Some accuse NFL referees of having a pro-Chiefs bias.
Clark Hunt says it’s just some good ol’ excuse-making while his franchise stands one win from the league’s first-ever Super Bowl three-peat.
“You almost have to laugh at it because you know how everybody in the NFL wants to compete to win and that’s true of our guys as well. The referees are doing the best job they can. If you look at the stats, that are a lot of stats that show we’ve been on the wrong side of calls as often as we’ve been on the right side, so there’s definitely no conspiracy, right?” the Chiefs owner told NFL Network on Monday during Super Bowl 2025 media night in New Orleans. “It’s just the nature of the game. And when you have a lot of success, people like to start making excuses for why you’re having the success.”
The Chiefs’ path back to the Super Bowl this postseason has featured the referees becoming a major storyline after some controversial calls went the reigning back-to-back champions’ way.
A pair of questionable 15-yard penalties on the Texans for hits against Patrick Mahomes in the Divisional Round became national talking points, with even Troy Aikman saying “Oh, come on” after the latter.
Kansas City’s AFC Championship game win over the Bills included the controversial spot on fourth down that resulted in a turnover on downs for the Bills while leading by one point in the fourth quarter.
One fan accused the line judge involved in the call of being biased due to growing up a fan of the Ravens, whom the Bills beat in the previous round.
Another compiled a five-minute video alleging the NFL of being “rigged.”
Former NFL rules czar Dean Blandino said even his brother believes the NFL is influenced to the point it wants Kansas City in the Super Bowl so Taylor Swift will attend.
The talk has become so incessant that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the topic Monday.
“That’s a ridiculous theory,” he said.
“A lot of those theories are things that happen on social media and they get a new life. Nobody wants it to be their theory. I understand it. It reflects a lot of the fans’ passion. It also is a reminder for us how important officiating is.”
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce actually asked media members Monday night about why they are giving life to these theories.
“Why are you guys leaning into this whole ref thing? You know what I mean, why are you guys leaning into it?” Kelce said.
All eyes will be on the referees Sunday in New Orleans when the Chiefs look to down the Eagles for the second time in three years in the season’s biggest game.
The first game featured the Eagles being flagged for a late pass interference that helped set up the Chiefs’ game-winning field goal in the 38-35 win.
“Any opportunity you have to play in the Super Bowl is always special. Obviously, this year has a little bit more to it because we have a chance to make history. It’s something we’ve been aware of the whole year, coach (Andy) Reid has done a great job of keeping the guys focused,” Hunt said.
“I know our guys are excited about it.”
