The Kansas City Chiefs Mount Rushmore
Photo Credit: Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have a long and storied history as a team, as they were one of the best teams in the AFL all throughout the 1960s before merging with the NFL, where they have since won 3 super bowls. The recent success of the team has catapulted the Chiefs into being one of the most watched sports teams ever, and as they get ready for their 4th Super Bowl appearance in the past 5 years this weekend, we wanted to break down who would make it onto the Kansas City Chiefs all-time Mount Rushmore.
Patrick Mahomes: Quarterback
Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff, USA Today Sports
Although it’s still early in Mahomes’ career, it’s safe to say he is on track to be one of the greatest players of all time. Through his first six years as a starter, Mahomes has won two Super Bowls in three appearances, won two MVPs, and two Super Bowl MVPs, being nearly unstoppable in the playoffs. If Mahomes continues at the pace he’s currently at, he may be able to surpass Tom Brady in the goat conversation, especially due to the fact that in addition to his ability to win big games, he also puts up some of the most impressive statistics we’ve ever seen. With what he has been able to accomplish so far in the beginning of his career, Mahomes spot on the Chiefs’ Mount Rushmore is a no-brainer.
Travis Kelce: Tight End
Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff, USA Today Sports
The counterpart to Patrick Mahomes that has helped make the Chiefs offense so unstoppable the past seven years, Travis Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends of all time. A nine-time pro bowler with seven All-Pro selections, Kelce has been elite for the past decade, having seven straight 1,000+ yards seasons. Kelce is also an incredible playoff performer, as he is now the all-time leader for playoff receptions, and is in second place for both playoff receiving yards and touchdowns behind only Jerry Rice. In addition to his stellar play on the field, Kelce’s larger than life presence in the media and as a cultural figure adds to his reasoning for making the Chiefs Mount Rushmore, as he is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world in 2024.
Len Dawson: Quarterback
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
The only player on this list from the 20th century, Len Dawson, was the best Chiefs quarterback of all time for about 50 years until Patrick Mahomes came into town. Dawson was one of the best quarterbacks of his era, making seven pro bowls, five all-pro teams, winning a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP, as well as leading the league in nearly every quarterback statistic imaginable at one point or another during his career. Dawson was incredibly efficient for his era, leading the league in touchdown percentage five times, and yards per attempt three times, while rarely throwing too many interceptions. Dawson is a Hall of Famer as well as a member of the Chiefs ring of honor, and his spot on the Chiefs’ Mount Rushmore was rightfully earned.
Tony Gonzalez: Tight End
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Arguably the greatest tight end of all time, Tony Gonzalez was the complete package at the position, being able to block extremely well while also being a dynamic receiving threat. Gonzalez spent the majority of his career in Kansas City, playing there from 1997-2008. During his tenure with the Chiefs, Gonzalez had over 10,000 receiving yards, made 10 pro bowls, and nine all-pro teams. Not only was Tony Gonzalez extremely talented, but he was also as durable and reliable as they come, only missing two games in 11 years with the Chiefs. Despite not having as much playoff success as Travis Kelce, Tony Gonzalez rightfully earned his spot on the Chiefs Mount Rushmore with a long and dominant career.
Honorable Mentions:
Bobby Bell: Linebacker
Willie Lanier: Linebacker
Buck Buchanan: Defensive Tackle
Will Shields: Offensive Guard
