“Never fear your enemy, but always respect them.” This quote is particularly relevant in the world of sports where athletes are constantly competing to beat one another and get the better of each other. In the NFL, a league that takes physicality to the next level, it is hard for teams to consistently remain at the top for years at a stretch, but the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to do it since 2019.
It comes as no surprise that the Kansas City Chiefs are the most hated team in America right now. Maxx Crosby , defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, represents the sentiments of all opposing teams in the NFL as he admitted to hating the Chiefs.
I hate the Chiefs. The Chiefs, they've earned it. They are the best in the league, 3 Super Bowls. Everybody has their own opinions, they hate certain things about the Chiefs but I respect the s*** out of 'em. Until we do something about it, beat em' I have to tip my cap to 'em. Maxx Crosby revealed via the Games with Names Podcast with Julian Edelman
Ever since Patrick Mahomes earned the role of the starting quarterback, the team has made it to the post-season and have since won three Super Bowls and reached the big game on four occasions.
The Kansas City Chiefs deserve all the respect until they are de-throned
You cannot really blame Crosby for feeling this way towards them. In the 2023 season, the Chiefs got off to a rocky start. Despite winning games, they no longer seemed as dominant, and there was a legitimate chance that they would fall short of making the Super Bowl. However, despite this, the team managed to pull through and won yet another Lombardi.
As much as opposing fans and players hate the Chiefs, you cannot help but respect what the team has managed to accomplish in the last six years. For younger fans who missed the dominance and longevity of the New England Patriots dynasty, the Chiefs are allowing them to witness greatness. Patrick Mahomes and Co have overcome adversity and made the idea of matching Tom Brady ‘s Super Bowl record of seven rings plausible.
As Maxx Crosby said it, until a team is able to go up there and knock them off of their throne, they must be given their flowers. Up until now, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals remain the only team that have made the Chiefs seem mortal. However, owing to an injury-riddled 2023-24 season, they were unable to make the playoffs. But this season, with Burrow back, all eyes will be on the Bengals as they are the team best built to stand up to the Chiefs.
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