When Andy Reid came to Kansas City in 2013, the Chiefs were coming off of one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
Over the last seven seasons, Reid has transformed the Chiefs into an annual contender. His tenure has included four consecutive AFC West titles and a Super Bowl championship.
While stars like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce will get a lot of the credit (which they deserve), there are some forgotten players who have made tremendous contributions to the Chiefs over the last seven years.
Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West
In week 5 of 2015, Jamaal Charles tore his ACL and the Chiefs dropped to 1-4 with a loss to the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead. In what was beginning to look like a lost season, the Chiefs were now without their best offensive weapon.
In his place, Ware and West formed an unexpectedly formidable duo alongside Alex Smith. The two combined for 1,037 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, helping the Chiefs to 10 straight wins to finish the regular season and the team’s first playoff victory in 22 years.
Ware became the feature back in 2016, leading the team with 921 rushing yards, and helping the Chiefs to a 12-4 record.
Kareem Hunt took over in 2017, but Ware and West made significant contributions for the Chiefs in between Charles and Hunt.
Dontari Poe
While Poe’s numbers never jumped off the box score, he was a fan favorite and an occasional red zone threat for Reid.
In five seasons in Kansas City, Poe tallied 13 sacks and 200 tackles, and made two Pro Bowls. He is more remembered for his three touchdowns, including the “Bloated Tebow Pass” touchdown on Christmas Day in 2016.
Daniel Sorensen
Sorensen has received well deserved praise for his role in the Divisional comeback against the Texans, and that game is a good representation of his time with the Chiefs. Since coming to KC as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Sorensen has made big plays when it mattered most.
Some of his most memorable plays include a pick-six against New Orleans in 2016, a pick-six against Oakland in the 2018 finale, and a game-sealing interception in Mexico City versus the Chargers just last season.
Sorensen has received criticism over the years for lacking consistent production, but he always made the big plays when needed.
The Chiefs do not win the Super Bowl without Sorensen, and it is fitting that he will go down as a legend in the Kingdom for his plays versus the Texans.
James Winchester
Long snapper is probably the most unnoticed position in football, aside from the occasional botched snap. It’s consistency, however, is crucial to special teams success.
Since Andy Reid’s arrival, the Chiefs have consistently been one of the best units in the game, and Winchester has been a key part in that since joining the team in 2015.
In addition to long snapping, Winchester has also made some plays, forcing two fumbles and recovering two fumbles over the last five seasons.
While punter Dustin Colquitt and kicker Harrison Butker get almost all of the special teams credit, Winchester is a name that certainly deserves recognition.
