Kansas City Chiefs begin quest for three-peat at Super Bowl

Elizabeth Merrill is an ESPN Senior Writer. Elizabeth joined ESPN as part of their senior writing staff in 2024 and continues her writing today as one of their senior reporters. She previously wrote for The Kansas City Star and The Omaha World-Herald. Though Jerry Kramer doesn’t watch much football any longer, he still plans on relaxing into a leather recliner with a glass of bourbon to watch his old team, the Kansas City Chiefs chase history this year. Even more surprising was when Kramer unexpectedly watched part of their preseason games — something which normally wouldn’t happen. At 88 years old, Kramer is considered an original. Due to all his stitches he earned himself the moniker “Zipper,” earning his way onto television screens while watching Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes throw an underhand pass to Travis Kelce for Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes during mid August – although Kramer wasn’t completely thrilled about it either! “I found the whole situation entertaining,” Kramer admits, and will root for any team except Packers until their schedule matches up against his. His goal is for another squad to create history. Kramer can still not believe no team in Super Bowl era has achieved such an outstanding feat of three consecutive championship victories since 1966! His Packers won an NFL crown that year before two Super Bowl championship victories followed shortly afterwards in 1967 and 1968 – an astounding accomplishment no one else can match to date! “I thought New England might do it,” Kramer noted, “with Tom Brady and all his players. However, we remain at that same spot.” Editor’s Picks2 RelatedThree-peats are extremely rare accomplishments and only rare few achieve them successfully. Los Angeles Lakers became the final North American professional team to sweep three consecutive NBA Championships from 2000-2002; New York Yankees did it from 1998-2000 with three World Championship victories in succession. Since New York Islanders won three straight Stanley Cups from 1980-1983, no other NHL or football team have accomplished such a feat since. That feat may even prove more elusive: seven other teams such as Tom Brady’s New England Patriots won back-to-back Super Bowls but failed to replicate those successes with championship success in subsequent seasons. Never has major college football seen anything remotely comparable – Georgia came close, falling just short in 2023 by losing 27-24 against Alabama for their SEC title game victory. The Bulldogs failed to receive an invite into College Football Playoff this season, joining seven other teams across eight decades who failed to repeat as champions three consecutively despite an attempt at three-peat victory; three is considered joy in numerology. Winning one title is impressive; winning multiple championships is even greater; however, three-peats mark history as definitive victories and UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley sees it as part of an ongoing journey toward an unprecedented NCAA dynasty. Hurley passed on an offer to coach the Lakers for six years at $70 million to remain UConn coach, one of five preseason top-5 teams. Kansas City Coach Andy Reid avoided any mention; Mahomes seemed enthusiastic. After their Super Bowl win in February, Mahomes said three consecutive championship wins would be “legendary”. “Kramer considered winning three consecutive football games as his crowning achievement of his football career, which can be found hanging next to his poker table in his basement along with a Sports Illustrated cover from January 22, 1968. Photo shows Kramer hoisting Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi onto his shoulder after they defeated Oakland Raiders 33-14 in Super Bowl II at Miami, while teammate Forrest Gregg holds onto him from behind and smiles down at Kramer with pride. “Gregg didn’t find it as pleasant,” Kramer recalls, noting his comments: ”’Same old, same old Jerry; you got his face; I got his butt. ‘”Nevertheless, for Lombardi himself — an iconic coach with four championship wins prior to 1967 — this third consecutive championship meant everything. Early that year, Kramer recounted, he told his team about its significance; that year would remain memorable to them forever. ESPN BET currently rates 2024 Chiefs as preseason Super Bowl favorites at +500 odds of victory. ESPN’s Doug Greenberg found similar odds applied to both teams as they attempted to complete three-peat attempts; such odds also existed prior to those failed efforts by New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, according to Kramer’s calculations. They have the momentum and they believe themselves unbeatable right now: who in their right mind could challenge such powerhouses like they once did. “[Their players are] so far beyond human reach that no-one in any manner whatsoever could defeat them?” – says Kramer “When one finds success and others express praise of you, human nature leads one to take it easy and get comfortable. Perhaps that is one of the largest battles they will need to face.” Triple-peaters belong to an exclusive club; those who have achieved three straight championship victories often develop their own psychology around what it takes for such feats to happen. Coaches and athletes acknowledge the fact that, regardless of preparation or investment in rosters, fate ultimately decides the fate. ESPN spoke with coaches and athletes who had achieved three-peat success as well as those who came agonisingly close, plus coaches currently trying to achieve history. UConn coach Dan Hurley must replace four starters from his 2024 championship squad who have since been selected by NBA teams as they were drafted. Dan Hurley of UConn men’s basketball national champion teams of 2023-2024 has many cool activities planned after winning back-to-back titles – or as Hurley calls them: *Throw out a first pitch at an New York Yankees game *To ring the bell at New York Stock Exchange. To take two trips to White House. * Join a parade float during Hartford, Connecticut parade. In early September, Hurley and his Huskies share an important perspective with Chiefs’ player Josh Boyer as both stand on the cusp of history — struggling with expectations, internal and external pressures, as well as any unknowns they might bring with them. Reid retained much of his 2023 roster, including Mahomes and defensive anchor Chris Jones. Hurley finds himself in an uncomfortable spot having to replace four starters from his 2024 championship squad who have been selected into the NBA, yet his Huskies still wear rubbery blue bracelets featuring their team motto of ‘Dynasty. Drive. Success” despite this. Hurley considers his three consecutive wins a dynasty and welcomes all that this represents in his embrace. Mayweather may have become this way because he started as a high school coach; who knew then that someone coaching at St Benedict’s Preparatory School and teaching driver’s ed would become one of three national champions over five decades, with all eyes focused on them as they try for glory? Hurley acknowledges that life offers chances to win championships; but when do coaches and players get chances to do historic things that very few coaches, teams, or players have ever achieved before? “My focus lies on my preparation; so should yours. ” However, I think we must acknowledge the gravity of certain moments. Only UCLA won three consecutive college basketball championships under Coach John Wooden from 1967 through 1973 (plus another victory during his final year, in 1975). Hurley believed it to be significant when told it happened during his year of birth (1951); when told it occurred on June 10 – when Hurley announced his decision for Lakers. UConn held its summer workout session that day as well. Hurley summoned his team together for a meeting. Their phones weren’t on, nor had anyone received news alerts; when Hurley entered they all appeared as though he hadn’t made up their minds what to do yet. Hurley says he wanted affirmation of their commitment to investing in their quest for three consecutive titles, but their response, according to Hurley, was that they’d run through walls in pursuit of three championships. Hurley does not know whether his team has enough talent or ability to actually pull this off and expects the answer will emerge over time. “You’ll know as time progresses. ” But I believe UConn stands a much greater chance than anyone else at winning this one, given our belief in ourselves.” Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Byron Scott recalls then-coach Pat Riley being driven by the goal of three consecutive championship wins as motivators to achieve one more three-peat. Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty ImagesByron Scott was one of two Lakers guards to lead them to two consecutive NBA titles — in 1987 and 1988 — according to former coach Pat Riley’s account, coining the term ‘three-peat” during training camp in Hawaii that year. Or did it occur at the championship parade a few months earlier? Scott can’t be certain. “I think we were by the beach,” Scott recalls, “and we started talking about winning another championship; so, when they talked about going three for three, he suggested they make it three-peat instead! “During the parade I recall using it again as I got up to speak and address the crowd – saying something about a three-peat and Riles loved it. Riley filed a trademark application shortly thereafter as part of his quest for three-peats.” Scott recalls how Lakers guard Scott was thrilled when collared shirts with “three-peat” were distributed just prior to training camp, the Lakers being an obvious favorite given that roster included Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, A.C Green and James Worthy – but most importantly for him, that all their talent still worked together cohesively as one unit despite its immense talent pool. Scott loved that while many players contributed greatly individually despite all this talent being on one squad! Scott claims each player knew his or her role and sacrificed individual recognition in favor of team success during the initial six months of the season. Everything ran according to plan! The Lakers finished 57-25 during regular season play to earn first seed status and proceeded to sweep Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle SuperSonics and Phoenix Suns during post-season competition. One team stood between them and three-peat success – Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. To prepare, the Lakers held one last practice before Game 1. Riley ran an indoor rebounding drill as part of this session as an attempt at neutralizing Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer’s inside presences, both inside presences that needed attention before Game 1 would begin. It would become one of his signature maneuvers. Scott went up into the air, came down awkwardly, heard a pop in his hamstring, grabbed it tight, and knew it was over. “I remember going back into my room,” says Scott, “and sobbing like I was 6 years old. Few days later, Johnson injured his hamstring during Game 2, leading Detroit to sweep Los Angeles and achieve their third championship since 1998. According to Scott Riley was driven by his desire for three consecutive championships and capitalized on other peoples’ victories throughout. Riley declined to be interviewed for this story but is said to have made between $300,000-$400,000 in licensing fees after winning three consecutive NBA titles with Chicago Bulls in 2007. According to U.S. Patent & Trademark Office records, Riles & Company still owns trademark registration rights on terms like “three peat,” threepeat,” threepeat” and “3 peat.” California resident Kevin C Three Peat currently has an application pending to register the name “KC Three Peat. John Aldrich, Riley’s attorney, declined to provide specifics about trademarks; however, he noted that over the years certain teams had requested early use of “three-peat,” leading them to lose out in bidding for No. 3. Aldrich stated he has yet to hear from the Chiefs and thus far haven’t received an approach from them. Former NFL defensive tackle Trevor Pryce, who helped win two Super Bowl championships with Denver Broncos says there’s “no chance” the Chiefs can claim another in 2018. Trevor Pryce of the Denver Broncos won Super Bowls 1997 and 1998 during his time on their defensive front seven. Recently when talking about life after football with someone about their team chasing three-peat glory for three consecutive times with Kansas City Chiefs as opponent Pryce made sure everyone understood that would never happen in terms of three consecutive Super Bowl championships being won again: “Let me put your mind at rest: That will not happen!” “That will never happen! Let’s put this behind you right there.” Pryce said emphatically; three consecutive championship runs would not happen again because it simply wouldn’t happen this way.” “Pryce is sure that the Chiefs cannot win three straight. If it were possible, Brady and Patriots would have done it; Pryce does not believe football allows such feats.” “Once a team makes it to a Super Bowl,” says coach Andy Reid, the season can stretch on for years without much relief in between games – sometimes only weeks apart between contests! As Reid notes, players might struggle after two long, drawn-out seasons back-to-back; such players don’t seem able to recover well and may suffer performance-based issues indefinitely. “Playing three consecutive Super Bowls can put an extraordinary strain on an athlete, both mentally and physically,” according to ESPN.com’s Paul Hondros. Meetings suddenly extend 15 minutes more. Coaches want you to put more into studying the game plan this week than last. There are 10 new plays than last time around and no stone should remain unturned; but what many don’t realize is, all this requires energy from you if it takes all that extra work to turn over all these stones! “Nearly 20 years ago, when the Patriots were trying to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles back-to-back, Pryce described this feat as being virtually impossible. According to him, football tends to even everything out through drafts and free agency as well as injuries. Pryce wasn’t always so optimistic. He experienced nothing but success during his initial two NFL years – becoming a rookie when Denver won Super Bowl XXXII! After Super Bowl XXXIII, quarterback John Elway retired, Terrell Davis suffered an season-ending injury, and Denver did not go on to three-peat. Pryce continued playing 11 more years for Denver but never returned to play another Super Bowl game. “This whole experience wears you out mentally and emotionally,” he notes, and adds that there’s simply no chance the Chiefs could pull this off for a third time. Would I love to witness it happen again? Of course; but there’s simply no chance. None whatsoever.” Deion Branch of the former New England Patriots believes it to be most painful going through all the extra effort to reach the Super Bowl only to fall short in his goal and lose. ” Russ Hochstein and Deion Branch from Super Bowl champion teams 2003 and 2004, are shown here in Massachusetts at an unsurprising Dunkin Donuts outlet. Bill Belichick did not speak publicly of a three-peat when his Patriots won back-to-back championships in 2005, even as their coach. Branch, now director of player development and alumni relations at Louisville, says his goal was never to become the first team since Super Bowl history to achieve back-to-back championships. Mission accomplished was winning Super Bowl XL! Branch says winning regular season games was difficult due to all of the planning that goes into each and every one. “This was something I taught these young men long ago; and still live by today.” “When asked, players typically respond that losing and ending the regular season would be preferable over making it to Super Bowl knowing you won’t win; which would you pick?” It can be painful going through all that extra practice time just for second place finisher status; in contrast to making history like winning it! My response would always be: ‘I prefer for this stuff to end quickly so I can start my offseason preparation immediately in order to be a better player, teammate and ultimately team. “Historically speaking, when discussing what went wrong for the Patriots during 2005 season they often point to two events as key catalysts: Tedy Bruschi suffering a mild stroke just days after Pro Bowl and Rodney Harrison suffering an season-ending injury.” Hochstein also noted five turnovers during an AFC divisional round loss against Denver and highlighted something less discussed: continuity on their coaching staff. Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel both assumed head coaching jobs this offseason; Weis at Notre Dame while Crennel took charge with Cleveland Browns. Hochstein notes: “Each coach brings their own distinct character. Not just through words or actions taken but by what initiatives they wish to implement as part of a program.” “Consistency is key. Although subtle changes may still take place, returning to what we know best ensures an impactful impactful impactful result for the team.” Hochstein shared Branch’s faith in Belichick’s three-peat vision and believed firmly in Belichick’s ability. Hochstein delivered coachspeak reminiscent of Belichick when she stated, in coachspeak-style language, that failing to take care of business would leave none to take care of. Still… “as players you do talk about it.” Hochstein asserts. We know what’s going on. Scotty McCreery of country music fame celebrated five consecutive No.1 songs with championship rings given out among his management company, agent, and record label staff members. C. Morgan Engel/Getty ImagesScotty McCreery achieved five No. 1 tracks over five consecutive releases 1 singlesMcCreery was distraught the evening his Patriots fell short in their bid for three consecutive championships. McCreery has long been an ardent Patriots supporter, and at 22 sang the national anthem at New England’s 2016 divisional playoff game against Kansas City (an eventual Patriots win). Two years later – “Five More Minutes” became his debut No.1 single on country singles chart! McCreery celebrated with champagne just like any athlete would when winning a championship – buying both cheap stuff for spraying, as well as high quality stuff to indulge in and have several drinks of. “I bought both cheap stuff to spray, as well as high-end bottles to indulge and sip,” says he, before explaining he purchased both inexpensive bottles to drink in moderation, “then bought some nicer bottles afterwards for enjoying in moderation!” “I would compare music production to being in a Super Bowl in terms of sheer quantity of great artists and songs available today. Like in football, music creation takes hard work but team effort – no need for being as physically fit! “But to achieve anything meaningful and keep moving toward it every single day is key; so I see some parallels there,” McCreery explained when celebrating his third No.1 with “In Between.” He had immense respect for that success: it meant three consecutive No. 1s from himself as an artist! He estimates he bought more champagne for that one than any of the others combined, believing “it to be on an impressive streak at that point. You might get one or two great songs under your belt; but three means, ‘OK, now we really are off our mark here; something not many others can claim they’ve accomplished yet.” “To commemorate his fifth consecutive No.1 song, McCreery created championship rings for himself, his management company and agent as well as those at record label and management company.” In particular he will watch closely the 2024 NFL season as one of his friends Joe Thuney currently serves on Kansas City Chief’s guard roster. “I would love to see the Patriots return to prominence this season, but that may not happen with Mahomes and Kelce on board for Kansas City.” Patty Gasso of Ohio University Softball Coach says she wants her players to celebrate and take pleasure in winning, particularly three and four peats which represent such an accomplishment.” Isaiah Vazquez/Getty ImagesPatty Gasso of Oklahoma softball coach fame and NCAA National Champions 2021-24When COVID-19 shut down sports in 2020, Gasso gave her team summer homework assignments as summer prep work. Sooners Coach Barbara Gasso advised her young team to watch “The Last Dance,” an ESPN documentary chronicling Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ legendary dynasty that won six NBA championships over an 18-year span, including two three-peats in three. As Gasso had an inexperienced squad under her charge, watching this documentary provided inspiration and perspective on resetting. Gasso wanted her players to see Michael Jordan’s success first-hand and appreciate everything an elite athlete was saying and doing – noting, for example, “Michael is both an individual player as well as team player,” Gasso claims. “He knows he cannot achieve success alone and acknowledges the necessity for collaboration on his team; you don’t need to become best friends with everyone; just recognize they will help achieve your desired goal. Find ways to bring them up to your level and communicate with them; even if it means only having professional interactions.” A women’s locker room presents unique challenges when forming personal bonds between employees. One thing I believe makes me an effective leader at this level as a female is my knowledge of female cliques and how they can obliterate your program.” As proof, Sooners have gone on to win four national championships since her arrival. Oklahoma was blessed with an abundant talent pool among their freshman class and veteran outfielder Jocelyn Alo was on her way to setting an all-time career home run record in NCAA softball a year prior. Gasso emphasizes her program’s “unapologetic” philosophy – no need to apologize to others for being great! As she acknowledges, there will always be people or teams that don’t wish for their success, yet truly loving sports she wishes they’d strive for excellence? She encourages her players to celebrate things big and small alike while just simply having fun while not worrying too much about appearances or expectations of success or failure. Gasso acknowledged three and four-peats are an impressive feat: “They just don’t happen often in sports. However, I want to give an honest assessment from both of our perspectives; players and management. At this stage of a season, it can leave one physically, emotionally and psychologically exhausted. “Once it’s all said and done with, feelings such as “We did it! Oh My Gosh We Did it!’ but also relief at having completed your duties can become dominant emotions. ‘Thank God This Is Over’ are likely also present as emotions emerge after your final game”. Thank God that the pressure, intensity and everything associated with tournament play is over and you can finally breathe deeply again ‘- because as soon as the competition commences it becomes increasingly hard to take that deep breath as everything weighs heavily on our shoulders. “So when the dream came true for B.J. Armstrong he felt joy and relief that life could continue uninterrupted for another six months or more AP Photo/John Swart Armstrong was an NBA championship-winning guard with the Chicago Bulls from 1991-1993 as an understudy to Jordan, Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant – becoming an instantaneous reminder that Armstrong was hired solely to win. That meant no vacations, no deviation from diet, nor an offseason break during those four years of dominating play for Jordan et al. Armstrong knows his methods may seem counterproductive to long-term wellbeing, yet that was what it took for the Bulls to win in 1990-91 and three consecutive NBA Championships thereafter. “You work at an urgency,” Armstrong notes. “This period in my life was brief. When I made a commitment, such as becoming a professional athlete, that didn’t make sense; then you asked, when you got there: ‘So do you plan to start taking vacations now?’ To me that made no sense.” “My entire life had been focused on living out my dream; when it finally came time, the last thing I wanted to do was stop. Once there, however, once the games stopped going on in front of my eyes – not that they ever would!” “All I wanted was to keep playing basketball; at 56 I wish that was still possible but, unfortunately, that day has come and gone. Still though, watching every game gives me great pleasure; that passion continues…”… “I love it even more!” Linda Brennan and Heart won five obedience championships from 2016-20 at Westminster Kennel Club shows, from 2016-20. Linda Brennan of Heart (a black Labrador retriever), 2016-20 champion obedience category of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Brennan thought she found her perfect pup when she selected Heart from among ten puppies at a litter. At first she preferred another species but Heart kept returning tennis balls and dog toys that kept tempting Brennan into choosing him instead. Brennan would never leave her side. After winning their inaugural obedience championship with an intense tiebreaker round, Brennan and her dog excelled once more the following year with what Brennan thought was even greater routine – “she thrived” according to Brennan; with applause and electricity running through Westminster Hall. “Heart was victorious again in 2018, completing her three-peat. However, Brennan soon learned the rules were different for the obedience category than expected: to win their trophy they’d need five consecutive victories over competitors like Snickers who she considered her true competition: she says Snickers “coming for you. After Brennan won for a fourth consecutive time, her judge was extremely sweet towards her and told her “My husband told me not to let that girl win again’.” Brennan recounts, stating her desire not to allow Brennan a fifth consecutive win: ‘Anyway, don’t let that girl who’s won it every year win again!” Brennan had long wondered whether she’d ever find another dog like Heart, so she began the pursuit of five obedience titles together in February 2020 and won their trophy that same month. Unfortunately, just months after receiving their trophy Heart was diagnosed with cancer and passed away shortly afterwards in February 2102. Brennan still gets choked up when thinking back on that memorable evening when Heart was the center of attention at Madison Square Garden with many people petting her and being petted like any good little lady should – the night they won their trophy will always remain special to her as Brennan recalls; “she thought this was just amazing!” Brennan recalls.