The AFC West showdowns between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have created iconic moments in the NFL’s history. The anticipation before each game has fans, players, and coaches ready for a big game battle at least twice a season.
Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about his experience competing at the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and playing on both sides of the Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry.
“They’re probably a handful of guys we know that are going to be in contention (American Century Championship), and most of us go up there to compete and have fun. And for many of us, it’s networking, too,” said Allen. “But I played in a stretch where I had three birdies in a row. I’ve played well, and then I turn around. It’s been Christmas in July, and I give points back. You know what I mean. Just being there has been a high point.”
On the fifth day of Christmas, ACC gave to me
Five Heisman Trophies.(Marcus Allen, 1981; Tim Brown, 1987; Charles Woodson, 1997; Reggie Bush, 2005; Baker Mayfield, 2017) pic.twitter.com/CRgrUrxZ3k
— American Century Championship (@ACChampionship) December 16, 2023
Allen played eleven seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders, winning Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. He decided to join the division rival Chiefs in 1993, playing a role in improving the franchise and making a run to the AFC Championship game.
“When I was playing for the Raiders, it just felt like everybody was a rival, but, when I played for the Chiefs, I felt, in particular, the Raiders were the rival, and Marty Schottenheimer made a point of that special, he emphasized it that way,” Allen explained. “To me, it was a balancing act, right? I go to compete regardless; even if I were playing against my brother, I would never try to embarrass my brother, but I would try to win, and that’s how it was for me.
“Nothing was personal. Remember, these are my friends that I had, that I fought with, and that’s why I even today, if there is, I guess the last event I went to was the Kimble Anders (Chiefs Ring Of Honor) induction because these are my teammates. I let nothing or no one separate me from that, no matter if they want you to pick and choose, and I’ll never do that. I’ll always choose my teammates.”
Allen earned a reputation in the locker room as one of the more likable teammates for both the Chiefs and Raiders. His teammates notably voted him for the Commitment to Excellence Award five times during his career with the Raiders.
“In this case, I played for two teams and had great teammates on both. So that’s how I look at it. Yeah, I wanted to win the game,” said Allen. “We won nine out of ten, but it was mixed emotions with me, right? It’s like, I’m gonna win, but I don’t feel so great about beating my buddies, and that’s how it was.”
This year marks the 35th edition of the golf tournament known as the “Super Bowl of Celebrity Golf.” The 54-hole tournament, which raises funds for local and national charities, will take place from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It will air on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. At stake is a purse of $750,000, with a $150,000 first prize award.
Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.
