Like all dynasties in sports, the Kansas City Chiefs began their run of dominance as fan-favorite underdogs.
But after three Super Bowl titles in the last five years, the Chiefs—and especially quarterback Patrick Mahomes himself—are viewed outside of Kansas City as the league's new villains.
On a recent appearance on the Impaulsive podcast, Mahomes recalled the moment that he realized this was the case.
"This year, definitely, was the more villain-type role for the whole team," Mahomes said. "I don't think I really realized it—I heard people talking and obviously social media, there's people always talking—so I didn't know how real it was until I got to Buffalo this year."
The Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have developed a heated rivalry over the last few seasons. Kansas City has ended Buffalo's season in the playoffs in three of the last four years, including a 27–24 victory in the divisional round at Highmark Stadium in January.
"I think I saw 40,000 middle fingers on the way into the stadium," Mahomes said. "They were ready to go. We go out there and win, I'm trying to hand my headband and sleeve off to a kid, and snowballs are just flying at me.
"I'm just like, 'These people really don't like me.' It's not fake at all. I think they have a great fan base."
The Chiefs are scheduled to face the Bills at Highmark Stadium once again during the 2024 regular season.
Buffalo and its loyal fan base will look for revenge against Mahomes, the NFL's current best quarterback and apparently greatest villain.
