Did you expect a different result?
The Chiefs have claimed the Lombardi Trophy two years straight and for the third time in the last five years. They became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the Patriots in 2003-04.
In one of his post Super Bowl interviews, Mahomes was asked about his early successes in the Super Bowl and the potential of competing with some of the all time great quarterbacks.
“To me it’s always going to be tough because Brady beat me in the Super Bowl,” said Mahomes. “It gives me something to strive for every single day, is chasing greatness.”
We haven’t seen this type of consistency in a five year stretch since Brady, who was responsible for the last major NFL dynasty.
So, what is the criteria for a NFL dynasty?
Let’s explore some of the most recent dynasties and see how they compete against the Chiefs.
New England Patriots
You can’t bring up a discussion about dynasties in the NFL without mentioning the Patriots. Most fans of the game have spent their most of their lives witnessing Tom Brady and the Patriots ruin their favorite team’s chances each and every year. He was a plague among the NFL, preventing numerous hall of farmers from reaching the super bowl each and every season.
The Patriots dynasty technically lasted 18 years, with nine total super bowl appearances. But if you look at the history, one would argue that New England was really two separate dynasties.
In the early 2000s, the Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years, establishing themselves as a major powerhouse in the NFL. They boasted a strong defensive unit that helped a young Brady establish himself as one of the quickest quarterbacks to win three Super Bowls.
In Patriots standards, they experienced a drought, which was only appearing in two Super Bowls in nine years, losing both matchups to the Giants in 2007 and 2011.
New England’s second dynasty began in 2014 with a Super Bowl win against the Seahawks. They would reach the final game four times in a five year stretch and won three of them.
Comparing the two dynasties with the Chiefs, the early 2000s team won more Super Bowls in a shorter time frame, but ended up missing the playoffs in between their first and second victory. Kansas City has played in five consecutive AFC Championship games, which is a lot compared to the Patriots first dynasty. New England had eight straight AFC Championship appearances from 2011-2018, reaching the Super Bowl five times.
The Chiefs are on track to surpass either of New England’s dynasties if they can reach the Super Bowl again in the next three years. Time will tell if they can compete with the six Super Bowls the Patriots have won in Belichick’s tenure.
Dallas Cowboys
Head coach Jimmy Johnson came to the Cowboys in 1989 with a plan, with a strong emphasis on speed and draft capital. Johnson’s decision to trade Herchel Walker for future first and second-round picks laid the foundation for their success, allowing them to select players like Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Kevin Smith.
Throughout the 1990s, the Cowboys clinched five NFC East titles, made three Super Bowl appearances, and secured three championships between 1991 and 2000. Their roster, crafted through Johnson’s vision, showcased immense talent and depth, cementing their status as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
Dallas has yet to return to the grand stage of the Super Bowl or AFC Championship since their victory in 1995. This further proves the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where even the best rosters and dynasties can quickly fade into poverty. Despite boasting one of the greatest rosters in NFL history and consistent quarterback play, Dallas has struggled to reclaim its contender status.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Founded in 1933, the Pittsburgh Steelers struggled to find success, with just one playoff appearance in their first 38 years.
Under the guidance of head coach Chuck Noll and a historically talented scouting department, the franchise underwent a transformation. Noll’s strategic drafting yielded five future Hall of Famers and fifteen future starters in his first four drafts alone.
The turning point came in 1974 when the Steelers’ rookie class boasted an unprecedented five future Hall of Famers, propelling them to become the first team in NFL history to win four Super Bowls. This streak of Super Bowl wins solidified the Steelers’ place among the NFL’s elite.
Remarkably, the Steelers have maintained their success over the decades, enduring just two head coaching changes since 1968. This stability, combined with a culture of excellence cultivated by Noll and his successors, has ensured the Steelers’ status as perennial contenders in the league.
As the Chiefs navigate their dynasty status, the bitter pill remains in the form of their loss to Brady and the Buccaneers. Yet, despite this setback, the Chiefs’ achievements in recent years firmly position them in dynasty status.
The Chiefs approach to handling Mahomes contract while navigating a conference that continues to stack will be fun to follow. They have become known for their ability to navigate financial challenges and have shown the ability to easily adapt to the evolution of the AFC. With their track record, there is no reason to believe that this Chiefs dynasty has ended yet.