The Kansas City Chiefs have become completely synonymous with the Super Bowl in the modern era of the NFL. Headed by the dynamic duo of coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have built what many call a new dynasty. This franchise had long awaited Super Bowl success—having not reached the game for 50 years—but the Mahomes era changed everything dramatically.
Entering the 2024-25 NFL season, the Chiefs were fresh off two consecutive Super Bowl victories and targeted yet another championship, something no team has ever achieved: three consecutive Super Bowl wins. The team secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC and earned their place once more in the AFC Championship Game, this time against their rival, the Buffalo Bills.
But, to fully understand how the Chiefs reached this pinnacle, it's important to look back at their Super Bowl history. The Chiefs, with their current run of success, have been to the Super Bowl six times, boasting a commendable 4-2 record. Prior to Mahomes' arrival, the Chiefs experienced decades without contention, but Mahomes has helped the team emerge as perennial favorites.
Mahomes began his career with the Chiefs after being the No. 10 pick in the 2017 draft. Following a season of learning behind veteran Alex Smith, he made his mark as the starting quarterback. Mahomes’ very first season saw him lead the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game, where they fell just short against Tom Brady's New England Patriots. This initial heartbreak quickly turned to glory, though, as Mahomes secured the team's first Super Bowl win in 50 years by defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 31-20, during Super Bowl 54.
Fast forward to Super Bowl 58, where Mahomes showcased his remarkable skills once again. Against the same 49ers, Mahomes led the game to overtime, and with his magic, the Chiefs triumphed 25-22. This feat reinforced how Mahomes has been undoubtedly pivotal to the organization’s recent successes.
Given the current climate of the NFL, the last time the Chiefs did not reach the Super Bowl was the 2021-22 season, which, by most standards, would be viewed as successful. They made it to the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, they've continued to establish dominance.
The Chiefs' playoff performance under Mahomes has been nearly flawless. His stats underline this fact: with three Super Bowl rings already under his belt by age 29, Mahomes has led the franchise to four Super Bowl appearances. His only loss came against the Buccaneers during Super Bowl LV, where the Chiefs struggled, ending with a score of 31-9. Notably, Mahomes has yet to lose any playoff games in either the wildcard or divisional rounds, with the only playoff defeats against Brady and Joe Burrow.
This success is not merely statistical. The impact Mahomes has on the field can be described as transformational. During the 2024 season, Mahomes threw for nearly 4,000 yards with 26 touchdowns, showcasing his talent and resilience. For comparison, Brady's experience holds significant weight as well, as he set many records throughout his career, but Mahomes appears on track to eclipse numerous milestones.
On their path, the Chiefs earned their way back to the Super Bowl by winning the AFC Championship Game against the Bills, with a close score of 32-29. This victory not only solidified their status but also put them one step closer to making history, as the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. NFL columnists note the rarity of achieving such heights, emphasizing the historical nature of their pursuit.
Kansas City’s upcoming Super Bowl matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, set for February 9, carries significant narrative weight. This will be a rematch of Super Bowl LVII where the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Eagles 38-35, solidifying Mahomes' credentials for consideration as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Enhancements to this argument will emerge if he can clinch his third consecutive Super Bowl win.
Through each season of success, Mahomes has defined his career with consistency and excellence, making him already talk of the Hall of Fame—even if he were to retire today. With three Super Bowl titles, he joins the ranks of other NFL legends, standing shoulder to shoulder with Tom Brady and Joe Montana.
Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the conclusion of Super Bowl 59, where Mahomes not only seeks another ring but the chance to etch his name even more firmly within the annals of NFL history. The prospect of winning three consecutive championships adds not just pressure but excitement, as Kansas City prepares to make more history as they chase greatness once again.