2004 Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs owe their return to powerhouse status in the NFL to several factors, one of which is the work of quarterback Trent Green. It takes a well-rounded team to register a 13-3 record, and the team will be as strong in 2004 as it was last year. With the defending AFC West champion Chiefs playing at historic Arrowhead Stadium, NFL games in Kansas City are a top draw, so get your tickets early.

Originally formed as the Dallas Texans in 1959 by owner Lamar Hunt, the Texans became a charter member of the AFL in 1960. Hank Stram, an assistant at the University of Miami, was hired as the team's first head coach. Two years later Stram produced a powerful offense with quarterback Len Dawson, veteran running back Abner Hayes, and rookie running back Curtis McClinton. The three stars led the Texans to the AFL title in 1962. Dawson was named the player of the year, McClinton rookie of the year, and Stram coach of the year.

Despite the team's success in the AFL, the club suffered economically because of poor fan support, and in 1963 the franchise moved to Kansas City and was renamed the Chiefs. Kansas City won its second AFL title in 1966 behind wide receiver Otis Taylor; running back Mike Garrett, who was named the league's top rookie; and kicker Mike Mercer, who made four field goals in the AFL Championship Game. In winning the AFL crown, the Chiefs earned the right to play the NFL-champion Green Bay Packers in the first Super Bowl. Kansas City lost the game 35-10.

Stram guided his team to a league-record third AFL title in the 1969 season. The Chiefs upset the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in the Super Bowl.

Kansas City joined the NFL in 1970 when the NFL and AFL completed their merger. In 1971 Stram led the Chiefs to the AFC Western Division title in their second year in the league. That year, in a double-overtime divisional playoff game on Christmas Day, the Miami Dolphins defeated Kansas City in the longest game in NFL history. It lasted 82 minutes 40 seconds.

In 1990 second-year head coach Marty Schottenheimer guided the Chiefs to the first of six consecutive trips to the playoffs. The club brought together veteran superstars Marcus Allen and Joe Montana in 1993. That year Kansas City won its first division crown since 1971. Throughout the mid- and late 1990s, the Chiefs remained one of the AFC's tougher teams.

On January 12, 2001, Dick Vermeil was named the ninth head coach in the 44-year history of the franchise. Vermeil came to Kansas City while on a coaching hiatus, after winning Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams.

Kansas City had the highest 2002 scoring offense in the NFL, averaging 29.1 points per game. Yet, they were 4-4 in games which they scored 30 or more points because their defense gave up 24.9 points a game landing them the number five spot in worst defense in pro football with a ridiculous 390.5 yards allowed per game. They gave up 40 percent of their yardage on just 10 percent of their plays. Coming into his fourth season in 2004, Dick Vermeil takes the field with a team roster that includes Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez, Priest Holmes, and Dante Hall.