A quarter-century has passed since the Chiefs’ previous AFC Championship Game appearance. It’s been nearly 50 years since they last won a conference or league title.
So when the Chiefs battle the New England Patriots on Sunday, with the winner heading to the Super Bowl, they’ll have the support not only of those in Arrowhead Stadium but players who wore the uniform and didn’t get this far or take the final step.
“This is so meaningful for generations of Kansas City players,” said Tim Grunhard, who spent all 11 of his NFL seasons as a Chiefs center.