The debate over which NFL franchise best represents “America’s Team” has been a longstanding one, but now Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is throwing his helmet into the ring.
Speaking on the latest episode of the New Heights Podcast, hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, the two NFL stars suggested that the Dallas Cowboys no longer deserve the title-and that the Chiefs might be more fitting representatives.
Jason Kelce initiated the discussion, pointing out what many football fans and pundits have questioned in recent years: does Dallas still hold that reputation?
“Are the Chiefs now officially America’s team? Well, I mean, listen, the Cowboys aren’t,” Jason remarked.
His brother Travis, a three-time Super Bowl champion, echoed the sentiment and called on fans to consider backing the Chiefs instead.
“I see, I hear where you’re coming from… Just be loyal to us, baby. Just be loyal to us,” Travis responded. “Listen, we’ll treat you right over here at Chiefs Kingdom.”
Are the Chiefs the new face of the NFL?
The label “America’s Team” was first coined for the Cowboys in 1978 by NFL Films, capitalizing on the franchise’s popularity during that era. For decades, Dallas has enjoyed one of the largest fanbases in professional sports, a polished national image, and the benefit of consistent branding.
In 2024, Forbes valued the Cowboys at over $9 billion, the highest of any NFL franchise. Attendance also remains high-more than 830,000 fans turned out for Cowboys home games last season, leading the league.
But despite their off-field dominance, the Cowboys haven’t reached the Super Bowl since the 1995 season, and playoff success has eluded them for years.
In contrast, the Chiefs have become the NFL’s premier powerhouse. Led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, they’ve won two Super Bowl titles in three seasons, though lost the most recent one.
The team has built a loyal and expanding fanbase, fueled by high-octane offense, prime-time performances, and cultural crossover appeal-helped in part by Travis Kelce‘s growing celebrity.
The Kelce brothers’ podcast, known for its mix of humor, football insight, and candid takes, has become a go-to source for NFL commentary. Their comments this week tap into a growing sentiment: the Chiefs, not the Cowboys, now embody what many expect from “America’s Team.”
Whether that title officially shifts depends largely on perception. The Cowboys still command massive media attention and revenue, but on the field, Kansas City has built the kind of winning legacy that’s hard to ignore.
As Travis Kelce told listeners, “Just be loyal to us… we’ll treat you right.”
It’s a statement that reflects more than a rivalry-it reflects the evolution of the NFL, where results matter more than tradition, and where teams like the Chiefs are redefining what it means to be on top.
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