It appears as though the Kansas City Chiefs were stuck on the runway in excess of four hours on Saturday before they took off to face the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City.
What caused the delay, and are they en route for their regular season closer?
Chiefs Grounded on Runway for Over 4 Hours
The Chiefs have already kicked their legs back for Sunday’s game against the Broncos by resting most of their starters, but the world never lets anyone get too comfortable, as they were grounded on the tarmac for more than four hours before finally taking off on Saturday night.
The de-icing equipment at the airport failed and an ice storm hit the area. This ice storm has been in the weather forecast for quite some time now. Many fans and members of the media are questioning why the Chiefs didn’t choose to leave earlier.
The Kansas City franchise is facing some backlash from fans on social media.
And the #Chiefs still haven’t left yet. Four hours on the runway. https://t.co/PnfLBK4Hup
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2025
“Who made the call to not leave BEFORE an ice storm was due to hit?” one asked.
“Brb. Applying for logistics consultant for the Chiefs as clearly they have no damn clue what they’re doing,” another said.
Brb. Applying for logistics consultant for the Chiefs as clearly they have no damn clue what they’re doing.
— ChiefsMUs (@TheKLAWcast) January 4, 2025
“Should’ve left earlier. We all knew this well in advance,” another added.
“They should have went to Denver last night, or at least by early this morning. Love the Chiefs, but this was poor planning,” another wrote.
If there is one team that should be upset by this, it is the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins need the Chiefs players, whoever they are dressing, to play their best football tomorrow and defeat the Broncos so the Dolphins have a chance at making the playoffs with a win over the New York Jets.
The Dolphins-Jets game is a late game, as is the Chiefs-Broncos game. Dolphins fans cannot be too comfortable with the delay in the Chiefs’ travel party.
The Chiefs have already locked up the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC and will rest nearly all of the team’s key players on Sunday. The Chiefs have nothing to play for, but the game has severe implications for at least three teams.
Aside from Miami and Denver, the Cincinnati Bengals need the Dolphins and Broncos to lose while the Bengals win in order to have a shot to make the playoffs.
