Did Kansas City Chiefs replace Dallas Cowboys as ‘America’s Team’? CNN anchor thinks so

The title of “America’s Team” in the NFL has long been a coveted label, reserved for the franchise that best captures the imagination, passion, and attention of the American public. For decades, that title was firmly held by the Dallas Cowboys, thanks to their unparalleled national following, the success of their brand, and a long history of dominance on the field. However, in recent years, a new contender has emerged, with the Kansas City Chiefs mounting a case for replacing the Cowboys as the new “America’s Team.” CNN anchor and NFL analyst, in a bold statement, has suggested that the Chiefs are primed to take over this prestigious title.

To truly understand whether the Chiefs have taken over this title from the Cowboys, we need to break down the history of “America’s Team,” why it has been attributed to the Cowboys for so long, and the rise of the Kansas City Chiefs as a new football dynasty.

What Does “America’s Team” Mean?

The phrase “America’s Team” was first coined in 1978 by NFL Films. The Dallas Cowboys were the subject of an NFL Films documentary, and the phrase was meant to highlight the widespread popularity of the Cowboys, even outside of their home base in Texas. The Cowboys had an incredible fanbase that transcended regional loyalty, and their star power on and off the field made them a household name.

The term quickly became a part of the Cowboys’ identity, and for many years, they were known as the team that represented the NFL on a national scale. Their constant television appearances, high-profile players like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith, and their status as one of the league’s most successful franchises in terms of championships cemented their position as America’s Team.

However, the moniker wasn’t just about winning — it was also about the cultural impact the team had. The Cowboys’ dazzling star logo, the glitz and glamour of their cheerleaders, and their connection to celebrity culture made them as much of a pop culture phenomenon as a football team. Even during seasons when the Cowboys struggled, their popularity remained undiminished.

The Rise of the Kansas City Chiefs

Over the last decade, the Kansas City Chiefs have experienced a dramatic rise in the NFL, both on the field and in terms of popularity. This shift has been propelled by several factors, with the most significant being the emergence of Patrick Mahomes as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history.

Patrick Mahomes: The New Face of the NFL

Patrick Mahomes is a generational talent, and his meteoric rise in the NFL has transformed the Chiefs into one of the most exciting and successful teams of the 21st century. Mahomes’ extraordinary ability to make impossible throws, his playmaking flair, and his leadership have endeared him to fans across the country, and he quickly became the face of the NFL. With Mahomes leading the charge, the Chiefs have won two Super Bowls (as of 2023) and have consistently been contenders for the Lombardi Trophy.

Mahomes’ ability to play with flair and improvise, combined with his humble demeanor and infectious personality, has captured the hearts of not only Kansas City fans but football fans everywhere. His electrifying performances have made the Chiefs one of the most-watched teams in the league, and it’s no surprise that they are one of the most marketable teams in the NFL right now.

The Chiefs’ Success on the Field

While Mahomes has been the catalyst for the Chiefs’ rise, the team’s success has not been limited to his play alone. Head coach Andy Reid, who took over the Chiefs in 2013, has built a powerhouse around Mahomes, fostering an offense that is dynamic and nearly impossible to stop. The team’s explosive offense, characterized by Mahomes’ deep throws, speed at the wide receiver position, and creative playcalling, has made them a fan favorite.

The Chiefs’ ability to win in clutch moments has only added to their mystique. From Mahomes leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2020 to their dramatic playoff comebacks, the Chiefs have provided fans with countless memorable moments. In contrast to the Cowboys, whose title aspirations have faltered in recent years, the Chiefs have been consistently at the top of the NFL since Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback.

The Chiefs’ success on the field, especially their dominance in recent seasons, has made them a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Super Bowl appearances, regular playoff berths, and a strong brand have elevated them in the eyes of many fans, especially those outside of Kansas City.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Fanbase and Cultural Impact

When we talk about “America’s Team,” it’s not just about the franchise’s success on the field — it’s also about their national appeal and cultural impact. While the Cowboys’ popularity has been largely driven by their success and star power over the years, the Chiefs have benefited from a rising global fanbase, especially with Mahomes at the helm.

National Popularity of the Chiefs

The Chiefs’ rise to national prominence has been facilitated by the team’s success, but Mahomes has played a key role in drawing fans from outside of Kansas City. The Chiefs are no longer just a team that fans in Missouri and Kansas support — they have become a national phenomenon.

Mahomes’ personality and relatability have contributed to his widespread appeal. Whether he’s taking the Chiefs on an improbable playoff run or simply hanging out with friends and family, Mahomes comes across as down-to-earth, making it easy for fans across the country to connect with him. The Chiefs have embraced this national interest, with their game broadcasts routinely pulling in some of the highest viewership numbers of any NFL team.

In contrast to the Cowboys, who have at times struggled to maintain relevance on the field in recent years, the Chiefs have surged to the forefront, providing the kind of entertaining, high-octane football that captures the attention of casual and die-hard fans alike. Their consistent playoff appearances, combined with Mahomes’ star power, make them a team that viewers are eager to watch on Sunday afternoons.

Pop Culture and Marketability

One of the most significant reasons why the Cowboys were historically known as “America’s Team” was because of their visibility in pop culture. The Cowboys were regularly featured in TV shows, movies, and commercials, helping to spread their brand beyond the football field.

The Chiefs, with Mahomes leading the way, have similarly become a fixture in popular culture. Mahomes has appeared in numerous commercials, with brands like State Farm, Oakley, and Adidas investing heavily in his image. Mahomes’ likability, combined with his success, has made him a recognizable figure not only in football but across different media platforms.

In addition, the Chiefs’ recent success and Mahomes’ rise have given the team a much larger presence on social media, further expanding their reach and increasing their fanbase. The team’s games are often broadcast to a national audience, and their success in the postseason has only increased their cultural relevance.

Dallas Cowboys: A Franchise in Transition

While the Cowboys still have a loyal and large fanbase, it’s impossible to ignore that their recent performance on the field has not lived up to expectations. The Cowboys have not made it to the NFC Championship game since 1995, and their inability to win in the postseason has frustrated many of their fans. The Cowboys’ roster, while stacked with talent, has underperformed in recent seasons, and their playoff exits have become a point of contention.

Additionally, the Cowboys’ star power has somewhat diminished in recent years, with the departure of iconic figures like Tony Romo and the decline in the play of aging stars like Ezekiel Elliott. The team’s new crop of stars, including quarterback Dak Prescott, has shown promise, but the Cowboys have yet to take the next step toward a championship.

In terms of cultural impact, the Cowboys remain a significant brand, but they no longer dominate the pop culture landscape as they once did. The team is still associated with glitz, glamour, and star power, but their dominance has waned on the field. This has allowed other teams like the Chiefs to rise in prominence.

Is the Kansas City Chiefs the New “America’s Team?”

The debate about whether the Kansas City Chiefs have replaced the Dallas Cowboys as “America’s Team” is more than just about rankings or wins. It’s about the cultural relevance, the star power, and the ability to capture the hearts and minds of fans across the country. With Patrick Mahomes leading the way, the Chiefs have become one of the most dominant and popular teams in the NFL, enjoying success both on the field and in the media.

While the Cowboys may still boast a large fanbase, their lack of success in the postseason and waning cultural influence has allowed the Chiefs to surge forward as the NFL’s most exciting team. Whether or not the Chiefs officially replace the Cowboys as “America’s Team” is still up for debate, but one thing is certain: the Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s hottest commodity, and their future is brighter than ever.