Top 10 Kansas City Chiefs of All Time

Reading Time: 9 minutes

You’ve likely heard about the Kansas City Chiefs‘ storied history and outstanding players who’ve graced the field. The Top 10 Kansas City Chiefs of All Time represent a mix of historic legends and modern superstars who have defined the franchise’s success. But have you ever considered what makes the top 10 Chiefs truly stand out?

Imagine the impact of quarterbacks like Len Dawson, who paved the way with early victories, and Patrick Mahomes, who redefines greatness with every game. Don’t overlook defensive stalwarts like Derrick Thomas or modern stars like Travis Kelce and Tony Gonzalez, who’ve reshaped their roles.

As you read this list, consider what elevates these players to iconic status, leaving you wondering who’s in the coveted top position.

1. Patrick Mahomes

• Years Played for Team: 2017-present
• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs

Patrick Mahomes has transformed the Kansas City Chiefs into one of the most dominant teams in NFL history since being drafted in 2017. With his exceptional arm strength, remarkable playmaking ability, and unmatched poise under pressure, Mahomes has redefined what it means to be an elite quarterback.

In his first season as a starter, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning the 2018 NFL MVP award and cementing himself as a generational talent. The following year, Mahomes led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in 50 years, earning Super Bowl LIV MVP honors.

In the past two seasons, Mahomes has elevated his legacy even further. In 2022, he claimed his second NFL MVP award while leading the Chiefs to another championship victory in Super Bowl LVII, where he also secured Super Bowl MVP honors. He followed that with yet another title in Super Bowl LVIII, cementing himself as a player who thrives in the biggest moments.

With three Super Bowl victories and a career still on the rise, Mahomes is not just shaping the Chiefs’ future—he’s defining the modern era of the NFL..

• Accolades:
• 3 x Super Bowl Champion (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
• 3 x Super Bowl MVP (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
• 2 x NFL MVP (2018, 2022)
• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2018)
• 6 x Pro Bowl Selections
• 2 x First Team All-Pro Selections

2. Travis Kelce

• Years Played for Team: 2013-present
• Position: Tight End
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 250 lbs

Travis Kelce is not just a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense—he’s redefined the tight end position in the modern NFL. Renowned for his crisp route-running, sure hands, and ability to dominate after the catch, Kelce has consistently delivered at an elite level, making him a nightmare matchup for defenses.

Since joining the Chiefs in 2013, Kelce has been a driving force behind their success, forming an unstoppable duo with Patrick Mahomes. His ability to deliver in the clutch has been instrumental in multiple championship runs, including Super Bowl victories in LIV, LVII, and LVIII. Kelce’s knack for turning critical plays into highlight-reel moments has cemented his status as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

Off the field, Kelce’s energy and leadership continue to inspire both his teammates and the Kansas City fanbase, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise

• Accolades:
• 3 x Super Bowl Champion (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
• 8 x Pro Bowl Selection (2015-2022)
• 4 x First-Team All-Pro (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022)
• Holds single-season records for receiving yards by a tight end (1,416 yards)
• NFL Playoff record for most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a tight end
• Named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

3. Len Dawson

• Years played for the Team: 1963-1975
• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs

Len Dawson is a legendary figure in Kansas City Chiefs history, leading the team to its first Super Bowl victory in 1970. Known for his poise under pressure and exceptional passing accuracy, Dawson was the driving force behind the Chiefs’ success in the 1960s and early 1970s.

His ability to read defenses and deliver precision passes made him an offensive powerhouse. Dawson’s leadership and calm demeanor on the field earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike. He remains a revered icon in Kansas City, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in team history.

• Accolades:
• Super Bowl IV Champion and MVP
• NFL Man of the Year (1973)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1987)
• Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame Inductee

4. Derrick Thomas

• Years played for said team: 1989-1999
• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’3″/243 lbs

Derrick Thomas was a formidable force on the Kansas City Chiefs defense from 1989 to 1999. Known for his explosive speed and relentless pursuit, Thomas struck fear into opposing quarterbacks as one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history.

His ability to change the game with his disruptive plays, such as his record-setting seven-sack game against the Seahawks in 1990, left a lasting legacy on the field. Thomas’s aggressive playing style and leadership made him a beloved figure among Chiefs fans and a mentor for younger players, solidifying his legendary status within the franchise.

• Accolades:
• 9x Pro Bowl selection
• 2x First-team All-Pro
• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1989)
• NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
• Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame Inductee
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2009)

5. Tony Gonzalez

• Years Played for Team: 1997-2008
• Position: Tight End
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 247 lbs

Tony Gonzalez is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, and his remarkable career with the Kansas City Chiefs solidified his place in the team’s lore.

Playing from 1997 to 2008, Gonzalez transformed the tight end position with his excellent route running, reliable hands, and ability to make clutch catches. He was a constant offensive threat and a favorite target in the red zone.

His agility and size made it nearly impossible for defenders to cover him one-on-one. Gonzalez’s impact on the Chiefs was profound, setting numerous franchise records and providing leadership and consistency throughout his tenure.

• Accolades:
• 10× Pro Bowl selection as a Chief
• 6× First-team All-Pro as a Chief
• Chiefs franchise records for receptions (916) and touchdown catches (76)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019

6. Bobby Bell

• Years played for team: 1963-1974
• Position: Linebacker/Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’4″/228 lbs

Bobby Bell was a transformational figure in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility on the field.

Playing as both a linebacker and defensive end, Bell was a linchpin in the Chiefs’ defense throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. His speed and instinctual play made him a formidable opponent, and he was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl IV victory, where the Chiefs defense dominated the Minnesota Vikings.

Bell’s ability to read plays and cover ground quickly set a new standard for linebackers in the league.

• Accolades:
• 3× Pro Bowl selections
• 6× First-team All-Pro
• NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969)
• Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame

7. Willie Lanier

• Years played for said team: 1967–1977
• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 245 lbs

Willie Lanier, renowned for his ferocious tackling and keen intelligence on the field, was a stalwart linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs. Joining the team in 1967, he was an integral part of their dominant defense, contributing markedly to their Super Bowl IV victory.

Lanier’s playing style was marked by his exceptional speed, strength, and strategic play, making him a central figure in the Chiefs’ defensive successes during his tenure. Known for his cerebral approach to the game, he left a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for African-American middle linebackers in the NFL.

• Accolades:
• Super Bowl IV Champion
• 8× Pro Bowl selection
• 2× First-team All-Pro
• 6× Second-team All-Pro
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986)
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

8. Jamaal Charles

• Years Played for the Chiefs: 2008-2016
• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 5’11” / 199 lbs

Jamaal Charles, a dynamic and elusive running back, spent the majority of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his explosive speed and agility, Charles was a nightmare for defenders, consistently creating big plays and turning ordinary runs into extraordinary highlights.

Over his nine seasons with the Chiefs, he climbed the ranks to become the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. His ability to evade tacklers and accelerate in open space made him a prolific weapon in the Chiefs’ offensive arsenal.

Charles’ legacy is cemented by his remarkable yards-per-carry average (5.4 ypc), which remains one of the highest in NFL history.

• Accolades:
• 4× Pro Bowl selection (2010, 2012-2014)
• 2× First-team All-Pro (2010, 2013)
• NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (2013)
• Kansas City Chiefs All-Time leading rusher
• NFL record for career yards per carry (min. 1,000 attempts) with 5.4 yards
• Member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

9. Emmitt Thomas

• Years Played for Team: 1966-1978
• Position: Cornerback
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 192 lbs

Emmitt Thomas, a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ secondary from 1966 to 1978, was renowned for his exceptional ball-hawking abilities and athleticism. Standing at 6’2″, Thomas possessed the ideal build for a cornerback, adept at both man-to-man coverage and reading the quarterback’s intentions.

A key figure in the Chiefs’ victorious Super Bowl IV campaign, his interceptions often turned the tide in critical games. Thomas’s playing style was aggressive yet calculated, and he left an indelible mark on the franchise with his leadership and consistency. His storied career set a standard for future generations of cornerbacks.

• Accolades:
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• 5-time Pro Bowl selection
• 3-time First-team All-Pro
• 9th all-time in NFL career interceptions (58)
• Member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV winning team

10. Priest Holmes

• Years Played for Kansas City Chiefs: 2001-2007
• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 213 lbs

Priest Holmes was an electrifying force for the Kansas City Chiefs, becoming one of the most dominant running backs during his tenure. Known for his agility, vision, and versatility, Holmes set numerous records. He became the first undrafted player in NFL history to top 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons.

Holmes’ career was highlighted by a remarkable 2003 season where he scored 27 rushing touchdowns. His impact went beyond stats, as he became a leader and fan favorite, helping rejuvenate the Chiefs’ offense. Injuries eventually cut his career short, but his legacy as a dynamic playmaker endures.

• Accolades:
• 3× Pro Bowl (2001–2003)
• 3× First-team All-Pro (2001–2003)
• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2002)
• Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
• Led NFL in rushing touchdowns (2002, 2003)
• NFL single-season touchdowns record (2003 – 27 touchdowns, league record at the time)