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Twenty years ago on June 4^th 1989, some 2000-3000 protestors lost their lives after the military used tanks to clear out Tiananmen Square. These protests were sparked by the death of the pro-market, pro-democracy, and anti corruption official Hu Yaobang. The political and economic reform in China looked to be completely lost.

The 1980’s Kansas City Chiefs gave the same dismal impression as the gloom in Tiananmen Square. What fans did show up to Arrowhead left in disappointment. Jim Schaaf’s iron fist at Arrowhead was strong and unremitting. At the end of the 1988 season general manager Jim Schaaf, and president Jack Steadman both resigned there power at 1 Arrowhead Drive.

Lets take a quick look at why the 1989 Kansas City Chiefs are my favorite team.

Lamar Hunt quickly assembled his troops and picked up Carl Peterson. Carl Peterson would lead the Kansas City Chiefs to be the fiercest competitor in the NFL throughout the 1990’s. This all started with the crew gathered in 1989.

Marty Schottenheimer was brought in to coach the 1989 Chiefs team. Shottenheimer cleaned up the coaching staff and brought in Tony Dungy, and Bill Cowher. In his first year the Chiefs had a winning season going 8-7-1 which wasn’t to bad comparing the previous season’s 4-12 record.

Steve DeBerg saw his best completion percentage 60.5%, and yards per attempt as a Kansas City Chief in 1989. Unfortunately this didn’t translate to well in the touchdown to interception ratio as Steve threw for 11 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and 2,529 yards. This translated into a 75.8 passer rating in 1989. Steve DeBerg improved himself the following year with a passer rating of 96.2, 3,444 yards, and 23 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.

There were many offensive weapons on this team to help out Steve Deberg. Christian Okoye  “The Nigerian Nightmare” was one of the best running backs in Chiefs history. Okoye ended up leading the league with 1480 rushing yards,  scored 12 touchdowns and ultimately landed 1^st team All Pro in the Pro Bowl. Stephone Paige and Carlos Carson were seasoned veterans, and it was always fun watching them play.

The defensive line was solid under the watch of nose tackle Bill Maas. Bill Maas went on to groom Dan “Big Sal” Saleaumua for the nose tackle position. Neil Smith started coming into his own in his 2^nd year. Neil Smith and “Big Sal” went on to be nightmares for the offensive coordinators for years to come. Leonard Griffith rounded off the line and tied Neil Smith’s 6.5 sacks. The defensive line was able to stuff the run allowing only 1766 yards for the season

The biggest addition to the 1989 Chief’s roster was 1^st round pick Derrick Thomas. Derrick started off strong in his first year with 10 total sacks. Derrick Thomas was named defensive rookie of the year, and later terrified every QB that he faced earning his spot in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Pro Bowlers Kevin Ross, and Albert Lewis rounded off the secondary creating a total of 8 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. Albert Lewis, and Deron Cherry both combined for a sack each. Deron Cherry also added two interceptions for the defensive backs.

The all time leading scorer for the Kansas City Chiefs was also on this team. You got it Nick Lowery (whom we share the same last name). Unfortunately he didn’t finish his career in Kansas City, but he was great non-the-less.

The Chiefs finished 2^nd in the division just missing the playoffs. They were able to end with a winning record which ended up becoming a continuous event year in and year out in the 90’s. They might not have made it to the playoffs or been the best talent in a Chiefs uniform, but this was the year that things started to change, and for that it is memorial for me.

Feel free to tell me who your favorite team.