When you think of the Kansas City Chiefs, names like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones immediately come to mind. These superstars have rightfully earned their place in the spotlight, delivering jaw-dropping performances that have cemented the Chiefs as one of the NFL’s most dominant franchises. But behind every great quarterback, every explosive offense, and every championship-caliber team, there’s an anchor—a player who does the dirty work without the glamour. For the Chiefs, that player is Creed Humphrey.
Humphrey, the Chiefs’ starting center, may not grab headlines like his more famous teammates, but his impact on the field is undeniable. In fact, he recently became the first Chiefs player to crack this year’s NFL Top 100 list—a testament to his elite play and the respect he commands across the league. While casual fans might overlook him, those who understand the nuances of football know just how vital he is to Kansas City’s success.
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Humphrey entered the league with high expectations. A standout at Oklahoma, he was known for his intelligence, technique, and consistency—qualities that have only sharpened in the pros. From day one, he stepped into the starting role and immediately solidified the offensive line, a unit that had been a weak spot for the Chiefs in previous seasons. His ability to read defenses, make adjustments at the line, and execute blocks with precision has been a game-changer for an offense that relies heavily on timing and rhythm.
What makes Humphrey so special? For starters, his football IQ is off the charts. Playing center isn’t just about snapping the ball and engaging with a defensive tackle—it’s about being the quarterback of the offensive line. Humphrey is responsible for identifying defensive schemes, calling out protections, and ensuring everyone is on the same page before the ball is even snapped. Given how complex NFL defenses are, especially against a team like the Chiefs, his mental processing is just as important as his physical ability.
Then there’s his technique. Humphrey isn’t the biggest or strongest center in the league, but he wins with near-perfect hand placement, leverage, and footwork. He rarely gets beat, and when he does, he has the recovery skills to minimize damage. His balance and core strength allow him to hold his ground against powerful nose tackles, while his quickness enables him to reach linebackers at the second level, creating lanes for the running game. In pass protection, he’s a rock—Mahomes often has a clean pocket up the middle, and that’s largely because Humphrey doesn’t allow interior pressure to disrupt the play.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Humphrey’s game is his consistency. Offensive linemen don’t always have flashy plays that show up on highlight reels, but their mistakes are glaring. A bad snap, a missed block, or a blown assignment can derail a drive—or worse, lead to a turnover. Yet, Humphrey almost never makes those errors. Since entering the league, he’s been one of the most reliable centers in football, rarely missing snaps and maintaining a high level of play week after week. That kind of dependability is invaluable, especially for a team that thrives on precision and explosive plays.
It’s no surprise that Humphrey’s presence has transformed the Chiefs’ offensive line. In 2020, the year before he was drafted, Kansas City’s line was a disaster—particularly in Super Bowl LV, where Mahomes was constantly under siege. The front office knew changes were needed, and Humphrey was a cornerstone of that rebuild. Alongside fellow draft pick Trey Smith and free-agent acquisition Joe Thuney, Humphrey helped turn a liability into a strength. The results speak for themselves: the Chiefs’ offense has continued to operate at an elite level, and Mahomes has enjoyed better protection than ever before.
Recognition from peers is the ultimate validation in the NFL, and Humphrey’s inclusion in the NFL Top 100 proves that players around the league respect his game. While fan voting often skews toward skill-position players, the Top 100 is voted on by the players themselves—meaning Humphrey’s peers see him as one of the best in the business. That’s high praise for a player who doesn’t score touchdowns or make flashy sacks but instead does the gritty work that makes everything else possible.
Looking ahead, Humphrey’s importance to the Chiefs can’t be overstated. As long as he’s anchoring the offensive line, Kansas City’s offense will remain among the most dangerous in football. His combination of intelligence, technique, and consistency is rare, and it’s a big reason why the Chiefs continue to be Super Bowl contenders year after year. While he may not seek the spotlight, his contributions are impossible to ignore for those who truly understand the game.
So, is Creed Humphrey the Chiefs’ unsung star? Absolutely. In a league where offensive linemen are often overlooked, he’s proven that dominance in the trenches is just as critical as any highlight-reel play. And now, with his spot in the NFL Top 100, the secret is out: Creed Humphrey isn’t just a key piece of the Chiefs’ success—he’s one of the best players in the NFL, period.
