Every year that quarterback Patrick Mahomes has helmed the Chiefs' attack, Kansas City has figured into the Super Bowl race.
In 2019 and 2022, the Chiefs emerged victorious over the 49ers and Eagles in the biggest game of all. They won the AFC title in 2020, and fell just short in the AFC titles games in 2018 and 2021.
It's clear this era in Kansas City constitutes something in the history of pro football. But is that something a dynasty?
To ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, the answer is clear.
"Ain't no dynasty if you can't even win two in a row," Smith declared on First Take Thursday.
Y'all rocking with @stephenasmith's take? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/7UbEBNvDWr
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 31, 2023
Only seven franchises have accomplished that feat: the Packers (1966-67), Dolphins (1972-73), Steelers (1974-75 and 1978-79), San Francisco (1988-89), the Cowboys (1992-93), Broncos (1997-98) and Patriots (2003-04).
Smith's opinion drew statements of support, statements of opposition, and comparisons to other sports.
One fan questioned whether by Smith's criteria the NBA's good-but-charmed Rockets of 1994-95 would be considered a dynasty.
Dynasty should be about longevity, not just winning back to back. Rockets did that and they never even been close to being considered a dynasty https://t.co/KfYq3WmFAR
— mike (@mikeflowry) August 31, 2023
Non-Chiefs fans found themselves rising to Kansas City's defense.
I’m no chiefs fan but nah he’s wrong…what Mahomes has done since he’s taken over he’s made them a dynasty https://t.co/2feJD7Ht0s
— Ceezy (@m_cole34) August 31, 2023
Several fans pointed to basketball's Spurs — champions in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014 — as a dynasty that never won in consecutive years.
Are the spurs a dynasty?@stephenasmith https://t.co/3gwwovlBbH
— Danny (@dj_25_) August 31, 2023
Huhhh??? So Spurs weren’t a dynasty ? https://t.co/mv0nSWEA61
— Q (@BoogiieQ) August 31, 2023
Additionally, fans established their own criteria for dynasties as the Chiefs prepare to bid for title No. 3.
Dynasty starts with 3 Super Bowls and dominance over an extended period of time https://t.co/jH5sZmQ4Dc
— Brandon Capozziello (@BrandonCap21) August 31, 2023
