The Kansas City Chiefs have hosted many talented running backs over the years, but few can match the immediate impact of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, who joined the team in 1993 after 11 seasons playing for the Los Angeles Raiders.
Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen about his involvement in and enjoyment of the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and his five-year stint with the Chiefs in the 1990s.
“It’s an event that everybody looks forward to in the American Century, and it has done an amazing job since it became the title sponsor,” Allen explained. “It’s just, it’s incredible. I think for me, this is 26 years now. I’m not one of the originals, I think the originals are still Jack Wagner and Jim McMahon. I think [I am] maybe the third longest-tenured person there. I love going, playing, competing against my fellow athletes and friends, and it’s just an outstanding event. NBC does an amazing job. It’s a lot, it’s been a lot of fun, and it’s something we look forward to every year.”
A turning point in Allen’s NFL career was signing with the Chiefs before the start of the 1993 season. The move to Kansas City was rejuvenating for the veteran, as it helped lead the franchise to become a contender.
“They accepted me immediately,” Allen said of the Chiefs’ fanbase. “Going out and playing hard certainly helps that, right? Also, playing the game the right way, hard and as tough as possible, and keeping it simple, the fan base was incredible. And then to play alongside some great players like Joe Montana and Derrick Thomas, John Alt, and Kimble Anders, and just several guys I played with. I remember getting so close on a couple of occasions but not being able to finish there.
“Those were the high points, just being involved and playing those games no one else thought we could win. And then there were some games we obviously let get away from us, which we should have won. And then I think about the Hunt family and just how gracious they are, and just provided a great opportunity for the players to succeed there.”
During his five seasons in Kansas City, Allen was named a Pro Bowler and, in his final year, at 37, became the oldest player to score ten or more touchdowns in a season.
“The city was great. It was an incredible five years for me,” Allen said. “I know they’re experiencing great success now, and rightfully so. They should get all the credit. But I do feel like, yeah, we early on. I think we sort of changed the dynamic there. That’s at least what I was told by a lot of people, you know, a lot of fans there and stuff like that.
“We brought back the love and interest in the fire amongst the fans. 1993 was amazing; we went all the way to the AFC Championship game. Unfortunately, we lost that game. If Joe doesn’t get knocked out of that game, I think we go in and beat Buffalo [Bills], which is one of the hardest things to do in Buffalo.”
Allen joins other retired NFL players and celebrities for the annual American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe from Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, airing on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. The 54-hole tournament raises funds for local and national charities with a purse of $750,000, including a $150,000 first prize.
Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.