When someone asks what year did kansas city chiefs win super bowl, they’re usually not looking for just one single date. That’s because the Chiefs haven't just won once; they’ve essentially turned the NFL into their own personal playground over the last half-decade. If you’re standing in a bar trying to settle a bet, the short answer is 1970, 2020, 2023, and 2024.
But football is rarely that simple.
The gap between that first ring and the second one was long enough for entire generations of fans to live and die without seeing a parade. We're talking 50 years. Half a century of "almosts" and "maybe next years." Then Patrick Mahomes showed up, and honestly, everything changed.
The Long-Awaited Breakthrough: Super Bowl IV (1970)
Back in 1970, the world looked a lot different. The Chiefs were part of the AFL, which was still sorta seen as the "little brother" to the established NFL. They went into Super Bowl IV as massive underdogs against the Minnesota Vikings.
People expected the Vikings' "Purple People Eaters" defense to just steamroll Kansas City.
Instead, Hank Stram—the legendary coach with the iconic sideline personality—basically dismantled them. The Chiefs won 23-7. Quarterback Len Dawson, who had been dealing with some pretty heavy off-field distractions involving a gambling investigation he was eventually cleared of, was named MVP. It was a statement win that proved the AFL was legit right before the two leagues officially merged.
The Fifty-Year Drought and the Mahomes Era
For five decades, that 1970 trophy sat alone in the case. The team had some great runs with Marty Schottenheimer and Dick Vermeil, but they never could quite get back to the mountaintop.
Then came 2019 (the season) which culminated in the 2020 Super Bowl.
Super Bowl LIV: The 2020 Comeback
This was the game where the "never count out Mahomes" narrative really took flight. Facing the San Francisco 49ers, the Chiefs were down 20-10 with less than nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. Most teams would’ve folded.
Mahomes hit Tyreek Hill on a desperate "Jet Chip Wasp" play on 3rd and 15, and the momentum shifted instantly.
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They scored 21 unanswered points in what felt like a blink of an eye. 31-20 was the final score. Coach Andy Reid finally got his first ring as a head coach, and a new dynasty was born.
Super Bowl LVII: The 2023 Gritty Win
After a heartbreaking loss to the Bucs in 2021, the Chiefs returned in February 2023 to face the Philadelphia Eagles. This one was a shootout.
Mahomes was playing on a high-ankle sprain that would have sidelined most human beings.
The game was tied 35-35 late in the fourth. Mahomes, limping and all, scrambled for 26 yards to put them in field goal range. Harrison Butker nailed a 27-yarder with eight seconds left. Final: 38-35. It was a masterclass in efficiency, with Mahomes completing 21 of 27 passes despite the injury.
Super Bowl LVIII: The 2024 Overtime Thriller
Then came the most recent one. February 2024. Las Vegas. A rematch with the 49ers. This game was a defensive slog for three quarters.
It was only the second time in history a Super Bowl went into overtime.
Under the new OT rules, the 49ers took the ball first and settled for a field goal. That was a mistake. You don't give Mahomes the ball with a chance to win it all. He marched the team down the field and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman to end it. 25-22. Back-to-back champions.
Why the Specific Years Can Be Confusing
One thing that trips people up is the "season year" versus the "calendar year."
- The 1969 season ended with a win in 1970.
- The 2019 season ended with a win in 2020.
- The 2022 season ended with a win in 2023.
- The 2023 season ended with a win in 2024.
If you're looking for the official NFL records, they usually list the season year, but fans remember the date the confetti actually fell.
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The Core Players Behind the Rings
You can't talk about these wins without mentioning Travis Kelce. He’s been the constant through this entire modern run. His chemistry with Mahomes is borderline psychic at this point.
Then there's Chris Jones on the defensive side. While the offense gets the highlights, Jones is the one wrecking game plans and forcing those late-game stops.
And obviously, Andy Reid. The "Big Red" coach went from being the guy who "couldn't win the big one" to a lock for the Hall of Fame with a resume that rivals any of the greats.
What’s Next for Kansas City?
As of early 2026, the talk isn't about if they can win, but how many more they can stack. They’ve already achieved "dynasty" status. They are the first team to go back-to-back since the Patriots in the early 2000s.
The goal now? The "three-peat." No team in the Super Bowl era has ever won three in a row.
If you're following the team, keep an eye on their roster management. The Chiefs have been remarkably good at trading away stars (like Tyreek Hill) and still winning by hitting on draft picks like Rashee Rice and Trent McDuffie. It's a formula that seems to work regardless of who is catching the ball, as long as #15 is throwing it.
To stay ahead of the curve, watch the injury reports and the AFC West standings. The division has been trying to catch them for years, but the gap doesn't seem to be closing. If you're betting or just following for fun, the smartest move is to never bet against Kansas City in January or February.