Chiefs great Neil Smith among former players in KC’s corner for Super Bowl LIV
Former NFL defensive end Neil Smith felt a sense of joy when he watched the Kansas City Chiefs win the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago.
Smith, who played nine seasons for the Chiefs (1988-96), was proud to see the team that gave him a start in the league advance to play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
But the Chiefs great became emotional during the Lamar Hunt Trophy presentation after the game.
“Seeing Norma and Clark bringing that AFC trophy home with Clark’s dad’s name engraved on it, it was just a special moment to me,” Smith said. “Once she kissed it, I just melted.
“It was just something about it, a great feeling. I wish I was there, but I was there in spirit. I’m here in spirit, too, because I hope to witness the first (Super Bowl) victory in 50 years and bring it back to Kansas City.”
Smith is one of many former Chiefs players in Miami for the Super Bowl weekend.
He attended a Thursday night party hosted by Nick Lowery, who played 14 seasons in Kansas City (1980-93). Former Chiefs players Christian Okoye, Bill Maas and Mike Bell also were in attendance at the event.
And like Smith, other Chiefs alumni are thrilled to see their former team playing for it all.
“We could not be more ecstatic,” Lowery said. “Somebody asked, ‘Are you on cloud nine?’ No. We’re on cloud 10. This is so awesome. We also know the reality is we have to win the game, but there’s a magic to this team. Andy (Reid) has harnessed it.”
Smith and Lowery were teammates on four playoff teams (1990-93). The lone AFC Championship Game in which both played came on Jan. 24, 1994, but the Buffalo Bills defeated the Chiefs to advance to the Super Bowl that day.
Smith eventually left the Chiefs after the 1996 season and joined the Denver Broncos, where he won two Super Bowl rings. Lowery left the Chiefs after the 1993 season and finished his career with the New York Jets.
It’s clear both men have also kept a very close eye on Kansas City.
Lowery raved about quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ ability to lead the team after facing a 24-0 deficit in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game and a 10-0 deficit in the AFC Championship Game. The former NFL kicker also believes the Chiefs have the right leader as their coach.
He said the Chiefs have captured everyone’s imagination.
“This isn’t just a team in the Super Bowl,” Lowery said. “This is a very special team.”
Smith said the Chiefs don’t just have the support of an entire city, but every player to ever wear their red and gold.
“That’s why we play the game,” Smith said. “Everybody that wore that uniform wants to get to this moment. That’s why everybody feels a part of it.
“You can believe me that everybody that wore that uniform — and I can speak for them — said, ‘You know what? This is our time. Let it happen.’”
This story was originally published February 1, 2020 at 4:00 AM.
