In a moment that has sent shockwaves across the NFL community, college football analyst Paul Finebaum has once again found himself in the center of controversy. Known for his unfiltered takes and blunt criticism, Finebaum set his sights on the Kansas City Chiefs in a recent appearance, making a statement that many fans and analysts consider both disrespectful and grossly inaccurate.
“The Chiefs have literally done nothing. They’ve won two playoff games in three decades. And they act like they invented football,” Finebaum said, sparking instant backlash online. Chiefs fans immediately took to social media to defend their team, labeling the remark as outdated, uninformed, and an intentional attempt to stir controversy.
For many, the frustration was not only with the words themselves but also with how disconnected the criticism seemed from the reality of Kansas City’s recent dominance. The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have become one of the NFL’s most successful franchises in recent years. Since Mahomes took over as starting quarterback in 2018, Kansas City has won multiple AFC Championships, appeared in several Super Bowls, and secured multiple Lombardi Trophies.
“This isn’t the 1990s anymore,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We are living in the Chiefs era. To pretend otherwise is just ridiculous.” Another fan added, “Paul Finebaum is clearly fishing for headlines. Everyone knows the Chiefs are the gold standard in the NFL right now.”
What made the story even more captivating, however, was Andy Reid’s response. Known for his calm demeanor and wry sense of humor, Reid did not let the comment pass unnoticed. Reporters caught up with him after practice, and when asked about Finebaum’s statement, Reid simply replied with three words:
“Check the scoreboard.”
That short but powerful retort instantly went viral. Chiefs Kingdom celebrated it as the perfect mic-drop moment, with many fans praising Reid for shutting down the criticism without descending into hostility. Social media platforms were flooded with memes, videos, and celebratory posts quoting Reid’s three words, which quickly became a rallying cry for the Chiefs fan base heading into the 2025 season.
Analysts were quick to weigh in as well. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith remarked, “Andy Reid just reminded Paul Finebaum of reality. The Chiefs aren’t just relevant; they are the definition of an NFL dynasty right now. You don’t get to downplay three Super Bowl appearances in five years.”
While Finebaum has built a career on sparking debate and attracting attention with bold statements, this particular jab at the Chiefs seems to have backfired. Not only has it united Kansas City fans, but it has also reignited the discussion about where the Chiefs rank among the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Chiefs are once again viewed as one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl. With Patrick Mahomes in his prime, Travis Kelce still producing at an elite level, and Andy Reid continuing to masterfully guide the team, Kansas City is poised to keep proving doubters wrong.
And if Paul Finebaum—or anyone else—needs a reminder, Andy Reid has already said it best: “Check the scoreboard.”