Established
1960
City
Dallas - Kansas City
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1970 / American Football League
Team History
1963 - Present / Kansas City Chiefs
1960 - 1962 / Dallas Texans
Nickname
Texans - The Dallas Texans were a professional football team that played in the National Football League for three seasons from 1960 to 1962. The team was initially founded as the Dallas Rangers but changed its name to the Texans after only one season. While there is some debate about why this happened, it's generally accepted that their nickname change had something to do with honoring Texas' rich history and culture.
When looking at why they chose “Texans” as their new moniker, you can't help but notice how closely it relates to Texas' state motto: "Friendship." This phrase has been part of Texas since 1845, when it became an independent republic before joining the United States in 1846. It speaks volumes about what kind of people makeup Texas - friendly and welcoming folks who are proud of where they come from and willing to embrace others into their community no matter where they're from or what background they have.
Dallas Texans Chiefs Origin
It also seems likely that owner Lamar Hunt wanted his team’s name change would be seen as a nod towards all those who fought for Texan independence during Mexico-American War between 1835–1836 – brave men like Sam Houston, Stephen F Austin, and James Bowie among many others whose names still live on today through cities named after them across our great state! By choosing “Texans,” he hoped fans could look back fondly on these heroes while cheering for his beloved football squad each Sunday afternoon at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas!
In conclusion, we can see how much thought went into selecting such an appropriate nickname, which honors our past while inspiring us all today with friendship & pride!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
1970
AFL Championship 1
1962
Stadium
1972 - Present / Arrowhead Stadium
1963 - 1971 / Municipal Stadium
*Dallas*
1960 - 1962 / Cotton Bowl
Owner
2006 - Present / Hunt family, led by Clark Hunt
1960 - 2006 / Lamar Hunt
- 1960
- 1962
- 1963
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Dallas Texans (Chiefs) Team Formation
The NFL turned him down, so Hunt then established the American Football League and started his own team, the Dallas Texans, to begin to play in 1960. Hunt hired a little-known assistant coach from the University of Miami football team, Hank Stram, to be the team’s head coach. Hunt chose Stram after the offer was declined by Bud Wilkinson and ... -
AFL Championship Winner 1962
The 1962 American Football League Championship Game was played on December 23 at Jeppesen Stadium in Houston, Texas. The host Houston Oilers (11–3) of the Eastern Division were trying for their third consecutive AFL title, matched against the Western Division’s Dallas Texans, also at 11–3. -
Move to Kansas City – Chiefs
The Championship game turned out to be the last game the team would play as the Dallas Texans. Despite competing against a Cowboys team that managed only a 9–28–3 record in their first three seasons, Hunt decided that the Dallas–Fort Worth media market could not sustain two professional football franchises. He considered moving the Texans to either Atlanta or Miami for ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Dallas Texans Chiefs History
The Dallas Texans Chiefs story is one of the most important chapters in football. Founded in 1960, the team quickly built a strong reputation. Over the years, they earned multiple championships, Hall of Fame players, and eventually became known as the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their first season, the Dallas Texans Chiefs posted an 8–6 record under legendary coach Hank Stram. Just one year later, they secured their first AFL Championship by defeating the Houston Oilers 27–7 in 1961. This victory established the team as a rising force in the league.
The Dallas Texans 1962 season was another highlight. The team finished with an impressive 11–3 record. They advanced to the AFL Championship but fell to the Green Bay Packers 37–14 at Lambeau Field. Despite the loss, this marked another key moment in the early history of the Dallas Texans Chiefs.
Dallas Texans Chiefs Achievements
In 1963, quarterback Len Dawson led the team to a 12–2 season. That year, they claimed another AFL title after defeating the San Diego Chargers 51–10. This win added another championship to the Dallas Texans Chiefs History before the franchise relocated to Kansas City.
Many legendary players shaped those early years. Wide receiver Chris Burford earned All-Pro honors and was named MVP in championship games. Defensive tackle Buck Buchanan later entered both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. Alongside stars like Curtis McClinton, Abner Haynes, and EJ Holub, they built the foundation for future Kansas City Chiefs success.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
3 / Jan Stenerud
16 / Len Dawson
18 / Emmitt Thomas
28 / Abner Haynes
33 / Stone Johnson
36 / Mack Lee Hill
58 / Derrick Thomas
63 / Willie Lanier
78 / Bobby Bell
86 / Buck Buchanan
*Blue is this team’s history