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via Imago

via Imago

For decades, the Dallas Cowboys have claimed the title of ‘America’s team’. A moniker that reflects their popularity, success, and influence in the NFL. But times have changed! The Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since 1996, their star power has faded and dwindled. So are the Kansas City Chiefs the new ‘America’s team’?

Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas recently declared that the Chiefs are now ‘America’s team’ in an interview on CNN’s ‘King Charles’ show. Even though his comments might not sit well with the Cowboys’ fanbase. Costas has given everybody to think about things.

Are the Kansas City Chiefs worth the nickname?

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This discussion can get mired in feelings rather than facts. So let us actually look at three points from the opposing sides of this debate. And you can make up your mind on which side you stand!

In favor of the moniker

Here are three points that are on the side of the 71-year-old Costas. And why the Chiefs deserve the term ‘America’s team’.

History

The Chiefs are one of the original teams of AFL that merged with the NFL to create the football that we know and love today. Established as a franchise in 1959, they are as American as any team can be in the NFL.

Superstars

For a team to be all the nation’s team, it must have superstar athletes with crossover appeal. And in Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have just that! Their on-field exploits have fueled their off-field stardom as well.

Winning habit

The Chiefs have won their division consecutively for 11 years. They have played in the last 6 AFC championship games and gone to Super Bowl 4 times. The Chiefs have lifted the Lombardi trophy twice and are on track to become the 9th-ever team to win the Super Bowl back-to-back.

READ MORE: Brock Purdy in Line to Join Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady if the 49ers Become Super Bowl LVIII Champions

Against the moniker

Even though, the Chiefs look like a perfect team to be coined as the ‘American team’. There are a few viewpoints that could stop them from gaining the nickname.

Timing

The Chiefs’ successful reign has occurred when the other teams have dwindled. And Tom Brady’s shadow looms on their record. The Chiefs lost the AFC championship game in 2018 against the Patriots. And then the Super Bowl against the Bucs in 2021. The Chiefs have still not settled enough to become a dynasty, let alone ‘America’s team’.

Inconsistency

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Even in this season, the Chiefs and their superstar QB Mahomes looked inconsistent. Their offense lacks the needed bite and hence their strategies seem a work in progress, rather than definitive.

Controversial

The Cowboys are a part of American folklore, their name and logo demonstrate that. On the other hand, the Chiefs with their logo, name, mascot, and tomahawk chop are somewhat stereotypical and can be taken as misrepresentations of Native American heritage. The Chiefs need to make a few more changes before being accepted by the whole of America.

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Do you think the Kansas City Chiefs should be known as the ‘America’s team’? Let us know in the comments.

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