History of Kansas City Chiefs in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are members of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division of the National Football League (NFL).

1929: Mention of 1929 Buffalo Bisons

In 2012, the Chiefs became the first team since the 1929 Buffalo Bisons to not lead in regulation through any of their first nine games.

1958: Hunt's desire to secure a football team heightened

In 1958, Lamar Hunt's desire to secure a football team was heightened after watching the NFL Championship Game between the New York Giants and Baltimore Colts.

1959: Franchise Founded

In 1959, Lamar Hunt founded the Kansas City Chiefs (then the Dallas Texans) after his attempt to purchase and relocate an NFL franchise to Texas failed.

1959: Lamar Hunt Discusses Forming AFL

In 1959, Lamar Hunt initiated discussions with other businessmen to establish a professional football league, which would become the American Football League (AFL), to rival the NFL.

1959: AFL Established, Chiefs Founded

In 1959, the American Football League (AFL) was established with the Kansas City Chiefs as a charter member, marking the beginning of the team's history.

November 1960: Don Rossi Resigns

In November 1960, Don Rossi resigned as the team's general manager after serving for half of the season.

1960: Chiefs' Original Uniform Design

From 1960, the Chiefs' uniform design has essentially remained the same with minor changes: a red helmet, red or white jerseys, and white pants.

1960: Chiefs/Texans win 87 games

From 1960, the Chiefs/Texans won 87 games, which is the most in the ten-year history of the AFL.

1960: Lamar Hunt as Team President

In 1960, Lamar Hunt began his tenure as the team's president, a role he held until 1976.

1960: Arrowhead Logo Design

In 1960, Lamar Hunt designed the arrowhead logo on a napkin, inspired by the San Francisco 49ers' helmet design, replacing the state of Texas on the helmet.

1960: Dallas Texans Established

In 1960, after being turned down by the NFL to create an expansion franchise, Lamar Hunt established the American Football League (AFL) and started his own team, the Dallas Texans.

1960: Chiefs inaugural season

In 1960, the Chiefs, originally named the Dallas Texans, started playing as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).

1960: Texans' Inaugural Season and Original Logo

In 1960, when the Texans began playing, the team's logo featured the state of Texas in white with a yellow star marking Dallas. Lamar Hunt chose Columbia blue and orange for the uniforms but reverted to red and gold, which remain the franchise's colors after relocating to Kansas City.

1962: Chiefs win AFL Championship

In 1962, the Kansas City Chiefs were victorious and won the AFL championship.

1962: Longest game ever

The 1971 Kansas City Chiefs game surpassed the 1962 AFL Championship Game as the longest ever at 82 minutes and 40 seconds.

May 22, 1963: Franchise Relocated to Kansas City

On May 22, 1963, Lamar Hunt agreed to relocate the Dallas Texans franchise to Kansas City.

1963: Possible move to Atlanta or Miami

Despite competing against the Cowboys, Hunt considered moving the Texans to either Atlanta or Miami for the 1963 season but was swayed by an offer from Kansas City Mayor Harold Roe Bartle.

1963: Team moves to Kansas City and changes name

In 1963, the Dallas Texans relocated to Kansas City and adopted the new name, the Kansas City Chiefs.

1963: Tony DiPardo and The T.D. Pack Band

Starting in 1963, Tony DiPardo and The T.D. Pack Band began playing live music at every Chiefs home game.

1966: AFL-NFL merger agreed to

In 1966, Lamar Hunt became a central figure in negotiations with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to agree on an AFL–NFL merger. 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 leagues' respective 1966 seasons.

1966: Chiefs win AFL Championship and invited to play in Super Bowl I

In 1966, the Kansas City Chiefs cruised to an 11–2–1 record and defeated the defending AFL Champion Buffalo Bills in the AFL Championship Game. They were invited to play the NFL's league champion Green Bay Packers in the first AFL–NFL World Championship Game.

1966: Chiefs win AFL Championship

In 1966, the Kansas City Chiefs were victorious and won the AFL championship.

January 1967: Super Bowl name proposed

In January 1967, Lamar Hunt insisted on calling the AFL-NFL World Championship game the "Super Bowl" after seeing his children playing with a popular toy at the time, a "Super Ball".

1967: Chiefs' Uniform Design Details

From 1960 to 1967, the Chiefs wore white pants with both jerseys.

1967: Chiefs lose Super Bowl I and win exhibition game

In 1967, Kansas City and Green Bay played a close game for the first half of Super Bowl I, but Green Bay took control in the final two quarters, winning the game by a score of 35–10. Also in 1967, Kansas City hosted the NFL's Chicago Bears in the preseason and won the game 66–24.

1969: Chiefs/Texans win 87 games

From 1969, the Chiefs/Texans won 87 games, which is the most in the ten-year history of the AFL.

1969: Chiefs win AFL Championship Game

In 1969, despite losing to the division rival Oakland Raiders twice in the regular season, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Raiders met for a third time in the AFL Championship Game, where Kansas City won 17–7.

1969: Super Bowl IV Ring

In 1969, head coach Hank Stram honored trumpeter Tony DiPardo with a Super Bowl ring for the team's victory in Super Bowl IV.

1969: First Thanksgiving Day Game in Kansas City Since 1969

Kansas City hosted its first Thanksgiving Day game since 1969, defeating the Denver Broncos 19-10.

1970: Chiefs join the NFL

In 1970, the Kansas City Chiefs joined the National Football League (NFL) as a result of the AFL-NFL merger.

1971: Chiefs win AFC West Division

In 1971, the Kansas City Chiefs tallied a 10–3–1 record and won the AFC West Division.

1972: Arrowhead Stadium Becomes Chiefs' Home Field

Arrowhead Stadium became the Chiefs' home field in 1972 and has a capacity of 76,416, making it the fifth-largest stadium in the NFL.

1972: Artificial Surface Installation

From 1972 to 1993, Arrowhead Stadium had an artificial AstroTurf surface.

1972: Chiefs move to Arrowhead Stadium

In 1972, the Kansas City Chiefs moved into the newly constructed Arrowhead Stadium. Linebacker Willie Lanier also won the NFL Man of the Year Award in 1972.

1973: Chiefs Helmet Facemask Change

From 1960 to 1973, the Chiefs had grey facemask bars on their helmets.

1973: Len Dawson wins NFL Man of the Year Award

In 1973, Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson won the NFL Man of the Year Award.

1973: Last winning season for seven years

The 1973 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' last winning season for seven years.

1974: Hank Stram fired

In 1974, Hank Stram was fired following a 5–9 season as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

1974: Chiefs Switch to White Facemasks

In 1974, the Chiefs changed their helmet facemasks from grey to white, becoming one of the first teams in the NFL to use a non-gray facemask.

1975: Beginning of futility era

From 1975, the Kansas City Chiefs had become a team that rarely won, which provided Chiefs fans with nothing but futility.

1976: Jack Steadman Promoted

In 1976, Jack Steadman, after serving as general manager, was promoted to team president.

1976: Lamar Hunt's Presidency Ends

In 1976, Lamar Hunt's tenure as the team's president concluded.

1977: Jack Steadman Appointed President

In 1977, Jack Steadman was promoted by Lamar Hunt to become the president of the team.

1980: Stenerud cut, Lowery signed

In 1980, Coach Marv Levy cut future Hall of Fame Kicker Jan Stenerud for little-known Nick Lowery, who would become the most accurate kicker in NFL history over the next fourteen years.

1981: Delaney named AFC Rookie of the Year

In 1981, running back Joe Delaney rushed for 1,121 yards and was named the AFC Rookie of the Year.

1982: NFL Players Association strike curbed the Chiefs' chances

In 1982, the NFL Players Association strike curbed the Kansas City Chiefs' chances of returning to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.

1983: DiPardo's Leave of Absence

From 1983 to 1988, Tony DiPardo took a leave of absence from the band due to declining health.

1983: Chiefs draft Todd Blackledge

In the 1983 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted quarterback Todd Blackledge over future greats such as Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. Blackledge never started a full season for Kansas City while Kelly and Marino played Hall of Fame careers.

1983: Mackovic takes over as head coach

John Mackovic took over head coaching duties for the 1983 season after Marv Levy was fired.

1986: Chiefs make first postseason appearance in 15 years

In 1986, the Kansas City Chiefs made its first postseason appearance in 15 years in the NFL playoffs, losing to the New York Jets in the wild-card round.

December 1988: Jim Schaaf Fired

In December 1988, Jim Schaaf was fired from his position as general manager.

December 19, 1988: Carl Peterson Hired as Team President

On December 19, 1988, owner Lamar Hunt hired Carl Peterson as the team's new president, general manager, and chief executive officer.

1988: End of futility era

From 1975 to 1988, the Kansas City Chiefs had become a team that rarely won, which provided Chiefs fans with nothing but futility. Five head coaches struggled to achieve the same success as Stram, compiling an 81–121–1 record.

1988: Carl Peterson Replaces Steadman

In 1988, Carl Peterson was hired by Lamar Hunt to replace Jack Steadman as team president.

1988: End of DiPardo's Leave

Tony DiPardo's leave of absence ended in 1988.

1989: Chiefs' Uniform Design Details

From 1989 to 1999, the Chiefs wore white pants with both jerseys.

1989: DiPardo Returns to the Band

In 1989, Tony DiPardo returned to the band by popular demand, with his daughter taking over as bandleader.

1989: Chiefs Draft Derrick Thomas

In the 1989 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected linebacker Derrick Thomas.

1990: American Bowl in Berlin

In 1990, the Chiefs participated in a preseason exhibition game dubbed the American Bowl in Berlin.

1990: Mention of 1990 Season

Since 1990, The Chiefs were the fourth team to miss the playoffs with a 10-6 record.

1991: Chiefs' Sellout Streak Begins

Dating back to the Chiefs' home opener in 1991 to mid-2009, the Chiefs had 155 consecutive sellout games.

1993: Arrowhead Stadium Switches to Natural Grass

From 1972 to 1993, Arrowhead Stadium had an artificial AstroTurf surface.

1993: Playoff drought begins

From 1993, the Kansas City Chiefs failed to find success in the playoffs for decades, including losing ten of twelve playoff games from 1993 to 2017, which included an eight-game losing streak.

1993: Chiefs reach AFC Championship Game

In 1993, with newly acquired quarterback Joe Montana and running back Marcus Allen, the 11–5 Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Oilers on their way to the franchise's first AFC Championship Game appearance against the Buffalo Bills.

1993: Reference to 1993-94 NFL playoffs

In 2015, the Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 30-0 to earn their first NFL playoff win in 23 seasons, dating back to the 1993-94 NFL playoffs.

January 16, 1994: Chiefs' Victory Against Oilers

On January 16, 1994, the Kansas City Chiefs' victory against the Houston Oilers remained the franchise's last post-season victory for 22 years.

1994: American Bowl in Tokyo

In 1994, the Chiefs participated in a preseason exhibition game dubbed the American Bowl in Tokyo.

1994: Arrowhead Stadium Switches to Natural Grass

Since the 1994 NFL season, Arrowhead Stadium has had a natural grass playing surface.

1995: Reference to 1995 Season

In 2014, the Chiefs attempted to make the playoffs for the second straight season for the first time since 1995.

1995: Chiefs lose to Colts in playoffs

In the 1995 NFL playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs lost the game 10–7 against the underdog Colts, after kicker Lin Elliot missed three field-goal attempts and quarterback Steve Bono threw three interceptions.

1996: Fan Attendance

From 1996 to 2006, the Chiefs averaged 77,300 fans per game, which was second in the NFL, according to Bizjournals.

1996: Fans Yelling 'Chiefs!'

In 1996, general manager Carl Peterson commented on Chiefs fans yelling "CHIEFS!" during "The Star-Spangled Banner" at games.

1996: American Bowl in Monterrey

In 1996, the Chiefs participated in a preseason exhibition game dubbed the American Bowl in Monterrey, Mexico.

1997: Chiefs Draft Tony Gonzalez and lose to Broncos in playoffs

In 1997, the Kansas City Chiefs selected tight end Tony Gonzalez with the 13th overall selection in the NFL draft. Later in the year, the Chiefs lost to the Denver Broncos 14-10 in the playoffs.

1998: Schottenheimer resigns

Coach Marty Schottenheimer announced his resignation from the Kansas City Chiefs following the 1998 season.

1998: American Bowl in Tokyo

In 1998, the Chiefs participated in a preseason exhibition game dubbed the American Bowl in Tokyo.

1999: Chiefs' Uniform Design Details

From 1989 to 1999, the Chiefs wore white pants with both jerseys.

1999: Kurt Warner's Achievements

In 1999, Kurt Warner was the last player prior to Mahomes in 2022 to win both the NFL MVP Award and Super Bowl MVP Award, while also leading the league in passing yards in the same season.

January 23, 2000: Derrick Thomas Paralyzed in Car Accident

On January 23, 2000, Derrick Thomas was paralyzed in a car accident.

2000: "Rock and Roll Part 2" Chant

Around 2000, Chiefs fans would chant while pointing at the visiting team, "We're gonna beat the hell outta you...you...you, you, you, you!" over the song "Rock and Roll Part 2".

Loading Video...

September 11, 2001: Fans Refrain From Yelling 'Chiefs!'

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Chiefs fans refrained from yelling "CHIEFS!" during "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the remainder of the 2001 season as a sign of respect.

September 23, 2001: Standing Ovation for the Giants

On September 23, 2001, at the Chiefs' home game against the New York Giants, fans gave the opposing team a standing ovation in remembrance of those who died on September 11th.

2001: Dick Vermeil Hired as Head Coach; Trent Green and Priest Holmes Acquired

In 2001, Dick Vermeil was hired as the Chiefs' head coach. The Chiefs traded a first-round draft pick to St. Louis for quarterback Trent Green and signed free agent running back Priest Holmes. In Vermeil's first season, the team had a 6–10 record.

2002: Chiefs Improve but Miss Postseason

In 2002, the Kansas City Chiefs improved their record to 8–8 under head coach Dick Vermeil, but still missed the postseason.

2003: Chiefs Achieve Franchise Record and Offensive Success, Lose in Playoffs

In 2003, the Kansas City Chiefs began the season with nine consecutive victories, a franchise record, and finished with a 13–3 record. Priest Holmes surpassed Marshall Faulk's single-season touchdown record, scoring his 27th rushing touchdown. The Chiefs lost in the AFC Divisional Playoffs to the Indianapolis Colts 38–31.

2003: Reference to AFC West Title

In 2010, the Chiefs secured their first AFC West title since 2003.

2003: Reference to 2003 season

In 2015, The Chiefs streak broke a franchise record for nine straight (2003, 2013) and second nine plus game win streak under Reid.

2004: Chiefs Disappointing Season

In 2004, the Kansas City Chiefs had a disappointing 7–9 record.

2005: Arrowhead Stadium Named Toughest Place to Play

In 2005, Sports Illustrated named Arrowhead Stadium the "toughest place to play" for opposing teams.

2005: Chiefs Finish with 10-6 Record, Vermeil Announces Retirement

In 2005, the Kansas City Chiefs finished with a 10–6 record but did not make the playoffs. Head coach Dick Vermeil announced his retirement after a 37-3 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.

2006: Hunt's Death

Following Lamar Hunt's death in 2006, his wife Norma and their children became the legal owners of the Kansas City Chiefs.

2006: Herm Edwards Hired as Head Coach; Trent Green Injury

In 2006, Herm Edwards was introduced as the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach. Trent Green suffered a severe concussion, leading Damon Huard to take over as quarterback.

2006: Jack Steadman's Departure

In 2006, Jack Steadman departed from the franchise after holding various positions since 1976.

2006: Death of Lamar Hunt

In 2006, original owner Lamar Hunt passed away. His family, including his son Clark Hunt, maintained ownership of the team.

2006: Fan Attendance Study

In 2006, studies by Bizjournals gave the Chiefs high marks for consistently drawing capacity crowds, averaging 77,300 fans per game from 1996 to 2006.

2006: NFL Bans Gary Glitter's Music

In 2006, the NFL banned Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2" from its facilities following his conviction on sexual abuse charges, and the Chiefs switched to a cover version by Tube Tops 2000.

Loading Video...

2006: Chiefs Wear White at Home

In the 2006 season opener, the Chiefs wore their white jerseys with white pants at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, aiming to make the Bengals wear their black uniforms in the heat.

2007: Chiefs Struggle; Gonzalez and Allen Set Records

In 2007, the Kansas City Chiefs finished with a 4–12 record. Tony Gonzalez broke the NFL record for tight end touchdowns, and Jared Allen led the NFL in quarterback sacks.

2007: Chiefs Honor Lamar Hunt and the AFL

In 2007, the Kansas City Chiefs honored Lamar Hunt and the AFL with a special patch, featuring the AFL's logo from the 1960s with Hunt's "LH" initials inside the football.

2008: Carl Peterson Resigns

In 2008, Carl Peterson announced his resignation from the team after nineteen years as general manager, CEO, and team president.

2008: Chiefs Improve Slightly

In 2008, The Chiefs improved by 2 games, finishing with a 4-12 record.

2008: AFL Patch Becomes Permanent

In 2008, the AFL patch honoring Lamar Hunt became permanently affixed to the left chest of both Kansas City's home and away jerseys.

2008: Chiefs Suffer Franchise-Worst Season

The 2008 season ended with a franchise-worst 2–14 record for the Kansas City Chiefs. They suffered blowout defeats and allowed a franchise-high 54 points against the Buffalo Bills.

2008: Chiefs Youth Movement and Quarterback Instability

The 2008 season for the Kansas City Chiefs began with the youngest team in the NFL. Quarterback Brodie Croyle was injured, leading to Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen starting at quarterback. Tony Gonzalez demanded a trade, and Larry Johnson was involved in legal trouble.

2008: End of Band Performances

The 2008 season marked the end of Tony DiPardo and The T.D. Pack Band's regular performances at Chiefs home games.

January 13, 2009: Scott Pioli Hired as General Manager

On January 13, 2009, Scott Pioli, an executive from the New England Patriots, was named the new general manager of the Chiefs.

January 23, 2009: Herm Edwards Fired; Todd Haley Hired

On January 23, 2009, Herm Edwards was fired as the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach. Todd Haley was signed as his successor two weeks later.

April 2009: Tony Gonzalez Traded to Atlanta Falcons

In April 2009, Tony Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons.

May 2009: Denny Thum Officially Appointed President

In May 2009, Denny Thum, who had been serving as interim president, was officially given the full position as team president.

2009: Carl Peterson Resigns; Scott Pioli Hired

At the end of the 2008 season and heading into 2009, Carl Peterson resigned as the Kansas City Chiefs' general manager, chief executive officer, and team president. Scott Pioli was hired as his replacement.

2009: Chiefs' Uniform Alternation Began in 2009

Beginning in 2009, the Chiefs alternated between white and red pants for road games.

2009: Band Not Returning

For the 2009 season, Tony DiPardo and the band did not return to perform at Arrowhead Stadium due to renovations.

2009: Arrowhead Stadium Ticket Prices

In 2009, an average ticket at Arrowhead Stadium cost $81.

2009: Chiefs Wear Throwback Uniforms

In select games for the 2009 season, the Chiefs wore a "throwback" uniform to celebrate the AFL's 50th anniversary.

2009: Sellout Streak Ends; First Local TV Blackout in 19 Years

The Chiefs' 155-game sellout streak ended with the final home game of the 2009 season, resulting in the first local TV blackout in over 19 years.

September 14, 2010: Denny Thum Resigns

On September 14, 2010, Denny Thum resigned from his position as team president.

December 2010: DiPardo Hospitalized

In December 2010, Tony DiPardo was hospitalized after suffering a brain aneurysm.

2010: Clark Hunt Assumes CEO Role

In 2010, Clark Hunt, while already chairman of the board, also assumed the role of CEO for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2010: Chiefs Hire New Coaches, Win AFC West

In 2010, the Kansas City Chiefs hired Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel as assistant coaches and secured their first AFC West title since 2003. The team's ten victories combined for as many as the team had won in their previous three seasons combined.

2010: Arrowhead Stadium Renovation Completed

In mid-2010, Arrowhead Stadium completed a $375 million renovation, including new luxury boxes, wider concourses, and enhanced amenities.

January 9, 2011: Chiefs Lose Wild Card Game; Players Chosen for Pro Bowl

On January 9, 2011, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their home Wild Card playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens 30–7. Six players were chosen for the Pro Bowl, and Jamaal Charles won the FEDEX ground player of the year award.

January 27, 2011: Death of Tony DiPardo

Tony DiPardo died on January 27, 2011, at age 98 after being hospitalized since December 2010.

2011: Haley Fired; Crennel Interim Head Coach

In 2011, Todd Haley was fired as the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach. Romeo Crennel was named the team's interim head coach.

January 9, 2012: Romeo Crennel Named Full-Time Head Coach

On January 9, 2012, Romeo Crennel was named the 11th full-time head coach in Kansas City Chiefs history.

2012: Crennel and Pioli Fired; Reid and Dorsey Hired

Following the 2012 season, the Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli. Andy Reid was brought in as head coach to work with John Dorsey.

2012: Chiefs Tie Franchise-Worst Record and Clinch Top Pick

In 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs tied their franchise-worst record of 2–14 and clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

September 15, 2013: Chiefs' Uniform Policy Before September 15, 2013

Prior to September 15, 2013, the Chiefs always wore white pants with their red jerseys.

2013: Reference to 2013 NFL Draft

In 2012, The Chiefs clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

2013: Chiefs Acquire Alex Smith, Draft Eric Fisher and Travis Kelce

In 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs selected Eric Fisher with the first overall pick of the 2013 NFL draft and Travis Kelce in the third round.

2013: Chiefs Start 9-0, Lose in Wild Card Round

In 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs started 9–0 and finished with an 11–5 record, making the playoffs. They lost in the wildcard game against the Indianapolis Colts 45–44, despite leading 38-10.

2014: Reference to 2014 Draft

In 2013, The Chiefs acquired quarterback Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers for the Chiefs' second-round pick, 34th overall, in the 2013 draft and a conditional pick in the 2014 draft.

2014: Chiefs Fail to Make Playoffs

In 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs finished 9–7 and were eliminated in Week 17, failing to make the playoffs.

2015: Chiefs Achieve Longest Win Streak and End Playoff Drought

In 2015, after a Week 17 win, the Kansas City Chiefs achieved their longest winning streak in franchise history at ten games. They defeated the Houston Texans 30–0 in the Wild Card playoff game, earning their first NFL playoff win in 23 seasons.

2015: International Game in London

In 2015, the Chiefs played an international regular season game against Detroit in London.

2015: "Rock and Roll Part 2" Chant Discontinued

Prior to the 2015 season, the Chiefs completely discontinued the practice of playing "Rock and Roll Part 2" after Gary Glitter's re-arrest. The team would eventually adopt Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" after Travis Kelce shouted the main chorus while celebrating victories in the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl.

Loading Video...

January 9, 2016: Chiefs defeat Houston Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs victory on January 16, 1994, against the Oilers remained the franchise's last post-season victory for 22 years until their 30–0 victory over the Houston Texans on January 9, 2016.

2016: Requests to Stop Tomahawk Chop

In 2016, Native American groups requested that the Kansas City Chiefs discontinue the tomahawk chop.

2016: Chiefs Overcome Deficit Against Chargers

In 2016, The Chiefs faced a 24-3 deficit against the San Diego Chargers and came back to win 33-27. The Chiefs won their tenth straight game against divisional opponents on Christmas Day.

January 1, 2017: Chiefs Clinch AFC West, Lose in Divisional Round

On January 1, 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the AFC West and the second seed. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 18–16 in the divisional round.

June 22, 2017: Dorsey Fired

On June 22, 2017, the Chiefs fired general manager John Dorsey.

July 10, 2017: Veach Hired as General Manager

On July 10, 2017, Brett Veach was hired as the new general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

2017: End of playoff drought

From 1993 to 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs failed to find success in the playoffs for decades, including losing ten of twelve playoff games which included an eight-game losing streak. The playoff woes would end soon after.

2017: Chiefs Win AFC West, Lose in Wild Card Round

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2017 season with a 10–6 record and won the AFC West for the first time in back-to-back years. They lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round 22-21. The Chiefs traded Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins a few weeks later.

December 31, 2017: Patrick Mahomes' NFL Debut

On December 31, 2017, Patrick Mahomes made his NFL debut and first career start against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs won the game 27–24, with Mahomes completing 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards and one interception.

2018: Chiefs' 2018 Season

In 2018, with Mahomes as quarterback, the Chiefs finished the regular season with a 12–4 record, winning the AFC West for the third consecutive year and securing the AFC's top seed. Mahomes finished the 2018 season with 5,097 passing yards and 50 touchdowns, earning him the AP NFL MVP award.

January 12, 2019: Chiefs Defeat Colts in AFC Divisional Round

On January 12, 2019, the Chiefs defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–13 in the AFC Divisional round, marking their first playoff win at Arrowhead Stadium in 25 years. However, their Super Bowl hopes ended with an overtime loss to the New England Patriots the following week.

2019: Chiefs' 2019 Season Culminates in Super Bowl LIV Appearance

In 2019, the Chiefs finished the regular season with a 12–4 record, winning the AFC West for the fourth consecutive year. The Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl LIV after defeating the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans in the playoffs, marking their first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years.

2019: International Game in Mexico City

In 2019, the Chiefs played an international regular season game against the LA Chargers in Mexico City.

2019: Call to Cease Tomahawk Chop

In late 2019, the editorial board of the Kansas City Star newspaper called for the cessation of the "Tomahawk Chop", noting opposition from Native Americans and Tribes.

2019: Chiefs' Dynastic Success Begins

Since 2019, the Chiefs have risen to dynastic success under head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones, appearing in five Super Bowls since 2019 and winning three.

January 2020: Team Naming Controversy Clarified

In January 2020, Business Insider journalist Meredith Cash stated that Mayor Bartle "insisted on the team being named after himself" and was known as Chief Lone Bear within Mic-O-Say circles, clarifying that the naming was not a direct reference to Native Americans.

February 2, 2020: Chiefs Win Super Bowl LIV

On February 2, 2020, the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV. Patrick Mahomes won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award. It was the first time in NFL postseason history that a team faced ten point deficits in three straight games and won all three by double-digit margins, ending the Chiefs' Super Bowl drought dating back to the AFL-NFL Merger.

July 6, 2020: Patrick Mahomes Signs Record Contract Extension

On July 6, 2020, Patrick Mahomes signed a record ten-year, $503 million contract extension with the Chiefs, keeping him under contract until the conclusion of the 2031 season.

2020: Increased Attention Before Super Bowl LIV

In 2020, attention increased regarding the Chiefs' use of Native American imagery in advance of their appearance in Super Bowl LIV.

December 26, 2021: Chiefs Clinch Sixth Straight AFC West Title

On December 26, 2021, the Chiefs secured their sixth straight AFC West title with a 36–10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2021: International Home Marketing Area Program

In 2021, the NFL introduced the league's international home marketing area program. The Chiefs were designated as a home team to Germany.

2022: Name Changes of Other Teams

In 2022, the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians changed their names for using Native American names and logos, the Chiefs have escaped more intense criticism.

2022: Chiefs Win Super Bowl LVII

In the 2022 season, the Chiefs finished with a 14-3 regular season record, securing their seventh consecutive AFC West title. They defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. Mahomes became the first player since Kurt Warner in 1999 to win both the NFL MVP Award and Super Bowl MVP Award, and lead the league in passing yards in the same season.

2023: Norma Hunt's Death

Following Norma Hunt's death in 2023, the Hunt children inherited her stake in the Kansas City Chiefs franchise.

2023: Marketing Expansion to Austria and Switzerland

In 2023 the NFL granted the Chiefs permission to expand its marketing and fan outreach to Austria and Switzerland.

2023: International Game in Berlin

In 2023, the Chiefs played an international regular season game against Miami in Berlin.

2023: Chiefs Win Super Bowl LVIII

In 2023, the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime, marking their fourth Super Bowl title and first back-to-back Super Bowl wins since Super Bowl XXXIX.

2024: Team Value in 2024

According to Forbes, the Kansas City Chiefs began the 2024 season valued at $4.85 billion USD, ranking 24th among the 32 NFL teams.

2024: "Foolish Club Studios" Established

By 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs established another production company called "Foolish Club Studios", named after the founders of the AFL. That production company helped produce a 2024 Hallmark Channel original Christmas movie, called Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.

Loading Video...

2024: Team valued at over US$4.85 billion

Entering the 2024 season, the Kansas City Chiefs are valued at over US$4.85 billion.

2024: Chiefs Achieve Franchise Record and Super Bowl Appearance

In 2024, the Chiefs achieved a franchise record of 15 wins. They became the first team in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls and then return to the Super Bowl the following season. They lost Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, 40-22.

2031: Mahomes' Contract Extension Conclusion

Patrick Mahomes is under contract with the Chiefs until the conclusion of the 2031 season following a record ten-year extension signed on July 6, 2020.