Kansas City Chiefs’ culture of faith deserves more attention in national debate about team’s ‘luck’

The Kansas City Chiefs’ strong culture of faith, often overlooked on the national stage, is shaping the organization’s success from the top down.

The Chiefs’ dizzying string of improbable victories, ranging from game-winning blocked kicks to an opponent’s bumbled snap on the way to a 12-1 record, has left commentators scratching their heads.

As a result, in one of the wilder seasons of the team’s dynastic run, much of the conversation surrounding the Chiefs has been about “luck,” “favoritism” or even voodoo and black magic.

The Chiefs are currently in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC despite being ranked 26^th in the league in point differential. Their wins this season have come by an average of just four points, and the team is one win away from tying the NFL record for one-score wins in a season: 11. 

With the national conversation around the improbability of the Chiefs’ success – despite the numbers and in the midst of the team’s current quest to put together a third straight Super Bowl run – a key component of their success has largely been ignored: their strong culture of faith. 

That story starts at the top of the organization, as the Hunt family, which owns the Chiefs, has been unashamed of their love for Christ throughout CEO/Owner Clark Hunt’s tenure. 

“In our family, it’s faith, family and football, and in that order,” Hunt said before the Super Bowl in February, adding, “That’s a challenge, but it’s something we really focus on as a family and it’s the No. 1 thing in our lives.” 

Hunt even founded the only on-site chapel service for fans at an NFL stadium, a service that is regularly standing-room only. 

It’s not just the Hunts, either. Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who leads one of the best defenses in the league, is also a devout believer. The legendary DC tries to read the Bible every morning, and is active in the coaches’ Bible studies.

“My wife and I are very grounded Christians,” Spagnuolo told God Behind Bars in February before the Super Bowl, adding, “She’s the best example in my life of how to lead a Christian life. So, we try to make that the foundation of everything we do and what we’re involved in. And quite frankly, you couldn’t get through the ups and downs of NFL football during the season if you didn’t have that.” 

After locking up their ninth straight division title Sunday on a game-winning field goal that doinked off the uprights, the AFC West champs gathered in the locker room to do the same thing they’ve done for years regardless of the outcome: pray.  

Team leaders in key positions such as players Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, Harrison Butker, Drue Tranquill, Noah Gray and long-snapper James Winchester, as well as Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy, publicly profess faith in Christ. 

Patrick Mahomes, the most important weapon in the Chiefs’ arsenal, tries to walk out his faith in the public eye. 

“Before every game, I walk the field and I do a prayer at the goal post,” Mahomes said prior to Super Bowl LV. “I just thank God for those opportunities, and I thank God for letting me be on a stage where I can glorify Him.” 

Even the “Voice of the Chiefs,” radio play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus, is an outspoken believer. The decorated announcer points to Christ regularly in interviews and has served on the elder board at a local Kansas City church despite his heavy schedule with the Chiefs. 

Though few would suggest God is arranging the Chiefs’ victories, it is clear the power of faith has this team clicking at a level rarely seen in NFL history. The buy-in to vital Christian values throughout the organization – such as humility, prayer and perseverance – has contributed to a championship run filled with unforgettable moments.

“We want our employees to develop spiritually. In the National Football League, Christ is really glorified. My identity is my faith in Christ.” Hunt said when the run began to pick up steam in 2019, a sentiment that has continued to the present.

Though the results of the Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat are yet to be known, many in the organization are determined to glorify Christ regardless.

As the national conversation centers around luck, magic or voodoo, the strength of the team’s faith-based culture deserves more attention.