Kansas City Chiefs: Power Ranking the Best QBs in Franchise History
Since the inception of the Kansas City Chiefs, there have been dozens of quarterbacks. 31 different quarterbacks have started for the franchise. Of those quarterbacks, some have been very bad (Steve Bono and Todd Blackledge).
Others, though, have been good and, at times, great.
Every Chiefs fan is bound to have their own list of the best quarterbacks in franchise history. This is one such list.
Honorable Mention: Matt Cassel
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After the 2010 season, many Chiefs fans would be ready to throw Matt Cassel on the best quarterback list. After another season or two with the type of production he showed, he will be there.
Unfortunately, one good season is not enough to get you there. In a couple of seasons, though, barring unforeseen circumstances, you can expect Cassel to crack the top 10.
7. Elvis Grbac
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If you ask Chiefs fans about Elvis Grbac, you are sure to get several different responses—none of which will be very positive.
After a lengthy quarterback battle, Grbac was named the starter over Rich Gannon. This immediately lost half of the Chiefs’ fan base, many of whom favored Gannon.
1999 and 2000 saw Grbac put up very good numbers, earning him a Pro Bowl berth in 2000. While the sole starter, Grbac had quarterback ratings of 81.7 and 89.9.
Gannon went on to win an MVP award and be named All-Pro three times.
Kansas City may not have made the best choice, but Grbac was, statistically, more successful than many Chiefs quarterbacks have been.
6. Mike Livingston
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Drafted in the second round of the 1968 draft, Livingston played second fiddle to Hall of Famer Len Dawson for most of his career.
With Dawson was injured in 1969, Livingston took over starting duties for six games, winning all six and helping the Chiefs towards their lone Super Bowl win. He continued to play for the Chiefs, taking over starting duties after Dawson’s retirement.
Livingston spent his entire career with the Chiefs, throwing for over 10,000 yards while mostly being relegated to a back up role.
Dominant quarterback? No.
Solid back up for a Hall of Fame quarterback? Yes.
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5. Steve DeBerg
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When Steve DeBerg arrived in Kansas City in 1988, he was in his eleventh season, having lost starting quarterback spots to Joe Montana, John Elway and Steve Young.
DeBerg spent four seasons in Kansas City, sending the Chiefs to the playoffs twice. 1990 saw DeBerg put up 3,444 yards passing while earning a quarterback rating of 96.3, the best season he would ever have in the NFL.
Over the course of his career with the Chiefs, DeBerg threw for nearly 12,000 yards and 67 touchdowns.
4. Bill Kenney
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Bill Kenney was 1978s “Mr. Irrelevant,” being picked last overall by the Miami Dolphins. An injury forced the Dolphins to cut Kenney before he ever played a game.
Kenney finally found his way back to the NFL in 1980, making the Chiefs squad as the second-string quarterback before finally earning the starting role in 1981.
Racking up 17,277 yards with the Chiefs over eight seasons, Kenney successfully beat out “star” rookie Todd Blackledge, a feat which seemed much more difficult in 1982. When Kenney retired, he ranked second in most Chiefs’ passing categories.
3. Joe Montana
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While only with the Chiefs for two seasons at the end of his career, Joe Montana brought something to Chiefs football that had been lacking: excitement.
Montana arrived in 1993, teaming up with Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen. Montana and Allen led the Chiefs through the playoffs to the AFC championship, where they were defeated by the Buffalo Bills. While this may seem like an insignificant achievement to some, this was the last time the Chiefs were victorious in a playoff game.
While Montana will forever be known for his time in 49ers">San Francisco, his two seasons in Kansas City brought a revival of football in Kansas City.
2. Trent Green
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Trent Green came over from the St. Louis Rams, playing with the Chiefs for six seasons. In those six seasons, Green threw for 21,459 yards and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.
Green cemented his status among the best Kansas City quarterbacks in 2003 when he led the Chiefs to a 13-3 record, taking the Chiefs into the playoffs. There, Kansas City suffered yet another heartbreaking loss to the Indianapolis Colts after the first round bye.
After a quarterback controversy arose before the 2007 season, Green was granted permission to seek a trade, ending up on the Miami Dolphins. By this time, Green had ranked himself second in most Chiefs' passing stats.
Though he may not have brought home a championship to Kansas City, Green was certainly one of the most effective quarterbacks in Chiefs history.
1. Len Dawson
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No one would dare argue with Len Dawson at No. 1 on this list.
The Hall of Fame quarterback holds virtually every major passing record in franchise history. He also guided the Chiefs to three AFL titles and the Chiefs’ only Super Bowl victory in 1969.
Dawson is a beloved fixture in Kansas City and is, without a doubt, the best quarterback the Chiefs have ever had.
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