Jump to content

Kansas City Chiefs

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 72.129.228.80 (talk) at 01:58, 31 December 2008. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Kansas City Chiefs
Established 1960
Play in Kansas City, Missouri
Based in Kansas City since 1963
Kansas City Chiefs logo
Kansas City Chiefs logo
Logo
League/conference affiliations

American Football League (1960–1969)

  • Western Division (1960–1969)

National Football League (1970–present)

Current uniform
Team colorsRed, Gold, and White      
MascotK. C. Wolf (1989–present) Warpaint (1963–1988)
Personnel
Owner(s)The Hunt Family
(Clark Hunt, chairman)[1]
General managerVacant
Head coachHerman Edwards
Team history
Championships
League championships (3)†
Conference championships (0)
Division championships (7)
  • AFL West: 1962, 1966
  • AFC West: 1971, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003
† – Does not include the AFL or NFL championships won during the same seasons as the AFL–NFL Super Bowl championships prior to the 1970 AFL–NFL merger
Playoff appearances (15)
  • AFL: 1962, 1966, 1968, 1969
  • NFL: 1971, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2003, 2006
Home fields

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League. In 1963, the team moved to Kansas City, Missouri and were renamed the Kansas City Chiefs. The team is legally and corporately registered as Kansas City Chiefs Football Club, Incorporated.

From 1960 to 1969, the Chiefs were one of the most successful franchises in the AFL, winning the league championship three times (1963, 1966, 1969) and having an all-time AFL record of 92-50-5.[2] The Chiefs hold the distinction of being the second AFL team (after the New York Jets) to defeat an NFL franchise in an AFL-NFL World Championship Game when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. Despite their success in the American Football League, their Super Bowl IV victory remains the club's last championship to date.

Franchise history

Further information: History of the Kansas City Chiefs

1960s

In 1959, Lamar Hunt began discussions with other businessmen to establish a professional football league that would rival the National Football League.[3] Hunt's desire to secure a football team was heightened after watching the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the New York Giants and Baltimore Colts.[3] After failed attempts to purchase and relocate the NFL's Chicago Cardinals to his hometown of Dallas, Texas,[4] Hunt established his own team, the Dallas Texans, and chose little-known assistant coach from the University of Miami, Hank Stram to be the team's head coach.[3] Hunt chose the Stram, whom was from his alma mater, Southern Methodist University, after the offer was denied by Bud Wilkinson and Tom Landry.[3]

The Texans shared the Cotton Bowl with the NFL's cross-town competition Dallas Cowboys for three seasons.[3] While the team averaged a league-best 24,500 at the Cotton Bowl, the Texans gained less attention due to the league's relatively unknown existence.[3] In the franchise's first two seasons, the team managed only a 14-14 record.

In their third season, the Texans strolled to an 11-3 record and a berth in the team's first American Football League Championship Game against the cross-state Houston Oilers. The game was broadcast nationally and the AFL gained national attention. The Texans defeated the Oilers 20–17 in double overtime.[4] The game lasted 77:54, which still stands as the longest championship game in professional football history.[4]

Despite having a championship team, the Dallas-Fort Worth market simply could not sustain two professional football franchises.[4] Hunt chose to look at other cities to move the Texans for the 1963 season such as Atlanta, Georgia and Miami, Florida.[4] Mayor of Kansas City Harold Roe Bartle extended an invitation to Hunt and promised to triple the franchise's season ticket sales and expand seats at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City to accomodate the team.[4] Hunt agreed to move the team to Kansas City on May 22, 1963[4] and on May 26 the team was renamed the Kansas City Chiefs. Hunt initially planned on retaining the Texans name, but a fan contest chose the new Chiefs name in honor of Mayor Bartle's nickname.[4]

The franchise became the flagship team of the now-thriving American Football League, with the most playoff appearances for an AFL team (tied with Oakland), the most AFL Championships (3), and the most Super Bowl appearances.[4] The team's dominance helped Lamar Hunt in negotiations with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to agree on an AFL-NFL merger.[4] In the meetings between the two leagues, a merged league championship game was agreed to be played in January 1967 following the conclusion of the league's seasons. Hunt insisted on calling the game the "Super Bowl" after seeing his children playing with a popular toy at the time, a super ball.[4]

By winning the 1966 AFL Championship Game against the defending-champion Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs were invited to play the NFL's champion Green Bay Packers in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game. Kansas City and Green Bay played a close game for the first half, but Green Bay took control in the final two quarters, winning the game by a score of 35–10.[4] The Chiefs lost the game but it was not the last time that they would face an NFL opponent, especially on the championship stage.[4] Kansas City hosted the NFL's Chicago Bears in the 1967 pre-season and won the game 66–24.[4]

Despite losing to the division rival Oakland Raiders twice in the regular season in 1969, the two teams met for a third time in the AFL Championship Game where Kansas City won 17–7. Backup quarterback Mike Livingston engineered a five-game winning streak after Len Dawson suffered a leg injury which kept him out of most of the season's games.[4] While getting plenty of help from the club’s defense, Dawson returned from the injury and led the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl.[4] Against the NFL's heavily-favored Minnesota Vikings, the Chiefs dominated the game 23–7 to claim the team's first Super Bowl championship.[4] The following season, the Chiefs and the rest of the American Football Legaue joined the National Football League after the AFL–NFL merger became official.[4]

1970–1989

In 1970, the Chiefs won only 7 games in their first season in the NFL and missed the playoffs. The following season, the Chiefs tallied a 10-3-1 record and won the AFC West division championship.[5] The Chiefs tied with the Miami Dolphins for the best record in the AFC, and both teams met in a Christmas Day playoff game which the Chiefs lost 27–24 in double overtime.[5] Most of the pieces of the team which won Super Bowl IV two years earlier were still in place, but Miami outlasted the Chiefs with a 37-yard field goal.[5] The game surpassed the Texans-Oilers AFL game from 1962 as the longest ever at 82 minutes, 40 seconds.[5] The game was also the final football game at Municipal Stadium.[5]

In 1972, the Chiefs moved into the newly constructed Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex outside of Downtown Kansas City.[5] The team's first game at Arrowhead was against the St. Louis Cardinals, a game which the Chiefs won 24–14, one of the few highlights from the rest of the decade.[5]

The Chiefs would not return to the post-season for the remainder of the 1970s, and the 1973 season was the team's last winning effort for seven years.[5] Hank Stram was fired following a 5-9 season in 1974, and many of the Chiefs' future Hall of Fame players would depart by the middle of the decade.[5]

In 1981, Running back Joe Delaney rushed for 1,121 yards and was named the AFC Rookie of the Year.[6] The Chiefs finished the season with a 9-7 record and entered the 1982 season with optimism.[6] However, the NFL Players Association strike curbed the Chiefs' chances of returning to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.[6] By employing replacement players, the Chiefs tallied a 3-6 record. In the offseason, Joe Delaney died in a drowning accident, and the team's hopes for a bright future were once again derailed.[6]

The Chiefs made a big blunder in the 1983 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Todd Blackledge over future greats such as Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. Blackledge never stayed as the Chiefs' starting quarterback while both Kelly and Marino played Hall of Fame careers. While they struggled on offense in the 1980s, the Chiefs had a strong defensive unit consisting of Pro Bowlers such as Bill Maas, Albert Lewis, Art Still and Deron Cherry.[6]

John Mackovic took over head coaching duties after Marv Levy was fired following the 1982 season. Over the next four seasons, Mackovic coached the Chiefs to a 30-34 record, but took the team to its first post-season appearance in 15 years in 1986. Following the team's loss to the New York Jets in the playoffs, Mackovic was fired. Frank Gansz served as head coach for two seasons, tallying back-to-back 4-11 records.

1990s

With talent such as Derrick Thomas, Gunther Cunningham's (pictured) defense thrived for Kansas City in the 1990s.

On December 19, 1988, owner Lamar Hunt hired Carl Peterson as the team's new president, general manager, and chief executive officer. Peterson fired head coach Frank Gansz two weeks after taking over and hired Marty Schottenheimer as the club's seventh head coach.[6] In the 1989 and 1990 NFL Drafts, the Chiefs selected both DE Neil Smith and LB Derrick Thomas.[6][7] Both players would serve as the Chiefs' foundation for winning for years to come.

From 1989 to 1998, Schottenheimer's tenure as the Chiefs' head coach, the team recorded a 101-58-1 record, and clinched 7 playoff berths. The Chiefs' 1993 season was the franchise's most successful in 22 years. With newly-acquired quarterback Joe Montana and running back Marcus Allen—two former superstar Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champions—the Chiefs once again returned to relevance in the NFL.[7] The 11-5 Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Oilers on their way to the AFC Championship game appearance against the Buffalo Bills.[7] The Chiefs were overwhelmed by the Bills in their first league championship game in 24 years, and lost the game 30–13.[7] The team's victory on January 14, 1994 remains the franchise's last post-season victory to date.

In the 1995 NFL post-season, the 13-3 Chiefs hosted the wild card Indianapolis Colts in a cold, damp night game at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City lost the game 10–7 against the underdog Colts after kicker Lin Elliot missed three field goal attempts.[7]

During a 1997 season full of injuries to starting quarterback Elvis Grbac, backup quarterback Rich Gannon took the reins of the Chiefs' offense as the team headed to another 13-3 season. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer controversially chose Grbac to start the playoff game against the Denver Broncos despite Gannon playing in the previous game.[7] Grbac's production in the game was lacking, and the Chiefs lost the Denver Broncos 14–10.[7]

Coach Schottenheimer announced his resignation from the Chiefs following the 1998 season, and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham took over coaching duties for the next two seasons, compiling a 16-16 record.[7] By the end of the Chiefs' decade of regular-season dominance, Neil Smith signed with the Broncos, and Derrick Thomas was paralyzed from a car accident on January 23, 2000.[7] Thomas died from complications of his injury weeks later.[7] Coach Cunningham was fired following the 2000 season, and Dick Vermeil returned from retirement to lead the Chiefs.[8]

2000–present

Looking to change the Chiefs' gameplan which relied on a tough defensive strategy for the past decade, Chiefs general manager contacted Dick Vermeil about the Chiefs' head coaching vacancy for the 2001 season. Vermeil led the St. Louis Rams to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV with the a record-setting offense.[8] Vermeil was hired on January 12 and the Chiefs signed QB Trent Green and RB Priest Holmes to be the team's cornerstones on offense.[8]

In 2003, Kansas City began to season with nine consecutive victories, a franchise record.[8] They finished the season with a 13-3 record and the team's offense led the NFL in several categories.[8] RB Priest Holmes surpassed Marshall Faulk's single-season touchdown record by scoring his 27th rushing touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the team's regular season finale.[8] The team clinched the second seed in the 2004 playoffs and hosted the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.[8] In a game where neither team punted, the Chiefs lost the shoot-out 38–31.

After a dissapointing 7-9 record in 2004, the 2005 Chiefs finished with a 10-6 record but no playoff berth. RB Larry Johnson started in place of the injured Priest Holmes and rushed for 1,750 yards in only nine starts.[8] Despite winning 10 games, the Chiefs were the fourth team since 1990 to miss the playoffs with a 10-6 record.[8] Prior to the Chiefs' final game, head coach Dick Vermeil announced his retirement.[8] The Chiefs won the game 37–3 over the playoff-bound Cincinnati Bengals.[8]

Damon Huard (left) and Brodie Croyle (right) have both served as the Chiefs' quarterback since Trent Green's departure.

Within two weeks of Dick Vermeil's resignation, the Chiefs returned to their defensive roots with the selection of its next head coach.[8] The team introduced Herman Edwards as the team's tenth head coach after a trade with the New York Jets.[8] QB Trent Green suffered a severe concussion in the team's season opener to the Cincinnati Bengals which left him out of play for 8 weeks.[8] Backup quarterback Damon Huard took over in Green's absence and led the Chiefs to a 5-3 record in Green's absence.[8] Green returned by the end of the season, but struggled in the final stretch.[8] RB Larry Johnson set an NFL record with 416 carries in a season.[8]

Kansas City was awarded a Thanksgiving night game against the Denver Broncos in response to owner Lamar Hunt's lobbying for a third Thanksgiving Day game.[8] The Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 19–10.[8] Hunt was hospitalized at the time of the game and died weeks later on December 13, 2006 due to complications brought on by a ten-year battle with prostate cancer.[8] The Chiefs honored their owner for the remainder of the season, as did the rest of the league.[8]

By defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 31, 2006, Kansas City clinched a playoff berth following a Denver loss later that evening.

Kansas City managed to clinch their first playoff berth in 3 seasons with a 9-7 record and a loss to the Broncos on New Year's Eve.[8] The Indianapolis Colts hosted the Chiefs in the wild card round of the playoffs and defeated Kansas City 23–8 on their way to a Super Bowl XLI victory.

In 2007, QB Trent Green was traded to the Miami Dolphins[9] leaving the door open for either Damon Huard or second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle to take the starting job. After starting the season 4-3, the Chiefs lost the remaining 9 games when RB Larry Johnson suffered a season-ending foot injury and the quarterback position lacked stability with Huard and Croyle. No matter how much the Chiefs lacked in 2007, tight end Tony Gonzalez broke Shannon Sharpe's NFL record for touchdowns at the position (63) and defensive end Jared Allen led the NFL in quarterback sacks with 15.5.

The Chiefs began their 2008 season with the youngest team in the NFL.[10] The starting lineup had an average of 25.5 years of age.[10] By releasing several veteran players such as CB Ty Law and WR Eddie Kennison and trading DE Jared Allen,[11] the Chiefs began their "youth movement."[10][12]

The Chiefs had a league-high thirteen selections in the 2008 NFL Draft and chose DT Glenn Dorsey and OT Branden Albert. Analysts quickly called Kansas City's selections as the best of the entire draft.[11][13][14][15][16] Entering the season, the Chiefs were unsure if injury-prone quarterback Brodie Croyle, who was the incumbent starter, could be their quarterback of the future.[16] Croyle was injured in the team's Week 1 game against the New England Patriots,[17] and QB Damon Huard started in Croyle's absence.[18] Tyler Thigpen become the third Chiefs starting quarterback in as many games for a start against the Atlanta Falcons.[12][19] After a poor performance by Thigpen, in which he threw three interceptions against the Falcons defense,[19] Huard was retained as the starting quarterback.[20] The Chiefs' offense struggled under Croyle and Huard, and TE Tony Gonzalez demanded a trade, but the request failed.[21][22]

Tyler Thigpen (second from right) in the Chiefs' spread offense formation.

Croyle returned for the Chiefs' Week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans, but suffered a season-ending injury.[23] Huard would later suffered his own season-ending injury in Week 7, the same game that Croyle would be placed on injured reserve.[23] The Chiefs reorganized their offense to a new spread offense gameplan focused around QB Tyler Thigpen.[12][18][24][25]

The Chiefs' new spread offense was implemented to help Thigpen play to the best of his abilities and also following the absence of RB Larry Johnson, who was suspended for off-field conduct.[24][25][26][27] The Chiefs made a huge gamble by doing so, as most in the NFL believe that a spread offense cannot work in professional football, and also head coach Herman Edwards was traditionally in favor of more conservative, run-oriented game plans.[25]

Following the Chiefs' dismal 2007 season, head coach Herman Edwards and general manager Carl Peterson were considered to be on the hot seat.[16] Peterson and Edwards should be safe unless absolutely zero progress is made in the 2008 season.[16] Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt had expressed his expectations of a winning Chiefs team earning a playoff berth in 2008.[28]

The Chiefs' 2008 season began with a 1-10 record, and ended with the franchise losing 22 of 25 games over a two-year period.[29] The team lost two games by 24 point margins against the Falcons and Titans,[19][30] a 34–0 shut-out to the Carolina Panthers,[31] and allowed a franchise-high 54 points against the Buffalo Bills.[29] General Manager/CEO/Vice President Carl Peterson resigned at the end of the season,[32] and the Chiefs lost a franchise-high 14 games.

Season-by-season records

This is a partial list of the last five seasons (2003–2008) completed by the Chiefs. For the full season-by-season franchise results, see Kansas City Chiefs seasons.

Note: The Finish, Wins, Losses, and Ties columns list regular season results and exclude any postseason play.

Super Bowl Champions (1970–present) Conference Champions Division Champions Wild Card Berth
Record as of the end of the 2008 NFL season
Season Team League Conference Division Regular season Post Season Results Awards
Finish Wins Losses Ties
2004 2004 NFL AFC West 3rd 7 9 0
2005 2005 NFL AFC West 2nd 10 6 0
2006 2006 NFL AFC West 2nd 9 7 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs (Colts) 23–8
2007 2007 NFL AFC West 3rd 4 12 0 Dwayne Bowe (ROTW x2)
2008 2008 NFL AFC West 4th 2 14 0
Total 381 347 12 (1960–2008, includes only regular season)
8 13 0 (1960–2008, includes only playoffs)
389 360 12 (1960–2008, includes both regular season and playoffs; 3 AFL Championships, 1 Super Bowl Championship)

Logos and uniforms

Main article: Logos and uniforms of the Kansas City Chiefs

When the Texans began playing in 1960, the team's logo consisted of the state of Texas in white with a yellow star marking the location of the city of Dallas. Originally, Hunt chose Columbia Blue and Orange for the Texans' uniforms, but Bud Adams chose the colors for his Houston Oilers franchise.[33] Hunt reverted to red and gold for the Texans' uniforms, which even after the team relocated to Kansas City, remain as the franchise's colors to this day.[33]

The state of Texas on the team's helmet was replaced by a design originally sketched by Lamar Hunt on a napkin.[33] Hunt’s inspiration for the interlocking "KC" design was the "SF" inside of an oval on the San Francisco 49ers helmets.[33] Kansas City’s overlapping initials appear inside a white arrowhead instead of an oval and are surrounded by a thin black outline.[33] From 1960 to 1973, the Chiefs had grey facemask bars on their helmets, but changed to white bars for 1974.[33]

Unlike several NFL franchises, the Chiefs' uniform design has essentially remained the same throughout the club's history.[33] It consists of a red helmet, and either red or white jerseys with the opposite color numbers and names.[33] White pants were used with both jerseys from 1960–1967 and 1989–1999.[33] After a brief disappearance, the Chiefs re-introduced the all-white uniform combinations for the 2006 season.

Although many NFL teams in recent years have worn their dark jerseys with their dark pants, the Chiefs have to yet to unveil an all-red combination. When the Chiefs wear their red uniforms, they always wear white pants. The Chiefs have never worn an alternate jersey in a game, although gold jerseys with red numbers trimmed in white, and black jerseys with red numbers trimmed in gold, are sold for retail.

In 2007, the Kansas City Chiefs honored the late Lamar Hunt and the AFL with a special patch. In 2008, the patch became permanently affixed to the left chest of both Kansas City's home and away jerseys.[34]

Homefield reputation

Further information: Arrowhead Stadium
A stealth bomber flies over Arrowhead Stadium prior to the 2006 Chiefs-Raiders game.

As of the end of the 2008 season, Arrowhead Stadium has a consecutive sell-out record of 157 games (19 seasons) dating back to the home opener in 1990. Arrowhead has long held a reputation for being one of the toughest and loudest outdoor stadiums for opposing players to play in.[35][36][37] Noise generated from the fans was once measured at 116 decibels by the Acoustical Design Group of Mission, Kansas.[38] By way of comparison, take-off of aircraft may lead to a sound level of 106 decibels at the ground.[38] Sports Illustrated named Arrowhead Stadium the "toughest place to play" for opposing teams in 2005.[39]

Arrowhead Stadium's tailgating environment has been compared to a "college football" atmosphere.[40] Arrowhead Stadium features frequent fly-overs from a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber from nearby Whiteman Air Force Base.

Fan interaction

Arrowhead Stadium boasts one of the NFL's loudest fanbases.

At the end of the "Star Spangled Banner," Chiefs fans intentionally yell "and the home of the CHIEFS!" where traditionally "the brave" is sung. This has led to some controversy, especially when Chiefs fans attend away games and continue the tradition. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Chiefs fans refrained from doing so in honor of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and continued to do so for the remainder of the 2001 season.[41] At the Chiefs' September 23, 2001 home game versus the New York Giants, fans gave the opposing Giants a standing ovation.[37] This was one of the few known times in Chiefs history where the home crowd welcomed an opposing team onto the field without booing.[41]

Chiefs fans' use of "The War Chant" has become a tradition and also sparked controversy among Native American activists who protest the chant.

For numerous years up through the 2005 season after every Chiefs touchdown the crowd would chant "We're gonna beat the hell outta you...you...you, you, you, you" over Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2." The chant has been said to have originated from a similar chant (excluding profanity) from Wichita State University's fans at their now-defunct football program's games. Beginning with the 2006 season, the Chiefs organization has opted to honor the NFL's request that this song no longer be played at games following Glitter's criminal activity. A cover version of the song played by Tube Tops 2000 has been played since 2006 at every home game.

Stadium music

From 1960 to 2008, the TD Pack Band was a mainstay at every Chiefs home game. The band was founded by trumpeter Tony DiPardo. The band was previously known as The Zing Band while the Chiefs played at Municipal Stadium. DiPardo, nicknamed "Mr. Music,"[42] was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 15, 1912. DiPardo has written songs about the team such as "The Chiefs are on the Warpath" and "The Hank Stram Polka." DiPardo earned a Super Bowl ring for the Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl IV. Since 1989 DiPardo's daughter Patti DiPardo-Livergood has led the band due to her father's declining health. The band played live music for the crowd from a stand located in the southeast end-zone.

DiPardo performed the song "Taps" on his trumpet at the Chiefs' December 31, 2006 home game against the Jaguars in tribute to Lamar Hunt. Hunt had died weeks prior to the game. Outside of Arrowhead Stadium an unrelated live band plays on gamedays known as "The Kansas City All Stars."

Culture

The Chiefs Radio Network

Kansas City Chiefs radio play-by-play announcers
1960–1962 Charlie Jones
1963 Merle Harmon
1964–1970 Tom Hedrick
1971–1973 Dick Carlson
1974–1975 Ray Scott
1976 Al Wisk
1977 Tom Hopkins
1978–1984 Wayne Larrivee
1985–1993 Kevin Harlan
1994– Mitch Holthus

Since 1989, KCFX, a.k.a "101 The Fox", has broadcast all Chiefs games under the moniker of The Chiefs Radio Network. Since 1994, Mitch Holthus has served as play-by-play announcer and former Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson serves as color commentator. Former Chiefs longsnapper Kendall Gammon serves as the field reporter. Former Chiefs broadcasters Bill Grigsby and Bob Gretz also contribute.[43]

KCFX holds broadcast rights to Chiefs games through the 2009 season.[43] The Chiefs and KCFX hold the distinction of being the longest FM radio broadcast partnering tenure in the NFL.[43] The Chiefs Radio Network extends throughout the six-state region of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, with 61 affiliate stations.[43]

Mascots and cheerleaders

K. C. Wolf, the Chiefs' mascot since 1989.

The Chiefs' mascot at Municipal Stadium from 1963 until 1989 was Warpaint, a nickname given to two different breeds of pinto horse. The first Warpaint (born 1955) was ridden bareback by rider Bob Johnson who wore a full Native American headdress.[44] Warpaint circled the field at the beginning of each Chiefs home game and performed victory laps following each Chiefs touchdown.

In the mid-1980s, the Chiefs featured a short-lived unnamed "Indian man" mascot which was scrapped when general manager Carl Peterson arrived in 1988.[44] In 1989, Warpaint and the short-lived unnamed "Indian man" mascot were replaced by K. C. Wolf, portrayed by Dan Meers in a wolf costume.[45] The mascot was named after the Chiefs' "Wolfpack," a group of rapid fans from the team's days at Municipal Stadium.[44] K. C. Wolf is one of the most popular NFL mascots and was the league's first mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006.http://www.kcchiefs.com/kcwolf/[46]

The Chiefs have employed a cheerleading squad since the team's inception in 1960. In the team's early days, the all-female squad was referred to as the Chiefettes.[47] A brief period in the 1980s featured male cheerleaders for the Chiefs, but the move did not last, and the team now features an all-female team now simply known as the Chiefs Cheerleaders.[44][47]

Training camp

Since 1991 the Chiefs have conducted summer training camp at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in River Falls, Wisconsin. The Chiefs' 2007 training camp was documented in the HBO/NFL Films documentary reality television series, Hard Knocks.[48]

When the team was based in Dallas, the team conducted their inaugural training camp at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell. They moved camp to Southern Methodist University, owner Lamar Hunt's alma mater, for 1961 and continued to practice there until 1965.[4] From 1966 to 1971, the Chiefs practiced in downtown Kansas City, and from 1972 to 1991 the Chiefs held camp at William Jewell College in Clay County, Missouri—where Lamar Hunt had extensive business dealings including Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun and SubTropolis.[7]

Following the passage of a $25 million state tax credit proposal, the Chiefs will move their training camp to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri in 2010.[49] The bulk of the tax credits will go for improvements to Arrowhead Stadium.[50]

Notable players

Further information: List of Kansas City Chiefs players, Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks, and List of Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft picks

Current roster

Kansas City Chiefs roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad


Rookies in italics

Roster updated August 29, 2024

54 active, 3 inactive, 17 practice squad

→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees

Chiefs Hall of Fame

Jan Stenerud's name is honored at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs feature thirty-nine former players and franchise contributors in their team hall of fame. Several of the team's names are featured at Arrowhead Stadium in a "ring of honor." A new member has been inducted in an annual ceremony, with the exception of the 1983 season.[51]

Template:Kansas City Chiefs head coaches

Ownership and general managers

Clark Hunt is the team's current owner.
General managers of the Kansas City Chiefs
1959–1960 Don Rossi
1960–1976 Jack Steadman
1976–1988 Jim Schaaf
1988–2008 Carl Peterson (CEO/GM/President)
2009– To be determined

The franchise was founded in 1959 by Lamar Hunt after a failed attempt by Hunt to purchase an NFL franchise and relocate them to Texas. Hunt remained the team's owner until his death in 2006. Clark Hunt, the son of Lamar, became his family's spokesman in ownership of the team following his father's death.[1] While Hunt's official title is Chairman of the Board, he serves as the franchise's owner.[1]

Don Rossi served as the team's general manager from the team's founding in 1959 until November 1960.[4] Jack Steadman assumed duties from Rossi and served in the position until 1976.[4][5] Steadman was promoted to team vice president in 1976 and remained with the franchise until 2006 in various positions.[5][6] Jim Schaaf took over for Steadman as general manager until being fired in December 1988.[6] Carl Peterson was hired in 1988 to serve as the team's general manager, chief executive officer and team president.[6] Peterson remained in the position for 19 years until he announced his resignation from the team in 2008.[52][53]

Current staff

Kansas City Chiefs staff
Front office
  • Chairman/CEO – Clark Hunt
  • President – Mark Donovan
  • General manager – Brett Veach
  • Assistant general manager – Mike Borgonzi
  • Senior vice president of football operations and strategy – Chris Shea
  • Senior director of player personnel – Mike Bradway
  • Director of player personnel/pro – Tim Terry
  • Director of player personnel/college – Ryne Nutt
  • Senior personnel executive – Willie Davis
  • Co-directors of college scouting – Pat Sperduto and David Hinson
  • Assistant director of football administration – Jack Wolov
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
  • Offensive coordinator – Matt Nagy
  • Pass game coordinator – Joe Bleymaier
  • Quarterbacks – David Girardi
  • Running backs – Todd Pinkston
  • Assistant running backs – Porter Ellett
  • Wide receivers – Connor Embree
  • Tight ends – Tom Melvin
  • Offensive line – Andy Heck
  • Assistant offensive line – Corey Matthaei
  • Offensive assistant – Kevin Saxton
  • Offensive quality control/assistant quarterbacks – Dan Williams
  
Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Steve Spagnuolo
  • Defensive line – Joe Cullen
  • Assistant defensive line – Terry Bradden
  • Linebackers/run game coordinator – Brendan Daly
  • Outside linebackers – Rod Wilson
  • Defensive backs – Dave Merritt
  • Safeties – Donald D'Alesio
  • Defensive quality control – Alex Whittingham
Special teams coaches
  • Assistant special teams – Andy Hill
Coaching support staff
  • Statistical analysis coordinator – Mike Frazier
  • Football research analyst – Mark Richards
Strength and conditioning
  • Vice President of sports medicine and performance – Rick Burkholder
  • Head strength and conditioning/director of sports science – Ryan Reynolds
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Greg Carbin
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Tyler Judkins
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Spencer Reid

→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

References

  1. ^ a b c "Clark Hunt, Chairman of the Board". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  2. ^ Pro Football Hall of Fame: Kansas City Chiefs Official site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Accessed 12 May 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Kansas City Chiefs History – AFL Origins". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Kansas City Chiefs History – 1960's". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Kansas City Chiefs History – 1970's". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Kansas City Chiefs History – 1980's". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Kansas City Chiefs History – 1990's". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Kansas City Chiefs History – 2000's". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  9. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (2007-06-05). "Green goes to Dolphins from Chiefs in trade". Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  10. ^ a b c Clayton, John (2008-11-06). "Interesting list of suitors for Hall". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  11. ^ a b "KC trades DE Jared Allen to Minnesota for multiple draft choices". Kansas City Chiefs. 2008-04-23. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  12. ^ a b c Associated Press (2008-09-17). "Chiefs QB Thigpen to start vs. Falcons". Retrieved 2008-09-17. Cite error: The named reference "Thigpen to start" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  13. ^ Czarnecki, John (2008-04-27). "Handing out draft grades for AFC teams". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  14. ^ "Chiefs' Day 1 plan comes together with Dorsey, others". ESPN. 2008-04-26. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  15. ^ "Draft yields quantity, and plenty of quality, for Chiefs". ESPN. 2008-04-27. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  16. ^ a b c d Williamson, Bill (2008-06-18). "Several '08 picks should make immediate impact". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  17. ^ Associated Press (2008-09-08). "Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle leaves game against Pats". Retrieved 2008-09-09.
  18. ^ a b Associated Press. (2008-09-8). "Chiefs QB Croyle out for this week". NFL.com. Retrieved 2008-09-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "Croyle out" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  19. ^ a b c Associated Press (2008-09-21). "Falcons back on track after victory over winless Chiefs". NFL. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  20. ^ Associated Press (2008-09-22). "Huard will start at quarterback Sunday for Kansas City". NFL.com. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  21. ^ Smith, Michael (2008=2008-10-12). "Source: Chiefs willing to listen to offers for record-setting TE Gonzalez". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-10-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Gonzalez tells teammates he's not bitter about failed trade request". ESPN. 2008-10-16. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  23. ^ a b Associated Press (2008-10-19). "Chiefs QB Croyle sprains right knee, done for the season". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  24. ^ a b Rand, Jonathan (2008-11-13). "Breaking the Mold". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  25. ^ a b c Chadiha, Jeffri (2008-11-21). "Spread changes options for Chiefs". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  26. ^ "Source: Johnson's discipline in response to pattern of behavior". ESPN. 2008-10-18. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  27. ^ "Chiefs' Johnson charged for spitting in woman's face, won't play for now". ESPN. 2008-10-28. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  28. ^ Associated Press (2008-01-17). "Hunt expects Chiefs to challenge for playoffs in 2008". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  29. ^ a b "Edwards helps Bills score most against Chiefs in history". Associated Press. ESPN. 2008-11-23.
  30. ^ Associated Press (2008-10-19). "Titans extend winning streak as Chiefs lose game, Croyle". NFL. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  31. ^ Associated Press (2008-11-27). "Williams' career-best game helps Panthers blank Chiefs". NFL.
  32. ^ Associated Press (2008-12-15). "Chiefs GM Peterson to step down at end of season". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-12-15.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Chiefs Uniform History". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  34. ^ "Lamar Hunt patch becomes a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform". Kansas City Chiefs. 2008-01-28. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  35. ^ "Stadiums of the NFL - Arrowhead Stadium". Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  36. ^ "Arrowhead Stadium Quotes". Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  37. ^ a b "Peter King Notes - The NFL". 2001-10-01. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  38. ^ a b "Chiefs ready for playoff nemesis Indianapolis". Topeka Capital-Journal. 2004-01-11. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  39. ^ "Sports Illustrated's 2005 poll: "Toughest Places to Play"". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  40. ^ Crumpacker, John (2006-10-01). "49ers have to cope with the din of Arrowhead". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  41. ^ a b Associated Press (2001-09-24). "Giants beat Chiefs 13–3 in defensive struggle". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  42. ^ "Mr. Music is ailing". Kansas City Chiefs. 2008-03-19. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  43. ^ a b c d "101 The Fox extends Kansas City Chiefs radio broadcast rights through 2009 season". Kansas City Chiefs. 2006-08-24. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  44. ^ a b c d "Kansas City Chiefs mascots and cheerleaders". 2008-06-21. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  45. ^ "K. C. Wolf". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  46. ^ "Mascot Hall of Fame - K. C. Wolf". Mascot Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  47. ^ a b "Kansas City Chiefs History – Cheerleaders". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  48. ^ "Chiefs to be featured in HBO's 'Hard Knocks' this summer". Kansas City Chiefs. 2007-06-02. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  49. ^ "Chiefs announce plans for 2009 training camp". Kansas City Chiefs. 2008-12-12. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
  50. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs to train in St. Joseph". Joplin Independent. 2008-12-16. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  51. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  52. ^ Associated Press (2008-12-15). "Chiefs' Carl Peterson resigns; Edwards' future uncertain". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-12-15.
  53. ^ "Chairman of the Board Clark Hunt Press Conference on the resignation of Carl Peterson". Kansas City Chiefs. 2008-12-15. Retrieved 2008-12-15.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kansas City Chiefs.
Preceded by American Football League champion
Dallas Texans
1962 		Succeeded by
Preceded by American Football League champion
Kansas City Chiefs
1966 		Succeeded by
Preceded by American Football League champion
Kansas City Chiefs
1969 		Succeeded by
Final champions
Preceded by Super Bowl Champions
Kansas City Chiefs
1969 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kansas_City_Chiefs&oldid=261004479"