Patrick Mahomes Arrival

Lore & Background

Established in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), the Chiefs started playing in 1960 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. The team won three AFL championships (1962, 1966, 1969) and Super Bowl IV, which was the final game before the league merger went into full effect. After decades of playoff struggles, the Chiefs rose 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: LIV, LVII, and LVIII.

In Their Own Story

The draft room buzzed with anticipation on that April afternoon in 2017. When the name was called, a hush fell over the front office before erupting into cheers. It was more than just selecting a player; it was choosing a new direction for Kansas City sports. Years later, looking back from the podium after lifting the Lombardi Trophy, that night remains the genesis of everything.

Reader's Guide

The Chiefs' home games are played at Arrowhead Stadium. The team is owned by the Hunt family, with Clark Hunt serving as chairman and CEO since 2006. The Chiefs have a rich history in the AFL and NFL, including a 50-year gap between Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl IV in January 1970 and Super Bowl LIV in 2020).

Did You Know?

• The Chiefs were originally the Dallas Texans before moving to Kansas City in 1963.
• The team's name 'Chiefs' honors Mayor Harold Roe Bartle, whose nickname was 'Chief'.
• The Chiefs won Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings, who were favored by 12.5 points.
• The 1962 AFL Championship game, won by the Texans, remains the longest championship game in AFL history at 77 minutes and 54 seconds.