2010 - It was on and crackin’. Armed with a couple new weapons acquired through the draft and trades and two new seasoned coordinators leading the offense and defense, the Chiefs came out swinging. And Cassel’s skills were the driving force. Heading into Week 15 of 17 and with the AFC West division title in their sights, the unexpected happened. Cassel was hospitalized with an emergency appendectomy. Most saw another season instantly fizzle. With his wife pleading for him not to play, Cassel returned eleven days later and led his team to a crucial 27 - 13 victory, preserving their first-place standing in the AFC West.

The Chiefs won their first division title since 2003 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Despite their loss, the season was considered an enormous success. Later that year, Cassel was chosen by his peers to participate in the annual Pro Bowl along with Hall Of Fame quarterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers. Then came the cherry on top. Cassel was one of the top ten finalists to make the cover of professional football’s most popular video game, Electronic Arts, Madden 2010.