Kansas City Chiefs 16715 224688858 2008-07-09T23:51:32Z WadeSimMiser 170099 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/71.196.144.251|71.196.144.251]] to last version by Aitias (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{current sport-related|image=AmericanFootball current event.svg|mini=1|2008 Kansas City Chiefs season}} {{NFL team | name = Kansas City Chiefs | logo = Kansas City Chiefs logo.svg | founded = 1960 | city = [[Kansas City, Missouri]] | uniform = Image:AFCW-Uniform-KC.PNG| | colors = Red, White and Gold | coach = [[Herman Edwards]] | owner = The Hunt Family<br>([[Clark Hunt]], chairman)<ref>The four children of Lamar Hunt have split ownership of the Chiefs franchise into 25% shareholdings. Clark Hunt, being the Chairman of the Board, will represent the Hunt Family in the ownership.</ref> | general manager = [[Carl Peterson]] | mascot = [[K. C. Wolf]] (1989-present) [[Warpaint (horse)|Warpaint]] (1963-1988) | hist_yr = 1963 | hist_misc = * [[Dallas Texans (AFL)|Dallas Texans]] (1960-1962) | affiliate_old = [[American Football League]] (1960-1969) *Western Division (1960-1969) | NFL_start_yr = 1970 | division_hist = *'''[[American Football Conference]] (1970-present)''' **'''[[AFC West]] (1970-present)''' | no_league_champs = 3 | no_sb_champs = 0 | no_div_champs = 7 | league_champs = *'''[[American Football League|AFL Championships]] (3)'''<br>1962, 1966, 1969 | no_pre1970sb_champs = 1 | pre1970sb_champs = 1969&nbsp;([[Super Bowl IV|IV]]) | sb_champs = | div_champs = *'''AFL West''': 1962, 1966 *'''AFC West:''' 1971, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003 | stadium_years = *[[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]] (1960-1962) *[[Municipal Stadium (Kansas City)|Municipal Stadium]] (1963-1971) *'''[[Arrowhead Stadium]] (1972-present)''' }} The '''Kansas City Chiefs''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Kansas City, Missouri]]. They are members of the [[AFC West|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]]. The team moved to [[Kansas City, Missouri]] and became the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. From 1960 to 1969, the Chiefs were one of the most successful franchise in the AFL, winning the league championship three times (1963, 1966, 1969) and having an all-time record of 92-50-5.<ref name="PFHOF">[http://www.profootballhof.com/history/team.jsp?franchise_id=16 Pro Football Hall of Fame: Kansas City Chiefs] ''Official site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame'', Accessed 12 May 2008.</ref> The Chiefs hold the distinction of being the second AFL team (after the [[New York Jets]]) to defeat an NFL club in an [[Super Bowl|AFL-NFL World Championship Game]] when they defeated the [[Minnesota Vikings]] in [[Super Bowl IV]]. Despite their success in the American Football League, their victory in [[Super Bowl IV]] remains the club's last championship to date. However, the Chiefs' fanbase is considered one of the best, with [[Arrowhead Stadium]] boasting a league best 149 game sell-out streak and a home record of 104-40 since 1990. ==Franchise history== {{see|History of the Kansas City Chiefs}} ===1960's=== In 1959, [[Lamar Hunt]], son of oil [[tycoon]] [[H.L. Hunt]], began discussions with other businessmen to establish an [[American football]] league that would rival the [[National Football League]]. After failed attempts to purchase and relocate the NFL's [[Arizona Cardinals|Chicago Cardinals]] to his hometown of [[Dallas, Texas]],<ref name="History 60s">[http://www.kcchiefs.com/history/60s/ Kansas City Chiefs History — 1960's] ''KCChiefs.com'', Accessed 21 June 2008.</ref> Hunt established his team, the '''Dallas Texans''', and chose little-known assistant coach at [[Southern Methodist University]], [[Hank Stram]]. Hunt chose the coach from his [[alma mater]] after the offer was denied by [[Bud Wilkinson]] and [[Tom Landry]]. The Texans shared the [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]] with the NFL's cross-town competition [[Dallas Cowboys]]. While the team averaged a league-best 24,500 at the Cotton Bowl,<ref name="History 60s"/> the Texans gained less attention due to the league's relatively unknown existence. In the franchise's first two seasons, the team managed only a 14-14 record. In 1962, Hunt looked to relocate the franchise to another city and rid the team of the Cowboys' and NFL's shadow. While the Cowboys managed only a 5-8-1 record in the NFL, the Texans strolled to an 11-3 record and a berth in the team's first [[AFL Championship|American Football League Championship Game]] against the cross-state [[Tennessee Titans|Houston Oilers]]. The game was broadcast nationally, and not only did the Texans gain national attention, but also the AFL demonstrated that it was just as relevant as the NFL. With the longest game in American football, the Texans defeated the Oilers 20-17 in double-overtime. At the time, the game was the longest in professional football history until the Chiefs played the Dolphins in a 1971 game that lasted 77 minutes. It remains as the longest Pro Football Championship game ever played. After three seasons in Dallas, it became apparent that [[Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex]] media market could not support two American football franchises,<ref name="History 60s"/> especially two from rival leagues. Lamar Hunt explored options in moving the franchise to a city in which he could commute easily from Dallas where his family was established including [[Atlanta, Georgia]] and [[Miami, Florida]].<ref name="History 60s"/> Persuaded by [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]] [[Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri|Mayor]] [[H. Roe Bartle]], Hunt agreed to move the team to the [[Midwest]] on [[May 22]], 1963 after Mayor Bartle promised to triple the Texans' season ticket sales and help expand [[Municipal Stadium (Kansas City)|Municipal Stadium]] to house the team.<ref name="History 60s"/><ref name="Chiefs founder">Covitz, Randy; Pulliam, Kent. [http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/special_packages/lamar_hunt/16234939.htm Chiefs' founder Lamar Hunt dies] ''Kansas City Star'', [[14 December]] [[2006]].</ref> Prior to the team's move, the [[Kansas City (NFL)|Kansas City Blues/Cowboys]] played in the NFL for two unsuccessful seasons before disbanding. Hunt made the move dependent upon the promise of Mayor Bartle and the Kansas City community to guarantee him 35,000 in season ticket sales. Hunt, with a roster replete with players who had played [[college football]] in [[Texas]], wanted to maintain a lineage to the team’s roots in the [[southern United States]] and wanted to call the club the "Kansas City Texans."<ref name="History 60s"/> However, the team was renamed the '''Kansas City Chiefs''' on [[May 26]], 1963, one of the most popular suggestions Hunt received in a fan contest.<ref name="History 60s"/> The name also honored Mayor Bartle's [[nickname]] of "[[Tribe of Mic-O-Say|The Chief]]."<ref name="History 60s"/> The franchise became the flagship team of the now striving [[American Football League]], with the most playoff appearances for an AFL team (tied with Oakland), the most [[American Football League Championship|AFL Championships]] (3), and the most [[Super Bowl]] appearances. The team's dominance helped Lamar Hunt in negotiations with NFL Comissioner [[Pete Rozelle]] to agree on an [[AFL-NFL merger]]. In the meetings between the two leagues, a [[Professional American football championship games|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]].<ref name="History 60s"/> 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 [[Super Bowl I|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.<ref name="History 60s"/> The Chiefs lost the game but it was not the last time that they would face an NFL opponent, especially on the championship stage. Kansas City hosted the NFL's [[Chicago Bears]] in the 1967 pre-season and won the game 66-24.<ref name="History 60s"/> 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 1969 post-season 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.<ref name="History 60s"/> While getting plenty of help from the club’s defense, Dawson returned from the injury and the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl.<ref name="History 60s"/> Against the NFL's [[Spread betting|heavily-favored]] [[Minnesota Vikings]], the Chiefs dominated the game 23-7 to claim the team's first (and to date only) Super Bowl championship. 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. ===1970's=== In 1970, the Chiefs won only 7 games in their first season in the NFL and missed the playoffs. The 1971 season saw the club bounce back from a 7-5-2 campaign in 1970 to record a 10-3-1 mark and win the AFC West division championship, the Chiefs' first division title since 1966. 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 surpassed the Texans-Oilers AFL game from 1962 as the longest ever. 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]] in the 82-minute game. In 1972, the Chiefs moved into the newly constructed [[Arrowhead Stadium]] at the [[Truman Sports Complex]] oustide of [[Downtown Kansas City]]. The team's first game at Arrowhead was against the [[Arizona Cardinals|St. Louis Cardinals]], a game which the Chiefs won 24-14. 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. Hank Stram was fired following a 5-9 season in 1974, and many of the Chiefs' future [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] players would depart by the middle of the decade. ===1980's=== [[Image:810913JoeDelaney.jpg|left|thumb|Joe Delaney broke four franchise records in his first season with the Chiefs.]] Third-year head coach [[Marv Levy]] and new starting quarterback [[Bill Kenney]] led the Chiefs to an 8-8 record in 1980. Breakout [[running back]] [[Joe Delaney]] rushed for 1,121 yards and was named the [[National Football League Rookie of the Year|AFC Rookie of the Year]]. The Chiefs finished the season with a 9-7 record and entered the 1982 season with optimism. However, the [[National Football League Players Association#1982 strike|NFL Players Association strike]] curbed the Chiefs' chances of returning to the postseason. 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. 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. The Chiefs however, did have a great selection of defensive players that were Pro Bowl staples in the 1980s such as [[Bill Maas]], [[Albert Lewis]], [[Art Still]] and [[Deron Cherry]]. [[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 the team's first post-season appearance in 15 years. Mackovic himself was relied of his coaching duties, and two short seasons with [[Frank Gansz]] as head coach, the franchise began to prepare for a major housecleaning. ===1990's=== [[Image:Gunther Cunningham.JPG|right|thumb|With talent such as [[Derrick Thomas]], [[Gunther Cunningham]]'s (pictured) defense thrived for Kansas City in the 1990s.]] On [[December 19]], [[1988]], Lamar Hunt hired [[Carl Peterson]] as the team's new president/general manager. Peterson wasted no time in making changes, and on [[January 5]] he fired head coach Frank Gansz two weeks after taking over. On [[January 24]] he hired [[Marty Schottenheimer]] as the club's seventh head coach. The duo began to rebuild the Chiefs' roster and credibility in the NFL by drafting from the bottom up. In the [[1989 NFL Draft|1989]] and [[1990 NFL Draft|1990]] [[NFL Draft]]s, the Chiefs selected a player that would serve alongside 1988's top selection, [[Defensive end|DE]] [[Neil Smith]] as the team's foundation in the next decade—[[Linebacker|LB]] [[Derrick Thomas]]. 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 re-established a strong fan base, and Arrowhead Stadium quickly began to sell out every home game, a streak still alive nearly 20 years later. The Chiefs' popularity rose in the 1990s with their "college football game atmosphere" and strong fanbase. Much of the "college atmosphere" has arrived due to the popularity of local [[Big 12]] college football games, often held at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs used a "Big 12" formula in rebuilding their team with players from the local universities throughout the nineties, such as [[Neil Smith (football player)|Neil Smith]] and [[Will Shields]], both from the [[University of Nebraska-Lincoln]]. 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. The 11-5 Chiefs defeated the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] and [[Houston Oilers]] on their way to an [[AFC Championship]] game appearance against the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs were overwhelmed by the Bills in their first league championship game in 24 years, and lost the game 30-13. The team's victory on [[January 14]], [[1994]] remains the franchise's last post-season victory to date (as of 2008). In the 1996 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 [[placekicker|kicker]] [[Lin Elliot]] missed three field goal attempts. Following a 1998 season full of injuries to starting quarterback [[Elvis Grbac]], backup quarterback [[Rich Gannon]] took the reins of the Chiefs' offense and led the team to the pleayoffs. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer controversially chose Grbac to start the playoff game against the [[Denver Broncos]] despite Gannon playing in the previous game. The choice to play Grbac over Gannon still remains controversial in the minds of fans to this day, as Grbac's production in the game was lacking. 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. By the end of the Chiefs' decade of regular-season dominance, Neil Smith departed for the division rival [[Denver Broncos]], which lent a major blow to the Chiefs' run defense. Kansas City also had no stability at quarterback with [[Steve Bono]], [[Rich Gannon]], and [[Elvis Grbac]] attempting to fill the void that Joe Montana left upon his retirement in 1994. The team's offense could not balance out their blooming defense in the playoffs with Schottenheimer's [[Marty Ball|"Marty Ball" offensive scheme]]. Another tragedy that the Chiefs endured occurred on January 23, 2000 when the team's [[Pro Bowl]] linebacker Derrick Thomas was in a severe [[car accident]] which left him paralyzed. Thomas died weeks later and the team fell apart in his absence. Coach Cunningham was fired following the 2000 season, and a search began for the team's ninth head coach. ===2000's=== 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 [[Greatest Show on Turf|a record-setting offense]]. Vermeil was hired on [[January 12]] and brought many elements of "The Greatest Show on Turf" from St. Louis to Kansas City's own offense. With free-agent acquisitions for little risk, the Chiefs gained future Pro Bowlers in running back [[Priest Holmes]], quarterback [[Trent Green]], wide receiver [[Eddie Kennison]], and left tackle [[Willie Roaf]]. All the players that Vermeil obtained went on to be major factors in the Chiefs' offensive surge in the early new Millennium. It took two seasons for the Chiefs' offense under [[Al Saunders]] to get rolling, and by the time the 2003 season began, the Chiefs began the season untouchable. The Chiefs went 13-3 in 2003, and began setting franchise and league records on the way. Running back [[Priest Holmes]] surpassed [[Marshall Faulk]]'s single-season touchdown record by scoring his 27th rushing touchdown against the [[Chicago Bears]]. After starting 9-0, the Chiefs began to lose momentum by November, but they still managed to gain the number two seed in the [[NFL playoffs, 2003-04|2004 playoffs]]. The Chiefs met the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional playoffs in an offensive shoot-out between the league's two best offensive squads. Neither team punted in the game, an NFL first for the playoffs, and the Chiefs lost 38-31. The Chiefs managed to finish the [[2004 NFL season|2004 season]] with a 7-9 record. For their [[2005 Kansas City Chiefs season|2005 campaign]], the Chiefs brought in several new players to boost a defense that had finished among the worst units the past three years in hopes that their aging offensive line could hold up for one more season. The year also saw [[Larry Johnson (American football)|Larry Johnson]] start at running back in place of an injured [[Priest Holmes]] who suffered a season-ending neck injury against the [[San Diego Chargers]]. Johnson rushed for 1,750 yards in only nine starts and was named to the Pro Bowl. Despite winning 10 games, the Chiefs were the fourth team since 1990 to miss the playoffs with a 10-6 record. The Chiefs won the final game of the 2005 season by a score of 37-3 over the playoff-bound [[Cincinnati Bengals]]. Coach Vermeil announced his retirement following the game. [[Image:Huard and Croyle.JPG|right|thumb|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, then-[[New York Jets]] head coach [[Herm Edwards]] had signed a new 4-year contract to coach the Chiefs. The negotiations with Edwards were controversial, as the Chiefs were deemed to be tampering with the Jets' head coach while he was still under contract. The 2006 Chiefs featured a weak outline of their previous offensive dominance, and the departure of left tackle [[Willie Roaf]] left a hole in the Chiefs' solid running game. Quarterback 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, leaving an even bigger blow to Kansas City's offense. No matter how much worry consumed Chiefs fans, backup quarterback [[Damon Huard]] took over in Green's absence and led the Chiefs to a winning record. Green returned by the end of the season, but struggled in the final stretch. Running back Larry Johnson still thrived in coach Edwards' offense which relied on a stiff running game and solid defensive ball control. Kansas City was awarded a [[Thanksgiving Classic|Thanksgiving night game]] against the [[Denver Broncos]] in response to owner Lamar Hunt's lobbying for the game to be held at Arrowhead Stadium. 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]]. The Chiefs honored their owner for the remainder of the season, as did the rest of the league. [[Image:061231Jaguars-Chiefs.jpg|thumb|left|By defeating the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] on [[December 31]], [[2006]], Kansas City clinched a [[NFL playoffs, 2006-07|playoff berth]] following a [[Denver Broncos|Denver]] loss later that evening.]] Kansas City managed to clinch their first playoff berth in 3 seasons with a 9-7 record following their owner's death. Entering the post-season, Kansas City's running game featuring Larry Johnson was matched up against the Indianapolis Colts' weak run defense and from the regular season. No matter how weak the Colts' defense was in the regular season, they shut down Johnson with under 100 yards rushing, and defeated Kansas City 23-8 in the wild card round. Coach Edward's roster transition began to take full form by the start of the 2007 season.<ref name="Transition">Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/207206.html Transition marks start of training camp] ''Kansas City Star'', 27 July 2007.</ref> Trent Green was traded to the Miami Dolphins,<ref name="Green goes to Dolphins">Pasquarelli, Len. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2894600 Green goes to Dolphins from Chiefs in trade] ''ESPN.com'', [[5 June]] [[2007]].</ref> 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 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 (American football)|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. {{for|the Chiefs' current season|2008 Kansas City Chiefs season}} Thanks to a potentially strong draft class, Kansas City will be a team to watch in the coming years due to a strong draft class now that their youth movement has fully begun.<ref name="Several '08">Williamson, Bill. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3448409 Several '08 picks should make immediate impact] ''ESPN.com'', 18 June 2008.</ref> The Chiefs still don't know if third-year [[quarterback]] [[Brodie Croyle]] can be their quarterback of the future or if he can even be the quarterback for 2008 for that matter. While the Chiefs are committed to their youth movement, it is still unclear if Croyle will be part of the mix. Backup quarterback [[Tyler Thigpen]] could challenge Croyle for the starting position, so essentially, the starting quarterback position is up for grabs for the third consecutive year.<ref name="Several '08"/> The team is committed to giving the third-year player the first crack at the job.<ref name="Several '08"/> Following the Chiefs' dismal 2007 season, head coach [[Herman Edwards]] and general manager [[Carl Peterson]] could be on the [[hot seat]]. Peterson and Edwards should be safe unless absolutely zero progress is made this season.<ref name="Several '08"/> However, Chiefs chairman [[Clark Hunt]] has expressed his intent for a winning team in 2008.<ref name="Hunt expects">Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3201970 Hunt expects Chiefs to challenge for playoffs in 2008] ''ESPN.com'', 17 January 2008.</ref> ===Season-by-season records=== {{main|Kansas City Chiefs seasons}} ==Logos and uniforms== {{main|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. Since moving to Kansas City in 1963, the team logo has been a white [[arrowhead]] bearing the initials "KC." The logo was reportedly inspired by a drawing by Lamar Hunt on a dinner napkin. Unlike several NFL franchises, the Chiefs' uniform design has essentially remained the same throughout the club's history. It consists of a red helmet, and either red or white jerseys with the opposite color numbers and names. White pants were used with both jerseys until 1969, when red pants were used with the white jerseys. Even though 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. Since 2006, the Chiefs have alternatively worn an all-white uniform combination, as it was owner Lamar Hunt's favorite design. In 2007, the Kansas City Chiefs honored the late Lamar Hunt and the AFL with a special patch. Starting in 2008, the patch will be permanently affixed to the left chest of both Kansas City's home and away jerseys.<ref>[http://kcchiefs.com/news/2008/01/31/lamar_hunt_patch_becomes_a_permanent_part_of_the_chiefs_uniform/ Lamar Hunt patch becomes a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform] ''KCChiefs.com'', 28 January 2008.</ref> ==Homefield reputation== {{see|Arrowhead Stadium}} [[Image:061119Chiefs-Raiders01.jpg|left|thumb|A [[stealth bomber]] flies over Arrowhead prior to the 2006 Chiefs-Raiders game.]] As of the end of the 2007 season, Arrowhead Stadium has a consecutive sell-out record of 149 games (18 seasons) dating back to the home opener in 1990. Arrowhead has long held a reputation for being one of the loudest outdoor stadiums in the NFL due to the exuberance of the Chiefs' fans.<ref>[http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/afc/ArrowheadStadium.htm Stadiums of the NFL - Arrowhead Stadium]</ref><ref>[http://zachishere.com/2006/11/23/arrowhead-stadium-quotes/ Arrowhead Stadium quotes]</ref> Noise generated from the fans was once measured at 116 [[decibel]]s by the Acoustical Design Group of Mission, KS.<ref>By way of comparison, take-off of aircraft may lead to a sound level of more than 100 decibels at the ground.</ref><ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4179/is_20040111/ai_n11810123 Chiefs ready for playoff nemesis Indianapolis] ''The Topeka Capital-Journal'',11 January 2004</ref><ref>[http://www.adgkc.com/ Acoustical Design Group]</ref> This contributes to the unique "atmosphere" of the stadium, for which [[Sports Illustrated]] gave the Chiefs' home field, Arrowhead Stadium, the title of being the "toughest place to play" for opposing teams.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0604/gallery.toughplaces/content.10.html Sports Illustrated's 2005 poll: "Toughest Places to Play"]</ref> Arrowhead Stadium's tailgating environment is often compared to a "college football" atmosphere.<ref>Crumpacker, John. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/01/49ERS.TMP&feed=rss.sports 49ers have to cope with the din of Arrowhead] ''San Francisco Chronicle'', 1 October 2006.</ref> Fans arrive hours before gametime and even stay in the parking lot hours after the game has ended. Some Chiefs fans are so devoted that some sit in the parking lot and listen to the game even without tickets. Arrowhead Stadium features frequent [[fly-by]]s from a [[B-2 Spirit]] [[stealth bomber]] from nearby [[Whiteman Air Force Base]]. ===Fan interaction=== [[Image:061123Broncos-Chiefs01.jpg|right|thumb|Arrowhead Stadium boasts the NFL's loudest fanbase.]] 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. Only after the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] did Chiefs fans refrain from doing so in honor of those who lost their lives,<ref name="Giants beat Chiefs"/> and continued to do so for the remainder of the 2001 season. The [[September 23]], [[2001]] home game versus the [[New York Giants]] was one of the few known times in Chiefs history where the home crowd welcomed an opposing team onto the field without booing.<ref name="Giants beat Chiefs">[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2001/09/23/giants_chiefs_ap/ Giants beat Chiefs 13-3 in defensive struggle] ''Associated Press'', [[24 September]] [[2001]].</ref> Fans' occasional use of "[[War Chant|The War Chant]]", especially when playing the [[Washington Redskins]] has become a [[tradition]] and also sparked [[controversy]] among [[Native Americans in the United States|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. After a vote was taken for the new touchdown song, Chiefs fans chose "Boom" by [[P.O.D.]] as the song to replace Glitter's song. "Red" by [[Sammy Hagar]] came in second in voting, and "Elevation" by [[U2]] finished third. Though to satisfy fans not willing to lose a tradition, in the first game of the [[2006 NFL season]], a cover rendition of "Rock and Roll Part 2" performed by [[Tube Tops 2000]] was played, complete with the fan's chant. The song has been played at every home game since.<ref name="Part 3">Christopher Jr., Hearne.[http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/living/15408570.htm Part 3: Chiefs still ‘Rock and Roll’] ''Kansas City Star'', [[September 1]], [[2006]].</ref><ref>Cross, William.[http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/aug/27/chiefs_eke_out_just_enough_offense/?sports "Chiefs eke out just enough offense"], ''Lawrence Journal-World'', [[27 August]] [[2006]].</ref><ref>[http://www.wsbtv.com/entertainment/9873653/detail.html?rss=atl&psp=entertainment NFL asks team to stop playing Gary Glitter son] ''Associated Press'', [[18 September]] [[2006]].</ref> ===Stadium music=== The "TD Pack Band" leads the crowd from the southeast end-zone with live in-stadium music during Chiefs games since Arrowhead opened in 1973. It was led by Tony DiPardo who has written songs about the home team including "The Chiefs are on the Warpath" and "The Hank Stram Polka." The 95-year old DiPardo, nicknamed "Mr. Music," has been with the club since their relocation in 1963. The band was previously known as "The Zing Band" while the Chiefs played at Municipal Stadium. DiPardo was born in [[St. Louis, Missouri]] on [[August 15]], [[1912]]. DiPardo performed "Taps" on his [[trumpet]] at the [[December 31]], [[2006]] Chiefs game vs. the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] in tribute to Lamar Hunt, owner and founder of the Chiefs who had died weeks before. DiPardo suffered a wrist injury in December 2007 and his health has declined since. In March 2008 Tony was admitted to a Kansas City hospital and is in serious condition.<ref name="Mr. Music">[http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/03/19/mr_music_is_ailing/ Mr. Music is ailing] ''KCChiefs.com'', 19 March 2008.</ref> DiPardo's daughter, Patti DiPardo-Livergood, has directed the "TD Pack Band" since 1989, although Tony still plays his signature red lacquer trumpet in the band. Livergood sings the [[United States National Anthem|National Anthem]] at select Chiefs games throughout the season. Outside of Arrowhead Stadium, the main stage live band on gamedays is "The Kansas City All Stars." ==Culture== ===The Chiefs Radio Network=== {| class=wikitable style="font-size:90%; margin: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 0; float: right; clear: right;" |+ Kansas City Chiefs radio play-by-play announcers |- |1960—1962 |[[Charlie Jones (sportscaster)|Charlie Jones]] |- |1963 |[[Merle Harmon]] |- |1964—1970 |[[Tom Hedrick]] |- |1971—1973 |[[Dick Carlson]] |- |1974—1975 |[[Ray Scott (sportscaster)|Ray Scott]] |- |1976 |[[Al Wisk]] |- |1977 |[[Tom Hopkins]] |- |1978—1984 |[[Wayne Larrivee]] |- |1985—1993 |[[Kevin Harlan]] |- |1994—'''present''' |[[Mitch Holthus]] |- |} Since the [[1989 NFL season]], [[KCFX|KCFX, a.k.a "101 The Fox"]], has broadcast all Chiefs games under the moniker of [http://www.kcchiefsradio.com/ The Chiefs Radio Network.] Since 1994, [[Mitch Holthus]] has served as [[play-by-play announcer]] as [[Super Bowl IV]] [[Super Bowl MVP|MVP]] [[Len Dawson]] serves as [[color commentator]]. Former Chiefs [[longsnapper]] [[Kendall Gammon]] serves as the field reporter. Former Chiefs broadcaster [[Bill Grigsby]] adds memories and perspective on game day.<ref name="101 The Fox">[http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/08/24/101_the_fox_extends_kansas_city_chiefs_radio_broadcast_rights_through_2009_season 101 The Fox extends Kansas City Chiefs radio broadcast rights through 2009 season] ''KCChiefs.com'', [[24 August]] [[2006]].</ref> KCFX holds rights to Chiefs games through the 2009 season, and the Chiefs and KCFX hold the distinction of being the longest FM radio broadcast partnering tenure in the NFL.<ref name="101 The Fox"/> The Chiefs Radio Network extends throughout the six-state region of [[Missouri]], [[Kansas]], [[Iowa]], [[Nebraska]], [[Oklahoma]], and [[Arkansas]], with 61 affiliate stations. ===Mascots and cheerleaders=== [[Image:KC Wolf.JPG|left|thumb|K. C. Wolf, the Chiefs' mascot since 1989.]] The Chiefs' mascot at [[Municipal Stadium (Kansas City)|Municipal Stadium]] from 1963 until 1989 was [[Warpaint (horse)|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 Americans in the United States|Native American]] [[headdress]].<ref name="mascots, cheerleaders"/> Warpaint circled the field at the beginning of each Chiefs home game and performed victory laps following each Chiefs touchdown. The Chiefs have considered reviving the Warpaint mascot in the near future.<ref name="Part 3"/> 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.<ref name="mascots, cheerleaders">[http://www.georgeblowfish.com/Chiefspage7.html Kansas City Chiefs mascots and cheerleaders] Accessed 21 June 2008.</ref> 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. The mascot was named after the Chiefs' "Wolfpack," a group of rapid fans from the team's days at Municipal Stadium.<ref name="mascots, cheerleaders"/> 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.<ref name="Mascot Hall">[http://www.mascothalloffame.com/2006_inducties.cfm MHOF 2006 Inductees]''Mascot Hall of Fame''</ref> The Chiefs have employed a [[cheerleading|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."<ref name="History cheer">[http://www.kcchiefs.com/cheerleaders/history/ Kansas City Chiefs History — Cheerleaders] ''KCChiefs.com'', Accessed 21 June 2008.</ref> 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."<ref name="mascots, cheerleaders"/><ref name="History cheer"/> ===Training camp=== Since [[1991 Kansas City Chiefs season|1991]] the Chiefs have conducted summer [[NFL Training Camp|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 film|documentary]] [[reality television]] series, ''[[Hard Knocks (TV series)|Hard Knocks]]''.<ref name="Hard Knocks">[http://kcchiefs.com/news/2007/06/02/chiefs_to_be_featured_in_hbos_hard_knocks_this_summer/ Chiefs to be featured in HBO's "Hard Knocks" this summer] ''KCChiefs.com'', [[2 June]] [[2007]].</ref> When the team was based in Dallas, the team conducted their inaugural training camp at the [[New Mexico Military Institute]] in [[Roswell, New Mexico|Roswell]]. They moved camp to [[Southern Methodist University]], owner [[Lamar Hunt]]'s [[alma mater]], for 1961 and continued to practice there until 1965.<ref name="History 60s"/> 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]].<ref name="History 90s"/> ==Notable players== {{see|List of Kansas City Chiefs players|Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks|List of Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft picks}} ===Current roster=== {{Kansas City Chiefs roster}} ===Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees=== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} {{Kansas City Chiefs Pro Football Hall of Fame}} {{col-break}} ===Retired numbers=== Former Chiefs [[defensive back]] [[Emmitt Thomas]]' jersey #18 will be retired at the Chiefs' October 19, 2008 home game against the [[Tennessee Titans]], and will receive his [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] ring. {{Kansas City Chiefs retired numbers}} {{col-end}} ===Chiefs Hall of Fame=== [[Image:Jan Stenerud.JPG|right|thumb|Jan Stenerud's name is forever 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.<ref name="Chiefs Hall">[http://www.kcchiefs.com/hall_of_fame/ Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame], ''KCChiefs.com'', Accessed 22 June 2008.</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-break|width=40%}} '''''1970s'''''<br> 1970 [[Lamar Hunt]], team founder and owner<br> 1971 #36 [[Mack Lee Hill]], Running back<br> 1972 #75 [[Jerry Mays]], Defensive tackle<br> 1973 #84 [[Fred Arbanas]], Tight end<br> 1974 #42 [[Johnny Robinson]], Safety<br> 1975 #88 [[Chris Burford]], Wide receiver<br> 1976 #55 [[E.J. Holub]], Center/Linebacker<br> 1977 #77 [[Jim Tyrer]], Offensive tackle<br> 1978 #21 [[Mike Garrett]], Running back<br> 1979 #16 [[Len Dawson]], Quarterback {{col-break|gap=5em}} '''''1980s'''''<br> 1980 #78 [[Bobby Bell]], Linebacker<br> 1981 #86 [[Buck Buchanan]], Defensive tackle<br> 1982 #89 [[Otis Taylor]], Wide receiver<br> 1983 No induction<br> 1984 #71 [[Ed Budde]], Guard<br> 1985 #63 [[Willie Lanier]], Linebacker<br> 1986 #18 [[Emmitt Thomas]], Cornerback<br> 1987 [[Hank Stram]], Coach<br> 1988 #44 [[Jerrel Wilson]], Punter<br> 1989 #14 [[Ed Podolak]], Running back |- {{col-break|width=40%}} '''''1990s'''''<br> 1990 #51 [[Jim Lynch (football player)|Jim Lynch]], Linebacker<br> 1991 #28 [[Abner Haynes]], Running back<br> 1992 #3 [[Jan Stenerud]], Kicker<br> 1993 #69 [[Sherrill Headrick]], Linebacker<br> 1994 #58 [[Jack Rudnay]], Center<br> 1995 #32 [[Curtis McClinton]], Running back<br> 1996 #20 [[Deron Cherry]], Safety<br> 1997 #73 [[Dave Hill (football player)|Dave Hill]], Offensive tackle<br> 1998 #67 [[Art Still]], Defensive end<br> 1999 #34 [[Lloyd Burruss]], Cornerback {{col-break|gap=5em}} '''''2000s'''''<br> 2000 #35 [[Christian Okoye]], Running back<br> 2001 #58 [[Derrick Thomas]], Linebacker<br> 2002 #76 [[John Alt]], Offensive tackle<br> 2003 #59 [[Gary Spani]], Linebacker<br> 2004 #37 [[Joe Delaney]], Running back<br> 2005 [[Jack Steadman]], team vice chairman and general manager<br> 2006 #90 [[Neil Smith (football player)|Neil Smith]], Defensive end<br> 2007 #29 [[Albert Lewis]], Cornerback<br> 2008 #61 [[Curley Culp]], Defensive tackle<br> {{col-end}} {{Kansas City Chiefs head coaches}} ===Current staff=== {{Kansas City Chiefs staff}} ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==See also== *[[American Football League]] *[[Chiefs-Raiders rivalry]] ==External links== * [http://www.kcchiefs.com/ Kansas City Chiefs official site] * [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/kc/kcchiefs.html Sports E-Cyclopedia.com] {{Start}} {{succession box | title = [[American Football League]] champion<br>Dallas Texans | years = '''[[1962 American Football League season|1962]]''' | before = [[1961 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]]<br>[[1961 American Football League season|1961]] | after = [[1963 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]<br>[[1963 American Football League season|1963]] }} {{succession box | title = [[American Football League]] champion<br>Kansas City Chiefs | years = '''[[1966 American Football League season|1966]]''' | before = [[1965 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]<br>[[1965 American Football League season|1965]] | after = [[1967 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]<br>[[1967 American Football League season|1967]] }} {{succession box | title = [[American Football League]] champion<br>Kansas City Chiefs | years = '''[[1969 American Football League season|1969]]''' | before = [[1968 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]<br>[[1968 American Football League season|1968]] | after = Final champions }} {{succession box | title = [[Super Bowl]] Champions<br>Kansas City Chiefs | years = [[Super Bowl IV|1969]] | before = [[1968 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]<br>[[Super Bowl III|1968]] | after = [[1970 Baltimore Colts season|Baltimore Colts]]<br>[[Super Bowl V|1970]] }} {{End}} {{Kansas City Chiefs}} {{1962 Dallas Texans}} {{Super Bowl IV}} {{AFL (1960 - 1969)}} {{NFL}} [[Category:American Football League]] [[Category:Sports in Dallas, Texas]] [[Category:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[Category:National Football League teams]] [[Category:Sports clubs established in 1960]] [[Category:Sports in Missouri]] [[Category:Sports in Kansas City]] [[da:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[de:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[es:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[fr:Chiefs de Kansas City]] [[hi:कैनसस सिटी चीफ्स]] [[id:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[it:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[he:קנזס סיטי צ'יפס]] [[hu:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[nl:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[ja:カンザスシティ・チーフス]] [[no:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[pl:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[pt:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[ru:Канзас-Сити Чифс]] [[simple:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[fi:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[sv:Kansas City Chiefs]] [[th:แคนซัสซิตี ชีฟส์]] [[uk:Кансас Ситі Чіфс]] [[zh:堪薩斯城酋長]]