominated most late-1960s and early-'70s regular-season games. Lanier, who was known for being a smart and physical linebacker became the first African American middle linebacker in pro football history.
Lanier was as key to the Chiefs' success on defense and in their Super Bowl IV victory. He earned first-team All-Pro honors three times and went to eight Pro Bowls, making his case as one of the best linebackers all time.
4. Buck Buchanan
Buck Buchananwas a beast on the Chiefs defensive line. At 6'7" and over more than 270 pounds, Buchanan had an nearly unhittable blend of size, strength and mobility.
Buchanan was a cornerstone of the Kansas City teams that became successful in the 1960s and early '70s, playing well against both run and pass. Known as one of the best players in Chiefs' history, he was named to six Pro Bowls and an integral part of the Super Bowl IV team.
5. Derrick Thomas
One of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history, Derrick Thomas was posthumously enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2009. His quickness and ability to get after the quarterback made him a difference maker on defense. Thomas still has the league record with and career trip sacks in one game, all of which were achieved are nine-time Pro Bowler.
In Kansas City, the effects of Thomas' legacy go beyond what he did on the field. He was popular in the community with local ties as well. His career may have been prematurely ended by tragedy, but Thomas is still a hero to not only his teammates and every Chiefs fan out there.
6. Tony Gonzalez
Tony's skills and a capacity to create mismatches with his routes resulted in Gonzalez being one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in NFL history.
He went to 10 Pro Bowls as a Chief and has several franchise records. His Week in/Week out performance and workhorse durability raised the bar for what a tight end could be, laying the foundation for future stars like Travis Kelce.
7. Will Shields
Will Shields was undoubtedly one of the best Chiefs linemen ever, Shields never missed a single game in his 14-year career, making an NFL-record of 223 starts at right guard.
With 12 Pro Bowl selections, Shields has been one of the most crucial factors in the Chiefs’ offensive prowess throughout his stay. His ability to shield the quarterback and run lanes for running backs earned him a reputation while playing, becoming one of the best offensive linemen in his era.
8. Patrick Mahomes
Pat Mahomes is still at the peak of his career but has already become one of the best players in Chiefs’ football history. Since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2018, Pat has played in five consecutive AFC championships and three Super Bowl appearances, winning two.
His arm strength, creativity, and general impact as a leader have propelled the Chiefs’ offense from good to great. His Super Bowl LIV performance bagged the team their first championship in 50 years.
9. Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce gets into this list as one of the greatest players ever. Kelce and Pat Mahomes have a special functional relationship that has been crucial to the past two victories of the Super Bowl. With eight Pro Bowl selections and multiple Super Bowl wins, Kelce solidifies himself as one of the most competent and best tight ends in the NFL.
10. Emmitt Thomas
Hall of Famer Emmitt Thomas played a significant role in the Chiefs' first Super Bowl victory. He is still the franchise's all-time interception leader with 58 interceptions.
Although Thomas had hung up his cleats when he joined scouts with Kansas City, his influence on them extended beyond just playing days in Arrowhead. He later rejoined the club as an assistant coach, passing on knowledge and teaching upcoming generations of Chiefs.
These men have left a lasting legacy on the franchise, plying their trade over eras in which they helped author some of the most memorable moments and success stories that made these Chiefs one of the NFL's most prestigious organizations. Both have contributed greatly to the Chiefs' four Super Bowl wins and dozens of playoff appearances.
As the great Kansas City clubs transitioned from possession and defense in the 1960s to gun-slinging electrifying football today, these are arguably the top Chiefs players ever. Their tales of triumph, tenacity, and teamwork remain the inspiration for adoring fans nationwide and hundreds of retailers and merchants in a city that continues to celebrate its favorite sons.
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