Kansas City Chiefs Dominate ESPN’s Prestigious All-Quarter Century Team with Eight Selections Highlighting Unprecedented Two-Decade NFL Success

The Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty has reshaped modern football, and now, ESPN has given their unprecedented dominance formal recognition. On Thursday, ESPN revealed its much-anticipated “All-Quarter Century Team,” honoring the best NFL players from 2000 to 2025, and unsurprisingly, the Chiefs stood atop the honors list with a staggering eight players earning spots on the prestigious roster.

For Chiefs Kingdom, the announcement is more than a feather in the cap; it’s a testament to how far the franchise has come. From their pre-Patrick Mahomes struggles to their recent reign as perennial Super Bowl contenders, Kansas City has carved out a legacy unmatched by most in the 21st century.

The All-Quarter Century Team, curated by a panel of ESPN NFL analysts, Hall of Fame voters, and former players, recognizes the greatest talents across offense, defense, and special teams over the past 25 seasons. Notably, selections aren’t limited to statistical leaders but also factor in overall impact, championship pedigree, and longevity.

Mahomes Leads the Charge

Leading the list for the Chiefs is none other than quarterback Patrick Mahomes, widely considered the most electrifying and influential player of the modern era. Despite being only 29 years old, Mahomes’ resume already dwarfs that of many legends. With three Super Bowl titles, two league MVPs, and multiple record-shattering performances, his inclusion was all but guaranteed.

ESPN’s panel praised Mahomes for redefining the quarterback position, blending arm talent, mobility, and football IQ in a way rarely seen. His clutch performances on football’s biggest stage—most notably the unforgettable comebacks in Super Bowl LIV and LVIII—solidified his spot among the greatest of the last 25 years.

“Patrick Mahomes isn’t just the face of the Chiefs; he’s the face of football for this generation,” said ESPN analyst Mina Kimes. “What he’s done in such a short period is nothing short of historic.”

Travis Kelce: Tight End Royalty

Joining Mahomes is his go-to target and future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, Kelce’s inclusion reflects his dominance as both a pass-catcher and mismatch nightmare. Kelce, known for his route-running precision, athleticism, and postseason heroics, has been instrumental in Kansas City’s offensive juggernaut status.

Kelce’s streak of 1,000-yard seasons, record-breaking playoff performances, and chemistry with Mahomes made his selection inevitable. His ability to elevate in crucial moments, including multiple game-winning drives during their Super Bowl runs, distinguishes him as more than just a stat-sheet star.

Tyreek Hill’s Explosive Legacy

Though now a member of the Miami Dolphins, wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s body of work with Kansas City earned him a spot on the All-Quarter Century Team. Hill’s speed, versatility, and ability to stretch defenses transformed the Chiefs’ offense into a nightmare for opposing secondaries.

During his six seasons with Kansas City, Hill amassed nearly 7,000 receiving yards, 56 touchdowns, and countless game-breaking plays. His partnership with Mahomes created one of the league’s most feared duos and defined the Chiefs’ explosive identity.

ESPN acknowledged Hill’s “unique game-changing speed” as a key reason for his selection, noting his role in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV victory and their continued offensive evolution.

Defensive Stalwarts Recognized

The Chiefs’ success hasn’t been limited to the offensive side. Three defensive stars—safety Eric Berry, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and pass rusher Tamba Hali—earned their rightful place among the century’s finest defenders.

Berry, whose inspirational comeback from cancer captured the nation’s attention, was heralded for his versatility and leadership. Despite a career shortened by injuries, Berry’s impact during the Chiefs’ rise in the early 2010s was undeniable. He earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and served as the heart of the defense.

Chris Jones, still anchoring the Chiefs’ defensive front, has emerged as one of the most disruptive interior linemen of the modern NFL. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, dominate in the trenches, and elevate his play during postseason battles made him a no-brainer for ESPN’s All-Quarter Century Team.

Meanwhile, Tamba Hali’s relentless motor and pass-rushing prowess provided Kansas City with stability and excellence off the edge for over a decade. His consistency and impact during a time when the franchise was rebuilding set the foundation for future success.

Jamaal Charles: Forgotten But Unmatched

One of the more nostalgic selections came in the form of running back Jamaal Charles. Often overlooked in conversations about elite backs, Charles quietly built one of the most efficient rushing careers in NFL history.

With an NFL-record 5.4 yards per carry average (minimum 1,000 attempts) and a reputation for home-run plays, Charles’ inclusion highlights his unique skill set. Despite injuries hampering portions of his career, his peak years made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons of his era.

Special Teams Excellence with Dustin Colquitt

Rounding out the Chiefs’ impressive contingent is punter Dustin Colquitt, whose two-decade tenure with Kansas City exemplified consistency and professionalism. Colquitt, known for his pinpoint accuracy and game-changing field position control, was a vital component in the Chiefs’ special teams dominance.

His longevity and reliability often flew under the radar, but those within the organization and NFL circles understood Colquitt’s role in tilting the field, especially in tightly contested games.

Chiefs’ Dynasty Cemented in History

Landing eight representatives on ESPN’s All-Quarter Century Team further cements Kansas City’s dynasty in NFL history. The recognition isn’t merely about individual accolades—it’s a reflection of the organizational stability, player development, and championship culture fostered by head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach, and the Hunt family.

Reid, though not officially listed among the players, received praise from ESPN’s panel for his role in transforming the Chiefs into the NFL’s gold standard over the last decade.

“Andy Reid’s offensive innovations, his leadership, and his trust in players like Mahomes and Kelce are at the heart of Kansas City’s success,” said NFL historian Bill Barnwell. “This is as much his legacy as it is theirs.”

A Legacy Still Being Written

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Chiefs’ presence on the All-Quarter Century Team is that several of these players—Mahomes, Kelce, Jones—are still adding to their resumes.

With Mahomes only entering his prime and the Chiefs fresh off yet another Super Bowl triumph, it’s conceivable their dominance could extend well beyond this 25-year window.

For Kansas City fans, this announcement is both a celebration of the present and a reminder of the long, arduous journey that brought them here. From decades of heartbreak to the heights of NFL royalty, the Chiefs have become the league’s measuring stick.

As ESPN’s list circulates among football circles, it solidifies what Chiefs Kingdom has long believed: This is not just an era of success—it’s a golden age that may define football’s future. And with Mahomes still leading the charge, the story is far from finished.