Ranking every Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback since 1990

4. Trent Green (2001-06)

Chiefs fans owe at least an indirect thanks to Rodney Harrison for one of the better offensive eras in recent team history. Without his preseason hit on Trent Green back in 1999, he’s definitely not the starting quarterback for the Chiefs two years later.

Green began his career as a backup quarterback for the Chargers and Redskins before taking a short leap to the CFL from 1993 to 1997. It wasn’t until 1998 that he took over the starting role for Norv Turner’s offense in the nation’s capital and put up 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Washington offered him a four-year deal to stick around, but he left in free agency for the St. Louis Rams, who offered more money.

Then came the hit. Harrison took out Green’s knee, and he was lost for the year. A backup named Kurt Warner was tasked with stepping in, and that was that.

The Chiefs traded their first-round pick at No. 12 overall in the 2001 NFL Draft for Green, and he went on to carry the team through some impressive seasons in the early aughts. Green threw 118 touchdowns in parts of six seasons with K.C., won 48 games, went to two Pro Bowls, and took the team to the postseason on two occasions.

Green still calls Kansas City home to this very day and speaks glowingly of the city, the fan base, and the franchise.