Kansas City Chiefs: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the oldest professional American football teams that compete in the AFC West division. They ply their trade in that division alongside the Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. They are known for their passionate fan base, storied history, and a powerhouse team, which has recently won back-to-back Super Bowls. Talking about their fan base, the team has over 2.56 million fans worldwide.

Overview of the Kansas City Chiefs

Historical Background of the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs originated a few miles to the South in the state of Texas, where they joined the AFC in 1960 as the Dallas Texans by Founder Lamar Hunt. The franchise played in the AFL for three seasons before relocating to Kansas City for the 1963 AFL season, renaming themselves the Kansas City Chiefs.

The unit won the AFL Championship in their last season in Dallas. They repeated the feat twice (1966 and 1969) in the AFL era in Kansas. On the 2nd occasion, they clinched the Super Bowl by beating the Minnesota Vikings. After the Super Bowl win, the AFL and NFL merged, and the Chiefs struggled massively in the new league. From 1970 to 1990, the franchise made just two playoff appearances.

Additionally, the team made several poor decisions, such as cutting Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud under coach Marv Levy. Then again, the Chiefs had the chance to draft either Jim Kelly or Dan Marino, both Hall of Fame quarterbacks. But the team failed and picked Todd Blackledge, who only threw for 29 TDs in the league. Such mistakes continued until they hired GM Carl Peterson and coach Marty Schottenheimer, who later drafted two of the biggest weapons for the Chiefs' defense - Neil Smith (1988) and Derrick Thomas (1989). With their help, the franchise qualified for the playoffs for six consecutive seasons (1990-1995).

Then, after some more years of topsy-turvy eras, the Chiefs changed their head coach, firing Romeo Crennel and bringing in Andy Reid, who later drafted players like Alex Smith and Travis Kelce. Although the team showed some improvement, their lack of playoff appearances was still irking. The team then selected Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones in 2016, and despite getting a first-round bye in the playoffs, they again lost. This time, before being fired, GM John Dorsey picked Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes. With Mahomes and Reid's combination coming into play, the Chiefs saw a significant overhaul in their performances and records. And the rest is history, as the team has won three Super Bowls by now after the duo's entry. They are now looking for their 3-peat in 2025!

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Founded in 1960 as the Dallas Texans by Lamar Hunt, a founding figure of the American Football League (AFL).
• Won their first AFL Championship in 1962 as the Dallas Texans.
• Relocated to Kansas City in 1963 and rebranded as the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Captured AFL Championships in 1966 and 1969, earning trips to Super Bowl I and Super Bowl IV.
• Won their first Super Bowl title in 1970 (Super Bowl IV) under head coach Hank Stram, defeating the Minnesota Vikings.
• Hosted the longest game in NFL history — the 1971 Christmas Day double-overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins.
• Experienced a playoff drought through the late '70s and '80s before a resurgence in the '90s under coach Marty Schottenheimer and stars like Derrick Thomas and Tony Gonzalez.
• Andy Reid was hired as head coach in 2013, marking the beginning of a new era.
• Drafted quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017, who would become one of the NFL’s most dynamic and decorated players.
• Won Super Bowl LIV (2019 season) — their first in 50 years — with Mahomes earning Super Bowl MVP.
• Reached Super Bowl LV (2020 season) but fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Won Super Bowl LVII (2022 season), defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, with Mahomes earning his second Super Bowl MVP.
• Claimed back-to-back titles by winning Super Bowl LVIII (2023 season) in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers, becoming the first repeat champions in nearly two decades.
• Total of four Super Bowl appearances under Mahomes and Reid (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023), with three Super Bowl victories.
• Known for one of the loudest home crowds in the NFL at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, holding the Guinness World Record for crowd noise.
• Produced several Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, Will Shields, Bobby Bell, and Tony Gonzalez.
• Maintained a reputation for consistent playoff appearances and elite offensive performance throughout the late 2010s and 2020s.

Major Rivalries of the Kansas City Chiefs

Buffalo Bills

This rivalry has erupted in recent years, primarily fueled by epic postseason showdowns between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The 2021 AFC Divisional Round, often dubbed one of the greatest playoff games ever, ended with a thrilling 42–36 overtime win for the Chiefs, cementing the rivalry’s intensity. Every meeting since has carried major playoff implications and primetime billing.

Cincinnati Bengals

A newer but intense rivalry has emerged, driven by the recent AFC Championship clashes between Mahomes and Joe Burrow. The Bengals upset the Chiefs in the 2021 AFC title game, but Kansas City got revenge in the 2022 rematch, winning 23–20 and punching their ticket to Super Bowl LVII. The back-and-forth tension and elite quarterback play have turned this into a must-watch matchup.

Denver Broncos

One of the longest-standing AFC West rivalries dates back to the AFL days. The Chiefs have dominated the Broncos in recent years, going on a 16-game win streak that lasted from 2015 to 2023. Despite Denver's struggles, the divisional history and geographic proximity keep this rivalry alive and heated.

Las Vegas Raiders

Perhaps the Chiefs’ most iconic AFC West rivalry, this battle has spanned over six decades, filled with bitter moments and legendary games. Whether the Raiders were in Oakland, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas, the animosity has remained strong. The rivalry features memorable matchups, like the Raiders’ 2020 win at Arrowhead and the Chiefs' revenge blowout just weeks later.

San Francisco 49ers

While not a divisional foe, the Chiefs and 49ers have built a Super Bowl-fueled rivalry, meeting in Super Bowl LIV (2020) and again in Super Bowl LVIII (2024). Mahomes led the Chiefs to dramatic victories both times, adding a modern edge to a historically rare matchup. With both teams regularly in Super Bowl contention, this cross-conference rivalry has quickly gained national significance.

Major Contracts of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025

​As of March 29, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs have several significant contracts impacting their salary cap:​

• Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback): Signed a 10-year, $450 million extension in 2020, including a $10 million signing bonus and $141.48 million guaranteed. In 2025, Mahomes will earn a base salary of $1.255 million, a restructuring bonus of $47.745 million, and a workout bonus of $1 million, resulting in a cap hit of $28.06 million.
• Travis Kelce (Tight End): Agreed to a 2-year, $34.25 million contract in 2024, with $17 million guaranteed. For 2025, Kelce's compensation includes a base salary of $4.5 million, a roster bonus of $12.5 million, and a workout bonus of $250,000, leading to a cap hit of $19.8 million.
• Chris Jones (Defensive Tackle): In 2024, Jones signed a 5-year, $158.75 million extension, featuring a $30 million signing bonus and $95 million guaranteed. His 2025 earnings consist of a $13.75 million base salary, a $15 million restructuring bonus, and a $100,000 workout bonus, culminating in a $23.6 million cap hit. ​
• Harrison Butker (Kicker): Butker's 4-year, $25.6 million contract, signed in 2024, includes $17.75 million guaranteed. In 2025, he will receive a base salary of $3.735 million and a $100,000 workout bonus, with a cap hit of $5.235 million.
• Xavier Worthy (Wide Receiver): The rookie signed a 4-year, $13.79 million deal in 2024, fully guaranteed with a $6.85 million signing bonus. In 2025, Worthy will earn a base salary of $1.42 million, carrying a cap hit of $3.13 million.
• Tershawn Wharton (Defensive Tackle): Wharton secured a 3-year, $45.05 million contract in 2025, averaging $15.02 million annually, with $30.25 million guaranteed.
• Justin Reid (Safety): In 2025, Reid signed a 3-year, $31.5 million contract, averaging $10.5 million per year, with $22.25 million guaranteed. ​
• Jaylon Moore (Offensive Tackle): Moore agreed to a 2-year, $30 million deal in 2025, averaging $15 million annually.
• Kristian Fulton (Cornerback): Fulton signed a 3-year, $38.75 million contract in 2025, averaging approximately $12.92 million per year. 
• DeAndre Hopkins (Wide Receiver): Hopkins joined the Chiefs on a 1-year, $5 million contract in 2025. ​
• Kareem Hunt (Running Back): Hunt returned to Kansas City on a 1-year, $1.5 million deal in 2025.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Hank Stram (1960–1974): The franchise’s first and longest-tenured head coach, Stram led the team to three AFL Championships and a win in Super Bowl IV. Known for his innovation, he’s remembered for popularizing the I-formation and being a mic’d-up pioneer on NFL sidelines.
• Marty Schottenheimer (1989–1998): A consistent winner, Schottenheimer guided the Chiefs to seven playoff appearances in ten seasons and brought stability and toughness to the franchise, finishing with a 101–58–1 record.
• Dick Vermeil (2001–2005): Known for his emotional leadership and offensive acumen, Vermeil turned the Chiefs into one of the league's top-scoring teams during the early 2000s, especially in 2003 with a 13–3 record.
• Andy Reid (2013–present): The most successful coach in franchise history, Reid has led the Chiefs to multiple AFC Championship Games, three Super Bowl appearances, and Super Bowl wins in LIV (2019), LVII (2022), and LVIII (2023). Widely respected for his leadership and offensive genius.
• Len Dawson (QB, 1962–1975): Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Chiefs to Super Bowl IV victory and was named the game’s MVP. Dawson remains a beloved figure in Kansas City sports history.
• Derrick Thomas (LB, 1989–1999): One of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers, Thomas recorded 126.5 sacks in 11 seasons. A 9-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, his legacy is a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defensive history.
• Tony Gonzalez (TE, 1997–2008): Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Gonzalez earned 14 Pro Bowl selections (10 with KC) and revolutionized the position with his athleticism and consistency.
• Jamaal Charles (RB, 2008–2016): Known for his elite speed and vision, Charles is the franchise’s all-time leading rusher and holds the NFL record for highest career yards per carry (minimum 1,000 attempts) at 5.4 YPC.
• Priest Holmes (RB, 2001–2007): A dominant force in the early 2000s, Holmes set franchise records for rushing touchdowns and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2002.
• Will Shields (OL, 1993–2006): A model of consistency, Shields started 231 consecutive games, made 12 Pro Bowls, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
• Patrick Mahomes (QB, 2017–present): A generational talent, Mahomes has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles, won three Super Bowl MVPs, and earned multiple league MVPs. Known for his incredible arm talent and clutch performances.
• Travis Kelce (TE, 2013–present): One of the most productive tight ends in NFL history, Kelce has been a key part of the Chiefs’ modern dynasty, with numerous Pro Bowl selections and record-breaking playoff performances.
• Tyreek Hill (WR, 2016–2021): A game-breaking wide receiver and return specialist, Hill was a central weapon during the Chiefs' rise to dominance before being traded to Miami in 2022.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

Offense

• Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes
• Running Back: Isiah Pacheco
• Wide Receiver 1: Rashee Rice
• Wide Receiver 2: Xavier Worthy
• Slot Wide Receiver: Marquise "Hollywood" Brown
• Tight End: Travis Kelce
• Left Tackle: Wanya Morris
• Left Guard: Joe Thuney
• Center: Creed Humphrey
• Right Guard: Trey Smith
• Right Tackle: Jawaan Taylor

Defense

• Left Defensive End: George Karlaftis
• Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones
• Defensive Tackle: Derrick Nnadi
• Right Defensive End: Mike Danna
• Linebacker: Leo Chenal
• Middle Linebacker: Nick Bolton
• Linebacker: Drue Tranquill
• Cornerback 1: Trent McDuffie
• Cornerback 2: Jaylen Watson
• Free Safety: Justin Reid
• Strong Safety: Bryan Cook

Special Teams

• Kicker: Harrison Butker
• Punter: Matt Araiza
• Long Snapper: James Winchester
• Kick Returner: Xavier Worthy
• Punt Returner: Xavier Worthy

The Schedule of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025

The full NFL schedule will be released in May 2025. Below are the known opponents based on the NFL’s rotating schedule format and divisional matchups.

Home Opponents

• Denver Broncos
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Baltimore Ravens
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Houston Texans
• New Orleans Saints
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Seattle Seahawks

Away Opponents

• Denver Broncos
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Cleveland Browns
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Indianapolis Colts
• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• San Francisco 49ers