This season marks a significant shift for the Kansas City Chiefs. They find themselves excluded from the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2014, and they won’t even contend for the AFC Championship—an absence that hasn’t occurred since 2017. Times are rough in Western Missouri.
Key players like Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and Andy Reid have aged, and the team’s promising quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, has faced a serious setback due to a torn ACL, putting his 2026 season at risk. In a shocking matchup, they lost to the Tennessee Titans, a team with only two wins prior to that game, in a 26-9 defeat right after being eliminated from playoff contention.
The intensity of the moment is palpable for Chiefs fans, who have grown accustomed to a winning culture in recent years. Some might suggest they have developed a sense of entitlement. Yet amidst the doom, one iconic superfan remains upbeat. Comedian Paul Rudd recently shared his perspective about being a Chiefs fan during such a challenging time.
“As a Chiefs fan? I am so happy to be a Chiefs fan. The joy and the memories and everything that the Chiefs have given me. With my family, with my kid. It’s been an embarrassment of riches. And it’s just right now. You know what: this wasn’t the year! But that’s okay. I know it’s tough,” Rudd expressed during an appearance on New Heights.
Staying true to his character, the well-liked Rudd continued by expressing excitement for fans of other contenders who may soon bask in the joy he and his fellow Chiefs supporters have experienced over the years. His heartfelt take could have seemed condescending if it hadn’t come from someone known for his genuine kindness.
“I’m excited for whoever does it, for their fan base, that they get to share the same kind of things that I got to share with my son for all three of those victories. And even the losses! It’s the best,” remarked Rudd, known for his role in Ant-Man.
Rudd is not a casual fan. When he was just 10 years old, his family relocated to Johnson County, Kansas, only 35 minutes from Arrowhead Stadium. He has experienced the franchise’s lows as well as its highs.
At this point, Rudd is reflecting on the players he’s come to know personally, particularly Kelce, who’s considering retirement, and Mahomes, who is undergoing rehabilitation for his knee injury.
“I’m thinking about you, brother… I’m thinking about Patrick [Mahomes], I’m wishing him a speedy recovery, and everything for the club. But I’m okay,” he added.
Rudd also suggested that this underwhelming season could present unexpected advantages. For the first time since 2017, the Chiefs will have a full offseason because their playoff run has come to an early end. This translates to additional time for recovery and preparation.
Their 21 playoff games during this period are not just the most for any team but also far exceed the 21 games played by 21 of the NFL’s 32 franchises, equating to over an extra full season’s worth of playoff competition.
“You know what, I’m excited for some of the players to get a little bit of a summer vacation. I mean, my God. You’ve played an extra season of football compared to everyone else. So I’m like, ‘Oh good, you get a break, a chance to kind of rest up.’ So, yeah, I’m not too upset,” Rudd concluded.
As Wholistic Training sports enthusiasts look to the future, one can’t help but wonder: With Mahomes’ recovery in focus, could the Chiefs be poised for a resurgence in 2026 and beyond? Or might this herald an early decline for their once-dominant dynasty, as is common in sports history?
