KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have transitioned from being the NFL’s lovable underdogs to a dominant force in the league, thanks to the leadership of their amiable coach and talented roster. No longer just a quaint small-market team, the Chiefs now find themselves poised to win their third consecutive Super Bowl, as they gear up to battle the Eagles in New Orleans next Sunday.
Andy Reid’s iconic mustache and Patrick Mahomes’ recognizable voice are now features in commercials that circulate widely, while superstar tight end Travis Kelce is making headlines for his high-profile romance with an international pop icon. All of this has resulted in what some fans describe as a growing “Chiefs fatigue,” causing a significant portion of the NFL fan base to develop a dislike for the team.
According to Mike Lewis, a marketing professor and author of “Fandom Analytics,” this fatigue was to be expected. Before Mahomes stepped in, the Chiefs were often overlooked as a small-market team with inconsistent performance. Their rise to dynasty status has made them rivals to a number of franchises, creating a sense of urgency among fans of those teams to wrest championships away from Kansas City.
In 2025, it’s not just traditional rivals like the Raiders and Broncos that see the Chiefs as formidable; they have become significant hurdles for teams like the Bengals and Bills, whom they have repeatedly defeated in critical playoff situations. Notably, Kansas City extinguished the Bills’ Super Bowl hopes once again this year with a narrow 32-29 victory in the AFC title game.
“Fandom is rooted in identity; when your team wins, you share in that victory,” Lewis noted. “Dynasties like the Chiefs inevitably inspire fatigue and resentment, as it can be exhausting to face the same challenge time and time again.”
The Chiefs are now likened to the New England Patriots of the Belichick-Brady era, transforming from a struggling franchise into a powerhouse through effective leadership and talent. As Dr. Dan Wann, a psychologist specializing in sports fandom, observed, fans can appreciate a team as the underdog, but once they begin winning consistently, that perception changes dramatically.
This phenomenon is palpable for Mahomes and Kelce, who are the most recognizable figures of the current NFL franchise. Despite enjoying a devoted fanbase that clamors for their autograph or photo, they are also subjected to harsh criticism from detractors. Mahomes expressed his intent to focus on vested team relationships, saying, “I try not to listen to it too much…if we play football the right way, I’ll always have my guys’ backs.”
Rumors and conspiracy theories about the NFL favoring the Chiefs have also emerged, particularly surrounding officiating. Following their recent playoff victory, some players voiced their discontent online regarding perceived favoritism. Reid, however, dismissed these notions, maintaining a straightforward attitude without concern for outside opinions.
This dynamic seems to have motivated the Chiefs and their supporters. Local streetwear brands have embraced the narrative of being the “villains” in the league, illustrating the current perception and the divided fan sentiment around them.
Further adding to their visibility, Reid, Mahomes, and Kelce have featured prominently in commercials and on entertainment platforms, making them ubiquitous in media. With Kelce crowned as the most marketable NFL player and Mahomes close behind, their prominence is celebrated by fans of the Chiefs but may cause irritation among rival supporters.
Dr. Wann pointed out that constant visibility can become overwhelming, leading some fans to develop a sense of fatigue, akin to feelings towards historically dominant franchises, such as the Yankees. This rising exposure is partially fueled by Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift, further polarizing NFL fandoms as audiences become consumed with celebrity culture intertwined with sports.
Ultimately, this fascination with the Chiefs — bolstered by a winning streak and broader cultural visibility — has fostered both new fans and an increasing number of detractors. As Lewis pointed out, the narrative surrounding their success has transformed them into figures of envy, with rival fans largely wishing for their downfall. The desire to see the champions falter is a common theme in sports, and for many fans, witnessing Kansas City’s repeated victories can be frustrating. The complex dynamics of sports fandom ultimately reveal a landscape where admiration and animosity coexist.
