NFL star Travis Kelce unveils invaluable Kansas City Chiefs artifact collection hidden beneath SubTropolis, Kansas City
The ESPN Originals series "The Kingdom" is a six-part documentary that offers an exclusive, in-depth look at the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory in their 2024 season.
The series, directed by Kristen Lappas and produced by the team behind the acclaimed "The Last Dance," provides a real-time narrative of the team’s challenges and triumphs during this historic run. It offers behind-the-scenes access into the personalities and dynamics that built the Chiefs' modern dynasty, showcasing the “bigger-than-life characters” behind the team’s success.
The documentary also explores the Chiefs franchise’s history and community connections, highlighting Kansas City's broader cultural and football footprint. It delves into the team's early days, showcasing memorabilia from the team's archive room, located 150 feet underground in SubTropolis, Kansas City.
Key figures such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and coach Andy Reid, as well as Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and members of the Hunt family, are featured in the series. Mahomes, nicknamed the 'energizer bunny' by his mother, is widely regarded as one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks in history.
The series premiered on August 14, 2025, with the following six episodes titled: "Family Business," "Don't Judge," "In Our Chiefs Era," "The Formula," "Heartland," and "The Pursuit," each addressing different facets of the Chiefs’ journey.
"The Kingdom" is available for streaming on ESPN+ and Disney+, making it accessible to a wide audience of football fans. The first two episodes will debut on ESPN beginning at 9pm ET, with all six episodes premiering on both platforms on August 14.
The series sheds light on the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory parade route, which remains similar to the one taken in recent years. It also reveals interesting tidbits about the team's past, such as the fact that Hank Stram, the former head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, wore short shorts in practice.
Intriguingly, the documentary also delves into the history of the American Football League (AFL) and the Chiefs, with Clark Hunt showcasing a handwritten document from 1959, which is the earliest document in the history of the AFL and the Chiefs franchise. The documentary also showcases handwritten playbooks from the 1960s and a framed game cheque dated from August 12, 1961 to wide receiver Christopher W. Burford III, who was paid exactly 48 dollars and 50 cents.
The series is a must-watch for any football fan, offering a unique blend of history, drama, and the excitement of a team chasing greatness. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and culture surrounding the iconic Kansas City Chiefs franchise.
The ESPN Originals series "The Kingdom" delves into the world of American Football, focusing specifically on the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory. The series is comparable to the thrill of watching a game, combining history, drama, and the excitement of a team chasing greatness. It also provides an in-depth look at the AFL, offering handwritten documents from 1959, and highlighting the Chiefs' iconic status in the larger sports culture.
