From one of the most important figures of a golden era to a QB who could never turn the corner to franchise face to one of the most interesting men to ever wear a Chiefs jersey, a look at the history of No. 7 in Kansas City is quite a tapestry of stories. Some numbers are more robust than others, and No. 7 is a good one. Let's begin at the top with a star kicker who will be adding plenty more production to an already incredible career.
The complete history of Chiefs players to wear No. 7
The Best: Harrison Butker
The Chiefs have employed some truly incredible kickers over the years, but as impressive as so many have been, Harrison Butker has already ensured his name will be remembered alongside them all—with plenty left in the tank.
Butker might just be the greatest practice squad signing (from another team) in Chiefs history after Brett Veach poached him from the Carolina Panthers. From his league-leading 147-point season in 2019 to his numerous franchise records to the 57-yard field goal that broke a Super Bowl record against the 49ers, it's impossible to tell the story of a Chiefs dynasty without giving Butker significant credit.
Given the fact that he's only 31 years old and still under contract through 2028, Butker is building an eventual Hall of Fame case for himself with three championship rings already under his belt.
The Runner-Up: Matt Cassel
Sometimes it works for a general manager to import a new veteran to take over at quarterback in order to stabilize a franchise. John Dorsey's decision to trade for Alex Smith was a game-changing trade in retrospect, but those changes were only needed because Scott Pioli completely whiffed when he bet it all on Matt Cassel to be the Chiefs franchise face.
Cassel arrived after a solid season filling in for Tom Brady in New England, and to his credit, he looked the part in 2010 when he was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing 27 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. A rare AFC West title was cause for celebration, but mediocre play under toxic leadership and some ensuing injuries ruined the party. By 2012, fans were organizing their own protests and the Cassel era was over.
The One-Miss Kicker: Justin Medlock
In 2007, the Chiefs used a fifth-round pick to secure a long-term kicker alongside the young punter, Dustin Colquitt, in whom they'd invested a third-round pick just two years prior. While Colquitt would go on to play in 238 games for K.C., Justin Medlock would last just one contest. Despite trading Lawrence Tynes to clear a path for Medlock and the significant investment made, Medlock's shaky preseason and a Week 1 miss from close range led the Chiefs to pull the plug early. Medlock went on to become one of the greatest kickers in CFL history.
The Most Interesting Chief Ever? Zenon Andrusyshyn
For one season, Zenon Andrusyshyn played in the National Football League, and it just might be one of the least interesting things about him. For our purposes, he held down the role of punter for the Chiefs in 1978. He averaged 41.1 yards/punt and then went back to the Canadian Football League, which is where K.C. found him on the Toronto Argonauts.
Outside of football, however, Andrusyshyn was once training to throw the javelin in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Then he met his wife on The Dating Game on television in 1959 and stayed married to her for 52 years. Then there's the small acting part on a medical drama, the missionary work to deliver medical supplies, and the time he booted a punt 108 yards.
Et Cetera
- Ron Jaworski, QB - Ron Jaworski actually finished his career in Kansas City in 1989 with a 1-2 record in 3 starts as part of a QB carousel that included Steve DeBerg.
- Jeff Gossett, P - Gossett had two mediocre seasons for the Chiefs, but turned in a 15-year career in the NFL with one Pro Bowl to his name. Interestingly, he was also a Mets draft choice and spent two years in their farm system before returning to football.
- Mike Nott, QB - Somehow, Mike Nott made it into an actual NFL game and attempted 10 very real passes despite having played only five games as a backup quarterback over his final two collegiate seasons at Santa Clara.
- John Huerte, QB - The College Football Hall of Famer won the Heisman Trophy while serving as Notre Dame's starting quarterback, but he could never find any real traction in the NFL, with three seasons as a backup in K.C. as part of a forgettable professional career.
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