What is the mark of greatness? Is it longevity and accumulated statistics? Or is it “the eye test”? Simply being able to do things on the field that no one in history has shown the ability to do before? You can argue for either and make a great case.
Winning the most games or throwing the most touchdowns is certainly a marker for greatness, as it shows not only the high caliber of play as well as longevity. Tom Brady has more than twice as many playoff wins as any other quarterback in the history of the game. Nolan Ryan struck out 5,714 batters, the equivalent of throwing 300 Ks per season for 19 years. These and so many more athletes in history can be recognized for the statistical greatness they accumulated over years and years of dominating their respective sports.
But there’s something to be said about the eye test, as well. Legendary college basketball coach Bobby Knight said that he thought Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player he had ever seen, and that was all the way back in 1984. Lebron James was on the cover of Sports Illustrated when he was still in high school. Tiger Woods was being mentioned among the best in golf history when he was just 20 years old. Without the longevity, these athletes (and so many more like them) have been identified for having unique traits that set them apart from their peers, even at very young ages.
As the team prepares to host its unprecedented fourth consecutive AFC Championship Game, several Chiefs are in both of the “most accomplished” and “most skilled” discussions, and quickly ascending into rare statistical glory. With the potential of two playoff games to go in this remarkable season, let’s take a look at five Chiefs who are on the cusp of all-time greatness.
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