The Kansas City Chiefs are counting down the days to their season‑opening showdown with the Denver Broncos, a game that will mark exactly 72 days from today.
A legacy behind the number
The No. 72 jersey carries a storied legacy in Kansas City. Eric Fisher, who helped anchor the offensive line during the team's Super Bowl run, is widely regarded as the franchise's all‑time best player to wear the number. Currently, the jersey belongs to Chukwuebuka Godrick, an offensive tackle from Nigeria who joined the Chiefs after an impressive college career.
What Eric Bieniemy's return could mean
Recent statistics highlight the reliability of the Chiefs' running backs as pass‑catching threats. Kareem Hunt recorded a 72% catch rate during the 2025 season, while Isiah Pacheco, now with the Detroit Lions, posted a 73% catch rate in the same year. Pacheco's 2022 season was even more striking, as he caught 93% of his 14 targets. Clyde Edwards‑Helaire contributed a 74% catch rate on 23 targets that year, underscoring a trend of dependable receiving from the backfield.
The potential return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy adds another layer of intrigue. His play‑calling philosophy has historically emphasized short, high‑percentage passes to the backfield, a strategy that aligns with the catch‑rate patterns observed in recent seasons. If Bieniemy's scheme fully materializes, the Chiefs' running backs could see an even greater share of target opportunities, influencing both the passing game and overall offensive balance.
As the Chiefs prepare for their opener against the Broncos, the narrative surrounding the No. 72 jersey intertwines past achievements with future possibilities. Whether Godrick can carve his own place in the lineage or whether the revived coordination under Bieniemy will reshape the backfield's role, fans have plenty to watch. The upcoming season promises to add new chapters to a number that has already become synonymous with excellence in Kansas City.