Back-to-Back-to-Back: Chiefs Eye Three-Peat, How Past Bids Failed

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink of making NFL history. As they gear up for their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow night, they are not just looking to start strong—they are looking to achieve something unprecedented in the league’s history: winning three consecutive Super Bowls.

While winning back-to-back championships is a rare feat in itself, capturing a third title in a row has proven to be nearly impossible. Eight teams have tried before and all have come up short. As the Chiefs embark on their own quest for a three-peat, it is worth examining why previous attempts to achieve this rare accomplishment have failed.

The Eight Failed Three-Peat Attempts

1. 1968 Green Bay Packers
   The Green Bay Packers, under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, were the first to have a shot at a three-peat. Coming off back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1966 and 1967, they seemed poised to make history. However, the retirement of Lombardi and key player injuries weakened their lineup. They finished with a disappointing 6-7-1 record, and their hopes for a third consecutive championship evaporated.
2. 1974 Miami Dolphins
   The Miami Dolphins of the early 1970s were a powerhouse, capturing Super Bowl titles in 1972 and 1973, including the NFL’s only perfect season. Yet, their quest for a third consecutive title in 1974 fell short. The Dolphins lost in the divisional round to the Oakland Raiders in what would become known as the “Sea of Hands” game, marked by a dramatic, last-second touchdown catch by Raiders’ Clarence Davis.
3. 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers
   The Steelers were the NFL’s dominant force in the mid-1970s, with Super Bowl wins in 1974 and 1975. In 1976, their bid for a three-peat began promisingly, despite a 1-4 start. The team won their next nine games, only to be stymied by injuries to key running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier in the AFC Championship Game against the Oakland Raiders. Pittsburgh lost 24-7, ending their three-peat hopes.
4. 1980 Pittsburgh Steelers
   Four years later, the Steelers had another chance at a three-peat after winning the 1978 and 1979 Super Bowls. However, age and injuries caught up with the team. They finished the 1980 season with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs entirely, a stark contrast to their dominant performances in previous years.
5. 1990 San Francisco 49ers
   The San Francisco 49ers, led by Joe Montana, had back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1988 and 1989 and were favorites to win again in 1990. The 49ers went 14-2 during the regular season, but their bid for a third consecutive title ended in the NFC Championship Game with a dramatic loss to the New York Giants, who won 15-13 on a last-second field goal.
6. 1994 Dallas Cowboys
   The Dallas Cowboys of the early 1990s were a dynasty in the making, winning Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993. However, their attempt at a three-peat in 1994 was derailed in the NFC Championship Game by the 49ers. The Cowboys fell behind early and, despite a strong comeback, were unable to overcome the deficit, losing 38-28.
7. 1999 Denver Broncos
   After securing back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998, the Denver Broncos seemed set for a third straight title. However, their hopes were dashed when quarterback John Elway, the heart and soul of the team, retired after the 1998 season. The Broncos struggled without him, finishing with a disappointing 6-10 record and missing the playoffs.
8. 2005 New England Patriots
   The Patriots, led by Tom Brady and coached by Bill Belichick, had won back-to-back Super Bowls in 2003 and 2004 and looked formidable heading into the 2005 season. However, injuries and inconsistencies plagued the team. They managed to reach the playoffs but were eliminated in the divisional round by the Denver Broncos, ending their hopes for a third consecutive championship.

What Makes a Three-Peat So Difficult?

So, why has no team succeeded in achieving a three-peat? Several factors contribute to the challenge:

• Injury and Attrition: Injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and the cumulative effect over three seasons can take a toll. Key players often miss significant time, impacting team performance.
• Salary Cap and Free Agency: The introduction of the salary cap in the 1990s and the rise of free agency mean that teams are constantly losing players to other franchises. Retaining a championship-caliber roster over multiple seasons becomes increasingly difficult.
• Target on Their Back: Winning two consecutive championships places a massive target on a team’s back. Opponents are highly motivated to beat the reigning champions, and the pressure can build over time.
• Mental and Physical Fatigue: The physical demands of the NFL, coupled with the mental strain of being at the top, can wear down even the most talented teams. The grind of three consecutive seasons at a championship level is a monumental challenge.

Can the Chiefs Break the Curse?

The Chiefs have an opportunity to do what no team has done before. With Patrick Mahomes leading a potent offense and a talented supporting cast, they have the tools to make a run at history. However, the lessons of the past loom large. Whether the Chiefs can navigate the challenges that have thwarted so many others remains to be seen.

As they prepare to take the field tomorrow night, the Chiefs know they are not just playing for a win—they are playing for a chance to cement their legacy as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. The journey to a three-peat starts now.