25 Chiefs Players who never played in a Super Bowl

[KC Warpaint 3,234]

25. FB Tony Richardson (1995-2005)

Wherever Tony Richardson played in the NFL, running backs always found success. That is no accident nor coincidence. Richardson might be the best fullback in NFL history. With his run-blocking ability, running backs had it easy with Richardson leading the way.

Richardson helped Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson amass plenty of yards during their time as a Chief. Richardson was key in helping Holmes earn his then-record-setting 27 touchdowns in 2003. Richardson is a three-time Pro Bowler, twice with Kansas City. He also has been named to the All-Pro team twice, once with the Chiefs. Richardson was also named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

24. DE Jared Allen (1989-1996)

Although he was drafted as a long snapper in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Jared Allen dominated as a pass rusher in the NFL. During his first four years with the Chiefs, he averaged close to 11 sacks per season. Despite playing just four years, he is 11th all time in team history in sacks.

In 2007, Allen had the best season of any pass rusher that year. In just 14 games, Allen managed to lead the NFL in sacks with 14.5 sacks.

Allen is a four time All-Pro player, a five time Pro Bowler and a two-time sacks leader. He also holds the NFL record for defensive safeties in a career with four, but never had one in Kansas City. Allen never won a Super Bowl, but got a chance to play in Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

23. WR Henry Marshall (1976-1987)

Henry Marshall is among the top five in Chiefs history in receiving yards and receptions, but it was not easy for him to have the success that he had. The Chiefs offense was one of the worst during Marshall’s first couple of seasons, in addition to then-head coach Marv Levy building a run-heavy offense. But once the Chiefs returned to a pro-style offense, the former Missouri Tiger was able to showcase his skills more, earning his status as one of the best wide receivers in Chiefs history.

22. WR Dwayne Bowe (2007-2014)

Dwayne Bowe struggled with consistency at times, but once he had the hot hand, it was tough for defensive backs to stop him. Bowe finished third in Chiefs history in receptions and fourth in receiving yards while being sixth in touchdown catches.

In Bowe’s eight seasons in Kansas City, he was only part of a winning season just three times, two of them coming in his final two years with the team. Bowe is tied first with Tyreek Hill for most touchdown grabs in a single-season in Chiefs history with 15, doing so in 2010 when he led the league in that category. His 7,155 receiving yards is the fourth most in franchise history and second most among wide receivers.

21. CB Dale Carter (1992-1998)

Dale Carter was one of the best cornerbacks during the ’90s and he has the resume to show for it. Carter was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1992 when he came away with seven interceptions and a pick six, the most interceptions he had in a single-season and the only pick six of his career.

Carter’s 21 interceptions are the fifth most in team history among cornerbacks. He earned four Pro Bowl and two All-Pro honors. Unfortunately, off-the-field troubles forced Carter to miss some games in his career, preventing him from reaching his potential.

 

20. CB Kevin Ross (1984-1993)

Prior to the arrival of Marty Schottenheimer, Ross had a quiet career in Kansas City. He had six interceptions as a rookie, but went on to log just 11 picks in the next four seasons. Once Schottenheimer was named the head coach, Ross became a better cornerback. His 30 interceptions with the Chiefs put him seventh in team history.

Ross scored a touchdown in four different ways during his time with the Chiefs: off two interceptions, two blocked field goal returns, a blocked punt return and a fumble recovery. He is one of three Chiefs to score a touchdown in at least four different ways, according to the Kansas City Star.

19. K Nick Lowery (1980-1993)

Nick Lowery is one of the most reliable kickers in Chiefs history as well as one of the best in NFL history. Although Jan Stenerud has the franchise record for most field goal attempts, Lowery has made the most field goals in Chiefs history with 329, connecting on more than 80 percent of his kicks. Lowery owns the franchise record for most points in team history with 1,466 as Stenerud is second with 1,231. He is 15th in NFL history in most field goals made and 17th for most points scored. He was voted to the Pro Bowl three times and All-Pro team twice, being a first-teamer both times.

18. QB Alex Smith (2013-2017)

Alex Smith had a roller coaster career in the NFL, but his five seasons in Kansas City were the best of his career as all three of his Pro Bowls came as a member of the Chiefs. Smith is third in Chiefs history in completions, yards, fourth quarter comebacks and game-winning drives with Len Dawson ranking first and Trent Green ranking second in those same categories.

Prior to Smith’s arrival in 2013, the Chiefs went 29-67 from 2007 through 2012. When Smith was traded to Kansas City, he immediately helped create a winning culture, helping Kansas City start 9-0 in 2013, creating one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history. Although Smith never won a Super Bowl, many credit him for Patrick Mahomes’ success while Mahomes was shadowing Smith during his rookie year in 2017.

17. RB Christian Okoye (1987-1992)

Christian Okoye was one of the most feared tailbacks in the NFL in the six seasons he played. Perfectly nicknamed “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Okoye was a dominant running back. He retired as the franchise record-setter for rushing yards, carries and touchdowns, with totals that have since been surpassed by Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles since his retirement. Had he not dealt with nagging knee injuries, Okoye could have set the bar very high during his time in the NFL.

16. S Deron Cherry (1981-1991)

Undrafted out of Rutgers, Deron Cherry was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL during the ’80s. Spending his entire career in Kansas City, Cherry is third in Chiefs history in interceptions with 50. He finished his career with 14 fumble recoveries, which is the most by a defensive back in franchise history. Part of the NFL 19080s All-Decade Team, Cherry is a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro player.

 

15. DE Art Still (1978-1987)

There were very few individual highlights from the Chiefs during the ’70s and ’80s, but Art Still was one of those very few playmakers. Still, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro player, ended his career with 74 sacks, the most in franchise history at the time. Since his retirement, Still’s 74 sacks is now the fifth most in Chiefs history.

14. C Casey Wiegmann (2007-2007, 2010-2011)

Part of one of the best offensive lines in NFL history, Casey Wiegmann got the least amount of attention from that group. Running back Priest Holmes was known for his goal-line touchdown drives straight up the middle, and a big part of that was due to Wiegmann’s blocking, allowing Holmes to do his famous touchdown dives.

After spending two seasons in Denver and earning a Pro Bowl invite, Wiegmann returned to Kansas City for a second stint in 2010. He helped the Chiefs rank first in the NFL in rushing yards in his return. He finished his career playing more than 11,000 consecutive snaps.

13. C Tim Grunhard (1990-2000)

Similar to Casey Wiegmann, Tim Grunhard was another underrated center who played for the Chiefs. Spending his entire 11-year career in Kansas City, Grunhard was an ironman, starting 164 games. Grunhard started 126 consecutive games for the Chiefs, including the playoffs, from 1993 through midway through the 2000 season. Grunhard received Pro Bowl honors in 1999.

12. KR Dante Hall (2000-2006)

There is a strong case to be made that Dante Hall might be the most electrifying player in Chiefs history. Hall’s presence as a return specialist changed the game. He broke the NFL record for most consecutive games with a punt or kickoff return for a touchdown, doing so in four games from Weeks 2 through 5 in 2003. In a 10-game span from late 2002 to early 2003, Hall scored 10 touchdowns on special teams.

Hall scored a touchdown on special teams late in the fourth quarter in 2003 against the Ravens and again a week later against the Broncos, helping the Chiefs win and stay undefeated at that time. During Hall’s crazy run early in 2003, some thought he was worthy of being part of the league’s MVP discussion. He ranks in the top 10 all time in NFL history in kick return yards, kick return touchdowns and punt return touchdowns.

11. OLB Justin Houston (2011-2018)

Justin Houston quickly became a dominant force as a passrusher, giving the Chiefs a powerful two-man pass rush alongside Tamba Hali. Houston’s 78.5 sacks are the fourth most in Chiefs history, and his biggest season came in 2014 when he recorded 22 sacks, tying second for most sacks in a single season in NFL history.

Houston is tied for fifth in franchise history in forced fumbles with 14. Still active, and still finding success outside of Kansas City, Houston has four Pro Bowl honors and one All-Pro honor to his name

10. LG Brian Waters (2000-2010)

Brian Waters might be one of the best undrafted offensive linemen in NFL history. After not being able to make the main roster for the Dallas Cowboys his rookie year in 1999, Waters excelled in Kansas City as a guard, and it did not go unnoticed.

Five of Waters’ six Pro Bowls came while in Kansas City as he was also tabbed as a first-team All-Pro player twice. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Waters got to start in Super Bowl 46 with the Patriots.

9. CB Albert Lewis (1983-1993)

Albert Lewis made his mark as one of the best cornerbacks to put on a Chiefs jersey. Lewis finished his career with 38 interceptions, the fifth most in team history and the second most among all Chiefs cornerbacks behind Emmitt Thomas.

From 1987 to 1990, Lewis was voted to four Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in 1989 and 1990. Playing alongside Kevin Ross, Lewis was part of one of the best cornerback tandems in NFL history. At 6-2, Lewis was one of the tallest cornerbacks in the NFL, using that to his advantage in finding success on the field. Lewis was also a big contributor on special teams, coming away with 11 blocks in 11 seasons.

8. LT Willie Roaf (2002-2005)

Albert Lewis made his mark as one of the best cornerbacks to put on a Chiefs jersey. Lewis finished his career with 38 interceptions, the fifth most in team history and the second most among all Chiefs cornerbacks behind Emmitt Thomas.

From 1987 to 1990, Lewis was voted to four Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in 1989 and 1990. Playing alongside Kevin Ross, Lewis was part of one of the best cornerback tandems in NFL history. At 6-2, Lewis was one of the tallest cornerbacks in the NFL, using that to his advantage in finding success on the field. Lewis was also a big contributor on special teams, coming away with 11 blocks in 11 seasons.

7. S Eric Berry (2010-2018)

Eric Berry was a rare safety. Although he did not dominate statistically, coming away with just 14 career interceptions, he was one of the best cover men and most hard-hitting safeties in the NFL when he played. His 51 pass deflections are the second most among Chiefs safeties behind Greg Wesley. Although his 14 interceptions tie him for 26th most in team history, Berry returned five interceptions for touchdowns, tied for second most.

Unfortunately, due to multiple injuries and his battle with cancer, Berry missed 54 games in his career. Despite all his on-field success, which translated to five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pros and a part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Berry’s best accomplishment is defeating cancer and returning to the NFL in 2015. Berry won the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award that year.

6. DE/OLB Tamba Hali (2006-2017)

Tamba Hali is one of the most ferocious pass rushers to ever play for the Chiefs, and his presence was felt by opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks. Hali finished his career with the second most sacks and quarterback hits in franchise history with 89.5 sacks and 159 quarterback hits. Offensive tackles had no answer for Hali; he always found a way to disrupt the pocket and terrorize quarterbacks.

Hali amassed 105 tackles for a loss, the most in Chiefs history. Despite playing for four head coaches and five defensive coordinators in 12 years, Hali stayed in Kansas City, becoming one of the best defensive players the franchise has ever seen. Hali was voted to the Pro Bowl six times and to the All-Pro team twice

5. ILB Derrick Johnson (2005-2017)

Despite a very slow start to his career, Derrick Johnson benefited from playing under Romeo Crennel, who joined the Chiefs coaching staff in 2010. Since then, Johnson evolved into an elite linebacker.

The former Texas Longhorn became the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles. Johnson forced 22 fumbles in his 13 years in Kansas City, which is fourth most. Johnson anchored a stout defense during his time with the Chiefs, playing with multiple Pro Bowlers at all three position groups. After improving in 2010, everyone noticed, hence his four Pro Bowl and two All-Pro honors.

4. RB Jamaal Charles (2008-2016)

After spending the first year-and-a-half as a backup buried on the depth chart, Jamaal Charles broke through to quickly become one of the best running backs in the NFL. He showed that with his yard per carry average, finishing with 5.4 yards per carry, the best in NFL history. Charles’ 10,963 total yards from scrimmage as a Chief is the most in franchise history, barely passing Tony Gonzalez’s 10,954.

Charles’ best season came in 2013 when he scored 19 touchdowns total, more than any player that year. The all-time rushing leader in Chiefs history was selected to four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections. Similar to Eric Berry, Charles unfortunately missed 40 games due to injuries that prevented him from potentially setting the bar even higher.

3. TE Tony Gonzalez (1997-2008)

A first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, Tony Gonzalez cemented his legacy as the best tight end in NFL history when he played. Gonzalez had an illustrious career. At one point, he owned the NFL record for most receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns by a tight end in a career, doing all of that in Kansas City before being traded away.

Gonzalez ended his Chiefs career with 10,940 receiving yards, the most in Chiefs history by a wide margin. He has a very impressive resume with 14 Pro Bowls, 10 All-Pros and is a part of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

2. OLB Derrick Thomas (1989-1999)

One of the best pass rushers in NFL history, Derrick Thomas was a force to be reckoned with. Thomas’ 126.5 sacks, 41 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, four fumbles returned for a touchdown and three defensive safeties are the most in franchise history.

Outside of sacks, Thomas is in the top 10 in NFL history in all of the other categories mentioned. He owns the single-game record for sacks with seven. Teaming up with Neil Smith, Thomas was impossible to stop, tabbed as one of the best pass rushers in NFL history. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in the first nine years of his career while also earning six All-Pro honors and is a part of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

1. RG Will Shields: (1993-2006)

If you’re keeping count, Will Shields is the fourth offensive lineman from Dick Vermeil’s infamous stout offensive line in the 2000s who has made this list.

Shields was literally a shield for quarterbacks while being a viable run-blocker for elite rushers. Shields owns the record for 231 consecutive starts at right guard, including the playoffs. It is the second most consecutive starts by an offensive lineman behind Minnesota Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff.

After missing the Pro Bowl his first two years, Shields made the Pro Bowl for the next 12 years, alongside seven All-Pro teams and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Shields’ 12 Pro Bowls are the most in Chiefs history. Having played in all 12, Shields is tied for most Pro Bowls played in with Champ Bailey and Randall McDaniel. He missed just one start in 224 regular season games.

 

[sith13 1,746]

We sure had our share of elite players that couldn't even sniff a SB ring 

[Thegoatee 1,780]

1 hour ago, sith13 said:

We sure had our share of elite players that couldn't even sniff a SB ring 

Let alone for some, a playoff victory.

[jetlord 10,209]

There's tons of elite players who never won a SB ring or even played in a SB.   On average, a team only wins the SB once in 32 years and most wins are hogged by several well run organizations.  For all the terrible years and disappointing playoff runs, the Chiefs are above average with four SB appearances and two wins.

[DieHard 2,061]

When you don’t go for 50 years you got a pretty good list.

[DieHard 2,061]

 It sure why Berry and Hall are so high on that list. Especially Hall. Wow.