During the 1960s the Chiefs franchise was the only club to capture three American Football League (AFL) championships. Coached by Hank Stram, the team had one of the AFL’s most feared defenses. Quarterback Len Dawson, a five-time passing champion and future Hall of Fame member, led the offense. During the early and mid-1990s head coach Marty Schottenheimer directed the Chiefs to six consecutive playoff appearances. His many stars included running back Marcus Allen, kicker Nick Lowery, and quarterback Joe Montana. The Dallas Texans became a charter member of the AFL in 1960, and Hank Stram, an assistant at the University of Miami, was hired as the team’s first head coach. Two years later Stram produced a powerful offense with quarterback Len Dawson, veteran running back Abner Hayes, and rookie running back Curtis McClinton. The three stars led the Texans to the AFL title in 1962. Dawson was named the player of the year, McClinton rookie of the year, and Stram coach of the year. Despite the team’s success in the AFL, the club suffered economically because of poor fan support, and in 1963 the franchise moved to Kansas City and was renamed the Chiefs. Kansas City won its second AFL title in 1966 behind wide receiver Otis Taylor; running back Mike Garrett, who was named the league’s top rookie; and kicker Mike Mercer, who made four field goals in the AFL Championship Game. In winning the AFL crown, the Chiefs earned the right to play the NFL-champion Green Bay Packers in the first Super Bowl. Kansas City lost the game 35-10.

Arrowhead Stadium