ESPN’s AFC West All-Decade team includes several members of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The best player in the National Football League began his career a bit too late to make ESPN’s All-Decade Team from the AFC West, but the Kansas City Chiefs still placed several players, past and present, on the roster despite the absence of Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes was named as the best overall player of the decade on the Chiefs, despite his limited playing time in that span. It’s hard to argue when a player does what only Mahomes can do. Meanwhile head coach Andy Reid was also named the division’s coach of the decade after winning four consecutive division titles and a Super Bowl.
As for the actual roster for the All-Decade team, it’s nice to see former Chiefs receiving their due alongside the stars of the present. Jamaal Charles is the running back on the roster—the only one—while right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and former center Rodney Hudson both made the offensive line. Travis Kelce was named the best tight end in the division while the Chiefs failed to put a single wide receiver on the offense (more on this in a second).
As for the defense, four Chiefs were named starters among the 11 total slots. Eric Berry anchors the secondary while the trio of Justin Houston, Chris Jones and Derrick Johnson occupy their respective positions in the front seven. As for special teams, the Chiefs get both return slots with Knile Davis as kick returner and Tyreek Hill as punt returner.
Some of these positions are a tough call, but it’s silly that Hill is relegated to return duties instead of recognizing him as one of the most dynamic, well-rounded wide receivers in the game today. Hill began his career as a wide out and electric returner, but these sorts of lists keep the reputation of being a gadget player or returner in play for casual fans. Hill is arguably a top 5 WR and deserves to be listed as such.
In addition, the lack of Tamba Hali is also frustrating although the AFC West has been a storehouse for elite pass rushers for a long time, so it’s hard to fault anyone for not including him when Khalil Mack, Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and DeMarcus Ware were all also taking down passers in the division in the last 10 years.
Overall the Chiefs are well-represented and while it’d be nice to see some other players involved, most notably Hali, these rosters are tough to put together without leaving someone significant out of the mix.