KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Chiefs have never been shy about dipping into the history books, but Monday night’s 31-10 dismantling of the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium took that nostalgia to a whole new level. Late in the fourth quarter, Patrick Mahomes flipped a forward pass to running back Kenneth Walker III, who sliced across the formation from the left side and bulldozed his way into the end zone for a 2-yard score. It was a play that looked like it belonged in a leather-helmet documentary, and as it turns out, it practically did.
The 1936’er: How Chris Berman Became an Unlikely Offensive Coordinator
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the play didn’t originate from the fertile mind of head coach Andy Reid. Instead, it came from ESPN legend Chris Berman, who apparently has a knack for unearthing gridiron fossils. “Chris Berman sent me that play, so that’s a 1936’er right there,” Reid told reporters on Tuesday. “Honestly, it was a great play. They executed it well. … We’ve run it before, just not that smooth.” Leave it to Berman — the man who coined “He could go all the way!” — to deliver a play that went all … the … way back to the leather-helmet era.
A Quarterback Conundrum: Mahomes and Fields Share the Backfield
What made the goal-line package truly unique was the presence of two quarterbacks on the field simultaneously. Justin Fields, acquired from the New York Jets to serve as Mahomes’ backup, lined up in the backfield next to the starter. Fields sprinted left as if ready to take a handoff or an option pitch, freezing the Broncos’ defense for a split second. Mahomes instead handed the ball to Walker, who followed a wall of blockers into the end zone. It was a masterclass in misdirection — and a testament to Reid’s willingness to think outside the modern playbook.
Kenneth Walker III: From 1900 Film to Super Bowl MVP
Walker, who finished his Chiefs debut with 173 rushing yards and two total touchdowns, admitted that studying the play on film was a challenge. “The film we watched was probably from 1900, so it was hard to see,” the Super Bowl 2026 MVP said with a grin. “But we worked it over and over in practice, and we felt like that was going to work — and it did.” The former Seahawks standout, now thriving in Kansas City, continues to prove why he’s one of the most dynamic backs in the league.
“Chris Berman sent me that play, so that’s a 1936’er right there.” — Chiefs head coach Andy Reid
What’s Next for the Chiefs’ Time-Traveling Offense?
Whether Berman has more vintage tape for the Chiefs to watch remains to be seen, but given the success of this blast from the past, Kansas City probably wouldn’t mind if he did. As the Chiefs march through the 2026 season, opposing defenses now have to prepare for the possibility of facing schemes that predate color television. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, that’s a terrifying thought — and a testament to the creative genius of Reid and the unexpected influence of a broadcasting icon.
Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. For more exclusive insights and the latest Chiefs merchandise, visit Vulius.com.
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