Patrick Mahomes was on his way to collecting his third Super Bowl title ring when he began to consider capturing another.
“The first thing that comes to mind is how great last season was and the adversity we faced,” Mahomes said Thursday night at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where the Kansas City Chiefs handed out Super Bowl LVIII title rings to players, coaches, and front-office workers. I will next consider where I may buy a replacement for my pinkie finger. To win three crowns in a row, you will need a great deal of effort. There’s a solid reason why this has never been done before. It requires a unique set of men, and I believe we have that set.”
The Chiefs created around 400 rings to distribute for this win, their second consecutive and third in the last 5 years. The manufacturer, Jostens, claims that there are 529 diamonds, 38 rubies, and 14.8 carats of stones in each ring.
Among the highlights is a display commemorating “Tom & Jerry,” the Chiefs’ nickname for the overtime touchdown that helped them defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. On the ring, coach Andy Reid has drawn the play in which Mahomes passed for a touchdown to Mecole Hardman from three yards out.
But, like Mahomes, most of the night’s attention was on capturing a third consecutive title, something no club has been able to do in the Super Bowl era.
“It’s an incredible challenge,” said Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt. The fact that it has never been done in the NFL should tell you everything you need to know. Back-to-backs are tough, and they seem eager to launch this campaign, based on what I’ve seen. They think they’re in with a decent chance of succeeding. You need a plethora of favorable circumstances.
“If we can accomplish it, it will be something that will solidify this period of Chiefs football.”
Two weeks ago, the Chiefs visited the White House with President Joe Biden, and the following day, they held their championship parade, which was one of many celebrations of last season’s triumph. The ring ceremony marked the conclusion of the 2023 season for the Chiefs.
This is it, general manager Brett Veach said. “Tonight is one of those special nights we get to sit back and watch the highlights, enjoy each other’s company and reflect on what we accomplished.”
