Here’s why many fans tend to root against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Another year, another Super Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL is once again concluding the season not with excitement, but rather a lackluster finish. The Chiefs have emerged as the league’s most-disliked team, echoing a sadder version of the Patriots. At least it was entertaining to dislike Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in New England, with Star Wars memes and references to the Evil Empire, along with fleeting opportunities to witness Brady facing setbacks, only for him to continue winning.
The Kansas City Chiefs present a different scenario. They aren’t even interesting enough to provoke a fun kind of hatred.
In a league filled with thrilling plays and powerhouse teams, the Chiefs seem to operate at a steady pace, cruising along at a mere 45 miles per hour. They are the unexciting choice in the NFL, akin to a Volvo. While nobody hates a Volvo, it’s also not a favorite among fans.
It’s natural to dislike dominant teams in sports, yet the Chiefs have inflicted enough wounds upon themselves to make them generally unlikable.
No. 1: The Chiefs are exceedingly dull
Tom Brady may have been unexciting, but he embraced that expectation. Everyone recognized that Brady’s greatest asset was his intelligence, allowing him to act as an extension of the coaching staff on the field, consistently making the right decisions with the ball. This meant we never anticipated a spectacular athletic moment, a jaw-dropping throw, or a play that showcased the difference between NFL athletes and mere mortals.
Conversely, we know how entertaining Patrick Mahomes can be. His off-platform genius, the jump passes, and the ability to make a deep throw out of nothing have captivated fans. However, ever since the Chiefs entered their “Ruthless Efficiency” phase, they have become tiresome to watch.
There’s nothing thrilling about an offense that consistently opts for 7-to-9 yard plays to Travis Kelce. The bootleg rollout pass to a running back for a minimal gain is simply boring. The Chiefs have meticulously dissected the formula for winning in the NFL and are content to coast along.
I miss the old Chiefs—the exciting Chiefs. The Super Bowl-winning Chiefs who had to try. Now, they make victory look effortless, taking the most efficient routes to success. While that’s respectable, it’s not enjoyable, and nobody truly enjoys it.
No. 2: The forced nature of Travis and Taylor’s relationship
You know as a kid when something was genuinely fun until your parents started getting involved? That’s what’s happened with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s relationship. It began as an organic, sweet connection—introducing a new audience to football. It was fresh and exciting, enough to divert attention from the Chiefs’ increasing boredom.
The NFL, eager to commercialize everything, is now fully on the “all Taylor everything” bandwagon, and it’s becoming exhausting.
What a moment for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ixC0gAiFh6
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025
WHAT A MOMENT! DID YOU CATCH IT?! IT’S JUST TWO PEOPLE DATING, WALKING TOGETHER. AT ONE POINT, TAYLOR WAVES. WHAT A MOMENT! IT’S NOT LIKE THEY CELEBRATED A SUPER BOWL WIN LESS THAN A YEAR AGO.
Showing Taylor in the box last year was understandable. It was during the Eras Tour, and everything felt fresh. Now, the NFL seems intent on continuously shoving this relationship down our throats. Just let them be a couple instead of a sideshow.
No. 3: Harrison Butker’s performance
Harrison Butker’s kicking has come under scrutiny. Every attempt he makes leaves many hoping for a more thrilling outcome than what he delivers.
No. 4: Andy Reid’s support of Harrison Butker
Butker’s recent commencement speech at Benedictine College raised eyebrows. He made disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, referred to IVF as a “degenerate cultural value,” and made controversial comments about women.
“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
It was an opportunity for the Chiefs to take a stand on an important issue, yet they chose to shield Butker from further criticism, with Andy Reid stating, “I don’t think he was speaking ill to women.”
The problem is that women felt he was indeed speaking poorly about them. Their voices matter. There’s no need to rehash this or give Butker more attention than a kicker deserves, but Reid’s handling of the situation was troubling. Coaches often express more outrage over players celebrating than Reid did over attacking half of the fanbase.
No. 5: The tomahawk chop
And while we’re discussing this, it’s time to stop the cultural appropriation in the stands. It’s 2025.
No. 6: The refereeing dynamics
I’m not one of those who believes the NFL has been rigged in favor of the Chiefs, but it’s undeniable that they receive similar favorable calls that Brady and the Patriots enjoyed during their prime.
While it’s frustrating to witness referees making these calls, Chiefs fans often refuse to acknowledge the soft calls they benefit from. Just own it; it’s a perk of being at the top in this league.
No. 7: Clark Hunt’s influence
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, or “C. Hunt” as he should be referred to, has been criticized for his actions. As a prominent figure in the NFL, he often seeks credit for the team’s successes while remaining in the background when it comes to actual contributions beyond financial support. His focus should be on enhancing the facilities and welfare of his players. The Chiefs ranked low in the NFLPA Report Card survey, yet Hunt continues to manage the franchise with a lack of investment.
The Chiefs’ ongoing dominance
The Chiefs are likely to win again. They may hoist the Lombardi Trophy once more and achieve a three-peat. Fans will continue to be subjected to a team that lacks excitement and personality.
They will persist in their presence, dragging the league down until a more interesting competitor emerges to challenge them. Hopefully, that moment arrives sooner rather than later.
