KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs made one thing abundantly clear when talking at the giant rally that culminated their Super Bowl parade on Wednesday.
They had heard the people who doubted them in the offseason. And they responded to those critics with Sunday’s 38-35 Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale, Ariz.
The Chiefs gathered on a stage at Union Station following Wednesday morning’s noon parade through downtown Kansas City. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the crowd with a message that was prevalent among others’ turn at the microphone.
“The AFC West said we were rebuilding. I’m going to be honest with you: I don’t know what rebuilding means,” Mahomes said, before the crowd roared its approval. “In our rebuilding year, we’re world champs!”
Tight end Travis Kelce, during his speech, also referred to some national views about the Chiefs before the season.
“The haters were saying that the Chiefs would never make the playoffs. Pppuh,” Kelce said, flapping his lips together in disgust. “The haters were saying the Chiefs were done. Pppphhuh!”
A number of Chiefs players spoke to fans at Union Station following the march through downtown in cool conditions, with temperatures in the high-30s with slight winds out of the north. Many players waved while riding in red double-decker buses, while others walked the route to interact with fans and sign autographs.
That led to the final speeches, with Chiefs radio play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus emceeing on stage.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was one of the first to speak, and he, too, referenced the Chiefs accomplishing their greatest goal even after an offseason trade sent star receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami.
“In Kansas City, this is what a rebuilding year looks like right here,” Veach said, grabbing the Lombardi Trophy and holding it up to the crowd.
Mahomes, wearing a red coat with a wrestling-championship belt around his waist and grasping a Coors Light in his left hand, promised to Chiefs fans this was just the beginning. The 27-year-old has two Super Bowl titles with the Chiefs in his five years as a starter.
“We ain’t done yet,” Mahomes said. “So I’ll make sure to hit y’all back next year, and I hope the crowd’s the same.”
Kelce, wearing a white vintage Chiefs track suit and necklace with sparkling Bud Light emblem, told fans this season was the best of his life.
“I owe it to you guys. I owe it to the guys on this stage. I owe it to everybody in Chiefs Kingdom and the organization that we’ve been able to create,” Kelce said. “Everybody’s asking if this is a dynasty. It’s been a dynasty.”
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, sporting a red suit coat with a gold tie, shared his belief that coach Andy Reid was “one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NFL.”
“It is so great to be back here celebrating with you,” Hunt said to the fans, “and I’m glad it didn’t take another 50 years.”
Other dignitaries who spoke on stage Wednesday included KC mayor Quinton Lucas and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne performed, saying it was the biggest crowd he’d been in front of during his career.
Just before Holthus ended the rally, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones barged to the front to grab the microphone, starting a “Run it back!” chant.
He then handed the mic to Kelce, who screamed his often-repeated line following Chiefs wins: “You gotta fight .. for your right ... to party!”
Moments later, the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right” blared from the speakers. Confetti rainfall poured down.
And just after that, Mahomes capped off the celebration with the final words from a Chiefs player.
“Hey, Kansas City,” he said, “let’s turn it up tonight.”
