Eddie Wilson

Patrick Mahomes has lapped Eddie Wilson about 50 times over in Chiefs lore—Mahomes is the no-huddle wizard dropping 5,000-yard seasons weekly, while Eddie backed up Len Dawson, slinging just 1,251 career yards and a ring in '62 before health derailed him. It's like comparing a Ferrari to a trusty pickup that got you to the playoffs once.

Nah, Eddie Wilson's not in Canton—no bust waiting for the Hall's polish. The guy was a solid AFL backup with a championship nod and punting chops, but 1,251 yards and five TDs don't scream first-ballot immortality. He's got a Chandler Sports Hall spot instead, which fits his scrappy Arizona roots.

By 2026, Eddie's long retired from his 40-year coaching odyssey—stints at Arizona, Army (twice), Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Chiefs under Stram. Now pushing 86, he's likely kicking back in Arizona, maybe spinning Wildcat tales or cheering grandkids, that eternal optimist mindset still shining through.

Eddie might carve a bigger niche today—modern rules juice passing with no facemask grabs or wideouts mugged at the line, and his Wildcat arm (NCAA passing leader material) could thrive in RPOs. But his 7.44 rating screams run-first AFL era; he'd be a savvy backup, not a starter, punting duties intact.

Len Dawson owned the Chiefs throne with a 51.37 rating, AFL MVPs, and Super Bowl IV glory, while Eddie's 7.44 backup mark got him a '62 title cameo and 45 starts split across teams. Dawson was the surgeon; Eddie the reliable deputy who coached everywhere after—two sides of Chiefs QB grit.