The Kansas City Chiefs have been fortunate to witness some incredible quarterbacks who’ve become more than just names on a roster—they’ve become heroes to fans and leaders on the field. Here are fifteen players who have left their mark on the franchise through their stats and more.
Patrick Mahomes II
In just seven seasons, Patrick Mahomes II has already made his mark as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Chiefs history. The skillful quarterback has amassed 28,715 passing yards, 220 touchdowns, and a remarkable 103.5 average passer rating.
Len Dawson
Len Dawson spent 14 seasons leading the Chiefs’ offense, racking up an impressive 28,507 passing yards and 237 touchdowns during his playtime with the team. His most notable achievement came in 1970 when he led the Kansas City team to a Super Bowl championship and earned the game’s MVP award.
Joe Montana
Joe Montana’s two-year run with the Chiefs in the early 1990s was marked by consistent production. He threw for 5,427 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 480-of-791 passes. Although his time in Kansas City was relatively short, Montana’s vast experience made him a valuable asset to the team.
Alex Smith
From 2013 to 2017, Alex Smith earned three Pro Bowl selections and threw 102 touchdown passes during his time with the Chiefs. His ability to move well made him one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He signed out of the Chiefs with two back-to-back AFC West titles.
Steve DeBerg
Throwing for 11,873 yards and 67 touchdowns during his four-season run at Kansas City, Steve DeBerg modeled what a talented quarterback should be. In his first season, DeBerg played in 13 games, starting 11 of them. He passed for 2,935 yards and completed 224 of 414 attempts.
Rich Gannon
Rich Gannon’s 1998 campaign highlighted his time with the Chiefs in the mid-1990s, during which he threw for 2,305 yards and 10 touchdowns. Though his time in Kansas City was relatively short, Gannon showed early signs of the elite quarterback he would later develop into.
Dave Krieg
Joining the Chiefs in 1987, Dave Krieg spent only three seasons with the franchise, yet he is on the all-time list. He threw for 4,353 yards and 22 touchdowns. In his only season as a starter, Krieg posted a 10–6 and led the league in yards per completion.
Bill Kenney
Serving as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback from 1980 to 1988, Bill Kenney guided them to their first playoff appearance in 15 years in 1986. Kenney’s ability to air the ball out marked his tenure, as he threw for 17,277 yards during his time with the team.
Warren Moon
Warren Moon’s two-year stint with the Chiefs in 1999 was brief yet productive. His final, 291st touchdown pass was an 8-yard completion to Troy Drayton in a game on October 22, 2000, in which the Chiefs beat the defending champions, the Rams, 54–34.
Ron Jaworski
A seasoned quarterback with a proven track record, Ron Jaworski arrived in Kansas City with high expectations. His time with the Chiefs may have been short, but the former Eagles left a mark through determined confidence. And though team success eluded him, Jaworski earned the admiration of fans.
Jacky Lee
Jacky Lee spent three seasons as a quarterback for the Chiefs from 1967 to 1969. His numbers may not be as eye-popping as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, but Lee was a part of the Super Bowl IV winning team for the Chiefs.
Cotton Davidson
Secured in the AFL allocation draft, Cotton Davidson became a cornerstone of the early Kansas City Chiefs. Davidson’s commitment propelled the franchise through its early seasons, setting a foundation for future quarterbacks. Despite statistics that may not rival modern players, Davidson’s impact on the team’s formative years earns him a spot.
Mike Livingston
Thrust into the spotlight during the Chiefs’ triumphant 1969 season, Mike Livingston stepped up when injuries sidelined Len Dawson and Jacky Lee. Leading the team to six consecutive victories, Livingston’s 1,123 passing yards and four touchdowns were essential. Throughout his career, Livingston started 75 games for Kansas City.
Elvis Grbac
Elvis Grbac played for the Chiefs from 1997–2000. He faced challenges in the rugged 1998 AFC West, managing just 1,142 yards and five touchdowns. The following year saw improvement as he started all 16 games and led the Chiefs to a second-place finish with a 9–7 record.
Tyler Thigpen
In 2008, Tyler Thigpen stepped into the role of starting quarterback for the Chiefs, delivering over 2,649 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Though his time as a starter was short, Thigpen brought a unique dynamic to the offense during a challenging period for the team.
Top 15 Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Time Quarterbacks