It’s become almost an annual rite for the Chiefs: Before taking their summer break, they receive championship rings.
But the feeling — and ceremony — depend based upon the outcome of the final game.
Three times since the 2019 season, the Chiefs have held posh Super Bowl ring ceremonies at Union Station or The Nelson-Adkins Museum of Art.
This year, however, after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs handed out AFC Championship Game rings. Kansas City players received the rings at the team’s practice facility as mandatory minicamp was wrapping up.
And make no mistake about it: Defeating the Buffalo Bills in a 32-29 thriller, and once again to capture the Lamar Hunt Trophy as AFC champs, was a big deal to the Chiefs.
But losing to 40-22 to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX dampened the mood of receiving this year’s championship bling.
“Everybody has their own view on it,” Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce said. “Unfortunately, for me, I’m only interested in Super Bowl rings. I know what the AFC Championship means to this organization and the family and the 15 wins ...
“Last year (2024 season), it wasn’t a success for me and I’m motivated to make sure that we get another (Super Bowl) ring this year.”
The Lamar Hunt Trophy is named for the Chiefs’ late founder. The team’s 15-2 regular-season record set a new high-water mark for victories. The Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans and Bills to reach yet another Super Bowl.
The Chiefs entered the ultimate game as 1-point favorites and were bidding to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. But the game in New Orleans collapsed on them early, as the Chiefs fell behind 24-0 by halftime.
Kelce finished the day at the Louisiana Superdome with four receptions for 39 yards. Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes was intercepted twice, with one of those picks returned for a Philly touchdown.
Mahomes said he’ll look at his latest ring with mixed feelings.
“I appreciated it,” he said, “because I know at the end of my career, I’ll look back and remember those times with that team.
“But it’s a reminder for you go to out there and be even better.”