Basically every decade in NFL history has had a dynasty. Whether you want to admit it or not, after winning their third Super Bowl title in five seasons the Chiefs now qualify. But where does this run rank amongst those in the past? Here are my top five dynasties in NFL history.
1. 2001-2018 Patriots
This isn’t the Patriots fan in me talking, the numbers just speak for themselves on this one. Six Super Bowl titles, nine Super Bowl appearances, 17 division titles. There’s been much debate as to who fueled their success more, Tom Brady or Bill Belichick? Brady was probably a better QB than Belichick was a coach, but they both are all-time greats and will go down as such.
The reason I would put them at number one is because of the era in which they had this unprecedented success. I’m not taking away from dynasties that took place in other decades (some of which I’ll get to), but to me, the Patriots doing what they did in the salary cap era sets them apart. Not to mention having to compete in the same conference as Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisburger for so many years.
2. 1972-1979 Steelers
The 1970s Steelers remain the only team to win four titles in six years, doing so under legendary coach Chuck Noll. Their defense anchored by Hall of Famers Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Mel Blount was one of the best the game has ever seen. I’d argue their 1976 defense is probably the second-best ever behind the 1985 Bears. Their offense led by Joe Greene and Terry Bradshaw was nothing to scoff at either.
Just like the Patriots, they had plenty of strong opposition to get through in order to reach the top of the NFL mountain. With Tom Landry’s Cowboys, John Madden’s Raiders, and Don Shula’s Dolphins, there were juggernauts to overcome. Through good drafting, coaching, and execution on the field, the Steelers had quite the run.
3. Green Bay Packers 1960-1967
There aren’t many more successful coaches in pro football history than Vince Lombardi. If a trophy or award is named after you, you did something right. The Packers won five titles during this span, including the first two Super Bowls in the 1966 and 1967 seasons.
The only reason I don’t have them higher on this list is because of the era this took place. For starters, it was before the salary cap, which made for less parity. There were also only twelve to sixteen teams during this time frame, and for part of this run the Packers only had to play in the NFL championship game in order to be crowned champions. I still think with all the talent they had on both sides of the ball (Bart Starr, Willie Wood, Dave Robinson etc) and five rings to show for it, they belong on this list.
4. San Francisco 49ers 1981-1994
Joe Montana was one of a kind. Always seeming to come up in big moments, the QB became the first player to win three Super Bowl MVP awards. Having Steve Young waiting in the wings to succeed him almost wasn’t fair. Bill Walsh was known for being a very creative offensive mind and had great players at his disposal. Those 49ers teams will always be remembered by NFL fans, having won six titles during this span.
5. 2019-Present Kansas City Chiefs
Some people might argue 1990s Cowboys here, I could definitely listen to that argument. Recency bias could be a factor here. But what the Chiefs have done the last five seasons is downright impressive, and they might not be done. Mahomes and Kelce are already talking about a three-peat, and I wouldn’t put it past them. If you’re one of many NFL fans who dislikes the Chiefs, you better hope Josh Allen and or Lamar Jackson learn how to win in the playoffs, or that Joe Burrow can stay healthy. If none of those things happen, this dynasty could climb right up this list in the blink of an eye.
Agree? disagree? email lservello@www.clermontsun.com