{"id":30966,"date":"2025-02-02T21:53:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-02T21:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=30966"},"modified":"2025-02-02T21:53:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-02T21:53:08","slug":"once-the-plucky-underdog-the-kansas-city-chiefs-have-become-the-nfl-juggernaut-fans-love-to-hate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=30966","title":{"rendered":"Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate"},"content":{"rendered":"<article aria-labelledby=\"articleTitle\" data-wcm-id=\"4566b607-f5db-4340-b68e-250f5a8ff9da\">\n<header aria-label=\"Beginning of Article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p>Author of the article:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a78256cb32a2d8681dc2df9afa609931?s=70&amp;d=mp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a78256cb32a2d8681dc2df9afa609931?s=70&amp;d=mp, https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a78256cb32a2d8681dc2df9afa609931?s=140&amp;d=mp 2x\" alt=\"Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" aria-labelledby=\"wire-company-name\" \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Associated Press<\/p>\n<p>Dave Skretta<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Published Feb 02, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 6 minute read<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure data-aqa=\"featured-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;h=423&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=pV7QsLMwKNRddPDJFT-_mA, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;h=846&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=70kkyrvyU3XzZbg35cTl_w 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;h=423&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=zR_3_jU3b9-FNVHqtNBh_w, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;h=846&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=X5OcAT3VuFSJO2VbxoJDaQ 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;h=354&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=_mdKG16fkYo84EuDz67RUA, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;h=708&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=0eUYmwexEzYE1ehLov1yWg 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;h=354&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=0Lziw9M6LrajQXRgYoLXFA, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;h=708&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=ezk9XG-RZB_tspuJoc5ShQ 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=BWtySlzlKVhbJIzdnOit4A, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;h=432&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=13SVMLD86nUwCXaEZlJSqw 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;sig=SykuEevoCCAu8tuBEawbww\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;sig=SykuEevoCCAu8tuBEawbww, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/torontosun\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/chiefs-superbowl.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;h=432&amp;sig=BskDJHuferSSQi6hyzYiKA 2x\" alt=\"Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><\/picture><figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes raises the Lombardi Trophy over his head after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Photo by Doug Benc, File \/AP Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/header>\n<section>KANSAS CITY, Mo. \u2014 The Kansas City Chiefs were once the loveable NFL underdogs, led by the good-natured coach who couldn\u2019t win the big one, the plucky quarterback with the Kermit the Frog-like voice, and the superstar tight end with charisma to spare.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment1024768505306169390419432620163072\">Advertisement 2<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-2\">\n<div id=\"ad-2\" data-ad=\"[[6,6],[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-interscroller=\"6x6\" data-ad-loc=\"2\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[6,6],[320,50],[300,50],[300,250],[300,600]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<header>\n<div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/17.9.5\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vp.svg\" alt=\"Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate\" width=\"280\" height=\"37\" \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. 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Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.<\/li>\n<li>Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.<\/li>\n<li>The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month.<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div aria-live=\"assertive\">\n<div id=\"auth-screen-form\" data-auth-component=\"\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<h2>Sign In or Create an Account<\/h2>\n<p>or<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Five years after their first trip to the Super Bowl in five decades, though, things have changed.<\/p>\n<p>As the Chiefs prepare to face the Eagles next Sunday in New Orleans with an opportunity to win their record third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, football fans are seeing Andy Reid\u2019s bushy mustache popping up on TV commercials. They are hearing Patrick Mahomes\u2019 voice seemingly everywhere. And Travis Kelce? He\u2019s only dating the biggest pop star on the planet.<\/p>\n<p>All of that and more has contributed to a profound sense of Chiefs fatigue that has turned many NFL fans against them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cChiefs fatigue was inevitable,\u201d explained Mike Lewis, author of \u201cFandom Analytics\u201d and a professor of marketing at Emory University. \u201cPre-Mahomes, the Chiefs were an afterthought of a team; a small-market team was never a consistent winner. As the Chiefs grew into a dynasty, they became rivals to multiple teams, adversaries to overcome.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment5560319572668392231343980747423744\">Advertisement 3<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-3\">\n<div id=\"ad-3\" data-ad=\"[[7,7],[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-interscroller=\"7x7\" data-ad-loc=\"3\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[7,7],[300,250],[320,50],[300,50]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn 2025, the Chiefs are perhaps the main rivals for the Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Chargers and any other team that aspires to championships. Now, the Chiefs are the team that prevents other fandoms from reaching the promised land.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, the Chiefs have long been the rivals of the Raiders and Broncos, who play in the same division. But that team tucked away in Middle America also has become the biggest thorn in the side of the Bengals, whom they\u2019ve played in consecutive AFC title games, and the Bills, whose season they have ended in four of the past five years.<\/p>\n<p>Including this one. Kansas City once again denied a Buffalo a spot in the Super Bowl with a 32-29 win in the AFC title game.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFandom, at a fundamental level, is about identity. Being a fan is being part of community,\u201d Lewis said. \u201cWhen an NFL fan\u2019s team wins, he wins. Likewise, when his team loses, he loses. All dynasties inspire fatigue and good-natured hate because it is tiring to lose to the same guys over and over.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-labelledby=\"CanucksReport7449960089782961017008376975982592\" data-account-id=\"b9d3df2fccd108b5eff3c44f573b2cd6\" data-aqa=\"widget-newsletter\" data-newsletter=\"single\" data-newsletter-component=\"\" data-target-list=\"VanSun_CanucksReport\" data-widget=\"newsletter\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p>By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment7455913198069016211824011135418368\">Advertisement 4<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-4\">\n<div id=\"ad-4\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"4\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<p>In that respect, Lewis said, the Chiefs have taken on the role that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady held for more two decades \u2014 another once-floundering franchise that found the right mix of coach and quarterback and became a dynasty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you\u2019re a Pittsburgh fan and it\u2019s 10 years ago, and the Chiefs are floundering and they have a good year here or there, it\u2019s easy to be like, \u2018I kind of like the Chiefs too,\u2019 because they don\u2019t threaten your team,\u201d said Dr. Dan Wann, who teaches psychology and studies fandom at Murray State University.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen that team gets successful and passes you,\u201d Wann said, \u201cit goes from, \u2018Oh, isn\u2019t that cute?\u2019 to \u2018They beat our (butt) again.\u2019 It changes the perspective. Think of the Cubs; they were the loveable losers. And then they started winning.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment703720927729640688299064946589696\">Advertisement 5<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-5\">\n<div id=\"ad-5\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"5\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<h3>Embrace the hate<\/h3>\n<p>Mahomes and Kelce are the most visible members of the most successful franchise in the NFL, so of course they hear what fans say about them, especially when the quarterback and tight end team up for celebrity golf tournaments and other events.<\/p>\n<p>They have their share of fans. Everyone still wants their photo or autograph. But they also hear plenty from the detractors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI try not to listen to it too much,\u201d Mahomes said. \u201cI try to to embrace who we have in this locker room, the personalities and how we enjoy playing football, and I believe if we play football the right way and compete, I\u2019ll always have my guys\u2019 backs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Even when conspiracy theorists claim that NFL officials are calling games so that Kansas City will win.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment533346613485179385243000868175872\">Advertisement 6<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-6\">\n<div id=\"ad-6\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"6\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<p>That was one of the prevailing storylines from the AFC title game, though almost every data point \u2014 whether it be number of penalties, penalty yardage or the time in the game in which the flags flew \u2014 proved the exact opposite.<\/p>\n<p>Still, there were several Chiefs players, including linebacker Drue Tranquill, who spoke out against the perceived favouritism on social media.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, I don\u2019t care,\u201d Reid said of the conspiracies, quite matter-of-factly. \u201cI don\u2019t get into that. I don\u2019t use it with the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, all those detractors seem to have galvanized the Chiefs, just as they have their fan base. Take the Kansas City-based streetwear brand Made Mobb, which sells a line of shirts and hoodies in Chiefs colors that read simply: \u201cVillains.\u201d Another apparel company, Charlie Hustle, has shirts that read: \u201cKansas City Versus The World.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment7177229451620365806968179966083072\">Advertisement 7<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-7\">\n<div id=\"ad-7\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"7\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<h3>Fascination and oversaturation<\/h3>\n<p>Turn on the TV and there is Reid, chowing down on \u201cchicken nuggies\u201d or drawing up the \u201cbundlerooskie\u201d for insurance company State Farm. Or Mahomes, pitching Subway sandwiches, watching TV with the Coors Light bear or slinging a ball around the field in his Oakley sunglasses. Or Kelce, hosting game shows and dropping in on \u201cSaturday Night Live.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>None of which is surprising when you consider that a study by digital marketing agency Hennessey Digital late last year found that Kelce was the NFL\u2019s most marketable player. Mahomes was right behind his good buddy at No. 2.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s all fun for Chiefs fans, who are rightfully proud of their own. It\u2019s oversaturation for fans of other NFL franchises.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment9864336767934918194044026740539392\">Advertisement 8<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-8\">\n<div id=\"ad-8\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"8\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAthletes and other entertainers need to be wary, every time you turn around, there they are. It can start to grate on peoples\u2019 nerves,\u201d Wann said. \u201cPeople are going to be like, \u2018Oh, my gosh. Them again?\u2019 A good example is the Yankees. They are always the Saturday game of the week, and people get tired of it. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s jealousy or too much of a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Maybe a little bit of both.<\/p>\n<p>Some of that oversaturation is a byproduct of Kelce\u2019s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, which has created thousands if not millions of new Chiefs fans, but which also has alienated other NFL fans. Over the past 18 months, they\u2019ve grown weary of game broadcasts constantly showing Swift in stadium suites, often with celebrity pals such as WNBA star Caitlin Clark.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment7006872570410431070913347782180864\">Advertisement 9<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ad__inner-9\">\n<div id=\"ad-9\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"9\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<p>At least, that\u2019s their perception. The reality is Swift had 54 seconds of screen time during the CBS broadcast of last year\u2019s Super Bowl, when the Chiefs rallied to beat San Francisco in overtime. The entire broadcast lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese guys bring ratings and impressions,\u201d Lewis said, \u201cbut to other fandoms, it feels like rivals are tormenting them. Not only do they regularly lose to Mahomes, but they also have to see him and hear his \u2018non-traditional\u2019 voice in ad after ad. Kelce is the future Hall of Famer with movie star looks and is dating Taylor Swift. No fan wants to see their rivals living this well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTaylor is part of the story as well,\u201d Lewis added. \u201cShe brings Swifties and anti-Swifties.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>They in turn become pro-Chiefs and anti-Chiefs.<\/p>\n<p>There are plenty of the former. There are becoming more and more of the latter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLook, we love to see people on top fall, right? That\u2019s one thing we know from sports fan research,\u201d Wann said. \u201cWe love to see these people on top crumble and get theirs, and now they\u2019re down here with the rest of us losers. So you can get that at a team level. Everybody loves a championship story. But then you\u2019re like, \u2018You got to be kidding me. They\u2019re winning again.\u201d\u2018<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Chiefs were once the loveable NFL underdogs, led by the good-natured coach who couldn&#8217;t win the big one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":30967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[10,9,137],"class_list":["post-30966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-nfl","tag-super-bowl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=30966\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate - 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