The 5 biggest stomach punch player exits in Kansas City Chiefs history

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1 Nov 1998: Defensive end Neil Smith #90 of the Denver Broncos looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Bengals 33-26. Mandatory Credit: Mark Lyons /Allsport /

Stomach Punch #1: Neil Smith to Denver Broncos

Some younger Chiefs fans won’t carry the hurt from this particular stomach punch, but for those of us old enough to remember the tandem of Derrick Thomas and Neil Smith in the Chiefs front seven, it was heartbreaking to watch the defensive tackle sign with the Denver Broncos.

To rewind, Smith actually wanted to be in Kansas City and was even vocal about it, but Marty Schottenheimer made it clear that due to his age (31) and his free agent demands, the team was going to let him walk. The Chiefs could not afford him. Smith himself said it was “very hard” and “very emotional” in a press conference announcing he was leaving the Chiefs.

Less than a year later, Smith won his very first Super Bowl, defeating a Chiefs team that went 13-3 in the regular season on the way to the Lombardi. One year later, Smith had another Super Bowl ring. Not only did Smith help end the playoff hopes of one of the most successful Chiefs teams ever, but he achieved ultimate glory with Elway in Mile High.

Stomach Punch Rating: 10/10

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