With training camp set to begin in just a short amount of time, teams around the league are finalizing their camp rosters. That being said, it’s a fitting time to take a look at which three players on all 32 NFL teams are dubbed the “faces of the franchise” for the 2020 season. Those who have the greatest positive impact not just on a weekly basis on the field, but in the locker room, community, and for the team’s brand as a whole. For this series, we will present the three most prominent figures for each team. In the case of the 2020 Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions have a long list of players worthy of being the faces of the team. Without further ado, here are the faces of Kansas City this season.
Faces of the Franchise: 2020 Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes
Was it not obvious that the reigning Super Bowl MVP and franchise quarterback was going to be one of the faces for the team this season? After all, Patrick Mahomes just signed a mega-extension worth over $500 million. In just two seasons, Mahomes has put together a tremendous resume with significant help and guidance from head coach Andy Reid.
The 10th overall selection out of Texas Tech has proved that the gamble was well worth the risk given his performances and highlight reels. This past season, Mahomes finished with 26 touchdowns and 4,031 yards through the air. This despite missing games with an ankle injury. He showed that though he could not get 50 touchdowns, his ability to produce points and wins was undeterred. The former NFL MVP now has all the accolades in addition to the national spotlight being bestowed upon him.
Mahomes will enjoy having a majority of his offensive starters returning in 2020 in Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman. A wide receiver group dubbed “The Legion of Zoom”. The addition of rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire will only add to the arsenal and improve upon the ground game with Damien Williams. If Mahomes is going to only get better, look out.
Chris Jones
The defense in the city of great BBQ has often been overlooked due to the high powered offense. However, it is impossible to overlook the significance of Chris Jones on the defensive line. After his dominant performance in Super Bowl LIV, it was well aware that Jones deserved a new contract. Throughout the off-season however, there was a stalemate between the front office and Jones before they ultimately agreed upon a four year extension with $50 million in guaranteed dollars.
Jones, along with teammates Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu, provided a lift to Kansas City’s defense that was sorely lacking the year before when they lost in OT to the New England Patriots in the AFC Title game. Jones’ resume speaks for itself with 136 tackles, 33 sacks and a second team All-Pro in 2018. Now add a Super Bowl ring to that list.
Head Coach Andy Reid needed his defensive captain back under contract and it came to fruition. There is an expectation that the defense will continue to play at a better level thanks to the offense retooling themselves. Jones will anchor the front with Clark while Reggie Ragland and Mathieu will occupy the linebackers and back ends. This unit has a window of opportunity waiting in front of them, and Jones will be one of the leaders asked to help take the next step in that direction while hopefully avoiding the one year wonder label that is so often given to many Super Bowl Champions.
Tyreek Hill
Lately, Hill has been talking about garnering seven Super Bowl rings and establishing Kansas City as an NFL Dynasty. It’s worth noting that his speed has been exemplary and the stats back up his performance and not his statement. In addition, Hill has made the most of his second chance from his past issues thanks to Coach Reid and evolved into one of the NFL’s premiere receivers.
Receivers can come and go within offenses. A true number one receiver is hard to find. From West Alabama to a Lombardi Trophy in Miami, it’s hard to regurgitate just how far Hill has come. Through four seasons with the team, Hill has amassed 4,115 yards and 32 touchdowns. Also worth noting, four rushing touchdowns and five return touchdowns. A useful player in all phases of the game, plus a cool nickname in “Cheetah”.
That being said, Hill has a lot of help in receivers in addition to tight end Travis Kelce, who is one of the best tight ends in the game. A bold proclamation was made and now it’s time to back it up. There will be a lot of pressure on Kansas City to repeat, but if Hill’s confidence can replicate his game, what’s to say KC won’t be holding the trophy in Tampa this season as repeat champions?
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