Everything about the 2020 NFL offseason so far has been unprecedented and it appears there could be even more uncharted territory ahead related to the NFL schedule. Could the Kansas City Chiefs be the last team to play on the opening week with an appearance on “Monday Night Football” in primetime?
The voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus, took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to tease the Chiefs’ upcoming schedule reveal show. He also provided us with a little teaser related to the schedule.
“Unprecedented (at least since 2002) move coming,” Holthus wrote. “Regardless — some form and substance coming with information for Chiefs Kingdom.”
Flashback to the 2002 NFL season and it was full of unprecedented moments. It was an expansion year, with the Houston Texans becoming the NFL’s 32nd franchise. The Chicago Bears played at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois as Soldier Field underwent renovations. Related to the NFL’s schedule in 2002, only one thing stands out as unprecedented. The Super Bowl champion New England Patriots opened up the season playing on “Monday Night Football” against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Typically, the defending Super Bowl champions have opened the NFL season as the first team to play on Thursday night. They get a chance to defend their title and hold a banner ceremony for fans. 2002 was one of the only exceptions where the defending champions didn’t open the season on “Thursday Night Football.”
Now if you’ll recall, back in early March the Kansas City Royals announced a change to their schedule to potentially accommodate the NFL’s season opener which we know is coming on Thursday, September 10. Everyone assumed that it was written in stone that the Chiefs would open the season on that date. I’m wondering if the coronavirus pandemic might have thrown a wrench into those plans.
The Chiefs Kingdom has waited 50 years to get an opportunity to see their team raise a banner at Arrowhead Stadium declaring the team world champions. The later that game takes place, the more likely it’ll be that at least some fans will be allowed inside the stadium to witness that moment.
