1972 Kansas City Chiefs season

Infobox NFL season
team = Kansas City Chiefs
year = 1972
record = 8-6
division_place = 2nd AFC West
coach = Hank Stram
stadium = Arrowhead Stadium
playoffs = Did not qualify

The 1972 Kansas City Chiefs season began with the Chiefs moving into the newly constructed Arrowhead Stadium and ended with a 8-6 record and second place finish in the AFC West.

The Chiefs introduced the newly completed Arrowhead Stadium to the general public. The last original member of the 1960 Dallas Texans team departed on July 12 when safety Johnny Robinson announced his retirement at training camp. Meanwhile, starting quarterback Len Dawson ended speculation about his retirement by signing a two-year contract. Franchise owner Lamar Hunt became the first AFL figure to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 29. [http://www.kcchiefs.com/history/70s Kansas City Chiefs History 1970's] ]

After two different construction strikes and a myriad of other delays, Arrowhead Stadium was officially dedicated on August 12 when the Chiefs registered a 24-14 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Running back Ed Podolak scored the first touchdown in the facility. Regular season ticket prices for the team's first season at Arrowhead were USD$8 for box seats and $7 for reserved seating.

On September 17, the Chiefs lost a 20-10 decision against Miami in the first game at the new Arrowhead Stadium in front of a crowd of 79,829. A standing-room-only crowd of 82,094 fans was in attendance for a 27-14 victory against Oakland on November 5, the largest “in-house” attendance total for an NFL contest in Arrowhead’s history. After a 5-3 start, a three-game losing streak effectively eliminated the club from playoff contention. An 8-6 record was good enough for only a second-place finish in the AFC West behind Oakland. Linebacker Willie Lanier became the first Chiefs player to receive the prestigious NFL Man of the Year Award in the offseason.

Offseason

NFL Draft

References