The Legacy of No. 72
The Kansas City Chiefs are exactly 72 days away from the first snap of the new season, a milestone that coincides with the number that has become a point of fascination for fans and analysts alike.
Currently, the jersey bears the name of Nigerian offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick, who entered the league with promise and has already started three games for the Chiefs, showcasing his versatility on the line.
The number’s history, however, stretches far beyond the present. Names like Eric Fisher, Dave Lutz, Paul Rochester and Glenn Dorsey have all worn it, but it is Fisher who stands out as the most iconic, having been the team’s first‑overall pick in 2013 and a cornerstone of the Super Bowl LIV championship run.
Fisher’s tenure at left tackle helped shape the Chiefs’ offense, and his contributions remain a benchmark for anyone who dons the number today.
Recent data on pass‑catching efficiency among the team’s running backs adds another layer to the narrative. In 2025, Kareem Hunt posted a 72 % catch rate on 25 targets, while Isiah Pacheco, now with the Detroit Lions, recorded a 73 % rate on 26 targets.
Those figures contrast sharply with the 2022 season, when three Chiefs backs — Isiah Pacheco (93 % on 14 targets), Jerick McKinnon (79 % on 71 targets) and Clyde Edwards‑Helaire (74 % on 23 targets) — posted even higher rates, a performance that helped the club maintain a potent aerial threat out of the backfield.
Looking ahead, the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in 2026 is being watched closely. His play‑calling philosophy has historically emphasized creative routes for running backs, and many expect that the new scheme could push those catch percentages even higher.