KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tommy Townsend played a significant role in NFL history.
The holder for Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal in Super Bowl 57 and the game-tying kick that sent Super Bowl 58 to overtime, Townsend literally held the Chiefs’ dynasty in his hands – the NFL’s first set of consecutive Super Bowl titles in 20 years.
Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker (7) kicks the go-ahead field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023. | Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
And Kansas City signed Townsend as an undrafted free agent. A rock-solid punter over his first four seasons (2020-23), he signed as an unrestricted free agent with Houston after that Super Bowl victory over San Francisco. Last month, he got $2 million guaranteed on a two-year, $5 million deal to join the Titans.
The Chiefs have a history of identifying top undrafted talent. Townsend is one of five significant college free agents the Chiefs have landed since they took Patrick Mahomes in the first round of the 2017 draft.
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) leaves the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
DT Turk Wharton, 2020
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Chiefs scouts found Wharton in their own backyard, at Division II Missouri S&T, and signed him after the 2020 Covid draft. Through five seasons, Steve Spagnuolo moved him all along the defensive front to capitalize on mismatches. He wound up starting 10 games in 2024, posting a career-best 6½ sacks, then signed as an [unrestricted free agent with Carolina](https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/onsi/kansas-city-noting-8-former-on-playoff-teams). Wharton left Kansas City with 13½ sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. He also posted four sacks in postseason games.
LB Ben Niemann, 2018
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For 74 games over his first four NFL seasons, including 12 playoff appearances, Niemann was extremely valuable for Dave Toub’s special-teams units from 2018-21 – not to mention his two sacks and five fumble recoveries in a Chiefs unform. After Veach inked Niemann out of Iowa following the 2018 draft, the Chiefs were consistently among the best punt- and kickoff-coverage teams in the league. He left in 2022 to sign with Arizona.
Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ben Niemann celebrates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
DE Malik Herring, 2021
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Like Jake Briningstool in 2025, the Chiefs liked what they saw in Herring enough to keep him as a rookie despite an injury that ended his rookie season. Herring tore his ACL during Senior Bowl practices in January and, after signing with Kansas City following the draft, spent the year on the Chiefs’ reserve/non-football injury list. Herring made his mark as a key pass rusher in the Chiefs’ postseason run to that Super Bowl 58 victory. He joined Townsend in Tennessee last month.
October 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes the football against Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring (94) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
LB Jack Cochrane, 2022
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Brett Veach’s stellar 2022 rookies weren’t all drafted. In addition to Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson and others, Veach also signed Cochrane following the draft. The linebacker evolved into a special-teams weapon over his first four years, playing in Super Bowls each of the first three years, then re-signed with the Chiefs as an [undrafted free agent last month](https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/onsi/kansas-city-bring-back-vital-linebacker-as-unrestricted-free-agent).
Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jack Cochrane (43) celebrates after an interception against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images