We are 51 days away from the Kansas City Chiefs‘ season-opening game against the Denver Broncos
on “Monday Night Football” in Week 1.The No. 51 jersey will be worn by rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas, who could have a key role in upgrading the pass rush in 2026. He is taking the jersey over from Mike Danna, who is now with the Buffalo Bills.
Here are some all-time Chiefs who came to mind when thinking of players who have worn No. 51:
The memorable No. 51s in franchise history
Jim Lynch (1967 – 1977)
Mike Danna (2020 – 2025)
Frank Zombo (2013 – 2018)
Charles Jackson (1978 – 1984)
Scott Fujita (2002 – 2004)
Lynch was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 1967
draft as a middle linebacker out of Notre Dame. He famously competed with legendary Chiefs linebacker Willie Lanier for the middle linebacker spot on the team; head coach Hank Stram paired the two together as roommates for training camp and road trips.
Lanier would win the job, becoming the first black middle linebacker in professional football history, and Lynch would become a Pro Bowl outside linebacker, staying roommates with Lanier for the next eight seasons. The two were key factors in winning Super Bowl IV.
51: The number of team rushing yards against the Titans in Week 16 last season
In the first game without starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes last season, the offense laid as big of an egg as it had all season, especially in the run game. 51 rushing yards as a team were the second-lowest total of the season, a putrid effort considering the interior three of the starting offensive line was still intact.
It’s a reminder that the flaws on the offense were deeply rooted last season, and the dramatic changes to personnel and the coaching staff reflect that. The offense shouldn’t look as inept as it did in the absence of Mahomes. There needs to be a stronger foundation in the scheme and the ability to run the ball if Mahomes were to miss time this year.
