disKCovery

BUT FIRST, A NOTE: This is the third installment of a multi-part, multi-author series celebrating the best of Kansas City professional sports in the 2000s. While it’s not necessary to read Y2KC: The 1st Quarter to follow this one, you will likely want to click HERE and check out Y2KC: The 2nd Quarter which laid out Bill Robbins’ offense for his Kansas City Chiefs All-Quarter Century Team. Also, names below in red letters denote Pro Football Hall of Famers.

The 3rd Quarter: Defend the Kingdom

Published September 18, 2025 at 7:07

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Celebrity Guest Host Is… Bill Robbins!

Hi! My name is Bill Robbins and I am lifelong Kansas Citian (Well, Kansas City area native. Area-an? Metroan?). I have loved sports ever since I started playing them when I was a kid. I am a diehard fan of anything Chiefs, Royals, or University of Central Missouri (UCM) athletics. I am also a fanatic for KC barbeque and enjoy crossing off new places every chance I get. It’s no surprise that my Fountain City Fantasy Meal would be devouring a plate of burnt ends and wings from Jack Stack while talking baseball with Royals legend Paul “Splitt” Splittorff at Kauffman Stadium.

I have a passion for writing as well, which also began in my youth. In the past, I have written for Bleacher Report and Arrowhead Addict which allowed me to combine my love of writing with my undying devotion to the Kansas City “CHIEEFFFSSSS!”

We’re back!

And back in more ways than one. Chiefs football is back in full swing as we’re on our way to Week 3 of the 2025 Season. While it’s been a rough start, the Chiefs always find a way and will bounce back.

When I say we’re back, I mean back to celebrating the best of the last 25 years of Kansas City Chiefs football. Two weeks ago, I named the first 26 players of my All-2000s Chiefs roster, as well as the head coach and offensive coordinator.

Now, I focus on the defense and special teams to round out the 53. Who do I think is the best to defend the kingdom? Scroll down and find out!

My Rules

“Keep Matriculating the Ball Down the Field.”
I built a 53-man roster that’s ready to compete with anyone. That means every guy plays their natural spot and the roster make-up reflects an actual NFL one.

“You Gotta Fight For Your Right!”
Each guy fought their way on to this roster. With a team covering 25 years, that means a few jersey numbers might be repeated on the final roster.

“… and the Home of the CHIEEFFFSSSS!”
Some of these guys did great things outside of Kansas City, but I chose my team based on what they did in a Chiefs’ uniform during the 2000s.

“Run it Back!”
Each player had to play a minimum of two seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs between the 2000 and 2024 NFL regular seasons to be eligible for this team.

That’s it. That’s the rules.

The Coaches

Last time around, I wrapped things up by naming Andy Reid as Head Coach and Eric Bieniemy as Offensive Coordinator. I thought I’d begin by finishing off the coaching staff and naming the men charged with leading the defensive and special team units.

DC | Steve Spagnuolo (2019 - Present)
Alma Mater: Springfield College | Best Season: 2023 | Chiefs Ring of Honor: No

Steve Spagnuolo was hired as the Defensive Coordinator for Kansas City prior to the 2019 season. After recent struggles under Bob Sutton, Spags is exactly what the Chiefs needed. Spagnuolo, with the help of offseason additions Tyrann Mathieu and Frank Clark, willed his defense to a Super Bowl title. During his first six seasons in Kansas City, five of Spagnuolo’s defenses finished in the top ten in the league. He also holds the distinction of having the most Super Bowl rings of any NFL coordinator (4) and the only coordinator to have won a Super Bowl with two different teams (Giants and Chiefs).

STC | Dave Toub (2013 - Present)
Alma Mater: UTEP | Best Season: 2016 | Chiefs Ring of Honor: No

When ESPN named their All-Quarter Century Team for the entire NFL this past summer, they tabbed Dave Toub as Special Teams Coordinator. In 2013, Toub followed Andy Reid to Kansas City. Since then, his special teams have been some of the best in the league, year in and year out. Like any respected coordinator, he is talked about as a potential head coach candidate seemingly every year, but there’s something about the Chiefs organization that keeps him coming back to coach the red and gold season after season.

The Front Four

Fresh off a four-year, $93 million contract extension that he signed in July, George Karlaftis has been a dominant force on the Chiefs’ defensive line for the past three seasons. Furious George’s 10.5 sacks during the 2023 season, and his 61 pressures in 2024, both led the team.

Chris Jones is arguably the most dominant defensive lineman in Kansas City Chiefs history. His 6’6”, 310 pound frame has made him a force in the middle of KC’s defensive front for nearly a decade. The one time Houston High School (MS) standout has registered 80.5 sacks in the first nine years of his career, which is good for fourth all-time for the Chiefs. #95 could possibly be as high as second on the list by season’s end. His six Pro Bowl nods and three Super Bowl titles not only make him a lock for the Chiefs Hall of Fame, but also makes him a serious candidate for Canton someday as well.

Fans didn’t know a lot about Dontari Poe when he was drafted out of the University of Memphis in 2012. The Poe Man quickly made himself known. During his five seasons in Kansas City, he made the Pro Bowl twice. He is remembered for his solid run-stuffing ability in the heart of the defensive line, and also his surprising skills on the offensive side of the ball. A handful of gadget opportunities saw him throw for one touchdown, and run for two more, when he wore the red and gold.

The newly-minted NFL Hall of Famer, Jared Allen, was a Chief for the first four years of his legendary career. During his time here, the former Idaho State Bengal racked up 43 sacks, including 15.5 during the 2007 season. Although his star shined more brightly with the team that he was traded to - the Minnesota Vikings - Allen is fondly remembered by Chiefs fans. He will forever be a Kansas City legend, as well as deserving of a starting spot on this roster.

The Backups

Backing up Karlaftis and Allen, are Eric Hicks (1998 - 2006) and Frank Clark (2019 - 2022). While Hicks didn’t quite live up to his first round draft pick status, he was still a solid defensive lineman for KC. In his nine seasons with the team, he accumulated 44.5 sacks, which puts him at seventh in team history among defensive ends. On the other side, Frank Clark, nicknamed “The Shark”, was known for his ability to get to the quarterback during his career. Clark swam around the defensive front for four seasons, with an insane 10.5 postseason sacks recorded in 12 playoff game appearances for the Chiefs.

Behind Jones and Poe, I chose Mike Pennel (2019 - 2020, 2023 - 2024) and Ron Edwards (2006 - 2010). Pennel came to the Chiefs as a journeyman but certainly made the most of both his stints in KC. His stats certainly won’t jump off the page but he has been a crucial part of the team’s D-line during multiple Super Bowl runs. Edwards was a product of Texas A&M. He started 60 games during his five seasons in Kansas City, where he collected 109 combined tackles and 8.5 sacks.

In recent years, Chiefs fans have enjoyed a lot of January games at Arrowhead. PHOTO CREDIT - *disKCovery*

The Linebackers

Derrick Johnson might very well be the most talented all-around inside linebacker in the history of the franchise. DJ played for an amazing 13 seasons in Kansas City, and amassed a ridiculous 1,171 combined tackles during that time. He was known for his elite athletic ability at the position to go along with his high football IQ. His ability to diagnose opposing offenses so accurately led to him seemingly stopping four straight downs all on his own against the Raiders in a goal line stand during the 2011 season.

The former 3-star recruit out of Lone Star High School (TX), burst on to the NFL scene during his rookie season with the Chiefs in 2021. He tallied 110 combined tackles that season and hasn’t looked back since. As one of the quarterbacks of the Chiefs defense, the talented and instinctive Bolton is counted on for a lot these days, but the ceiling for him is so high. At only 25 years old, Bolton has a great chance of being in the Chiefs Hall of Honor someday if he keeps this up.

I may be biased, but this is my team. I get to be biased. Tamba Hali is one of my personal all-time favorite Chiefs players. His work ethic and sheer talent helped him earn five straight Pro Bowl selections from 2011 to 2015. Combined with Justin Houston, Hali was part of a dynamic pass-rushing duo for the Chiefs in the first half of the 2010s. Although the Libya native battled injuries and dealt with one postseason heartbreak after another during his career, he managed to always handle it with grace and class.

The Backups

When Bolton or DJ can’t go, I feel great with Donnie Edwards (1996 - 2001, 2007 - 2008) and Willie Gay, Jr. (2020 - 2023) as my reserve options for inside linebacker. In the late 90s / early 2000s, Edwards was a force in the middle of the Chiefs D. His 130 combined tackles during the 2001 season is still fourth all-time for a single season in club history. During Willie Gay’s four seasons in the red and gold, he was known for his ability to both play the pass and spy opposing QBs. He was a key part of Spagnuolo’s revamped defenses that helped the Chiefs finally have Super Bowl success.

Behind Hali, it’s his battery mate Justin Houston (2011 - 2018). One of the most purely talented pass rushers in franchise history, the former Georgia Bulldog was HIM. Houston’s 78.5 sacks during his eight seasons in KC place him fifth in the team’s record books. His 2014 season, where he recorded 22 sacks, will always be remembered by Chiefs fans.

The Secondary

L’Jarius Sneed was a huge unknown out of Louisiana Tech when he was taken by the Chiefs in the 4th Round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Chiefs quickly turned him into a starter as a rookie, as the fans watched him grow into a stud cornerback who could even put the clamps on stud receivers like former Chiefs’ great Tyreek Hill. Remembered for making big plays, Sneed’s biggest one was arguably in the 2023 AFC Title Game when he poked the ball of the hands of Baltimore’s Zay Flower on a would-be touchdown grab. The Chiefs went on to beat the Ravens and then win the Super Bowl. Sneed’s play will certainly go down in Chiefs lore and Ravens infamy.

Marcus Peters’ time with the Chiefs had its share of ups and downs, but thankfully, the ups were pretty significant for Mr. Peters. His eight interceptions and 26 pass deflections during his rookie campaign in 2015 helped him win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, and he also made a pair of Pro Bowls during his three years with the Chiefs.

If I had to sum up Eric Berry’s play with just one word, it would be “electrifying”. He was the type of safety that could take over a game simply by showing up. His playmaking ability and ball-hawking skills in the heart of the Chiefs’ secondary struck fear into many franchise quarterbacks. EB was potentially on his way to a Hall of Fame career when injuries started piling up for him. His five Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections make him one of the most accomplished safeties in team history, and a legit sure-fire starter on this All-Quarter Century roster.

Rounding out the secondary for this unique roster is none other than Justin Reid. Reid patrolled the KC secondary from 2022 - 2024. He was brought in by the Chiefs from the Houston Texans for his veteran leadership and vast skillset at the position. While with the Chiefs, Reid displayed excellent coverage skills and a hard-hitting ability that helped lead the defensive back room. His strong play helped guide his team to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, and two titles, before he left Kansas City this past offseason to take his talents to New Orleans.

The Backups

My first reserve (strong) safety is a player who like Reid, went from the Houston Texans to three seasons in Kansas City, to the New Orleans Saints. That’s Tyrann Mathieu (2019 - 2021). The Honey Badger is one of the most talented safeties that the Kingdom has ever seen. During his three seasons with the Chiefs, he turned one of the worst defenses in team history into a Super Bowl winner. Playing with a care-free attitude, Honey Badger was one of the most feared players at his position during his time with the Chiefs.

My back-up free safety is Jerome Woods (1996 - 2005). A lot of newer Chiefs fans may not remember him but the Memphis, Tennessee product spent his entire NFL career with the Chiefs. He was one of the few bright spots on those early 2000s KC secondaries. He started 105 games for the Chiefs and earned his sole Pro Bowl nod in 2003.

Providing some cornerback depth, I have Brandon Flowers (2008 - 2013), Trent McDuffie (2022 - Present), and Patrick Surtain (2005 - 2008). Flowers came to the Chiefs as a second round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, by way of Virginia Tech. He quickly became a starter and held down that position for six seasons, earning one Pro Bowl selection.

McDuffie is a second string cornerback on this roster, FOR NOW. The 24 year-old has the potential to be a starter for the next version of this team. In his three NFL season, he has two interceptions, 27 pass knock-downs, and has forced seven fumbles while blanketing the very best receivers that the league has to offer.

Surtain came to the Chiefs during the 2005 offseason from the Miami Dolphins. He brought needed veteran leadership and experience to the team. During his three seasons, he was a dependable and reliable starter, picking off seven passes, having 25 passes defended, and forcing three fumbles during his time here.

There’s no place like home. 76,416 of the loudest fans in the world have helped make the Chiefs defense a force that’s feared league-wide. PHOTO CREDIT - *disKCovery*

The Specialists

Harrison Butker came to Kansas City early in the 2017 season after being poached from the Carolina Panthers practice squad. Nobody knew it at the time, but the kicker that the team signed out of desperation turned out to be one of the best decisions in franchise history. For kickers that have attempted a minimum of 100 field goals in their career, Butker is second all-time in NFL history with an amazing 88.61% of his attempts going through the uprights. Always trustworthy in the biggest situations, “The Buttkicker” will likely go down as one of the all-time NFL greats at his position when he decides to hang up his cleats.

One of three NFL punters in his family, Dustin Colquitt was destined for greatness at that spot. The former Tennessee Volunteer is the longest-tenured punter in Chiefs history, having played 15 seasons at that position for the team. He definitely made his mark on the Kingdom, and was one of the most respected punters in the league, garnering a pair of Pro Bowl selections during his time in Kansas City.

The former Division II standout at nearby Pittsburg State University played six solid seasons for the Chiefs and earned a Pro Bowl selection at the position during that time. While current Chiefs long snapper James Winchester deserved some consideration here, the former Gorilla was my choice for this spot.

Dante Hall was one of the most prolific return men in NFL history. Known for his thrilling and unpredictable return style, “The Human Joystick” juked, and sometimes completely reversed the field, to return six punts and six kickoffs for touchdowns during his brilliant special teams career. As an added bonus, Hall also provides a seventh receiver on the roster. There has never been another Dante Hall and will likely never be another Chiefs like him again. He was truly 1-of-1.

This is my all-2000s Kansas City Chiefs defense and special teams. Who did I miss? IMAGE CREDIT - *disKCovery*

There you have it.

This wraps up my 2025 All-Quarter Century Kansas Chiefs 53-man roster. This was a lot of fun to compile, like a lot of fun. It was so great to take this trip down memory lane and remember so many Kansas City favorites.

How did I do? Who did I snub? What pick did you really like?

Until next time, GO CHIEFS!

Now that all is said and done: how did our Guest Host do? What picks did you love? Which Chiefs did he miss? As always, leave it in the comments! (Only one quarter remains: what could it possibly be?)

Y2KC (3 / 4)

The 3rd Quarter: Defend the Kingdom

My Rules

The Coaches

The Front Four

The Backups

The Linebackers

The Backups

The Secondary

The Backups

The Specialists

Y2KC (2 / 4)