Kansas City, MO – May 5, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs immortalized a legend Sunday, unveiling the James Winchester Legacy Award to honor their three-time Super Bowl champion long snapper. Winchester, 35, boasts 11 seasons and 169 consecutive games, a testament to his unwavering grit after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Winchester, who won Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII, redefined reliability with 1,292 flawless snaps. His 11 tackles and two forced fumbles in special teams cemented his status as a Chiefs icon. “James is our heartbeat,” coach Andy Reid said, praising the Oklahoma native’s Choctaw Nation pride.
The Legacy Award, a silver football trophy etched with Chiefs’ arrows, will annually celebrate a player’s silent dedication, durability, and team spirit. Winchester, the inaugural recipient, received a standing ovation at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. “Chiefs Kingdom, you’re my family,” he told fans.
Kansas City, with $12.7 million in cap space, continues to build around Winchester’s $1.65 million deal. The Chiefs, having drafted Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith, see the award as a beacon for prospects like Missouri’s Trey Flint. Flint, a minicamp invitee, eyes Winchester’s mantle.
GM Brett Veach called the award “James’ forever mark.” With two remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Winchester’s honor, a nod to his 169-game streak, sets Chiefs Kingdom ablaze with 2025 Super Bowl dreams, inspiring a dynasty fueled by Mahomes’ relentless pursuit.
