The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of making NFL history, chasing a third consecutive Super Bowl victory—a feat that would solidify their dynasty. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid leading the charge, the Chiefs are attempting to do what no team has done in nearly 50 years.
But is this truly the first time an NFL team has pursued a three-peat? Not exactly. While the Chiefs could become the first team to actually complete the three-peat, others have tried—and failed—before. Let’s take a look at the history of past three-peat attempts, why it’s so difficult, and whether the Chiefs can actually pull it off.
The History of NFL Three-Peat Attempts
Winning back-to-back Super Bowls is already an incredible challenge, but only a few teams have come close to three in a row. Here’s a look at past teams that attempted the feat:
1. Green Bay Packers (1965-1967) – The Closest Thing to a Three-Peat
🏆 NFL Champions (1965, 1966, 1967)
🏆 Super Bowl Champions (1966, 1967)
Before the Super Bowl era officially began, the Packers won three straight NFL Championships under Vince Lombardi. Their dominance led to victories in Super Bowl I and II, but since the first Super Bowl was still a new concept, they weren’t technically going for a “three-peat” as we define it today.
Had the Super Bowl existed earlier, the Packers’ run would likely be recognized as the first true three-peat in modern NFL history.
2. Miami Dolphins (1971-1974) – The Perfect Run That Fell Short
🏆 Super Bowl Champions (1972, 1973)
❌ Lost in Playoffs (1974)
The Dolphins of the early ‘70s were one of the greatest teams ever, going undefeated (17-0) in 1972 and winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973.
With their dominant rushing attack and legendary defense, they looked poised for a third straight title in 1974, but their quest ended when they lost to the Raiders in the AFC playoffs.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1976) – A Dynasty Cut Short
🏆 Super Bowl Champions (1974, 1975)
❌ Lost in AFC Championship Game (1976)
The Steel Curtain defense, led by Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Mean Joe Greene, had all the ingredients for a historic three-peat. After winning back-to-back titles, Pittsburgh entered 1976 as the favorites, but injuries—especially to Bradshaw—derailed their run.
Even though their defense allowed just 28 points in their last nine regular-season games, the Steelers fell short in the AFC Championship against the Raiders.
4. San Francisco 49ers (1988-1990) – So Close, Yet So Far
🏆 Super Bowl Champions (1988, 1989)
❌ Lost in NFC Championship Game (1990)
Joe Montana and the 49ers of the late ‘80s were an offensive powerhouse, winning consecutive Super Bowls in 1988 and 1989. With Montana at his peak and a young Steve Young waiting in the wings, San Francisco looked like a lock for a third straight title.
However, in 1990, they were stopped in heartbreaking fashion by Bill Parcells’ New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game, ending their three-peat dreams.
5. Dallas Cowboys (1992-1995) – The Most Dominant Stretch Without a Three-Peat
🏆 Super Bowl Champions (1992, 1993, 1995)
❌ Lost in NFC Championship Game (1994)
The Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin-led Cowboys won three Super Bowls in four seasons during the 1990s, but their attempt at a three-peat was derailed in 1994.
After winning back-to-back titles, the Cowboys looked unstoppable, but a dominant San Francisco 49ers team knocked them out of the NFC Championship Game that season.
6. New England Patriots (2001-2005) – The Brady-Belichick Dynasty’s Missed Opportunity
🏆 Super Bowl Champions (2001, 2003, 2004)
❌ Lost in AFC Divisional Round (2005)
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s early Patriots dynasty looked like the best bet for a three-peat in the salary cap era.
After winning back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, they entered 2005 as Super Bowl favorites. However, injuries and roster changes led to an AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos, ending their historic run.
Why Is a Three-Peat So Hard in the NFL?
Unlike the NBA or MLB, where dynasties are more common, the NFL has several factors that make a three-peat nearly impossible:
1. Salary Cap & Free Agency
- The salary cap forces teams to break up championship rosters, making it hard to maintain dominance.
- Free agency means key players often leave for bigger contracts elsewhere.
2. Injuries & Physical Toll
- The NFL season is brutal, and playing deep into the playoffs multiple years in a row increases the risk of injuries.
- Teams that win back-to-back often suffer key injuries the next season.
3. Everyone’s Best Shot
- When a team is dominant, every opponent treats them as their Super Bowl.
- Teams game-plan specifically to beat them, making each season harder.
4. Playoff Format & One-and-Done System
- Unlike the NBA or MLB, the NFL playoffs are single-elimination, meaning one bad game ends everything.
- Even a great team can have an off day and get knocked out early.
Can the Chiefs Actually Do It?
The Chiefs have already accomplished what only seven teams have done—winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Now, they must break the NFL’s three-peat curse.
Why the Chiefs CAN Three-Peat:
✔ Patrick Mahomes is at his peak, giving them the best QB advantage in the league.
✔ Andy Reid is one of the greatest offensive minds ever, consistently adapting his scheme.
✔ Their defense is underrated and improving, making them more balanced than past years.
Biggest Challenges for the Chiefs:
❌ Key players could leave in free agency, including top wide receivers and linemen.
❌ Every AFC team is coming for them, including the Bengals, Bills, and Ravens.
❌ Avoiding complacency and staying motivated after back-to-back championships.
If Mahomes and Reid can lead the Chiefs to a third straight title, they will achieve what no team in the Super Bowl era has done.
Final Thoughts: Will the Chiefs Make NFL History?
While this may feel like a once-in-a-lifetime feat, history has shown that teams have been in this position before—only to fall short. The Chiefs must overcome the same challenges that ended past three-peat dreams.
Can Mahomes, Reid, and the Chiefs break the curse? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: They are closer than any team has been in decades.
