NFL history: The Mount Rushmore of every NFL franchise

Kansas City Chiefs: Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, Tony Gonzalez, Lamar Hunt

Originally known as the Dallas Texans from 1960 through 1962, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the more popular franchises in the history of the NFL. And their first real superstar was none other than Len Dawson. The former Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns quarterback made his way to the Chiefs in 1962 and moved with the team from Dallas to Kansas City.

Dawson made the Pro Bowl in half of his 14 seasons in the league. He was also the MVP in their first ever Super Bowl win, but was also part of three AFL Championships as well, even winning the MVP of that league in 1962. His number is retired by Kansas City and Dawson is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is linebacker Derrick Thomas, who sadly passed away at the age of 33. On the field, Thomas was incredible to watch play the game. He had a career-high 20 sacks in his second season and had 126.5 in his 11-year career.

Tony Gonzalez continues the trend of being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as on the Chiefs’ Mount Rushmore — and he’s also considered one of the best tight ends of all-time. Gonzalez played 17 seasons in the NFL, 12 of which came with Kansas City. In those seasons, he made the Pro Bowl nine times and topped 1,000-yards receiving four times.

Last, but surely not least, is Lamar Hunt who founded the team — and is also considered the main founder behind the birth of the AFL. He owned the Chiefs from before their inception until 2006 when he passed away.