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Even though it may not hold the same weight as it did during their successful run in the 1990s, the Dallas Cowboys are still often referred to with the polarizing nickname. This was when players like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith were at the helm and led the team to three Super Bowl victories in just four years.
“America’s Team.”
The team that was both adored and reviled by many in America.
Throughout history, there have been many teams dubbed as “America’s Team”. In the 1970s, it was the Steelers with star players like Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, and Joe Greene. The 49ers took on the title in the 1980s with players like Joe Montana, Roger Craig, and Jerry Rice. In the 2000s, the Patriots and their star players Tom Brady, Troy Brown, and Rob Gronkowski dominated the scene.
The current focus is on the Kansas City Chiefs, as they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers in their fourth Super Bowl appearance in the past five years. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has emerged as the prominent figure in the league, setting records and gaining popularity across multiple platforms. Head coach Andy Reid has taken on a paternal role with his iconic mustache and is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as he continues to climb the ranks for most career wins. And let’s not forget about Travis Kelce, who is currently in a relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift.
Similar to previous teams, the Chiefs have combined cultural influence and achievement to build a rapidly growing group of supporters that reaches from the Midwest to Hollywood. This trend is also evident internationally, as shown by the overwhelming backing they have received for games in London, Mexico City, and Frankfurt, Germany.
“I believe you are aware of it to some extent,” Mahomes acknowledged. He is frequently seen on television, even when he is not playing on Sundays. He may be promoting State Farm alongside Reid, or grooming his distinctive hairstyle in a Head & Shoulders commercial, or teaming up with Kelce to compete against Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of the Warriors in a televised golf match at Wynn Golf Club, located near Allegiant Stadium where the Chiefs will face the 49ers next Sunday.
Mahomes acknowledged that the commercials have likely been a significant factor in their success, along with their recent winning streak. However, he also believes that he won’t fully understand the extent of their impact until he travels and witnesses the diverse range of experiences.
Reid has already experienced this. A few years back, he went on a trip to Italy and on the first morning when he left his hotel, a group of kids recognized him almost immediately.
“They loved Pat,” he said with a smile. “They knew all our guys.”
Their influence on the NFL has been truly remarkable.
The league accounted for 24 out of the top 25 most-watched TV events in 2023, with a peak of over 115 million viewers for last year’s Super Bowl where the Chiefs defeated the Eagles. Following closely was the AFC championship game, which drew in more than 53 million viewers as the Chiefs triumphed over the Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium.
According to Nielsen, the Chiefs were featured in 16 out of the top 100 most-viewed television broadcasts last year.
The Chiefs have seen significant success in merchandise sales, surpassing expectations for a team from a smaller NFL market. According to Fanatics, which includes their own website and other outlets, the sale of Chiefs gear increased by 20% last season, ranking them fourth among all teams. This success has extended globally with shipments to over 80 countries.
According to Fanatics, Mahomes’ jersey is the fourth best-selling in the league, while Kelce’s ranks at No. 8 with a 100% increase in sales compared to last season.
Regarding jerseys, Kelce’s used jersey from a game in 2015 was recently purchased at auction for $19,520, while a jersey from 2019 was sold for $36,905. Mahomes’ jersey worn during a game against the Raiders on October 10, 2022, where he threw four touchdown passes, was sold for $213,500 in the previous month, making it the highest-priced jersey ever sold for him.
According to Ken Goldin, the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, the demand for Chiefs memorabilia has significantly increased this season. The recent sale of a record-breaking Mahomes jersey and two high-priced Kelce jerseys in a short period of time further demonstrates how the fan excitement for the Chiefs is driving the memorabilia market.
The Chiefs have gained popularity among the Hollywood crowd, becoming the “go-to team”.
Jason Sudeikis, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, and Heidi Gardner frequently attend games, despite their connections to Kansas City. This season, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively accompanied Swift to a game. Brad Pitt is often seen wearing a hat with the Chiefs’ logo, while Henry Winkler opts for a No. 15 jersey in support of his favorite quarterback.
Melissa Etheridge, a renowned musician from Leavenworth, Kansas, has been a loyal fan of the Chiefs for many years. During an appearance on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?”, she was questioned about the friendship between Kelce and Swift, which gained attention after a popular friendship-bracelet incident during the previous season.
Etheridge expressed her admiration and excitement during her interview with the CNN anchor, stating, “I think it’s amazing. I really adore it. My only concern is that he may retire early to spend time with her.”
Expressed in the manner of a devoted enthusiast.
Similar to numerous iterations of the moniker “America’s Team,” there is also a growing sense of exhaustion. The team, which was once seen as an endearing underdog organization, had not claimed a Super Bowl victory in half a century. Their quarterback’s charmingly high-pitched voice and their tight end’s encouragement to “fight for your right to party” have now become overbearing.
They can be found everywhere, and often they are overexposed. Some fans are even tired of seeing them.
Justin Johnson, who assists with the production of the pregame show for Baltimore’s top radio station 98 Rock, shared that during a recent watch party for the games, whenever a commercial featuring Kelce or Mahomes aired, there was a collective groan from the room. The Chiefs emerged victorious with a 17-10 win over the Ravens in the AFC championship game.
Johnson stated that the individuals involved were not solely Baltimore fans. He also suggested that achieving a high level of success can easily lead to being seen as the antagonist. He then reflected, “We should consider ourselves fortunate to be disliked in this manner.”
Mahomes thinks that the Chiefs have a lot of tasks to complete before they can be known as “America’s Team” or take the place of the Patriots as the newest NFL dynasty. He mentions that the Patriots have won six Super Bowls, which is the same as the Steelers, and the Chiefs have only won three, with two being during his time as QB.
Next Sunday, they have the opportunity to play against the 49ers in the Super Bowl, which is projected to be the most costly ticket ever. Numerous VIPs are arriving via private jet, causing limited parking availability and raising concerns about whether Swift will be able to find a spot upon her arrival from her Tokyo concert on her Eras Tour.
“We are aware that we cannot expect anything to be handed to us. Our team has an even larger goal to achieve this year compared to the previous one,” stated Justin Reid, safety for the Chiefs. “Despite this, our team is determined to maintain our dynasty and improve upon our success from last year. We will not simply rely on our past accomplishments.”
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The NFL from the Associated Press: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Source: independent.co.uk
