With the Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl next weekend, I thought this would be a good time to do a recap of some of my favorite photos from this season.
While travel kept me away from the early games, beginning in late October I managed to shoot the last five of their home games, and both playoff games.
Before I get to my favorite photos, I think a couple of things are worth mentioning. From 1980 to 2000, I covered the Buffalo Bills as a newspaper photographer working in upstate New York (Rochester). And this year was my 20th season covering the Chiefs. With the Bills, I covered four AFC Championships and one Super Bowl. Here’s hoping that my fifth AFC Championship, with the Chiefs, has a happier ending than those with the Bills did. I won’t be at the Super Bowl this time, and hopefully that will bring the Chiefs a little luck 🙂
The first game I had a chance to work this season was against the Packers on Oct. 27. While the Chiefs put pressure on Aaron Rodgers, it wasn’t enough as they suffered their third loss in four games, making some people question whether they’d even make the playoffs. Nikon D500, Manual exposure, ISO 1600, 1/1600 at f/2.8, Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens.
The next week, though, on November 3, they came back to beat Kirk Cousins and the Vikings. Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, ISO 400, 1/1250 at f/4, 0.0 EV, Nikkor AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens at 400mm.
Harrison Butker was the hero in that game, kicking a field goal to break the tie and beat the Vikings, 26-23. Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, SO 1000, 1/2000 at f/4, 0.0 EV, Nikkor AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens at 350mm.
Once the Chiefs got to December, it was nothing but wins, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Here he is coming onto the field during introductions before the start of the Dec. 1 game against the Raiders. Nikon Z 6, Manual exposure, ISO 2000, 1/1600 at f/4, Nikon 200-400mm f/4 lens at 360mm.
Chiefs defensive back Rashad Fenton (27) celebrates with teammates after forcing a fumble against the Raiders. Nikon Z 6, Manual exposure, ISO 2000, 1/1600 at f/4, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 270mm.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes skips into the end zone to score against the Raiders in the first half of that game. Nikon Z 7, Aperture Priority, ISO 1600, 1/1000 at f/4.5, EV 0.0, Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens at 30mm.
Chiefs free safety Juan Thornhill (22) runs this interception back for a touchdown against the Raiders. Nikon Z 6, Manual exposure, ISO 2500, 1/1600 at f/4, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 310mm.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is pressured by Raiders outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead but still gets the pass away. Nikon Z 6, Manual exposure, ISO 2500, 1/1600 at f/4, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 400mm.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce pulls in this 11-yard pass in front of Broncos free safety Justin Simmons to set an NFL record fourth straight 1,000-yard receiving season during their game in the snow on December 15. Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, ISO 1000, 1/1600 at f/4, EV +.7, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 400mm.
Sammy Watkins makes snow angels in the end zone with Tyreek Hill after scoring against the Broncos. Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, ISO 800, 1/2000 at f/4, EV +.3, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 200mm.
Chiefs free safety Juan Thornhill intercepts a pass intended for Noah Fant to stop a Broncos drive late in the game. Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, ISO 1000, 1/1250 at f/4, EV +1.0, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 380mm.
There are some fun moments away from the action as well. Here a fan helps dust off one of the TV cameramen during the game. Nikon D500, Aperture Priority, ISO 640, 1/400 at f/6.3, EV -.3, Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4 DX lens at 24mm.
With the Chiefs going on to beat the Broncos 23-3, not all fans stayed to the end, but those who did seemed committed. Or ready to be committed… Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, ISO 800, 1/1000 at f/4, EV +.3, Nikkor 200-400mm lens at 400mm.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes the field prior to the start of their game against the Chargers. Nikon Z 7, Aperture Priority, ISO 400, 1/1000 at f/5.6, EV -.3, Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens at 24mm.
the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce is taken to the turf after making a catch against the Chargers. Nikon D850, Aperture Priority, ISO 800, 1/1600 at f/4, EV 0.0, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 360mm.
Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones fires up the crowd late in their game against the Chargers. Nikon Z 7, Manual exposure, ISO 2000, 1/1600 at f/4, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 400mm.
With time running out in that game against the Chargers, the Chiefs and their fans found out that Miami had beaten New England, improving the Chiefs’ post-season position. Defensive end Chris Jones then joined the crowd in celebrating. Nikon Z 7, Aperture Priority, ISO 1600, 1/800 at f/5.6, EV 0.0, Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens at 31mm.
On January 12, Arrowhead Stadium was loud and crowded and ready for the AFC Divisional round playoff against the Houston Texans. Nikon Z 6, Aperture Priority, ISO 320, 1/400 at f/7.1, EV 0.0, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 lens at 14mm.
Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson is congratulated by Alex Brown after recovering a fumble off of a punt to the Texans. That would result in a quick touchdown, bringing the Chiefs to within three points of Houston, 21-24. Nikon Z 6, Aperture Priority, ISO 1400, 1/1600 at f/4, EV -.3, Nikkor 500mm f/4 lens at 500mm.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates a touchdown pass that gave the Chiefs the lead, 28-24, capping their big second quarter comeback. Nikon Z 6, Aperture Priority, ISO 1800, 1/1600 at f/4, EV -.3, Nikkor 500mm f/4 lens.
Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55), outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (94) and defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) start the party as time winds down in their win against the Texans. Nikon Z 6, Manual exposure, ISO 4500, 1/2000 at f/4, Nikkor 500mm f/4 lens.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates their win over the Texans. Nikon Z 6, Manual exposure, ISO 3600, 1/1250 at f/4, Nikkor 500mm f/4 lens.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is honored by teammate Demarcus Robinson after running the ball in for a touchdown in their AFC Championship game against the Titans. Nikon D5, Aperture Priority, ISO 1400, 1/1600 at f/4, EV 0.0, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 280mm.
Chiefs running back Damien Williams scores a touchdown against the Titans in their AFC Championship game. Nikon D850, Aperture Priority, ISO 1000, 1/1000 at f/4.5, EV +.7, Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens at 40mm.
Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins pulls in a pass for a touchdown against the Titans in their AFC Championship game. Nikon D5, Manual exposure, ISO 2000, 1/1600 at f/4, Nikkor 200-400mm lens at 200mm.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes turns to the crowd as time runs out in their their AFC Championship game against the Titans. Nikon D5, Manual exposure, ISO 2500, 1/1000 at f/4, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 400mm.
My favorite image from the trophy presentation was this, as Chiefs players Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Mahomes admire the Lamar Hunt trophy. After last season, the Chiefs knew they had a potent offense with Mahomes, but their defense needed work. A new defensive coordinator, along with bringing in proven leaders like Mathieu, have gotten them to the Super Bowl. Nikon D5, Manual exposure, ISO 2000, 1/640 at f/4.5, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens at 400mm.
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