No field, no goals — But Creed Humphrey just became the unsung hero who won PFF's highest honor and is the heart of Kansas City

No field, no goals — But Creed Humphrey just became the unsung hero who won PFF's highest honor and is the heart of Kansas City

n a season where Kansas City’s usually electric offense has flickered between brilliance and frustration, one name has stood tall — and perfectly still. Pro Football Focus has officially named center Creed Humphrey the Chiefs’ best player of the 2025 season, awarding him a stunning overall grade of 89.4, the second-highest among all NFL linemen.

It’s not just a number; it’s the foundation keeping the Chiefs’ offense alive during a turbulent campaign.

The Wall That Never Cracks

Humphrey’s résumé speaks for itself: zero sacks allowed, only three total pressures through nine games, and a run-blocking performance that’s paved the way for 4.8 yards per carry through the middle. He’s played 100% of offensive snaps, an ironman presence in a season defined by inconsistency elsewhere.

As PFF analysts put it,

“Humphrey is not only the best player on the Chiefs this season — he’s one of the elite interior linemen in the entire NFL.”

A Team Searching for Balance

The Chiefs enter Week 10 at 5–4, third in the AFC West and currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. It’s a strange sight in Kansas City — a team so used to dominance now battling week to week. But amid the ups and downs, Humphrey’s steadiness has become the one thing head coach Andy Reid can count on.

“Numbers don’t lie,” Reid said in the locker room. “He’s been elite at everything — pass, run, leadership. That’s what we build on.”

Respect From the Locker Room

Even the defense is taking notice. Inside the Chiefs’ locker room after a recent practice, defensive captain Chris Jones stood up with a grin, waving a PFF report in his hand.

“Yo Creed! I just saw your PFF grades, big fella — zero sacks, only three pressures in nine games? That’s not a center, that’s a damn fortress!” Jones shouted, drawing laughter from the team.

“People talk about Mahomes’ magic, but that magic starts with you. You’re out there every snap, holding it down like it’s personal. That’s what Chiefs football is — toughness, heart, no excuses. Without Creed Humphrey, this offense doesn’t tick. You’re the wall, the anchor, the silent MVP. And from one big man to another — I respect the hell outta you.”

The room erupted in applause. Travis Kelce placed an imaginary crown on Humphrey’s head as teammates chanted in unison:
“CREED! CREED! CREED!”

Bright Spots and Hard Truths

Beyond Humphrey’s dominance, Kansas City still boasts several bright spots. Veteran Travis Kelce, now 36, continues to defy age with 540 receiving yards, leading all tight ends. On defense, cornerback Jaylen Watson has been PFF’s biggest surprise, grading 74.9, good for eighth among all corners.

But even with standout performers, the Chiefs’ road ahead remains challenging. Denver (7–2) leads the AFC West, while Kansas City’s playoff odds, per Arrowhead Pride, sit at 78% to make the postseason, but just 7% to win the Super Bowl.

A Roller Coaster Season

Analysts from Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports have given Kansas City a midseason grade of C, calling the year “a roller coaster of brilliance and breakdowns.” Despite a top-10 defense in both yards and points allowed, offensive inconsistency has cost them key games against the Jaguars and Bills.

Bleacher Report even floated a bold suggestion — trade for Jets running back Breece Hall — to reignite a ground game averaging under 4.2 yards per carry between Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.

The Heartbeat of Kansas City

As the Chiefs gear up for a crucial divisional showdown with the Broncos, one truth stands firm: Creed Humphrey has become the heartbeat of Kansas City’s resilience.

His strength, consistency, and quiet leadership have turned him from a hidden gem into the team’s cornerstone. His teammates call him “The Wall.” His coach calls him “The Anchor.”

And this season, as PFF reminds everyone — Creed Humphrey hasn’t just held the line. He’s held the Kansas City Chiefs together.