There’s a line in The Office where Michael Scott looks out over his friends and says, “I wish you knew when you were living in the good old days.” Chiefs fans, these are the good old days. Cherish them.
Regardless of what happens Sunday, and I predict a Chiefs victory as the clock strikes 0:00, you need to realize that there will never be another era of Chiefs team like this one. This team is George Brett and Frank White. This team is Jordan and Pippen. This team is Venus and Serena.
The combination of Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes will never again be topped in not only Chiefs history, but possibly NFL history. And while it will likely go one at least five more years with more AFC Championships and more Super Bowl appearances, do not take it for granted even for one second.
We tend to do that. I tend to do that. The complaining about little things, a time out here or there. A missed extra point. A fumbled snap. These are all important, but they are not meaningful to the fact that you’re watching greatness evolve before your eyes. You are buying stock in Apple Computers in 1986. You are watching Beethoven take his first piano lessons. Buy in to the hype. Live and die with every throw and completion. Feel the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
When it’s all said and done, Patrick Mahomes will own nearly every passing record. Travis Kelce will own nearly every tight end record. The Chiefs will have multiple Super Bowl rings. While it will always be fodder for the talking head shows to compare Brady and Favre and others, Patrick Mahomes will be the greatest of all time in the NFL.
This is not hyperbole. This is the way.
You want me to list a few? Sure. Mahomes is the youngest QB to win a Super Bowl. He is the youngest to win a league MVP. He holds ELEVEN other records in this, his fifth full season in the league.
And Kelce? Oh sure, he’s got a few also. He holds the record for the most consecutive and most overall seasons with 1,000 yards receiving by a tight end (7). He will eclipsed 10,000 receiving yards this year which is in the top 5 of all time tight ends.
The Chiefs’ five consecutive AFC Championship appearances (all at home) is an NFL record.
I could go on. Regardless of Sunday. Win or lose. This group is something special and it will be over in a few years quicker than you think.
You’re in the good old days, folks. Start collecting stories to tell your grandkids.
(Get more on the good ol’ days from Chris Kamler on Twitter, where you’ll find him as @TheFakeNed)