The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of making NFL history. With back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024, they now aim to become the first team to achieve a three-peat in the Super Bowl era.
Their opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, presents a formidable challenge in a rematch of Super Bowl LVII.
This article delves into the Chiefs’ roster, analyzing key players, strategic strengths, and the factors that could secure their third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
Super Bowl 2025 Rosters: Colleges Represented by the Kansas City Chiefs
Active Roster
| PLAYER | Number | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felix Anudike-Uzomah | 97 | DE | Kansas State |
| Matt Araiza | 14 | P | San Diego State |
| Nick Bolton | 32 | LB | Missouri |
| Hollywood Brown | 5 | WR | Oklahoma |
| Harrison Butker | 7 | K | Georgia Tech |
| Mike Caliendo | 66 | OL | Western Michigan |
| Leo Chenal | 54 | LB | Wisconsin |
| Chamarri Conner | 27 | DB | Virginia Tech |
| Bryan Cook | 6 | S | Cincinnati |
| Mike Danna | 51 | DE | Michigan |
| Ethan Driskell | 75 | OT | Marshall |
| Noah Gray | 83 | TE | Duke |
| C.J. Hanson | 61 | OL | Holy Cross |
| Peyton Hendershot | 88 | TE | Indiana |
| Malik Herring | 94 | DE | Georgia |
| Jaden Hicks | 21 | DB | Washington State |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 8 | WR | Clemson |
| Creed Humphrey | 52 | C | Oklahoma |
| D.J. Humphries | 70 | OL | Florida |
| Kareem Hunt | 29 | RB | Toledo |
| Nazeeh Johnson | 13 | S | Marshall |
| Cam Jones | 44 | LB | Indiana |
| Chris Jones | 95 | DT | Mississippi State |
| George Karlaftis | 56 | DE | Purdue |
| Travis Kelce | 87 | TE | Cincinnati |
| Patrick Mahomes | 15 | QB | Texas Tech |
| Trent McDuffie | 22 | CB | Washington |
| Wanya Morris | 64 | OL | Oklahoma |
| Derrick Nnadi | 91 | DT | Florida State |
| Hunter Nourzad | 60 | OL | Penn State |
| Charles Omenihu | 90 | DE | Texas |
| Isiah Pacheco | 10 | RB | Rutgers |
| Mike Pennel | 69 | NT | CSU Pueblo |
| Samaje Perine | 34 | RB | Oklahoma |
| Justin Reid | 20 | S | Stanford |
| Nikko Remigio | 81 | WR | Fresno State |
| Chris Roland-Wallace | 30 | CB | Southern California |
| Trey Smith | 65 | G | Tennessee |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 9 | WR | Southern California |
| Carson Steele | 42 | FB | UCLA |
| Kingsley Suamataia | 76 | T | BYU |
| Jawaan Taylor | 74 | T | Florida |
| Keith Taylor | 39 | CB | Washington |
| Joe Thuney | 62 | G | NC State |
| Drue Tranquill | 23 | LB | Notre Dame |
| Joshua Uche | 55 | DE | Michigan |
| Jaylen Watson | 35 | CB | Washington State |
| Justin Watson | 84 | WR | UPenn |
| Carson Wentz | 11 | QB | North Dakota State |
| Tershawn Wharton | 98 | DT | Missouri S&T |
| Joshua Williams | 2 | CB | Fayetteville State |
| James Winchester | 41 | LS | Oklahoma |
| Xavier Worthy | 1 | WR | Texas |
Position-by-Position Roster Breakdown
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (QB1) remains the cornerstone of the Chiefs’ success. Despite a statistically “down” 2024 regular season (4,112 passing yards, 34 TDs), Mahomes led the NFL in game-winning drives (7) and maintained his reputation as the league’s most clutch performer.
His ability to extend plays and dominate in critical moments (98 QBR in the playoffs) gives Kansas City a significant edge.
Backup Carson Wentz (QB2) provides veteran experience, though Mahomes has never missed a playoff start.
Running Back
Isiah Pacheco (RB1) and Kareem Hunt (RB2) form a dynamic duo. Pacheco rushed for 1,203 yards in the regular season, while Hunt’s efficiency (4.9 yards per carry) and red-zone reliability (12 TDs) have been crucial. Rookie Carson Steele (FB) adds physicality in short-yardage situations.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
The Chiefs revamped their receiving corps in 2024:
- Xavier Worthy (WR1): The rookie speedster tallied 742 yards and 9 TDs.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR2): Acquired mid-season, Hopkins added 437 yards and 4 TDs in limited starts.
- Hollywood Brown (WR3): A deep threat with 612 yards and 5 TDs.
Travis Kelce (TE1), though aging, remains Mahomes’ safety net, leading the team in receiving yards (823) and playoff touchdowns (4).
Offensive Line
The unit features three All-Pros:
- Joe Thuney (LG) and Creed Humphrey (C): Ranked top-3 in pass-block win rate.
- Trey Smith (RG): A mauler in the run game.
Rookie tackle Kingsley Suamataia (LT) has stabilized Mahomes’ blind side after early-season struggles.
Defensive Line
Chris Jones (DT) anchors the line with 5.0 sacks and relentless interior pressure, while George Karlaftis (DE) notched 8.0 sacks. Mike Danna (DE) and rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah provide rotational depth.
Linebackers & Secondary
- Nick Bolton (MLB): Team-leading 106 tackles and 2 forced fumbles.
- Trent McDuffie (CB): All-Pro lockdown corner with a 56.3% completion rate allowed.
- Justin Reid (S): Versatile playmaker with 87 tackles and 3 interceptions.
Special Teams
Harrison Butker (K) hit 84% of field goals, including a 57-yard playoff game-winner. Punter Matt Araiza (14) averages 48.3 yards per punt.
Key Players to Watch
- Patrick Mahomes: Aims for his 4th Super Bowl MVP, cementing his GOAT candidacy.
- Travis Kelce: Needs 89 yards to break Jerry Rice’s Super Bowl receiving record.
- Chris Jones: Critical to disrupting Philadelphia’s tush push and containing Saquon Barkley.
- Trent McDuffie: Tasked with shadowing A.J. Brown, the Eagles’ top WR.
Strategic Roster Construction
General Manager Brett Veach built this roster through:
- Draft Success: 2022–2024 drafts yielded starters like McDuffie, Karlaftis, and Pacheco.
- Cost-Effective Veterans: Signings like Hunt and Hopkins provided value without cap strain.
- Defensive Reinvestment: After trading Tyreek Hill, Kansas City allocated resources to defense, resulting in a top-5 unit.
FAQs
1. Will the Chiefs’ offensive line hold up against the Eagles’ pass rush?
Kansas City’s line allowed the third-fewest sacks (28) in 2024. However, LT Suamataia faces a tough test against Eagles OLB Nolan Smith (6.5 sacks).
2. How healthy is the Chiefs’ roster?
All 53 players are available, including WR Skyy Moore (knee) and CB Jaylen Watson (ankle), who returned for the playoffs.
3. Can the Chiefs stop Saquon Barkley?
Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards led the NFL. Kansas City’s run defense (3rd in yards allowed) hinges on Chris Jones disrupting gaps.
4. What makes Patrick Mahomes so dominant in Super Bowls?
Mahomes has a 107.4 passer rating in Super Bowls, excelling under pressure (78% completion rate when blitzed).
5. Which Chiefs players attended Oklahoma?
Seven OU alumni are on the roster, including C Creed Humphrey and OT Lane Johnson.
6. How does Travis Kelce compare to other TEs in Super Bowl history?
Kelce needs 89 yards to surpass Rice’s record (604). He already holds the TE record for receptions (38).
7. Are the Chiefs’ WRs a weakness?
Kansas City’s WRs ranked 15th in yards (3,812) but improved with Worthy’s emergence and Hopkins’ mid-season addition.
8. What’s the Chiefs’ defensive strength?
Their secondary allowed the NFL’s lowest passer rating (78.9), led by McDuffie and Reid.
9. How many Chiefs players have Super Bowl experience?
24 players were on the 2023 and 2024 rosters, including Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones.
10. Could this be Andy Reid’s last game?
Reid, 66, hasn’t hinted at retirement but could cement his legacy with a third straight title.
Final Thought
The Chiefs’ roster blends elite talent (Mahomes, Kelce, Jones) with shrewd draft picks and veteran role players. Their path to a three-peat hinges on containing Barkley, exploiting Philadelphia’s linebacker injuries, and Mahomes’ magic. If Kansas City triumphs, it will solidify this era as the NFL’s greatest dynasty.
