Chiefs Fans Embrace Super Bowl Break After Years of Success

While Seattle and New England battled on the field, Chiefs Kingdom took a different approach to the biggest day in football.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Despite the absence of their beloved Chiefs, Kansas City fans found ways to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday, treating it as a well-deserved break after years of championship runs. Many admitted they had been spoiled by their team's recent success and were placing bets on other teams, while some longtime fans celebrated the Super Bowl as a national event regardless of the teams playing.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' recent dominance and Super Bowl appearances have made their fans accustomed to being in the big game, so their absence this year was felt. However, the fans' resilience and optimism about the team's future showcase the strong community spirit in Kansas City.

The details

Chiefs fans watched the game at local bars and restaurants, with many expressing a sense of a "Super Bowl hangover" without their team playing. Some fans, like Ryan Seybert, saw it as a chance to "recharge" after years of championship runs. Others, like Gunner Sumy and Kellen Schroeder, were placing bets on other teams, while longtime fan Bill Kalahurka celebrated the Super Bowl as a national event.

  • The Super Bowl took place on February 9, 2026.

The players

Ryan Seybert

A Chiefs fan who was watching the game at Charlie Hooper's in Kansas City's Brookside neighborhood.

Hope Clark

A Chiefs fan who was watching the game at Brooksider.

Gunner Sumy

A Chiefs fan who expressed pain at seeing the New England Patriots back in the championship game.

Kellen Schroeder

A Chiefs fan who was optimistic about the team's future with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

Bill Kalahurka

A longtime sports fan who celebrated the Super Bowl as a national event regardless of the teams playing.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a year off. You know, a little recharge.”

— Ryan Seybert, Chiefs fan (KSHB 41)

“It does not have the same feel this year.”

— Hope Clark, Chiefs fan (KSHB 41)

“That's the one that hurts, they're (New England Patriots) already back in it. They should've had years of clawing back, so that's the one that's painful.”

— Gunner Sumy, Chiefs fan (KSHB 41)

“The Super Bowl is the Super Bowl. It's a national celebration, so I join in with everybody and celebrate.”

— Bill Kalahurka, sports fan (KSHB 41)

“Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, we're always going to have a chance at the title with that recipe.”

— Kellen Schroeder, Chiefs fan (KSHB 41)

What’s next

The Chiefs are expected to make a strong push for the Super Bowl next year with their championship-winning coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The takeaway

While the Chiefs' absence from the Super Bowl was felt by their loyal fans, the community's resilience and optimism about the team's future showcase the strong bond between the team and its supporters. The fans' ability to find enjoyment in the big game, even without their team playing, demonstrates the enduring spirit of Chiefs Kingdom.