KANSAS CITY, Mo. — DeAndre Hopkins found himself on a struggling Tennessee Titans team that was in line for the top pick of the upcoming draft. Meanwhile, Kareem Hunt was without a team altogether.
When they, along with Marquise Brown, D.J. Humphries, and others, joined the Kansas City Chiefs, their fortunes changed dramatically, as they now own coveted AFC championship rings, adorned with gold and diamonds. This unexpected turn has propelled them towards a chance at even greater rewards as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl in just over a week. This remarkable chapter stands out in their careers, which have boasted individual accolades, yet lacked team triumphs.
“Words can’t really describe it,” said Hopkins, a three-time All-Pro, emphasizing how this opportunity feels surreal. “A dream come true. I’ve been in the league 12 years and I haven’t gotten this far.”
The Chiefs have a record of their own, making their third consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl and their fifth in six years. They aim to make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Lombardi Trophies on Super Bowl Sunday.
For players like Hopkins, who has played 178 regular-season games and eight playoffs, reaching this stage is a monumental achievement—an aspiration they have pursued throughout their careers. With over 1,000 catches and approximately 13,000 yards accumulated, he has experienced both victories and defeats. A major turning point came when the Chiefs, seeking depth after injuries to Brown and Rashee Rice, inquired about a trade with the Titans. This move saw him transition from a franchise that finished 3-14 last season to one with a strong history of success.
Hunt’s journey to Kansas City was somewhat similar; he was brought on board as the Chiefs needed a running back following an injury to Isiah Pacheco. After recovering from core muscle surgery that had deterred other teams from signing him, he reached out to Andy Reid, his former coach in Kansas City. Reid, who had maintained a connection with Hunt through the years, welcomed him back.
Once on the team, Hunt quickly established himself as a key player, consistently gaining tough yards. Even after Pacheco returned from injury, Hunt’s performance remained impressive, exemplifying this during the AFC championship win against Buffalo, where he recorded 17 carries for 64 yards and scored a touchdown. Now, he’s set to compete in his very first Super Bowl after more than 100 regular-season games in the league.
Brown is also in pursuit of his first Super Bowl championship, though his journey has had its unique challenges. The speedy yet sometimes injury-prone receiver signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs ahead of the season, aiming to become the top target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, his season appeared compromised when he suffered a shoulder injury on the first play of the preseason.
Despite initial concerns, the Chiefs maintained hope for his recovery, and by November, he was ahead of schedule. Brown returned to action in December, contributing to what is arguably one of the strongest wide receiver groups Kansas City has showcased in recent years. Like his teammates Hopkins and Hunt, Brown is now on the cusp of competing for a championship on football’s grandest stage.
