In sports, being regarded as a ‘dynasty’ is undoubtedly one of the greatest titles a team can achieve. A term often used to define greatness, or success at its absolute pinnacle, dynasties are remembered for more than what they may achieve in any single given year; dynasties leave lasting legacies. Oftentimes it can be hard to define what exactly qualifies as a dynasty when we are talking about team sports; there’s no exact or agreed upon set of accomplishments that a team must achieve in order to obtain dynasty status. In many cases, domination is a more defining characteristic than mere numbers or statistics, and in the world of professional sports, you recognize true dominance when you see it. Even the most carefree, nonchalant, and casual sports fans can recognize the dominance of a true dynasty when they see one. We’re talking the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick Patriots, we’re taking the Micheal Jordan Bulls, we’re talking the Shaq and Kobe Lakers, we’re talking the Steelers of the 1970’s. Years from now, I have no doubt that even the staunchest modern day naysayers will look back on the Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid Chiefs, and have a hard time not recognizing them as a full-fledged dynasty.
Whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs win their upcoming Super Bowl clash against the San Francisco 49ers—I strongly believe they will—they’re place in history is already cemented. Unlike the NBA, the NFL is not a league that is meant to be dominated for any real extended period of time—there are too many variables and moving pieces. Not only do you need an elite quarterback and signal caller, but you also need explosive offensive weapons for the quarterback to utilize, but not only that, you need elite coaching and a scheme that puts it all together in a manner that is conducive of winning; this is all mandatory and non-negotiable to be competitive in the NFL, and I haven’t even mentioned the defense yet. Somehow, through the stability of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Ried, the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to accomplish all this on their way to 6 AFC Championship games, 4 Super Bowl appearances, and 2—potentially 3—Super Bowl wins…in 6 years. If that’s not a dynastic reign for the history books then I don’t know what is. Oh yeah, and lest we forget, Patrick Mahomes is just 28 years old.
As ludicrous as it may sound, who’s to say the Chiefs’ dynasty isn’t just beginning, and only now displaying the totality of their dominance. The Chiefs have already displayed an uncanny ability to adapt and change in accordance to their surroundings. When many skeptics questioned their decision in 2021 to trade away one of their most dangerous weapons in All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek, the Chiefs hunkered down, altered their scheme and won the following Super Bowl, (and potentially the one after that as well!). With that in mind, I’m even willing to bet that their winning ways may even continue, past the oft-rumored retirement of Kelce and Reid, as they continue to morph and shift around their once-in-a-generation quarterback. Each year embracing the opportunity to once again etch their names into the legendary annals of NFL history.
