Breaking down the Kansas City Chiefs 2010s all-decade team shows history and glory while going back in time. This past season, the red and yellow confetti rained down after a spectacular victory in Super Bowl LIV. The losing record that was part of the team early in the decade, however, is hard to forget. The arrival of Andy Reid would change the culture and through clever drafting, the Chiefs put together a team worthy of competing for football’s greatest prize. On offense, the leader was of course, the reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. The defense however, had stars such as Justin Houston and Chris Jones.
Now the fans get the chance to see who is on and who is off. This team is loaded with firepower and they closed out the decade with a bang. Here it is kingdom, the best of the red in 2010-2020.
Read the Kansas City Chiefs 2010s All-Decade Team: Defense here.
Kansas City Chiefs 2010s All-Decade Team: Offense
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes being the Chiefs starting quarterback on the all-decade team should be no surprise. He threw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first full year as a starter and got the Chiefs to their first AFC Championship Game since the 1993 season. Plus, he won NFL MVP that year.
Had an injury not forced him to miss two games in 2019, he would probably have been a strong front-runner to repeat as the league MVP. Instead, he went on to win Super Bowl MVP and brought Kansas City their first football championship in close to 50 years, that’s probably the better prize and stat.
Running Back: Jamaal Charles
A clear choice in the backfield. Through four years (2010, 2012, 2013-2014), Charles gained over 1,000 yards on the ground. In 2012, he rushed for over 1,500 yards. In 2013 he scored 12 rushing touchdowns and seven receiving touchdowns, totalling 19 touchdowns. In 2010 and 2013, he would gather more than 1,900 total yards of offense. And twice, in 2013 and 2014, his touchdown total would be in the double digits.
During his prime, Charles was known for breaking out the big run that sent shock waves through Arrowhead stadium. Twice in 2012, he rushed for over 200 yards in a single game. It should be noted that the Chiefs have had five 1,000-yard rushers between 2010 and 2019. Charles claims four of those. The other was Kareem Hunt, who was omitted due to his short period and off the field issues.
Wide Receiver: Tyreek Hill
Despite recent dominance, wide receivers have not been the talk of Kansas City. Thus, Hill here is an obvious choice. He has has 281 catches, 4115 yards and 32 touchdowns in his four seasons as a Chief. In addition, Hill is also a dynamic returner being a four time Pro-Bowler and two time First Team All-Pro. It must also be noted that his “Jet Chip Wasp” play was enough to pull off the key play of Super Bowl LIV that enhanced the Chiefs comeback against the San Francisco 49ers.
Wide Receiver: Dwayne Bowe
The player who is the franchise all-time leader in catches by a wide receiver, and second in yards has to be here. While Tyreek Hill is a more talented player, Bowe was the man on the field who caught the passes. Despite no hardware to show for it, his place in the hearts of Kansas City is standing put.
Bowe was a one time Pro Bowler and a one time 2nd Team All-Pro. He has 532 catches, 7,155 yards, and 44 touchdowns for the Chiefs, and it should be noted that Bowe led the league in touchdown catches with 15 in 2010.
Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins
Lastly, though his numbers may not be flashy, the star of the Super Bowl and a member of the “Legion of Zoom” deserves his props. Though Hill and Mecole Hardman have the flash, the big play moments give Watkins the nod. With 1,192 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons combined with a breakout performance of five catches with 98 yards against all-pro Richard Sherman, Watkins has earned his place on the team.
Tight End: Travis Kelce
After the Chiefs drafted Kelce in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he has recorded 1,000 plus receiving yards for four consecutive seasons. Kelce has shown himself worthy of a high draft pick with five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pros to his name. Not to mention, a touchdown catch in the Super Bowl that effectively put the Chiefs ahead for good. He earned his right to party, and the right to be a starter on the all-decade team.
Offensive Tackle: Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz
Many will want to put Branden Albert on the list but Fisher has played so well since being drafted number one overall that it was a fair choice to put him on the list. In addition, Schwartz has done a masterful job since signing a five year deal in 2016. Both men were responsible for helping protect the blind and strong side of Patrick Mahomes en route to the Super Bowl.
Offensive Guard: Brian Waters and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
Waters only played in 2010, but his ability, longevity, and loyalty puts him above others, making him a worthy choice. Duvernay-Tardif not only helped win a title, but improved his name with a medical degree. Despite his opting out of the 2020-2021 season, his leadership still flows through the line.
Offensive Center: Rodney Hudson
During his four year stint in Kansas City, Hudson was a leader on the offensive line. Though many were devastated when he decided to leave for the Oakland Raiders, it should not be forgotten how strong he was anchoring the front line through the good and the bad years. While he is mostly known for black and silver, many of his best years came while wearing red.
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