KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs faced a challenging delay on Saturday as they were stranded on the tarmac at Kansas City International Airport for approximately four hours due to an ice storm impacting the area ahead of a forecasted blizzard.
The team had attempted to schedule an earlier flight to avoid the worsening weather conditions. However, their chartered plane was delayed, leading to a mid-afternoon departure just as airport officials announced a suspension of all flight operations due to significant ice accumulation. Fortunately, a brief window between the ice storm and the arrival of heavy snow allowed the plane to be de-iced, the runway cleared, and the Chiefs to finally take off. Remarkably, their chartered jet was the first to leave the airport once operations resumed.
The Chiefs have already secured the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, making their regular-season finale less critical. However, the game against Denver holds substantial importance for the Broncos, who could secure their playoff spot with a victory.
Head coach Andy Reid noted earlier this week that he intended to rest starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which means backup Carson Wentz will get the nod in this game. In addition, the team has ruled out right tackle Jawaan Taylor and running back Isiah Pacheco due to injuries, while star players like defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce are also expected to sit out.
As the Chiefs prepare for their game, the outcome will determine their next playoff opponent, with the earliest playoff matchup slated for January 18.
This incident showcases the unpredictability of sports travel, especially during severe weather. As the Chiefs continue to demonstrate resilience both on and off the field, fans can remain optimistic about their postseason prospects. Despite the challenges, the team’s solid performance throughout the season and strategic decision-making could pave the way for a deep playoff run.