Relocation to Kansas City (1963)
In 1963 the Dallas Texans moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs.
The franchise began play in 1960 as the Dallas Texans, owned by AFL founder Lamar Hunt. Hunt concluded that the Dallas–Fort Worth market could not sustain two professional football teams and considered moving to Atlanta or Miami for 1963, but was won over by Kansas City Mayor Harold Roe Bartle, who promised to triple season-ticket sales and expand Municipal Stadium. The team moved to Kansas City in 1963 and took the name Chiefs, keeping its red and gold colours; an arrowhead replaced the outline of Texas on the helmet.
Quick Facts
- Founder/owner
- Lamar Hunt
- League affiliation
- American Football League (AFL)
- Previous franchise name
- Dallas Texans
- Home stadium upon move
- Municipal Stadium
- Key figure
- Hank Stram (Head Coach)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the decision to move the franchise from Dallas to Kansas City?
Lamar Hunt, the team's owner and founder, orchestrated the relocation in January 1963 shortly after winning the AFL Championship. He sought a more stable environment for his charter member club by moving it to Missouri.
What was the name of the team before it became the Kansas City Chiefs?
Prior to the move in 1963, the franchise was known as the Dallas Texans and had spent four years competing in the American Football League. The relocation marked the official end of their tenure in Texas.
Where did the newly relocated team play its home games immediately after arriving?
Upon moving to Kansas City, the team established Municipal Stadium as its new home field for the 1963 season. This venue served as the launchpad for the franchise's transformation into a local institution.
Who was the head coach during this pivotal transition year?
Hank Stram led the team through the move and continued to guide the squad as they adapted to their new market in the Heartland. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining competitive standards during the upheaval.
Why is the 1963 relocation considered a turning point for the franchise's history?
This strategic pivot transformed a struggling charter member into an enduring dynasty, eventually leading to the Super Bowl IV victory that cemented their legacy. It allowed the team to build a deep connection with a passionate fanbase in Kansas City.
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