Former Chief Omenihu Ranks 49ers' Super Bowl Roster Higher Than Chiefs'

Omenihu, who played for both teams, believes the 49ers had the better roster in the big game.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a football game or competition, using vibrant colors to represent the teams involved. The abstract, deconstructed style captures the raw energy and dynamics of the sport.A former player's unique perspective on the relative strengths of two Super Bowl rosters provides intriguing insight into the game's outcome.Kansas City Today

Charles Omenihu, a former defensive end for both the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, has given a blunt assessment of the two Super Bowl rosters, stating that the 49ers' 2023 team was superior to the Chiefs' 2024 squad that lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. Omenihu, who missed the 49ers' Super Bowl appearance due to injury, believes the Chiefs' defense that season was much stronger than the one that was dominated by the Eagles.

Why it matters

Omenihu's insider perspective provides unique insight into the relative strengths of the two Super Bowl teams, which is noteworthy given his familiarity with both organizations. His comments suggest the Chiefs may have been a tougher opponent had they faced the 49ers, rather than the Eagles, in the big game.

The details

Omenihu, who is currently under contract with the Washington Commanders, shared his views on the Speakeasy podcast. He stated plainly: 'the 49ers Super Bowl team was better.' Omenihu played for the 49ers in 2023, recording 7.0 sacks in 11 regular season games, before missing the team's Super Bowl appearance due to a torn ACL. He then joined the Chiefs in 2024, experiencing their 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

  • Omenihu played for the 49ers in the 2023 season.
  • Omenihu missed the 49ers' Super Bowl appearance due to a torn ACL.
  • Omenihu joined the Chiefs in the 2024 season.
  • The Chiefs lost to the Eagles 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX in 2024.

The players

Charles Omenihu

A former defensive end who played for both the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, and is currently under contract with the Washington Commanders.

San Francisco 49ers

The NFC team that reached the Super Bowl in 2023.

Kansas City Chiefs

The AFC team that reached the Super Bowl in 2024 and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles

The team that defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“the 49ers Super Bowl team was better.”

— Charles Omenihu, Former Defensive End

The takeaway

Omenihu's assessment that the 49ers had the superior roster in the Super Bowl, despite the Chiefs' eventual loss to the Eagles, provides an intriguing perspective from someone who has intimate knowledge of both teams. It suggests the Chiefs may have been a tougher opponent for the 49ers, had they met in the big game.