Official villains already? Chiefs fans, businesses react to latest criticism

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - For seven years in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have been the team to beat and now fans of other teams are claiming the refs have a say in that.

For seven years, the Chiefs and their fans have watched opposing teams pack up their things and head home for the offseason. For seven years, the Chiefs and their fans have proudly chanted, cheered, and screamed about the Red Kingdom. For six out of the seven years, opposing teams have had to play at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium which is arguably the worst place to play with their season on the line.

Now, many fans around the league believe the Chiefs have taken the role of being the villain.

Merriam-Webster states the word “villain” is a character in a story or play who opposes the hero, a deliberate scoundrel or criminal, or one blamed for a particular evil or difficulty.

Chiefs Kingdom believes they are the heroes, so that definition does not add up, but there are several instances, on social media alone, of fans from other teams saying they are being sneaky in their ways to win.

“We are the villains, but we always know how to win, got a good team, good coaching,” said Cade Hixon. “It just feels good.”

Rosie Martinez said, “That’s one thing they got to worry about in their lives, always have on their minds, and we’re who we are. One way or another, it’s always a win,” said Rosie Martinez. “Born and raised here, Kansas City is where it’s at.”

Nancy Brown said, “[They’re] just jealous.”

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Caleb Roberts said the fans are happy to take on that role as long as the Chiefs keep winning.

“Kansas City is full of nice people, so I don’t have too many mean things to say about them, but I think that’s what happens when you win,” he said. “People get tired of it.”

Lori Dunlap argued that fans should let it be and reminded them that these are people, not just players on some team, crediting Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce for their work outside the stadium.

“Let each team have their time in the sun,” she said.

Some statistics show otherwise to the critics about the referees being a key part of their success. There have been some questionable calls, Chiefs fans can attest to that, but for the large part, the refs have made it somewhat harder for the Chiefs to come away with wins.

READ MORE: Patrick Mahomes on whether NFL officials favor the Chiefs: ‘The referees are doing their best’

For example: the Chiefs have been penalized nearly 150 yards more than opponents over the last three seasons. Opponents have gained 20 more first downs from penalties on third or fourth down since Mahomes became the starter. The Chiefs have the seventh-worst penalty differential in the fourth quarter or overtime also since Mahomes became the starter.

Local businesses, like Made Mobb in the Crossroads, are constantly creating villain-themed gear.

This year’s theme for them is, “Not Our First Rodeo,” showcasing that the Chiefs have been here before and they know exactly what to do on the field to go to another Super Bowl.

Co-owner/Marketing Director Jesse Phouangphet said, “Going through all those years of losses really kind of builds that chip and now we’re in the greatest time, I think, in Kansas City.”

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