Lucky No. 13? Not so much.
There are stories to tell with every number as we survey the history behind each number for the Kansas City Chiefs—from 1 to 99—but some are a bit more robust than others. As we arrive at No. 13, we have a one-year wonder at QB, a DAT that failed to translate, a K-State surprise, and more. Let's look at the history of No. 13 for the Chiefs and who is wearing it now.
The complete history of Chiefs players to wear No. 13
The Obvious Best: Steve Bono
This is an easy headliner, although that's as much about the competition as Steve Bono.
The Chiefs dealt for Bono in 1994 to back up Joe Montana—a familiar role for the 49ers quarterback—and he took over as starting quarterback full-time in 1995. Bono was 33 and had never been a team's starting QB for any real length of time, but he shocked the NFL with a breakout campaign of 21 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions that earned him a Pro Bowl nod. Oh yeah, the Chiefs also went 13-3 that year with Bono under center.
The postseason told a different story—Lin Elliott and all—but his effectiveness waned in 1996 and the Chiefs decided on going with Elvis Grbac in 1997. But Bono was a very pleasant surprise for a short while in K.C., and anyone who was around at the time will forever remember the surprising 76-yard touchdown run against the Cardinals that set a QB rushing record.
The K-State Surprise: Byron Pringle
Byron Pringle wore No. 13 in Kansas City for four seasons—from 2018 through 2021—and somehow built the best résumé of anyone not named Bono to hold the number. As an undrafted receiver out of Kansas State, Pringle faced long odds to even make the team, but he ended up carving out a meaningful role on a Super Bowl-winning roster and broke out in 2021 with 568 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Pringle would go on to play for the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders for another year apiece, giving him an impressive six-year career cobbled together unexpectedly.
The Tantalizing Flash: De'Anthony Thomas
De'Anthony Thomas arrived in the NFL with plenty of fanfare after wrapping up a career as one of college football's most electric all-purpose weapons. At Oregon, Thomas had racked up 5,345 all-purpose yards and 46 touchdowns from 2011 to 2013—whether running, catching, or returning kicks with the kind of elite speed that made him a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree. Thomas set the Ducks' career record for kickoff-return yards and punt-return average, and the Chiefs bet a fourth-round pick on him despite his diminutive frame.
Thomas's explosiveness came through early with an 81-yard punt-return touchdown and 833 total return yards as a rookie. However, the skill set never translated as hoped to the NFL. Thomas bounced between slot receiver and gadget back without locking down a real role, topping out at 269 yards from scrimmage in his first season. Four more seasons in Kansas City came and went, but the impact was negligible.
The Rookie Route-Wizard: Cyrus Allen
Fans are placing a bit more hope on Cyrus Allen than they should any player coming in as a fifth-round rookie, but the Cincinnati product represents the Chiefs' biggest import at wide receiver despite the numerous question marks on the depth chart. Allen had 13 touchdowns for the Bearcats last year, which led the Big 12, and is known as a savvy route-runner who should be pro-ready in that regard. He's got a wide open lane for immediate playing time if he can prove his mettle in training camp.
Et Cetera
- Nazeeh Johnson, DB - It's notable any time a team finds value in the No. 259 pick in a draft class. The Chiefs went with Johnson in the seventh round in 2022 in the hopes he'd provide special teams value. While injuries limited him over the years, Johnson climbed the depth chart to occasional starting reps in his four seasons in K.C.
- Daniel Pope, P - Served as the Chiefs punter for a single season in '99.
- Mark Vlasic, QB - Former backup QB behind Steve DeBerg and Dave Krieg in the early '90s who threw four INTs in a single game against the Buffalo Bills.
Add us as a preferred source on Google