NFL

Why do Kansas City Chiefs have number 16 on all their helmets?

Some eagle-eyed fans have spotted the addition to the head gear of Mahomes, Kelce and co. But what does it mean?

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 25: Mike Danna #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushed to the quarterback during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead Stadium on August 25, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri.   David Eulitt/Getty Images/AFP
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Calum Roche
Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.
Update:

It was a positive end to the preseason for the Kansas City Chiefs as they ran out 17-10 victors over the visiting Green Bay Packers on Thursday. But ahead of their first offensive play, there was a moment of respect that will be marked throughout the 2022/23 season.

Len Dawson 16 to stay on Chiefs’ helmets

That moment in question saw quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a former Super Bowl MVP himself, line up his teammates in the ‘choir huddle’ formation. Mahomes’ 10 teammates aligned in two rows of five facing the quarterback, who let the play clock expire. Mahomes then jogged off the field, waving to the fans to cheer, and he didn’t return to action.

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It was a tribute to Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, another Chiefs Super Bowl MVP, who died on Wednesday at the age of 87. Dawson was well known for using that huddle formation.

As a further recognition and tribute to Dawson, the Chiefs announced that the team’s helmets for the new season would be marked with the number ‘16′ which he wore.

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