Championships, MVPs, and unforgettable moments—Patrick Mahomes has already carved his legacy in the heart of Chiefdom. Add in legends like Derrick Thomas, Tony Gonzalez, and Len Dawson, and it’s easy to see why the Kansas City Chiefs have one of the richest histories in the league. But long before Mahomes brought multiple Lombardi trophies back to the City of Fountains, there was another name that redefined greatness at Arrowhead—Marcus Allen.

The Hall of Fame running back wasn’t just another offensive piece; he was the blueprint for versatility. “I prided myself on every aspect of the game,” Allen once said. “Whether it was blocking, whether it was running routes, I like to think I was fortunate because I was one of the few.” Naturally, his move to the City of Fountains in 1993 was bigger than just a fresh start. After his time in silver and black came to a rocky end, Allen’s arrival in Kansas City brought new life to both his career and the Chiefs’ offense.

With Joe Montana throwing darts under center, Allen stepped up and helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game. For five seasons, he was a constant presence in the Chiefs’ backfield, even leading the team in rushing for four of them. By 1995, he had etched his name in NFL history books as the first to tally 10,000 rushing and 5,000 receiving yards. Dual-threat? More like double trouble for defenses.

Still, here’s the kicker—not even Allen thought Kansas City was in his future. He wasn’t eyeing the AFC West at all. “Obviously, leaving the Raiders and then going to the Chiefs. Never thinking that I would play there,” he recently said at the ACC Championship. Initially, he hoped to join a team outside the division, but then Marty Schottenheimer wouldn’t stop calling.

As Allen recalled, Schottenheimer kept updating him—first with defensive signings, then the shift to natural grass at Arrowhead. But once he heard Joe Montana was coming? That sealed the deal. “I said, oh, damn. I said, I’m playing in Kansas City, man.” And as he summed it up, “That’s how it happened, man. Probably one of the best decisions I ever made.” That decision taken by Allen 32 years back was indeed historic.

Moreover, that decision meant more than just wins and stats. “I really enjoyed my time there. More highs than lows,” Allen reflected. “We brought it to a high level. So we were, you know, I’m pleased by that.” Eventually, in 1997, Allen hung up his cleats, but not before leaving behind a Hall of Fame résumé—12,243 rushing yards, 5,412 receiving yards, 145 total touchdowns, and six Pro Bowls. Oh, and MVP honors at both the Super Bowl and league level. The Hall of Fame calls came soon after—College in 2000, Pro in 2003. Classic.

And yet, the Chiefs legend isn’t just looking backward—he’s got his eyes on what’s next for Patrick Mahomes and company. As Allen quoted, “In the AFC West, the Chiefs are still the team to beat. So, yes, they made some changes with the Raiders. I think there are good changes. Are they enough? We’re going to find out. But you still, you know, I think if you want to go win the West, you’ve got to go through Kansas City still. Unless proven otherwise.” And guess what, Mahomes and Kingdom might be ready to prove him right.

Patrick Mahomes is ready for a fresh start in 2025

After falling short in Super Bowl LIX, many in Chiefdom expected Patrick Mahomes to come back breathing fire. But that’s not the approach the face of the franchise is taking. In a sit-down with Kay Adams, Mahomes didn’t speak with frustration—he spoke with clarity. According to him, something felt off in 2024. “I feel like last year… guys wanted to win not for the fun of the game, but just because we’re supposed to,” he said. The pressure was real, and joy was missing.

So now, he’s flipping the script. Rather than chasing wins out of expectation, Mahomes wants to win with joy again. The vibe he’s aiming for? Confident, not cold. “We have the talent, we have the coaches, we work harder than anyone in the NFL. So let’s go out there and have fun,” he added. It’s less about proving something and more about being themselves again.

And to help with that, Mahomes is stepping into 2025 with a loaded arsenal. Injuries derailed his receivers in 2024, especially Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown. But now, the front office has retooled. “We have so many weapons,” Mahomes said. “Let’s go out there and just maximize it all.”

That’s not just talk. With Rice healthy, Hollywood Brown at full speed, and rookie burner Xavier Worthy in the mix, Mahomes has firepower. Toss in Kelce and Noah Gray? “I think it’s gonna come from everywhere,” he said. And the City of Fountains is ready to explode.

Clearly, this version of Mahomes isn’t playing with a chip on his shoulder—he’s chasing something better: the joy of the game.