All-Time Chiefs QBs Ranked: Mahomes #1, Dawson #2

Bill Kenney

Retired 10 Years In The NFL
🏆 Pro Bowl (1983)
Bill's
HAIR
18.0
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Bill Kenney or the Chiefs?

Bill Kenney Legacy

HEYTC AI
Bill Kenney, the lanky 12th-round afterthought from Miami who became Kansas City’s iron-armed savior, embodied the Chiefs’ scrappy '80s soul. Undrafted dreams turned golden when he seized the starting gig in 1981, slinging it deep to Carlos Carson amid Arrowhead’s roar, peaking with that lone Pro Bowl nod in '83. Tough as Missouri oak, he weathered Marty Schottenheimer’s grind, outdueling legends like Dan Fouts in shootouts that defined an underdog era. Post-gridiron, he traded playbooks for politics as a Missouri senator—proof QBs like Kenney rewrite legacies off the field too.

Bill Kenney Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Good
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
9 years with the Chiefs

Bill Kenney Career Stats via Wikipedia

17,277 Pass Yards
105 Touchdowns
86 INTs
54.7% Comp %
18.0 HAIR
34-43 Record

Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Kenney

How does Patrick Mahomes compare to Bill Kenney?

Patrick Mahomes towers over Bill Kenney like a Ferrari next to a reliable pickup—Mahomes has three rings and 28,000-plus yards already, while Kenney's 17,277 yards and 105 TDs peaked in the gritty '80s Chiefs era, leading them to an AFC West title in '80 but no playoffs after. Kenney's the bridge QB who kept the engine warm for royalty.

Is Bill Kenney in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nope, Bill Kenney's not in Canton—his 77.0 passer rating and 17,277 yards over 106 Chiefs starts made him a fan favorite, but Hall voters skipped the guy who threw 105 TDs amid Steadman Ballard's chaos. He's honored in Missouri's Sports Hall instead, where third all-time in Chiefs passing feels right.

What is Bill Kenney doing now in 2026?

In 2026, Bill Kenney's low-key living the good life in Kansas City—coaching youth football, hitting charity golf tourneys for Chiefs legends, and popping up on local radio breaking down Mahomes' no-look magic. No broadcasting booth gig, just the quiet grind of a guy who gets the game's soul without the spotlight.

How would Bill Kenney perform in today's NFL?

Kenney's cannon arm—17,277 yards, 105 TDs—would feast in today's pass-happy NFL with no-touch rules and spread offenses; imagine his deep balls to Henry Marshall without defenders mugging QBs. Completion percentage might jump from 54.7%, but that 86 INT habit could haunt him against blitzes. Solid mid-tier starter vibe.

How does Bill Kenney compare to Len Dawson?

Len Dawson's the Chiefs godfather at 51.37 rating with Super Bowl sparkle, while Kenney's 17.97 wait—no, 77.0 career mark grinded through '80s trenches for similar yardage but zero rings. Dawson danced in the pocket like Astaire; Kenney slung it gutsy-style, ranking third in Chiefs passing history. Both franchise pillars, different eras.