The Kansas City Chiefs boast stars and a recent level of success that are the envy of the NFL.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions are 9-0 in 2024 despite not always looking their best, but the Chiefs’ ability to continue pulling out close wins ultimately boils down to their on-field leadership and unceasing work behind the scenes.

Franchise pillars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes haven’t quite found the consistency this season that for years has separated them from other players at their respective positions. But Mahomes and Kelce keep stepping up in the biggest moments, when the lights are brightest — and to pursue a Super Bowl three-peat, the Chiefs need their record-setting quarterback-tight end combination to drive the van toward the playoffs, and beyond.

Kelce and Mahomes have to keep it up During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show”, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach issued a sly challenge to his two superstars while praising their immense contributions to Kansas City’s dynastic success.

Veach, who called Kelce “the ultimate ambassador around the globe” for the NFL, remaked on how the 35-year-old’s relationship with Mahomes, 29, has not changed since Mahomes joined the Chiefs as a first-round draft pick in 2017. The way the two superstars — both among the NFL’s highest-paid players — treat their teammates is of particular interest to Veach, and it allows everyone in the building to perform to the best of their abilities.

There’s no better evidence of the good vibes around the Chiefs’ locker room than in the events leading up to Kansas City’s comeback win over the Denver Broncos last Sunday. Unheralded linebacker Leo Chernal blocked what would have been a game-winning kick for the Broncos, a moment which preserved the Chiefs’ wild 16-14 victory.

The challenge gets tougher in Week 11, when Mahomes and MVP candidate Josh Allen square off in Buffalo. This rematch of last year’s divisional round contest between the Chiefs and the Bills begins the “stretch run”, when Kansas City will look to confirm its greatness and — come February — win its third Super Bowl in a row, thus securing its place in NFL lore.