Whether victorious or defeated, the Kansas City Chiefs may face a lengthy trek back home this Sunday as the reigning Super Bowl champions could find themselves caught in additional travel turmoil due to blizzard conditions sweeping across the Midwest.
After finally arriving in Denver Saturday night, following a significant delay in their flight, Patrick Mahomes and teammates are preparing to compete against their AFC West rivals in the last week of the NFL regular season on Sunday.
Nonetheless, the top-seeded Chiefs will be grateful for their bye week in the playoffs, as returning home may pose another obstacle.
A blizzard warning has been extended to cover the entire Kansas City Metro area, with the impacted region stretching across Kansas and Missouri, according to Fox4 News.
Predictions indicate 40 mph winds, six to twelve inches of blowing snow, and near whiteout conditions from Sunday into the early hours of Monday morning, potentially jeopardizing the Chiefs’ return journey.
This follows the Chiefs departing Kansas City four hours later than planned, as the winter storm left their team aircraft stranded on the runway.
New blizzard warnings have enveloped the Midwest, covering Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs finally arrived in Denver after a tumultuous day of travel on Saturday
After experiencing several hours of delays, the Chiefs ultimately arrived in the Mile High City, with Mahomes and Travis Kelce captured on video stepping off the aircraft onto the snowy runway.
As reported by Fox4 News, the Chiefs were initially scheduled to depart for Denver around 2:45 PM on Saturday. However, it was not until approximately 6:30 PM ET when they eventually took off.
The storm generated ‘rapid ice accumulation’ and compelled authorities to close the airport at Kansas City International before the Chiefs could depart.
As stated by Fox4 News, the airport’s de-icing equipment malfunctioned, further postponing the departure of flights.
Several planes were reportedly rerouted to Omaha, Nebraska – over 500 miles east of Denver.
Sources indicated that the Chiefs attempted to modify their travel itinerary to leave earlier in the day.
Yet, the charter flight transporting them to Denver arrived late into Kansas City, obligating Reid and Co to adhere to their planned departure time.
Andy Reid’s team is set to clash with the 9-7 Broncos at 4:25 PM ET on Sunday. Typically, it is only a two-hour flight from Denver to Kansas City.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were among the athletes who journeyed to Colorado
However, even if the Chiefs succeed in taking off from Denver, it remains uncertain if they will be able to return home to Kansas City.
Quarterback Mahomes is being rested for the matchup against the Broncos, as the Chiefs have already clinched the No 1 seed in the AFC.
There were questions regarding whether Mahomes would accompany the team, considering he and his wife Brittany are anticipating their third child ‘at any moment now’.
Kelce might also miss Sunday’s game, but on Saturday, both stars were captured walking onto the runway in Colorado.