Why does America hate winners?

The narrative that the Kansas City Chiefs are beneficiaries of referee favoritism is not only inaccurate but also a glaring example of how irrational and lazy sports discourse can become. This take, often parroted by frustrated fans and pundits alike, is a thinly veiled attempt to delegitimize the Chiefs’ success without engaging with the reality of their dominance. Let’s be clear: the idea that the NFL’s officiating crews are conspiring to help Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs win is absurd on its face, and it crumbles under even the slightest scrutiny.

First, the notion that referees are biased toward the Chiefs ignores the fundamental nature of officiating in the NFL. Referees are human, and they make mistakes—both for and against every team. To suggest that these errors are part of a coordinated effort to favor one team is conspiracy theory-level thinking. If the league were truly rigged, why would it risk its credibility by repeatedly favoring the same team? The NFL thrives on parity and unpredictability, not dynastic dominance. The idea that the league would undermine its own product to prop up the Chiefs is not just illogical; it’s laughable.

Second, the Chiefs’ success is the result of elite talent, innovative coaching, and a front office that consistently makes smart decisions. Patrick Mahomes is a generational talent whose ability to extend plays and deliver pinpoint passes is unmatched. Andy Reid’s offensive schemes are a masterclass in creativity and execution. Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and the rest of the roster are among the best at their positions. To attribute their victories to referee bias is to ignore the countless hours of preparation, skill, and teamwork that go into winning at the highest level. It’s a lazy take that disrespects the players and coaches who have earned their success.

Finally, this narrative often relies on cherry-picked examples of controversial calls while ignoring the ones that go against the Chiefs. For every call that supposedly benefits Kansas City, there’s another that could be cited as evidence of bias against them. The truth is, bad calls are part of the game, and they affect every team. To single out the Chiefs as the beneficiaries of some grand officiating conspiracy is not just inaccurate—it’s intellectually dishonest.

In the end, the "refs are helping the Chiefs" narrative is a symptom of a larger problem: the inability to appreciate greatness without looking for excuses to tear it down. It’s a stupid take, and it deserves to be called out for what it is—a desperate attempt to explain away success that can’t be easily dismissed. The Chiefs are dominant because they’re better, not because the referees are on their side. And until people can accept that, they’ll continue to miss the opportunity to appreciate one of the most remarkable teams in NFL history.