Super Bowl LVII - Chiefs vs. Eagles (2-12-23)

CHIEFS VS. EAGLES

FEBRUARY 12, 2023

CHIEFS FACE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES IN SUPER BOWL LVII

NEXT WEEK’S MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Monday, February 6 – SB LVII Opening Night at Footprint Center 8:00-9:00 p.m. Interview session with all players and coaches.

For the third time in four seasons the Kansas City Chiefs will play for a Lombardi Trophy, this time taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. Kickoff at State Farm Stadium is slated for 5:30 p.m. CT. The Chiefs punched their ticket to the NFL's final game after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC title game on Jan. 29. It marked the fifth-straight season the Chiefs hosted the AFC Championship, an NFL record. Kansas City finished the 2022 season with a 14-3 record and the number one seed in the AFC. This season the Chiefs clinched their seventh-consecutive AFC West title, tying for the second-longest streak in NFL history (NE - 11, 200919). Since 2015, Kansas City has tallied a 42-6 record (.875) against AFC West opponents, the NFL’s best divisional record over an eight-year span since divisional realignment in 2002. In 2021, following a 12-5 season and the No. 2 seed in the AFC, Kansas City advanced to host it’s fourth-straight AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Under Head Coach Andy Reid, KC has now qualified for the postseason nine times in 10 seasons and has nine 10+ win seasons. Reid owns 268 career victories (regular and postseason combined). He ranks fifth on the NFL’s all-time wins list. Last week's playoff win moved him into second all-time in postseason victories with 21 (Belichick - 31, Landry - 20). He has tallied 117 regular season wins in Kansas City.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is in his fifth season as the club’s starting quarterback. As the starter, Mahomes has led the team to five-consecutive home AFC Championship Games, three Super Bowl appearances and earned NFL MVP (2018) and Super Bowl MVP honors (2019). Since 2018, he leads the league in yards (23,957), touchdowns (192), 25+ yard completions (206) and first down throws (1,183). With only 48 interceptions (since 2018), he owns a +144 TD/INT ratio, the highest mark of any active QB in that span. He owns 41 career games of 300+ passing yards. Mahomes eclipsed 20K passing yards in Week 4, becoming the fastest QB in NFL history to reach that milestone (67 games). TE Travis Kelce has now recorded an NFL record seven-straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons (1,338 yards in 2022). He owns 35 games with 100+ receiving yards (most in NFL history for a tight end) and has caught at least one pass in 160 consecutive games (reg. and postseason). Since entering the NFL in 2013, Kelce leads all tight ends in receiving yards (10,344) and receptions (814). He ranks first in touchdowns (69) and catches of 25+ yards (81).

Kansas City welcomed many new faces in 2022. The Chiefs traded WR Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins in exchange for five draft picks. KC made 10 selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, including seven defensive players. The Chiefs selected CB Trent McDuffie and DE George Karlaftis in the first round. GM Brett Veach added several free agents, including WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, S Justin Reid and DE Carlos Dunlap. The club franchise tagged LT Orlando Brown. KC traded with the New York Giants to acquire WR Kadarius Toney.

Tuesday, February 7 11:00-11:50 a.m. Head coach and 10 select players at the team hotel (Hyatt Gainey Ranch).

Wednesday, February 8

8:00-9:15 a.m. Head coach, assistant coaches and all players at team hotel (Hyatt Gainey Ranch).

Thursday, February 9

8:00-9:15 a.m. Head coach, assistant coaches and all players at team hotel (Hyatt Gainey Ranch).

Monday, February 13 8:30 a.m. Press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center with winning head coach and MVP.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV Coverage FOX (WDAF Local)

Play-by-Play: Kevin Burkhardt

Color: Greg Olsen

Sideline: Erin Andrews

Rules: Mike Pereira

Tico Sports (Kansas City)

103.3 HD2 (103.3.2) on KPRS

Spanish Radio Broadcast

Play-by-Play: Enrique Morales

Color: Oscar Monterroso

Sideline: Hannah Bassham

Chiefs Radio Network

WDAF (106.5 FM)

Play-by-Play: Mitch Holthus

Color: Danan Hughes

Sideline: Josh Klingler

Chiefs Pregame & Postgame Show

WDAF (106.5 FM) & KCSP (610 AM)

Hosts: Art Hains and Dan Israel

National Radio

Westwood One

Chiefs Twitter Accounts: @Chiefs @KCChiefs_Matt @ChiefsPR

CHIEFS MEDIA WEBSITE INFORMATION

The Kansas City Chiefs 2022 Media Guide is available on the Chiefs media information website, NFLOMG.com. The club’s site is an interactive online media guide that features an in-game statistics monitoring platform, in addition to the weekly press materials such as transcripts, weekly releases, bios, additional stats and more. The team’s guide is updated weekly throughout the season to reflect the most up-to-date information. Media members can also access the Chiefs credential application through the site. To login, the username is chiefsmedia and the password is chiefs

CHIEFS COMMUNICATIONS STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

CHIEFS VS. EAGLES TEAM COMPARISONS

CHIEFS VS. EAGLES IND. COMPARISONS

CHIEFS VS. EAGLES SERIES HISTORY

• The Chiefs and the Eagles have faced off nine times in the regular season and have never had a postseason matchup. The Chiefs hold a winning record of 5-4 and have won the last three matchups, all three of which were coached by Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, who formerly led the Eagles for 14 season (1999-12).

• QB Patrick Mahomes has only faced off against the Eagles in one game, on 10/03/21 when the Chiefs won 42-30. In his debut against the Eagles, Mahomes threw five touchdowns with three TDs to WR Tyreek Hill and one each to RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and TE Jody Fortson.

• When Andy Reid was head coach of the Eagles, he had a 3-0 record against the Chiefs and now has a 3-0 record against the Eagles as Chiefs head coach.

CHIEFS VS. EAGLES SERIES HISTORY

*GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

CHIEFS HEAD COACH ANDY REID

Reid is in his 31st NFL season, 24th as a head coach and 10th with the Chiefs. In his first ten seasons with the club, Reid tallied 117 regular seasonwins, more victories than any other head coach in franchise history in that timeframe. Reid’s 68 wins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium passed Marty Schottenheimer for most wins at the home of the Chiefs (64). In 2019, Reid led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl appearance and victory in 50 years, bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Kansas City for the first time since the 1969 season. Additionally, the Chiefs 35-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game brought the Lamar Hunt Trophy to Kansas City for the first time ever. Under Reid, the Chiefs have made the playoffs nine of ten seasons, including a franchise best 14-2 record in 2020. Reid has led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances (LIV and LV) and will return to the Super Bowl stage this year for Super Bowl LVII.

The Chiefs are now the first team in NFL history to host five-consecutive conference championship games (2018-22). The club has also earned seven-straight AFC West titles (2016-22) for the first time in franchise history. In 2015, the Chiefs won their first playoff game since 1994, defeating the Texans 30-0. The team finished 11-5 after a 1-5 start in 2015. It was the greatest turnaround in a single-season in NFL history. In 2013, Reid led the Chiefs to an 11-5 record marking the greatest single-season turnaround in franchise history after the team finished 2-14 in 2012.

Prior to joining the Chiefs, Reid led the Eagles to a 130-93-1 (.583) regular season record during his 14 seasons as head coach. He led the Eagles franchise to one Super Bowl appearance. When you include his time as an NFL assistant coach, his teams have made the playoffs 22 times (26-20 record), and he has coached in five Super Bowls, eight NFC Championships and four AFC Championships. Reid spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers under Head Coach Mike Holmgren. Prior to joining the NFL ranks, Reid’s final collegiate stop was the University of Missouri (1989-91). Prior to his stint with the Tigers, Reid spent two years working with the offensive line at the University of Texas – El Paso, and before that, he held the same position with Northern Arizona. In 1983, Reid took the position of offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at San Francisco State (1983-85). A tackle/guard at Brigham Young University from 1979-81, Reid entered the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant at BYU in 1982.

NFL Head Coach: 24th Year

NFL Coach Overall: 31st Year

NFL Overall: 268-154-1 (.635)

Reg. Season: 247-138-1 (.641)

Postseason: 21-16 (.568)

Record w/ KC: 117-45 (.722)

Record w/ PHI: 30-93-1 (.583)

Record vs. PHI: 3-0 (1.000) College: BYU (’81)

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

ANDY REID’S CAREER PATH

EAGLES HEAD COACH NICK SIRIANNI

Nick Sirianni was named head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles on January 24, 2021. In his debut campaign, he led the Eagles to a 9-8 record and playoff appearance, becoming the third head coach in franchise history to reach the postseason in their first year at the helm.He directed one of the largest year-over-year win total improvements in team history in 2021, with Philadelphia capturing seven of its last 10 regular-season games to make the playoffs.

Under Sirianni’s leadership, the Eagles totaled the most explosive plays (163) in the league and ranked first with franchise records in rushing yards (2,715) and rushing touchdowns (25). Moreover, they finished fourth in thirddown conversion rate (team-record 45.7 pct.) and allowed only 16 giveaways (fifth in the NFL), marking the club’s fewest in a season in over 30 years. Philadelphia also registered the second-most defensive touchdowns (five) in the NFL and ranked 10th in opponent yards per game (328.8 ypg).

Sirianni helped many players enjoy successful showings in 2021, including quarterback Jalen Hurts. As a first-time starter, Hurts became just the eighth player in NFL history to produce 3,000 passing yards (3,144) and 750 rushing yards (784) in a season and established himself as the youngest signal caller (23 years old) to ever lead the Eagles to a playoff berth.

Prior to arriving in Philadelphia, Sirianni spent three years (2018-20) as the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator. In that span, the Colts ranked sixth in third-down conversion rate (43.4 pct.), seventh in red zone touchdown efficiency (63.9 pct.) and eighth in points per game (25.9), while surrendering the second-fewest sacks (71) in the league. During Sirianni’s time with the Colts, five offensive players earned Pro Bowl honors, including guard Quenton Nelson (2019-21), center Ryan Kelly(2020-21), tight ends Jack Doyle (2019) and Eric Ebron (2018) and quarterback Andrew Luck (2018), who was named AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year after finishing second overall in passing touchdowns (39) in 2018.

Before he joined Indianapolis, Sirianni was a member of the Los Angeles/ San Diego Chargers’ staff for five years (2013-17), including two seasons as the wide receivers coach (2016-17). Sirianni began his NFL coaching career with the Kansas City Chiefs, serving as the wide receivers coach (2012) and offensive quality control coach (2009-11). He also worked with the Chiefs’ quarterbacks in 2010 and helped Matt Cassel earn his first career Pro Bowl.

NFL Head Coach: 2nd Year

NFL Coach Overall: 14thYear

NFL Overall: 25-12-0 (.676)

Reg. Season: 23-11-0 (.676)

Postseason: 2-1 (.667)

Record w/ PHI: 25-12 (.676)

Record vs. KC: 0-1 (.000)

College: Mount Union

Hometown: Jamestown, NY

MISC. OFFENSIVE NOTES CHIEFS-EAGLES CONNECTIONS

COLLEGE CONNECTIONS

Underline indicates a coach or administrative role (c/a). Bold indicates a connection from a current coach’s former playing career.

NFL CONNECTIONS

Underline indicates a coach or administrative role (c/a). Bold indicates a connection from a current coach’s former playing career.

(c/a) Matt Nagy (2018-21)

Bush (2016-21)

DE Carlos Dunlap (2010-20)

Jeremiah Washburn (2017) DE Robert Quinn (2020-22)

(c/a) Jemal Singleton (2019-20) K Jake Elliott (2017)

RB Ronald Jones (2018-21)

WR Justin Watson (2018-21)

(c/a) Dave Merritt (2018)

DT Ndamukong Suh (2019-21)

(c/a) Jason Michael (2018)

LB Haason Reddick (2017-20)

FORMER EAGLES

• While Head Coach Andy Reid led the Eagles for 14 seasons (1999-12) many of his current assistants were in Philadelphia with him: Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy (player, 1999); Senior Director of Player Personnel Mike Bradway (personnel, 2008-17); Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance Rick Burkholder (staff, 1999-12); Wide Receivers Coach Joe Bleymaier (intern, 2007-09); President Mark Donovan (administration, 2003-08); Statistical Analysis Coordinator Mike Frazier (staff, 200312); Running Backs Coach Greg Lewis (player, 2003-08); Assistant Offensive Line Coach Corey Matthaei (coaching assistant, 2008-12); Tight Ends Coach Tom Melvin (coach, 1999-12); Senior Offensive Assistant/ Quarterbacks Coach Matt Nagy (coach, 2010-12); Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Barry Rubin (staff, 2008-12); Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (coach, 1999-06); Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub (coach, 2001-03); General Manager Brett Veach (coaching assistant/personnel, 2007-12).

• Outside Linebackers Coach Ken Flajole coached the Eagles linebackers from 2016-20.

• After his playing days, Running Backs Coach Greg Lewis returned to Philadelphia to coach the wide receivers in 2016.

(c/a) Brendan Daly (2009-11)

(c/a) Ken Flajole

FORMER CHIEFS

• Head Coach Nick Sirianni spent four seasons in Kansas City

coaching. He served as an offensive quality control coach his first three seasons and the wide receivers coach his last.

• From 2007-08, Pass Game Coordinator Kevin Patullo was an offensive assistant/quality control coach for the Chiefs.

• Assistant Quarterbacks/Offensive Assistant Alex Tanney spent the 2012 on the Chiefs roster as a quarterback.

TE Blake Bell (2015-16) RB Jerick McKinnon (2018-20)

(c/a) Michael Clay (2016-20)

(c/a) Steve Spagnuolo (2015-17) (c/a) Dave Merritt (2004-17) WR Kadarius Toney (2021-22)

DT Linval Joseph (2010-13) CB James Bradberry (2020-21)

FB Michael Burton (2015-16) (c/a) Jeremiah Washburn (2009-15) CB Darius Slay (2013-19)

(c/a) Joe Cullen (2013)

Ken Flajole (2013

Joe Kasper (2013-14)

Shane Steichen (2013)

Alex Tanney (2013)

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (2017-21)

DT Javon Hargrave (2016-19)

(2009-11) (c/a) Steve Spagnuolo (2009-11)

(c/a) Jonathan Gannon (2009-11) DE Robert Quinn (2011-17)

FB Michael Burton (2020) S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2019-21)

TE Blake Bell (2017) RB Jerick McKinnon (2014-17)

(c/a) Jonathan Gannon (2014-17) DT Linval Joseph (2014-19)

(2009-12)

CHIEFS IN THE POSTSEASON

CHIEFS ROSTER BY SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE

There are 30 players on the 2022 Chiefs roster that have been a part of a Super Bowl in their careers. 24 of those players have only ever been a part of a Chiefs’ Super Bowl; 17 of which were here for both runs in 2019 and 2020. Six out of the 30 went to the Super Bowl with other teams, three of them faced the Chiefs in the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowl.

Of the 30 players that have made it to the Super Bowl, 23 of them have the title, World Champion, before their name.

SUPER BOWL ATTENDEES

CHIEFS ROSTER BY PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and Chiefs LS James Winchester, who both recorded their 17th career postseason game played with an appearance in the AFC Championship Game, set the Chiefs franchise record for most career playoff appearances.

Entering the 2022 NFL Playoffs, 37 (69.8%) of the 53 players on Kansas City’s active roster had appeared in a playoff game. In total, those 37 players accounted for 297 total postseason game appearances and have accumulated 165 total playoff starts entering the playoffs.

Behind Kelce (17 starts), G Joe Thuney is in second place in total postseason starts on the current Chiefs roster (15).

Entering the 2022 postseason, 10 Chiefs players had started each playoff game appearance: T Orlando Brown, LB Willie Gay, C Creed Humphrey, TE Travis Kelce, QB Patrick Mahomes, S Justin Reid, G Trey Smith, CB L’Jarius Sneed, G Joe Thuney, T Andrew Wylie.

PLAYOFF GAMES PLAYED/STARTED

WHAT TO WATCH FOR...

• Reid aims to extend a franchise record by earning his 12th postseason victory as head coach of the Chiefs. Reid looks to become the 14th head coach in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls.

• Reid aims for his 22nd-career playoff win. He is passed Pro Football Hall of Famer Tom Landry (20) for the second-most postseason victories by a head coach in NFL history. Reid's 21 career playoff victories trail only Bill Belichick (31).

• Since 2018, the Chiefs are 55-3 when they hold their opponents to less than 27 points, including postseason play. The Chiefs held 12 of their 2022 regular season opponents and two of their 2022 postseason opponents to less than 27 points.

• QB Patrick Mahomes has nine postseason games of 100.0+ passer rating in his five seasons of postseason play. He is one game of a 100.0+ passer rating from tying QB Aaron Rodgers (10) for third-most postseason games of 100.0+ passer rating.

• Mahomes needs two postseason rushing touchdowns to pass franchise leader RB Damien Williams (six) for most postseason rushing touchdowns in franchise history. Mahomes' five touchdowns in the postseason is fourth-most in franchise history. He needs two more touchdowns to pass WR Tyreek Hill (six) for third-most postseason touchdowns in franchise history.

• Mahomes has scored 30 points in the postseason, seventh-most in franchise history. With six points or more this postseason, Mahomes can climb into a spot in the top five.

• TE Travis Kelce aims to extend his franchise postseason records of 127 receptions, 1,467 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. Kelce (17 games) ranks first in receptions and in receiving yards, and is tied for first in touchdowns by a tight end in NFL postseason history. TE Rob Gronkowski has 15 touchdowns in 22 games.

• Kelce passed WR Julian Edelman (118) for second-most receptions by any player in NFL history in the postseason. He is 25 receptions away from passing PFHOF Jerry Rice (151) for most receptions by any player in league history in the postseason.

• Kelce needs one touchdown reception to pass TE Rob Gronkowski (15) for second-most postseason receiving touchdowns by any player in NFL history.

• Kelce aims for his sixth-career postseason game with at least 10 catches and eighth-career postseason game with at least 100 receiving yards. Kelce's five postseason games with 10+ catches and seven postseason games with 100+ receiving yards are both NFL records for a tight end. He is the only tight end with multiple 10+ catch games in the postseason. Kelce is one 100-yard receiving game from tying PFHOF WR Jerry Rice (six) for most 100+-receiving-yard games in the postseason.

• Mahomes and Kelce have connected for 13 touchdowns. Their 13 touchdowns are second-most for a quarterback-tight end duo behind QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski (15).

• K Harrison Butker aims to extend his franchise record of 109 career postseason points scored. Butker needs six more points in the postseason to crack into the top 10 of most postseason points scored in league history.

• DE Frank Clark aims to extend his franchise record of 10.5 postseason sacks. Clark has 13.5 career postseason sacks, which is third-most all-time since sacks became an official stat in 1982. Clark needs 1.5 sack to pass DE Bruce Smith (14.5) for second-most.

• LS James Winchester and Kelce aim to appear in their 18th career postseason game with the Chiefs, setting a new franchise record for most postseason games played.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SACKS

Chiefs DE Carlos Dunlap is in his 13th NFL season. In 13 seasons, Dunlap has recorded 100.0 sacks. Dunlap got his 100th-career sack on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence in a 27-17 victory on Nov. 13, 2022. Below is a chart that maps out Dunlap’s sacks.

Sacks became an official NFL stat in 1982. Since then, 41 individuals have recorded 100+ sacks in their career. Of the 41, eight of those individuals competed in the 2022 regular season.

CHIEFS CLAIM LAMAR HUNT TROPHY - AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

KANSAS CITY WINS LAMAR HUNT TROPHY, QUALIFIES FOR SUPER BOWL LVII: With the 23-20 victory, Kansas City secured the club’s third Lamar Hunt Trophy of the last four seasons and qualified for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It marks the club’s third Super Bowl trip in the past four years and the franchise’s fifth total Super Bowl appearance (2-2, 1966, 1969, 2019, 2020, 2022).

REID CEMENTS PLACE IN NFL HISTORY: The victory marked the 11th postseason win for Andy Reid as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs (2013-22), extending his franchise record. With 10 postseason victories as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2012, he is the only head coach in NFL history to have 10 or more postseason wins with two different franchises. His 21 total postseason wins move him into sole possession of second-most postseason wins in NFL history, breaking a tie with PFHOF coach Tom Landry (20). He now trails only Bill Belichick’s NFL record of 31 playoff wins.

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

MOST POSEASON WINS, HEAD COACH

1. 11 Andy Reid

2. 5 Hank Stram

2013-22

1960-74

3. 3 Marty Schottenheimer 1989-98

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST POSTSEASON WINS

1. 31 Bill Belichick 1991-22

2t. 21 Andy Reid

3. 20 Tom Landry

4. 19 Don Shula

1999-22

1960-88

1963-95

5. 17 Joe Gibbs 1981-07

Reid is one of three coaches to lead a team to five-consecutive conference title games, tying PFHOF coach John Madden (five, Oakland) for the second-longest streak in NFL history, and trailing only Bill Belichick (eight, New England). Reid also led the Philadelphia Eagles to four-consecutive NFC Championship Games from 2001-04 and he is the only coach in NFL history to lead two different teams to streaks of at least four-straight conference title games.

NFL RECORD BOOK

COACHES TO REACH FOUR CONSECUTIVE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

1. 8 Bill Belichick, New England 2011-18

2t. 5 John Madden, Oakland 1973-77

Andy Reid, Kansas City 2018-22

4t. 4 Tom Landry, Dallas 1970-73

Marv Levy, Buffalo 1990-93

Andy Reid, Philadelphia 2001-04

The game marked Reid’s 37th career postseason game as an NFL head coach, moving into sole possession of the second-most postseason games coach in NFL history. He broke a tie with PFHOF coaches Tom Landry (36) and Don Shula (36). He now trails only New England head coach Bill Belichick’s NFL record of 44 postseason games coached.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST POSTSEASON APPEARANCES, HEAD COACH

1. 44 Bill Belichick

2. 37 Andy Reid

3t. 36 Tom Landry

Don Shula

5t. 24 Joe Gibbs

Chuck Noll

Mike Holmgren

KELCE AND WINCHESTER SET NEW POSTSEASON APPEARANCE RECORD: With appearances in the AFC Championship Game vs. Cincinnati, TE Travis Kelce and LS James Winchester both recorded their 17th postseason game in a Chiefs uniform, extending their franchise record. K Harrison Butker and DT Chris Jones each appeared in their 14th career postseason game with the Chiefs, moving into a tie fourth-place for most postseason appearances in team annals. QB Patrick Mahomes and DT Derrick Nnadi each appeared in their 13th career postseason game for the club, tying for sixth-most in franchise history.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NOTES: CHIEFS 23 - BENGALS 20

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

MOST GAMES PLAYED, POSTSEASON, CAREER (ALL 10+)

1t. 17 Travis Kelce

James Winchester

3. 15 Daniel Sorensen

4t. 14 Harrison Butker

Chris Jones

2013-22

2015-22

2014-21

2017-22

2016-22

MAHOMES REACHES 30 TOUCHDOWN THROWS: With two touchdown passes in the game, QB Patrick Mahomes now owns 32 career passing touchdowns in postseason action. He is now tied with PFHOF QB Dan Marino (32) for eighth place on the list.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, POSTSEASON, CAREER

1. 88 Tom Brady

2t. 45 Joe Montana

Aaron Rodgers

4. 44 Brett Favre

5. 40 Peyton Manning

6. 37 Drew Brees

7. 36 Ben Roethlisberger

8t. 32 Dan Marino

Patrick Mahomes

10. 31 Kurt Warner

MAHOMES ADDS ANOTHER 100.0+ RATING GAME: QB Patrick Mahomes finished the game with 29 completions on 43 attempts for 326 passing yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a 105.4 passer rating. It marks his ninth-career postseason game with a 100.0+ passer rating, tying Brett Favre and Russell for the fourth-most in NFL postseason history. Mahomes’ 326 passing yards in the game were the third-most in a single postseason game of his career. He now owns five career 300+ passing yard games in his postseason career. Mahomes owns a 10-3 record (.769) career postseason record.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST GAMES WITH 100.0+ PASSER RATING, POSTSEASON

1. 19 Tom Brady

2. 12 Joe Montana

3. 10 Aaron Rodgers

4t. 9 Brett Favre

Russell Wilson

Patrick Mahomes

2000-22

1979-94

2005-22

1991-10

2012-22

2017-22

MAHOMES STARTS FIFTH-CONSECUTIVE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: With his appearance in the AFC Championship Game, QB Patrick Mahomes now has five consecutive appearances in a conference championship game, tying PFHOF QB Ken Stabler for the second-most in NFL history. He trails only QB Tom Brady’s NFL record of eight-straight conference title appearances.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST CONSECUTIVE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES, QUARTERBACKS

1. 8 Tom Bray (2011-18)

2t. 5 Ken Stabler (1973-77)

Patrick Mahomes (2018-22)

KELCE SHOOTS UP RECEIVING YARDS CHART: With 78 receiving yards on a team-high seven receptions in the game, TE Travis Kelce now owns 1,467 career receiving yards in the postseason. He passed TE Rob Gronkowski (third, 1,389) on his first reception of the game and later passed WR Julian Edelman (second, 1,442) for the second-most postseason receiving yards by any pass catcher in NFL history. He now trails only PFHOF WR Jerry Rice (2,245) for most postseason receiving yards in NFL history.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST RECEIVING YARDS, POSTSEASON, CAREER

1. 2,245 Jerry Rice

1985-04

2.

3.

4.

5.

His 1,467 receiving yards move him into first place for most postseason receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history. He entered the game needing one receiving yard to pass TE Rob Gronkowski for the top spot by a TE. Kelce and Gronkowski are the only two tight ends in NFL history to record more than 1,000 career receiving yards in the postseason.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST RECEIVING YARDS, POSTSEASON, CAREER, TIGHT END

1.

2.

4.

5.

KELCE PASSES RICE FOR RECEPTION STREAK: With seven receptions in the game, TE Travis Kelce recorded his 17th consecutive postseason game with three or more receptions, accomplishing the feat in every postseason game of his career. He passes PFHOF WR Jerry Rice (16) for the most consecutive games with three or more catches in NFL postseason history.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST CONSECUTIVE POSTSEASON GAMES, 3 OR MORE PASS RECEPTIONS

1. 17 Travis Kelce

Jan. 9, 2016 – Jan. 29, 2023

2. 16 Jerry Rice Dec. 29, 1985 – Jan. 7, 1995

3. 14 Julian Edelman Jan. 11, 2014 – Jan. 4, 2020

4t. 12 Wes Welker Jan. 12, 2008 – Feb. 2, 2014

Jay Novacek Jan. 5, 1992 – Jan. 28, 1996

KELCE FINDS PAYDIRT, MOVES UP NFL TOUCHDOWN CHARTS: With a 14-yard touchdown reception in the game, TE Travis Kelce now owns 15 career touchdown catches, extending his postseason franchise record for receiving touchdowns. He has now tied TE Rob Gronkowski (15) for the most touchdown catches by a tight end in NFL postseason history and has tied Gronkowski for the second-most touchdown receptions by any pass catcher in postseason history, trailing only PFHOF WR Jerry Rice’s 22 touchdown receptions.

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

MOST RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS, POSTSEASON, CAREER

1. 15 Travis Kelce (17 games) 2013-22

2. 5 Tyreek Hill (13 games)

2016-21

3. 4 Damien Williams (5 games) 2018-19

4. 3 Byron Pringle (9 games) 2018-21

5t. 2 Otis Taylor (7 games) 1965-75

Fred Jones (3 games)

J.J. Birden (8 games)

Tony Gonzalez (3 games)

Albert Wilson (3 games) 2014-16

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2 games) 2022

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST TOUCHDOWNS, POSTSEASON, CAREER, TIGHT END

1t. 15 Rob Gronkowski New England/Tampa Bay

Travis Kelce Kansas City

3t. 7 Vernon Davis San Francisco/Denver

Dave Casper Houston/Oakland

5t. 6 Keith Jackson Philadelphia/Miami/Green Bay

Jay Novacek Dallas

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS, POSTSEASON, CAREER

1. 22 Jerry Rice

2t. 15 Rob Gronkowski

4.. 12

5t. 10

MAHOMES AND KELCE COMBINE FOR TOUCHDOWN: QB Patrick Mahomes and TE Travis Kelce connected for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game, marking the pair’s 13th postseason touchdown connection. Their 13 scores now sit as the second-most between any quarterback and pass catcher in NFL postseason history. They broke a tie with PFHOFs QB Joe Montana and WR Jerry Rice (12) and now trail only QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski (15) for most in NFL history.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST QB-PASS CATCHER TOUCHDOWN CONNECTIONS, POSTSEASON

1. 15 Tom Brady – Rob Gronkowski

2. 13 Patrick Mahomes – Travis Kelce

3. 12 Joe Montana – Jerry Rice

4. 10 Brett Favre – Antonio Freeman

His touchdown reception was Kelce’s third of the 2022 postseason. His three trips to the endzone this postseason tie him for the fourth-most touchdown receptions by a tight end in postseason in NFL history. He also had three touchdown receptions in 2020 and 2021 as well. Kelce is also tied the second-best spot on that list with his four touchdowns in the 2019 playoffs.

VALDES-SCANTLING COMES UP IN BIG MOMENT: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling found the endzone for the second time this postseason and for the third time in his postseason career, hauling in a 19-yard pass from QB Patrick Mahomes in the game’s third quarter. His two touchdown receptions this postseason are tied for the fifth-most postseason TD catches in franchise history. Valdes-Scantly finished the game with postseason single-game career-highs with six receptions and 119 yards to go with his touchdown reception. It marks his second-career 100-yard receiving game in the postseason, his first coming as a member of the Green Bay Packers on January 24, 2021 (four receptions, 115 yards, one touchdown). ValdesScantling’s 116-yard performance marks the 20th 100-yard receiving game in franchise postseason history. He is the first 100-yard performer since TE Travis Kelce racked up five catches for 108 yards and a touchdown vs. Pittsburgh (1/16/22).

CLARK CRACKS TOP THREE IN NFL HISTORY: DE Frank Clark recorded 1.5 sacks (-12.0 yards) of Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow in the game, giving him 13.5 career postseason sacks (-119.0 yards), passing Terrell Suggs (12.5) for the third-most playoff sacks since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. Of his 13.5 career sacks, 10.5 have come with the Chiefs, extending his franchise record. He finished the game with three tackles (two solo), including one tackle for loss, and three QB pressures to go with the 1.5 sacks.

JONES NOTCHES TWO QB TAKEDOWNS IN WIN: In the AFC Championship matchup, DT Chris Jones recorded his first-career postseason sack, dropping Bengals QB Joe Burrow for a six-yard loss in the first quarter. Jones added a second sack in the game’s closing minute, dropping Burrow for a seven-yard loss to force a fourth-and-15 Cincinnati punt. Jones finished the game with four tackles (three solo), including three tackles for loss, and a game-high five QB pressures to go with the 2.0 sacks (-13.0 yards). His 2.0 sacks are tied for the third-most sacks in a single postseason game in franchise history.

POSTSEASON SACK FOR THE ROOKIE: Rookie DE George Karlaftis took down Bengals QB Joe Burrow in the second quarter of the matchup for a four-yad loss, marking his first-career postseason sack. He is the only rookie to have a full postseason sack this year. Karlaftis finished the game with one solo tackle for loss and one QB pressure to go with the sack.

WILLIE GAY TALLIES HALF-SACK: LB Willie Gay combined with DE Frank Clark for a half-sack (-3.0 yards) of Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow in the game. It marks the first QB takedown of Gay’s career. He finished the game with one tackle assist and one QB pressure to go with the sack.

TEAM TALLIES 5.0 TOTAL SACKS IN WIN: The Chiefs defense recorded 5.0 sacks of Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow in the game, tying for the secondmost sacks in a single postseason game in franchise history. It’s the most team sacks since the club recorded 5.0 sacks vs. Houston on January 12, 2020.

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK MOST SACKS, GAME, POSTSEASON

1. 9.0 at Houston

2t. 5.0 at San Diego

Jan. 16, 1994

Jan. 2, 1993 vs. Houston

Jan. 12, 2020 vs. Cincinnati

5. 4.0 4 times; Last vs. Buffalo

Jan. 29, 2023

Jan. 24, 2021

MULTIPLE PLAYERS RECORD MULTI-SACK PERFORMANCES: With DT Chris Jones (2.0) and DE Frank Clark (1.5) both recording multi-sack performances in the game, it marks the third postseason game in franchise history where at least two Chiefs teammates recorded multiple sacks in the same postseason game. The feat was also accomplished at Houston on January 16, 1994 as well as vs. Baltimore on January 9, 2011.

BUTKER WITH THE BOOTS: With 11 points in the game (three FGs, two PATs), K Harrison Butker became the 15th player in NFL history to score 100+ points in the postseason. His 109 points are the 11th-most by any player in NFL history and the seventh-most by a kicker in NFL history. He finished the game going three-for-three on field goals, including what would become the 45-yard game-winner, and was two-for-two on PATs.

ROOKIE DEFENSIVE BACKS HAVE BIG NIGHT: The rookie defensive backs have wasted no time making an impact in the postseason. Both interceptions were made by rookies as CB Jaylen Watson and CB Joshua Williams each hauled in an interception of Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow. Watson becomes the second player in franchise history to record two or more interceptions in a single postseason during their rookie campaign, joining CB Jim Marsalis who had three INTs during his rookie year with the Chiefs in 1969. Watson also recorded a one-handed interception in the AFC Divisional against the Jacksonville Jaguars to send the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game, bringing his postseason total to two. Williams snagged his first-career postseason interception in a pivotal moment in the game when Bengals QB Joe Burrow targeted Bengals WR Tee Higgins downfield. Rookie S Bryan Cook tipped the pass, sending it up in the air for Williams to snag.

Watson finished the game with four solo tackles and two passes defensed to go with the interception. Williams finished the game with four tackles (three solo) and one pass defensed to go with the interception. Cook added four solo tackles to go with the pass defensed. Rookie CB Trent McDuffie also contributed six solo tackles, including one for loss, as well as two passes defensed.

ROOKIES TAKE SIGNIFICANT SNAPS IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

The Chiefs saw 10 rookies take the field in the AFC Championship Game, setting a franchise record for the most rookies to appear in a conference championship game in franchise history in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). Of those 10 rookies, eight players were defensive position players, seeing action on defense or special teams in the game, topping the previous franchise record of

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

MOST ROOKIES TO PLAY IN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP, IN SUPER BOWL ERA (SINCE 1966)

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

MOST DEFENSIVE ROOKIES TO PLAY IN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP, IN SUPER BOWL ERA (SINCE 1966)

CHIEFS ASSISTANT COACHES

OFFENSIVE STAFF

Eric Bieniemy Offensive Coordinator

Joe Bleymaier Wide Receivers

Andy Heck Offensive Line

Greg Lewis Running Backs

Corey Matthaei Assistant Offensive Line

Tom Melvin Tight Ends

Matt Nagy Senior Offensive Assistant/QBs

Porter Ellett Offensive Quality Control

David Girardi Pass Game Analyst/Asst. QBs

Connor Embree Offensive Quality Control

Dan Williams Offensive Assistant

DEFENSIVE STAFF

Steve SpagnuoloDefensive Coordinator

Joe Cullen Defensive Line

Donald D’Alesio Safeties

Brendan Daly Linebackers

Ken Flajole Outside Linebackers

Dave Merritt Defensive Backs

Terry Bradden Assistant Defensive Line

Alex Whittingham Defensive Quality Control

Rod Wilson Defensive Assistant

SPECIAL TEAMS STAFF

Dave Toub Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator

Andy Hill Assistant Special Teams

MISCELLANEOUS

Barry Rubin Head Strength and Conditioning

Tyler Judkins

Assistant Strength and Conditioning

Ryan Reynolds

Assistant Strength and Conditioning/Sport Science

Greg Carbin Assistant Strength and Conditioning

Mike Frazier Statistical Analysis Coordinator

Marc Richards Football Research Analyst

5

Super Bowl Appearances (Including 2022)

9 AFL/AFC Championship Appearances

13

AFC West Championships

521

Regular Season Franchise Wins

13 Pro Football Hall of Famers

51 Chiefs Hall of Famers

241

Number of Chiefs wins vs. AFC West opponents, the most of any other AFC West team in intradivision affairs (reg. and postseason combined)

10

Retired Chiefs numbers

63

The club is in its 63rd season of existence

82,893 Largest crowd (regular season)

142.2

Decibel level at GEHA Field atArrowhead

268 Games won by Head Coach Andy Reid

26.1

Average Age of the Current Chiefs Roster

5

Walter Payton Man of the Year Recipients

51 Seasons at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

CHIEFS 2022 SCHEDULE

PRESEASON SCHEDULE

CHIEFS 2021

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2022 CHIEFS OFFENSIVE RANKINGS

2022 CHIEFS DEFENSIVE RANKINGS

HONORING A LEGEND: PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME QB AND KANSAS CITY ICON LEN DAWSON

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City community lost a franchise legend and a community icon on Wednesday, August 24 with the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and broadcaster Len Dawson.

“My family and I are heartbroken. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs. Len embraced and came to embody Kansas City and the people that call it home. You would be hard-pressed to find a player who had a bigger impact in shaping the organization as we know it today than Len Dawson did,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said on the morning of Dawson’s passing. “I admired Len my entire life – first as a Hall of Fame player on the field, and later as he transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. Throughout his remarkable career, Len made it a priority to give back to the community that he loved. The franchise has lost a true legend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and his family.”

Dawson was the heart and soul of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs franchise during his illustrious14-year Chiefs career, helping make the franchise one of professional football’s premier teams while becoming one of the game’s elite passers.

Under the leadership of PFHOF Head Coach Hank Stram, who brought Dawson to the Texans/Chiefs franchise in 1962, Dawson’s Chiefs were perennial contenders and won American Football League Championships in 1962, 1966 and 1969. He earned the Most Valuable Player award for Super Bowl IV when he directed Kansas City to a 23-7 win over the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings. Dawson won the AFL passing title four times and still holds the franchise’s career records for pass attempts (3,696), completions (2,115), passing yards (28,507) and touchdowns (237).

He was named to six AFL All-Star teams and one Pro Bowl squad, and also earned AFL Player of the Year honors for the 1962 season. Dawson started 158 regular season games for Kansas City, the most of any quarterback in franchise history. He led the AFL in passing four different seasons (1962, 1964, 1966 and 1968), pacing the AFL in completion percentage eight times, including a string of six-straight seasons from 1964-69.

Dawson was recognized as the 1973 NFL Man of the Year, one of five Chiefs players to ever earn the honor. He retired from professional football on May 1, 1976. He was enshrined into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1979 and was immortalized at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1987. He was also enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.

Dawson enjoyed an equally legendary broadcasting career that began during his playing days. In 1966 he served as a sports anchor with KMBC Radio and as sports director for KMBC-TV while serving as the club’s signal caller. Following his retirement from professional football after the 1975 season, Dawson joined NBC and served as a color analyst on NFL games until 1982. He then joined the Chiefs Radio Network as a color commentator in 1984, serving on the team’s radio crew for 35 years. While working NFL games for NBC, Dawson embarked on what would become a 24-year run that spanned four decades (1977-2001) as the host of HBO’s popular “Inside the NFL,” cable television’s longest-running series and the first NFL-related program to air on cable.

For his contributions to broadcasting, Dawson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Hall’s Pete Rozelle RadioTelevision Award in 2012. He became just the third individual in professional football history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as both a player and a broadcaster, joining Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford.

In 2014, Dawson was honored with the Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football at the 44th Annual NFL 101 Awards, recognizing his contributions both on and off the field that helped shape the National Football League into the preeminent professional sports league in America. In 2017, the club renamed the television broadcast booth inside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium the Len Dawson Broadcast Booth in honor of Dawson’s accomplishments both on the field and as a broadcaster.

Dawson began his professional career as a first-round draft pick of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957. He went on to land with Cleveland in 1960 but was cut by the Browns prior to the 1962 season, at which point he was signed by the Dallas Texans as a free agent on July 2, 1962. In total he spent 19 years as a quarterback in the NFL/AFL.

The Alliance, Ohio, native attended Purdue University where he was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Boilermakers (1954-56) and ended his career as the university’s leader in career passing yards and touchdown passes.

A LEGEND:

The team debuted a “16” helmet sticker to be worn by all players throughout the 2022 season during the club’s final preseason game vs. the Green Bay Packers, the day after Dawson’s passing. It marks just the second time in franchise history that the club’s helmets will be adorned with a sticker bearing the number of a former player for an entire season. The first such instance was in the 2000 season following the tragic passing of LB Derrick Thomas.

On the club’s first offensive possession of the game, the Chiefs offense, led by QB Patrick Mahomes, gathered in the familiar “Choir Huddle” formation, an iconic tradition of the Len Dawson-led Chiefs teams of the 1960s and 1970s. Mahomes took a delay of game penalty – which the Packers declined – before exiting the game. Referee Craig Wrolstad, in a nod to the late Dawson, announced the delay of game penalty on number 16 before announcing that the penalty had been declined.

FANS VISIT TRIBUTE INSIDE CHIEFS HALL OF HONOR AT GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM

The Hunt family and the Kansas City Chiefs opened the Chiefs Hall of Honor at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to the public on Thursday, September 1 to allow fans the ability to view a tribute commemorating the life and legacy of Len Dawson.

The tribute inside the Chiefs Hall of Honor was open to the public – free of charge – from 1 to 9 p.m. After exiting the Hall of Honor, guests had the opportunity to write their own personal memories of Len or messages for his family, as well as view a tribute video on the stadium’s video boards prior to exiting the stadium.

To honor the life and legacy of Dawson, the club held a moment of silence inside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium prior to kickoff of the club’s final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

CHIEFS WR ADDITIONS

The Kansas City Chiefs made several additions to the wide receiver room through free agency. One of which was 6-foot-1 wide receiver JuJu SmithSchuster. He joined the Chiefs after five NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-21). With the Steelers he played in 63 games (51 starts), recording 323 receptions for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns. He had 12 career games with 100-plus receiving yards. He started three playoff games with the Steelers.

Overall, the now 26-year-old became the youngest player in league history, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss, to reach 2,500 career receiving yards early in his third season. Additionally, he became the fourthyoungest player in NFL history to reach 3,000 career receiving yards and 20 career receiving TDs (23 years, 310 days). When he reached this mark, Smith-Schuster passed Odell Beckham Jr. (23 years, 325 days).

In his first season as a Chief, Smith-Schuster played in 16 games with 14 starts and became a go-to guy for QB Patrick Mahomes. He racked up 78 receptions for 933 yards, the second most in a season in his career, and three touchdowns. Smith-Schuster recorded his first touchdown and first 100+ yard performance (113 yards receiving) as a member of the Chiefs in Week 6 against the Bills. The following week, Smith-Schuster produced another 100+ yard game, recording 124 yards, his 14th 100+ yard game of his career, and a touchdown. Smith-Schuster’s ability to run hard through traffic made him a valuable weapon in the Chiefs offense.

Rounding out the receiver room offseason additions was WR Justin Watson. Watson was the 144th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He joined the Chiefs after four seasons with the Buccaneers, he appeared in 41 games for the club.

During his time with Tampa Bay, he started in four games (two in 2019 and two in 2020). Watson recorded 23 receptions for 258 yards during his four seasons with the Buccaneers averaging 11.2 yards-per-reception. Watson was able to find the endzone for the second time in his career against the Houston Texans in 2019.

In his first season in KC, Watson had 15 receptions for 315 yards, nearly doubling his previous single-season career-high of 159. He added two touchdowns. Watson stepped up big for the club against the Chargers, recording his first start for the Chiefs after some injuries to the wide receiver corps totaling 67 yards off three receptions with two receptions of 25+ yards. He averaged 21.0 yards-per-reception, the highest amongst the team. Watson racked up two touchdowns for KC, one in the Week 2 win over the Chargers and one in the Week 7 win over the 49ers.

CHIEFS BOLSTER DEFENSE

Reid (6-1, 203) joined the Chiefs after four NFL seasons with the Houston Texans (2018-21). He played in 57 games (53 starts) recording 304 tackles (220 solo), 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries for the Texans. Reid had seven interceptions including one returned for a touchdown and 25 passes defensed. He recorded four games with at least 10 tackles and three games with multiple quarterback pressures while with the Texans.

Reid quickly became a leader of the Chiefs defense. In 2022 he recorded 81 tackles (59 solo), seven passes defensed, four quarterback pressures and two tackles for loss through his first season with the club. Reid also stepped up as the team’s emergency kicker in Week 1 against Arizona. He nailed 1 of 2 extra points and kicked off seven times with five touchbacks.

Veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling was another addition to the WR corps. The free agent was signed after spending his last four seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Valdes-Scantling was an active member of the Packers’ offense throughout his time in Green Bay. He racked up 123 receptions during his tenure there, tallying 2,153 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. His best season was in 2020, when Valdes-Scantling hauled in 33 grabs for 690 yards and six scores. He also led the NFL in yards-per-reception (20.9) that season. According to Next Gen Stats, Valdes-Scantling reached the top speed of any wide receiver on a single play in 2021 when he topped out at 22.09 milesper-hour during a 75-yard touchdown grab. It was the 14th time since 2018 that Valdes-Scantling was clocked at 20+ miles-per-hour.

Valdes-Scantling showed his speed through his inaugural season with Kansas City, totaling 687 yards on 42 catches, averaging 16.4 yards-perreception, and totaling 32 first downs for the Chiefs. Valdes-Scantling recorded his first 100+ yard game for the Chiefs and the sixth of his career in the Chiefs win over the 49ers on Oct. 23, 2022. Valdes-Scantling found the endzone for the first time as a Chief during the Week 10 victory over the Jaguars and recorded a second TD in the Week 15 victory over Houston. Valdes-Scantling’s 687 receiving yards this season is the second-highest single-season receiving yardage in his career.

The Kansas City Chiefs added to the pass rush by signing free agent DE Carlos Dunlap shortly after the start of training camp. The veteran spent part of the 2020 and all of the 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks after spending nearly 11 seasons with Cincinnati.

The 33-year-old Dunlap appeared in all 17 games for Seattle last season, leading the team with 8.5 sacks. He was particularly effective down the stretch, recording seven of those sacks over the Seahawks’ final six games. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Dunlap didn’t miss a single tackle on the season. The DE recorded 35 pressures last season through 309 pass-rushing snaps (and 482 total snaps). Only two other players (Andrew Van Ginkel and Marcus Davenport) recorded more pressures with fewer pass-rush snaps last season. Dunlap recorded at least three pressures in seven games last year. Additionally, his six batted passes ranked third among all defensive ends in 2021.

As a member of the Chiefs Dunlap racked up 39 tackles (25 solo) as well as 4.0 sacks totaling 29 yards lost. Dunlap reached the milestone of 100.0 career sacks after taking down Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence (11/13/22). The .5 sack during the Week 10 victory brought his career total to 100.0 adding him to an elite group of eight active players with 100+ sacks. He continued to bring the pressure, having 12 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, six tackles for loss and eight passes defensed in the 2022 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs added to the defense in the 2022 offseason. The Chiefs signed free agent S Justin Reid this offseason. Reid was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 68th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Chiefs selected 10 players in the 2022 NFL Draft. Various experts have praised the Chiefs 2022 Draft Class. Chad Reuter of NFL.com and The Ringer’s Danny Kelly awarded the Chiefs grades of “A+.” The Chiefs currently have all 10 of their draft picks on the active roster, adding depth and versatility to both sides of the ball. As of Week 18, seven Chiefs 2022 Draft picks started in three or more games (Karlaftis: 17, McDuffie: 11, Pacheco: 11, Chenal: 8, Watson: 6, Williams: 4, Moore: 3). The Chiefs seven rookies with three or more starts tied for second with the Giants amongst all teams in the league. Only Houston had more with eight rookies with three or more starts.

CB Trent McDuffie was taken in the first round by the Chiefs with the No. 21 overall pick. McDuffie started in 11 games for the club in 2022 after being on injured reserve from Week 2 to Week 8. He recorded 44 tackles (28 solo), seven passes defensed, 1.0 sack (-12.0 yards) and a quarterback pressure. McDuffie recorded two games in which he had multiple passes defensed (11/13/2022 vs Jacksonville and 11/27/2022 vs Las Vegas).

DE George Karlaftis was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round as the 30th pick overall. Karlaftis started in all 17 games his rookie season, recording 6.0 sacks (-40.0 yards), 33 tackles (18 solo), 11 quarterback pressures, two fumble recoveries and seven passes defensed. Karlaftis cracked the franchise record book, notching the fifth most sacks in a rookie season with 6.0. Karlaftis was particularly effective down the stretch, recording 5.5 of his 6.0 in the final seven games.

WR Skyy Moore was picked up in the second round by Kansas City with the 54th overall pick. In 2022, Moore started in three games, with his biggest game coming in Week 11 against the Chargers, racking up a career-high 63 yards off five receptions. Moore totaled 22 receptions for 250 yards.

S Bryan Cook was selected in the second round with the No. 62 overall pick. Cook saw action in 16 games and started in one in 2022. He spent some time on special teams, totaling six combined special teams tackles. Cook racked up 27 tackles (19 solo), two quarterback pressures, two passes defensed and a tackle for loss.

LB Leo Chenal was taken in the third round with the No. 103 overall pick. Chenal started in eight games in 2022 but played in all 17. The rookie totaled 29 tackles (16 solo), three quarterback pressures, three tackles for loss and 1.0 sack (-1.0 yard). Chenal also had six combined special teams tackles.

CB Joshua Williams was picked up in the fourth round as the No. 135 overall pick and was the first player from an HBCU to be drafted since 2020, continuing the long standing history of HBCU’s and the Chiefs. With Kansas City, Williams started in four games and recorded 39 tackles (28 solo), seven passes defensed, snagged his first interception at San Francisco (10/23/22), and added one tackle for loss. The 6-foot-3 Williams utilized his length at San Francisco, totaling three passes defensed in the 44-23 win.

T Darian Kinnard was selected in the fifth round with the No. 145 overall pick. The former Kentucky player was the top tackle in the SEC last season and the 2021 Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner. Kinnard played in one game for the club his rookie season.

CB Jaylen Watson was the No. 243 overall pick taken in the seventh round. Watson started in six games and became the fastest rookie to return an interception for 99 yards and a TD after his interception against the Chargers (9/15/22). Watson totaled 46 tackles (37 solo) and six passes defensed with three tackles for loss. Watson opened the season with four back-to-back games with a pass defensed.

RB Isiah Pacheco adds to the RB room as the No. 251 overall pick. Pacheco started 11 consecutive games (Weeks 7 to 18) and played in all 17 games in 2022. He ended the season with 830 rushing yards off 170 carries, leading the team in rushing yards and coming in fifth in Chiefs history for rookie rushing yards in a season. He had five rushing TDs recording back-to-back TDs in Weeks 12 and 13, and Weeks 17 and 18. Pacheco’s 830 yards were fourth in total rushing yards amongst rookie running backs.

S Nazeeh Johnson was the No. 259 overall selection in this year’s draft. Johnson had minutes in 11 games for the Chiefs and made the most of his time totaling eight combined special teams tackles with two multitackle games (12/11/2022 at Denver and 1/1/2023 vs Denver).

CHIEFS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE - KIMBLE ANDERS

Kimble Anders was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame during the Chiefs Legends Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 6. Anders is the 51st individual and 47th player to earn this coveted honor. Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt reflected on Anders’ 10-year career with the Chiefs and his continued legacy.

“Tonight, we celebrate another great Chiefs Legend as we add another member to the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Kimble Anders played his entire 10year career with the Chiefs. Over that time, he made six playoff appearances and three Pro Bowl appearances. Kimble was the perfect fit for a fullback in Marty-ball,” Hunt said. “That was an offense that relied on the run and relied on talented and versatile athletes like Kimble. The fullback may not be quite as much in use in today’s NFL but it sure was a centerpiece of Marty Schottenheimer’s teams and Jimmy Raye did a great job of bringing it to life. As a player Kimble was the model of durability and versatility. As a man, he provides a superb example of service and character.”

Anders spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs (1991-2000), appearing in 125 games with 94 starts. His 125 games played for the team are tied for the second most by a running back or fullback in franchise history. He accumulated 2,261 yards on 495 carries for nine touchdowns while also racking up 2,829 receiving yards and nine additional receiving touchdowns. Anders was named to three-straight Pro Bowls following the 1995-97 seasons, becoming the first running back or fullback in franchise history to earn three consecutive trips to the NFL’s annual all-star game.

He currently resides in the Galveston, Texas, area where he is actively involved in football and leadership camps throughout the year while pursuing his coaching career and investing in outside business ventures.

NEW TO THE KINGDOM

Since the beginning of 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs signed a number of players to bolster the roster.

Pos. Name Last Team How Acquired

S Deon Bush

DE Carlos Dunlap

RB Ronald Jones

S Justin Reid

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Chicago FA-22

Seattle FA-22

Tampa Bay FA-22

Houston FA-22

Pittsburgh FA-22

WR Kadarius Toney New York Giants T(NYG)-22

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling Green Bay FA-22

WR Justin Watson Tampa Bay FA-22

DT Brandon Williams Baltimore FA-22

HEAD COACH ANDY REID NOTES

REID CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Career record of 247-138-1 in the regular season, as well as a 21-16 postseason record. Reid’s 268 combined wins rank fifth-most in NFL history and second among active coaches in regular season and postseason wins. He has defeated all 32 NFL teams as a head coach. His 117 reg. season wins in his first 10 seasons with KC are more than any other head coach in franchise history (162 games). Reid owns a .641 regular season winning percentage and a .635 career winning percentage.

• The Chiefs have won seven-straight AFC West titles (2016-22) for the first time in franchise history. Kansas City earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC in the 2018 season, and defeated the Colts to advance to the AFC Championship game. In 2019, as the No. 2 seed, the Chiefs defeated the Texans, 51-31 to advance and host the AFC title game for the second year in a row for the first time in franchise history. KC defeated the Titans to advance to Super Bowl LIV. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV for Reid’s first Super Bowl victory as a head coach and KC’s first SB victory in 50 years. Once again, KC earned the number one seed in 2020, finishing with a franchise-best 14-2 record. In 2021, the Chiefs defeated Buffalo to advance to the AFC Championship Game, with Reid becoming the first to coach in four-straight home AFC Championship Games. In 2022, KC finished the regular season 14-3, earning the No. 1 seed. KC defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 27-20 to advance and host its fifth-straight AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs defeated the Bengals, 23-20 to advance to Super Bowl LVII.

• A 12-4 record in 2016 earned KC the number two seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Reid guided Kansas City to it’s first playoff win in 22 years in 2015. The club finished 11-5 after a 1-5 start, the greatest turnaround in a single season in NFL history. The 2013 Chiefs, led by Head Coach Andy Reid, orchestrated the greatest single-season turnaround in franchise history after an 11-5 finish. In 2012, the team finished 2-14, a +9 turnaround in his first season with the club. During Reid’s 14 seasons in Philadelphia, his teams made the postseason nine times, which ranked third in the NFL behind Indianapolis’ 12 and New England’s 10.

• Including his time as an assistant coach, Reid’s teams have now made 24 playoff appearances, as well as five Super Bowl appearances after playing in a combined eight NFC Championships and four AFC Championships. He won Super Bowl XXXI as an assistant in Green Bay and Super Bowl LIV as the head coach in Kansas City. Reid owns three NFC titles, two AFC titles and 16 division titles in his career dating back to his days as an assistant. He mentored Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre while with the Packers along with QB Donovan McNabb with the Eagles.

REID VIA THE NFL DRAFT - HIS 1ST ROUND PICKS

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid has made 19 first-round selections as a head coach in the NFL.

REID’S COACHING TREE

Throughout his time in the NFL, Andy Reid has constructed quality coaching staffs to assist him. A number of those assistants have since gone on to head coaching responsibilities for other NFL franchises. Below is a list of notable coaches who have come from Andy Reid’s staffs.

John Harbaugh BAL 2008-present Head Coach

Sean McDermott BUF 2017-present Head Coach

Matt Nagy KC 2018-2021 Former CHI HC

Ron Rivera WAS 2020-present Head Coach

David Culley HOU 2021 Former HOU HC

Brad Childress CHI 2018-2019 Former MIN HC

Leslie Frazier BUF 2018-present Former MIN HC

Steve Spagnuolo KC 2019-present Former STL HC

Todd Bowles TB 2019-present Head Coach

Pat Shurmur DEN 2020-2021 Former NYG HC

Doug Pederson JAX 2022 Head Coach

ANDY REID’S HEAD COACHING RECORD

REID AS A HEAD COACH VS. THE NFL

Below is Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid’s record against the NFL as a head coach. He is 247-138-1 in the regular season, as well as 21-16 in the postseason. Reid has 268 total career wins as a head coach.

MOST OVERALL WINS; ACTIVE NFL HEAD COACHES

Andy Reid is one of five active NFL head coaches with over 150 victories. He has 268 overall wins and is one of five active coaches with 10 or more postseason victories (John Harbaugh has 11).

Reid defeated the Tennessee Titans in 2013, giving him wins against all 32 NFL teams. He became only the sixth head coach in NFL history to accomplish that feat. Below is a look at all the coaches who have done it.

THE BEST IN CHIEFS HISTORY

After concluding his 10th season as head coach in Kansas City, Andy Reid is the club’s second-longest tenured head coach trailing only Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Hank Stram (15 years) and tied with Marty Schottenheimer (10 years). Reid’s .722 regular season win percentage is the top mark in franchise history In Reid’s 162 regular season games with the Chiefs, he has registered a 61-20 (75.3%) record at home and a 56-25 (69.1%) record on the road.

HIGHEST REGULAR SEASON WIN PERCENTAGE

Name Career Rec. Pct.

1. Reid 117-45-0 .722

2. Schottenheimer 101-58-1 .634

3. Stram 124-76-10 .614

4. Vermeil 44-36-0 .550

Amongst active NFL head coaches with their current team, Reid is the fifthlongest tenured coach. Amongst those five, Reid’s 72.2% regular season win percentage with the Chiefs puts him at first among the longest-tenured coaces besting NE’s Bill Belichick (70.8% with NE) and ahead of PIT’s Mike Tomlin (63.6%). Reid - who is the all-time winningest head coach in Philadelphia Eagles history - is one of only four coaches to rank in the top two in all-time wins for two different NFL franchises (Dan Reeves, Tom Coughlin, Tony Dungy).

LONGEST TENURED ACTIVE COACHES REG. SEASON WIN PCT.

CHIEFS GENERAL MANAGER BRETT VEACH

VEACH IN THE NFL DRAFT AS PERSONNEL MAN

Since entering the NFL, Chiefs GM Brett Veach has been a part of personnel staffs that have drafted the below first-round picks. Yr. No. (Overall)

QUICK FACTS ON CHIEFS GM BRETT VEACH

• Brett Veach was named the seventh general manager in Kansas City Chiefs history on July 10, 2017. The 2022 season marked Veach's sixth season as an NFL general manager and his 16th year in the National Football League. Prior to being elevated, he previously served as the Chiefs Co-Director of Player Personnel.

• In his first six seasons as the GM, Veach helped the team earn a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LIV, three AFC Championships and AFC West titles in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, as well as the number one seed in the AFC in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and the number two seed in 2019 and 2021. The Chiefs defeated the Colts, 31-13, to advance to the AFC title game in 2018. KC defeated the Texans, 51-31, to advance and host the AFC title game for the second year in a row in 2019. The Chiefs defeated the Titans to advance to Super Bowl LIV, advancing to back-to-back Super Bowls for the first time in franchise history (2019-20). In the 2021 AFC Divisional Round, KC defeated the Buffalo Bills in a thriller to advance to the AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs earned the number one seed in the 2022 season. KC defeated the Jaguars to advance to the AFC title game. KC has now hosted five-straight AFC Championship Games (2018-22). The Chiefs defeated the Bengals, 23-20 to advance to Super Bowl LVII, making it their third Super Bowl appearance in four years.

• He is in his 10th season with the Chiefs after originally joining the club in 2013. He was promoted to Co-Director of Player Personnel prior to the 2015 season after serving two seasons as the club’s Pro and College Personnel Analyst (2013-14).

• The Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, native served as a Southeast Regional Scout for the Philadelphia Eagles (2011-12) after originally joining Philadelphia’s Player Personnel Department as a Pro and College Scout in 2010. Prior to entering the scouting department, Veach was the Assistant to Head Coach Andy Reid for three seasons in Philadelphia (2007-09).

• Before joining the Eagles, Veach was the Supervisor of Intercollegiate Athletic Events at his alma mater, the University of Delaware (2005-06). He was a four-year letterman as a wide receiver for the Blue Hens, catching 99 passes for 1,470 yards (14.8 avg.). He left Delaware as the school’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards with 1,558 yards. He was a standout running back for Mount Carmel High School. Wife - Alison; Children - twin sons, Elijah and Wylan, and a daughter, Ella.

NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS

After being named the new GM of the Chiefs on July 10, 2017, Brett Veach immediately started making moves. In his time as a GM, Veach has made a number of significant moves that have contributed to KC’s success.

VEACH’S NFL RECORD

CHIEFS CHAIRMAN AND CEO CLARK HUNT

HUNT’S LEADERSHIP AT THE NFL LEVEL

In addition to returning the franchise his father founded to national prominence, Clark Hunt is a leading voice among National Football League owners.

In 2019, Hunt was named Chairman of the Finance Committee after serving as a member for seven years. Hunt is a member and former Chairman of the International Committee and serves on the Management Council Executive Committee (CEC), the Personal Conduct Committee and Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Chairman’s Committee. In addition, Hunt was one of six members on the NFL Committee on Los Angeles Opportunities.

• Clark Hunt has been the driving force behind the resurgence of the Chiefs, transforming the iconic franchise into one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

• Hunt has been Chairman of the Chiefs since 2005, and since taking over an expanded role as both Chairman and CEO in 2010, the Chiefs have earned eight AFC West Division Championships, including seven-straight between 2016-22 under Hunt’s leadership. Since 2010, the club has qualified for the playoffs 10 times and hosted five-consecutive AFC Championship Games, becoming the first team in NFL history to host five-straight conference title games.

• Hunt once again hoisted the award that bears his father’s name - the Lamar Hunt Trophy - in 2020 as the Chiefs claimed their second-straight AFC Championship. The Chiefs made consecutive Super Bowl appearances for the first time in franchise history. In 2022, the Chiefs claimed the Lamar Hunt Trophy for a third time in four seasons and the club advanced to its fifth overall Super Bowl.

• Hunt reorganized the leadership structure of the Chiefs in 2013 so the head coach, the general manager and the team president would all report directly to the Chairman and CEO for the first time in team history. As part of the restructuring, Hunt hired Andy Reid as head coach in 2013, and in the 10 seasons since, the club has won 117 regular season games, which ranks first in the NFL over that time.

• Hunt promoted Brett Veach to General Manager in 2017 and during the 2020 season, he extended the contracts of both Reid and Veach, solidifying the leadership of the club’s football operation for many years to come.

• Hunt graduated first in his class at Southern Methodist University in 1987, earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. He was a team captain and four-year letterman on the Mustangs’ nationally ranked soccer team. He received the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020 for outstanding leadership in philanthropy, business, and civic life, and currently serves on the SMU Board of Trustees.

• Clark and his wife, Tavia, are actively involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives in both Kansas City and Dallas. The couple has three childrenGracie, Knobel and Ava.

In 2006, still early in his role as Chairman of the Chiefs, Hunt served on the NFL’s Commissioner Search Committee which recommended Roger Goodell as the successor to then-Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Hunt was appointed to the NFL’s Digital Media Committee in 2007 and served until it was restructured in 2019.

Beyond his service on various league committees, Hunt has served a key role in securing the ongoing labor peace between the National Football League and the NFL Players Association over the past decade. He was appointed by Goodell as one of 10 NFL owners to negotiate the NFL’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2011, and again in 2020, Hunt was an integral member of the NFL’s negotiating team that helped deliver a new Collective Bargaining Agreement a full season ahead of the deadline.

CARRYING ON THE OFF-FIELD LEGACY

As the son of legendary American sports pioneer and Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt, Clark Hunt has built upon his father’s legacy by ensuring the Chiefs organization remains focused on its core mission: Honor Tradition, Unite Our Community, Win with Character and Inspire Our Fans.

This commitment included a $125 million contribution from the Hunt family as part of the $375 million renovation of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium which was completed in 2010, as well as upgraded stadium technology, new seats, and additional stadium infrastructure measures. This commitment to the community extends beyond the field, with more than 50 pieces of art on display as part of the Arrowhead Art Collection, which combines two pieces of the cultural fabric of Kansas City – sports and the arts.

Hunt and his family steward a number of initiatives that were established under Lamar and have continued to grow over the years. The Chiefs Charity Game has raised more than $15.1 million dollars for multiple youth-focused charities since its inception in 1985. Red Friday, the club’s annual city-wide season kickoff raised $1 million from flag sales in 2020 alone for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. The team’s Kickoff Luncheon serves as a way to welcome the players and coaches back to Kansas City with fans and members of the business community. Finally, the Hunt Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which was established in 1983 as the Chiefs Children’s Fund, prioritizes youth-based charities, hunger relief, health and wellness, as well as children and families in crisis through philanthropy, programming, and volunteerism.

HUNT’S NFL RECORD AS CHAIRMAN AND CEO

CHIEFS QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES

MAHOMES IN CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has already cracked into the Chiefs record books with only 80 games under his belt. Below is a look at different categories where Mahomes has cemented his name in Chiefs history.

CHIEFS RECORD FOR MOST TD PASSES IN SINGLE GAME

CHIEFS RECORD FOR TD PASSES IN A SEASON

MAHOMES STARTS HOT

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes earned the NFL’s MVP award in 2018. His 50 TD passes in 2018 tied for the second-best mark in NFL history.

MOST TD PASSES SINGLE SEASON

Rk. Name Team TDS Year

1. Peyton Manning DEN 55 2013

2t. Patrick Mahomes KC 50 2018 Tom Brady NE 50 2007

4. Peyton Manning IND 49 2004

2018-22 PASSING YARDS

CHIEFS RECORD FOR HIGHEST PASSER RATING IN SINGLE GAME

MAHOMES AMONG 2018-22 PASSING LEADERS

Rk. Name Team Yards

1. Patrick Mahomes KC 23,957

2. Tom Brady NE/TB 23,055

3. Matt Ryan ATL/IND 20,996

4. Jared Goff LAR/DET 20,961

5. Kirk Cousins MIN 20,934

2018-22 PASSING TOUCHDOWNS

Rk.

2018-22 PASSER RATING (MIN. 750 ATTEMPTS, ACTIVE)

2.

3. Deshaun Watson HOU/CLE 102.2

4. Russell Wilson SEA/DEN 101.9

5. Kirk Cousins MIN 100.9

2018-22 YARDS PER ATTEMPT (MIN. 750 ATTEMPTS, ACTIVE)

Rk. Name Team Y/A

1. Jimmy Garoppolo SF 8.28

2. Deshaun Watson HOU/CLE 8.13

3. Patrick Mahomes KC 8.10

4. Jameis Winston TB/NO 7.90

5. Ryan Tannehill MIA/TEN 7.81

2018-22 YARDS PER COMPLETION (MIN. 750 ATTEMPTS)

Rk. Name Team Y/C

1. Jameis Winston TB/NO 12.77

2. Jimmy Garoppolo SF 12.23

3t. Patrick Mahomes KC 12.20 Jalen Hurts PHI 12.20

5. Deshaun Watson HOU/CLE 12.03

2018-22 TD PERCENTAGE (MIN. 750 ATTEMPTS, ACTIVE)

Rk. Name Team TD %

1. Patrick Mahomes KC 6.5

2. Russell Wilson SEA/DEN 6.2

3. Lamar Jackson BAL 6.1

4. Aaron Rodgers GB 5.9

5. Ryan Tannehill MIA/TEN 5.6

2018-22 PASS PLAYS OF 25+ YARDS

Rk. Name Team 25+ Yard Comp.

1. Patrick Mahomes KC 206

2. Tom Brady NE/TB 170

3t. Aaron Rodgers GB 168 Russell Wilson SEA/DEN 168

5. Derek Carr LV 162

2018-22 PASSING FIRST DOWNS

Rk. Name Team First Downs

1. Patrick Mahomes KC 1,183

2. Tom Brady NE/TB 1,137

3. Matt Ryan ATL/IND 1,057

4. Jared Goff LAR/DET 1,036

5. Kirk Cousins MIN 1,017

2018-22 REDZONE PASSING TDs (ACTIVE)

Rk. Name Team RZ TDs

1. Patrick Mahomes KC 129

2. Aaron Rodgers GB 112

3. Tom Brady NE/TB 109

4. Kirk Cousins MIN 106

5. Russell Wilson SEA/DEN 99

BY THE NUMBERS - PATRICK MAHOMES VS. THE NFL - REGULAR SEASON

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes finished his sixth NFL season and fifth as the team’s full-time signal-caller 14-3, the second 14-win season in franchise history. Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record in both 2018 and 2019, as well as a 14-2 record and the top seed in the AFC in 2020. In the NFL’s first 17-game season in 2021, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 12-5 record, once again notching first in the AFC West. Mahomes had 5,097 yards through the air in the 2018 season, the most in a season in franchise history at the time, and his 50 passing touchdowns are tied for the second most all-time in a single season in NFL history. In 2022, Mahomes threw for 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns, once again leading the league. His 5,250 passing yards in 2022 rank fourth-most in league history. In 80 career regular season starts, Mahomes has accumulated 24,241 career passing yards and 192 career passing TDs (Below are regular season totals).

QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES - NFL MVP SEASON (2018)

In his first season as the team’s starting QB, Patrick Mahomes left his mark in both NFL and Chiefs record books each week. Below is a list of milestones he reached throughout the 2018 season.

Week 1 at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 38-28)

• 15 of 27 (55.6%) for 256 yards, 4 TD, 127.5 QB rating

• Earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Week 2 at Pittsburgh Steelers (W, 42-37)

• 23 of 28 (82.1%) for 326 yards, 6 TD, 154.8 QB rating

• Chiefs Record: 6 TD passes in a single game

• Tied QB Len Dawson’s record set in 1964

• Chiefs Record: 10 TD passes in first 2 games of season

• Passed QB Len Dawson’s record of 7 TDs set in 1963

• NFL Record: 10 TD passes in first 2 games of season

• Passed QBs Peyton Manning (2013), Drew Brees (2009) Charley Johnson (1965) who all had 9

• Youngest player in NFL History to pass for 6 TDs

• AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Week 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers (W, 38-27)

• 24 of 38 (63.2%) for 314 yards, 3 TD, 115.5 QB rating

• NFL Record: 13 TD passes through first 3 weeks of season

• Passed QB Tom Brady’s 12 TD mark set in 2013

Week 4 at Denver Broncos (W, 27-23)

• 28 of 45 (62.2%) for 304 yards, 1 TD, 89.5 QB rating

• Chiefs Record: 1,200 passing yards through Week 4

• Passed Alex Smith’s mark of 1,110 passing yards set in 2015

• AFC Offensive Player of the Month

Week 5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (W, 30-14)

• 22 of 38 (57.9%) for 313 yards, 0 TD, 62.7 QB rating

• Chiefs Record: 1,513 passing yards through Week 5

• Passed Alex Smith’s mark of 1,391 passing yards set in 2015

Week 6 at New England Patriots (L, 43-40)

• 23 of 36 (63.9%) 352 yards, 4 TD, 110.0 QB rating

• Chiefs Record: 5 consecutive games with 300+ passing yards

• Passed QBs Trent Green (2004) and Bill Kenney’s (1983) mark of four consecutive games of 300+ passing yards

• Chiefs Record: 1,865 passing yards through Week 6

• Passed Alex Smith’s mark of 1,637 passing yards set in 2017

Week 7 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W, 45-10)

• 28 of 39 (71.8%) for 358 yards, 4 TD, 123.7 QB rating

• NFL Record: 22 passing TDs through first 8 career games.

• Passed QB Kurt Warner’s mark of 21 TDs (1998-99)

• Chiefs Record: 6 consecutive games with 300+ passing yards

• Passed Trent Green’s mark of 4 consecutive games (2004)

• Chiefs Record: 2,223 passing yards through Week 7

• Passed Alex Smith’s mark of 1,979 passing yards set in 2017

• FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week

Week 8 vs. Denver Broncos (W, 30-23)

• 24 of 34 (70.6%) for 303 yards, 4 TD, 125.0 QB rating

• NFL Record: 26 TD through first 9 career games

• Passed QB Kurt Warner’s mark of 24 TDs (1998-99)

• NFL Record: 2,810 passing yards through first 9 career games

• Passed Andrew Luck’s mark of 2,631 passing yards (2012)

• Chiefs Record: 7 consecutive games with 300+ passing yards

• Extends his franchise record

• FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week

Week 9 at Cleveland Browns (W, 37-21)

• 23 of 32 (71.9%) for 375 yards, 3 TD, 129.0 QB rating

• NFL Record: 29 TD through first 10 career games

• Passed QB Kurt Warner’s mark of 24 TDs (1998-99).

• NFL Record: 3,185 passing yards through first 10 career games

• Passed Andrew Luck’s mark of 2,965 passing yards (2012)

• Chiefs Record: 8 consecutive games with 300+ passing yards

Week 10 vs. Arizona Cardinals (W, 26-14)

• 21 of 28 (75.0%) for 249 yards, 2 TD, 125.4 QB rating

• NFL Record: 31 TD through first 11 career games

• Passed QB Kurt Warner’s mark of 27 TDs (1998-99)

• NFL Record: 3,434 passing yards through first 11 career games

• Passed QB Andrew Luck’s mark of 3,205 passing yards (2012)

• Chiefs Record: 31 TD passes in single season

• Passed QB L. Dawson’s single-season record 30 TD passes (1964)

Week 11 at Los Angeles Rams (L, 54-51)

• 33 of 46 (71.7%) for 478 yards, 6 TD, 117.6 QB rating

• Chiefs Record: 9 games in single season with 300+ passing yards

• Passed QB Trent Green’s mark of 8 games in 2004

• Chiefs Record: 6 TD passes in single game

• Tied his own franchise record set at Pittsburgh (9/16/18)

• Chiefs Record: 37 TD passes in single season

• Extends franchise record

Week 13 at Oakland Raiders (W, 40-33)

• 23 of 38 (60.5%) for 295 yards, 4 TD, 120.0 QB rating

• NFL Record: Fastest player to 4,000 passing yds (4,207 in 13 games)

• Chiefs Record: 10 games of 100.0+ passer rating in single season

• Tied QB Steve DeBerg’s mark set in 1990

• Chiefs Record: 41 TD passes in single season

• Extends franchise record

Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens (W, 27-24)

• 35 of 53 (66.0%) for 377 yards, 2 TD, 91.5 QB rating

• Chiefs Record: 43 TD passes in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 10 games in a single season with 300+ passing yds.

• Extends franchise record

Week 15 vs. Los Angeles Chargers (L, 29-28)

• 24 of 34 (70.6%) for 243 yards, 2 TD, 110.3 rating

• Chiefs Record: 45 TD passes in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 11 games of 100.0+ passer rating in single season

• Passed QB Steve DeBerg’s mark of 10 set in 1990

Week 16 at Seattle Seahawks (L, 38-31)

• 23 of 40 (57.5%) for 273 yards, 3 TD, 103.4 rating

• Chiefs Record: 48 TD passes in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 12 games of 100.0+ passer rating in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 4,816 passing yards in single season

• Passed QB Trent Green’s mark of 4,591 yards set in 2004

• NFL Record: 31 TDs in road games in single season

• Passed QB Tom Brady’s mark of 29 set in 2007

Week 17 vs. Oakland Raiders (W, 35-3)

• 14 of 24 (58.3%) for 281 yards, 2 TD, 109.9 rating

• Chiefs Record: 50 TD passes in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 13 games of 100.0+ passer rating in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 5,097 passing yards in single season

• Extends franchise record

• Chiefs Record: 383 passes completed in a single season

• Passed QB Trent Green’s mark of 369 set in 2004

AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Indianapolis Colts (W, 31-13)

• 27 of 41 (65.9%) for 278 yards, 1 Rushing TD, 85.2 rating

• Led Chiefs to first home playoff win since 1993 season.

• Helped advance Chiefs to first home AFC Championship appearance.

AFC Championship Game vs. New England Patriots (L, 31-37)

• 16 of 31 (51.6%) for 295 yards, 3 TDs, 117.0 rating

• Fourth-most passing yards in postseason game in team history

• Second-most TD passes in a single postseason game in club history

QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES - SUPER BOWL MVP SEASON (2019)

In his second season as the Chiefs full-time signal-caller, QB Patrick Mahomes continued his trend of performing at a high level. Below is a gameby-game breakdown of the accolades that Mahomes reached on his path to a Super Bowl title.

Week 1 at Jacksonville Jagurs (W, 40-26)

• Completed 25-of-33 passes (75.8%) for 378 yards, three TDs and a 143.2 passer rating, along with zero INTs.

• 211 first-half passing yards were most in NFL since QB Peyton Manning in 2004.

• Passed Pro Football HOF QB Kurt Warner for most passing yards in first 20 career games (5,759).

Week 2 at Oakland Raiders (W, 28-10)

• Completed 30-of-44 passes (68.2%) for 443 yards, four TDs and a 131.2 passer rating, along with zero INTs.

• 278 passing yards (NFL record) and four passing TDs in the second quarter broke a franchise mark.

• Guided offense to record-breaking 20th straight 26-point output.

• 821 passing yards from Week 1 to Week 2 set the franchise record for most passing yards in the first two weeks to being a season, also ranking fifth all-time in NFL history in the same category.

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

• Named FedEx Air & Ground’s “Air” Player of the Week.

Week 3 vs. Baltimore Ravens (W, 33-28)

• Completed 27-of-37 passes (73.0%) for 374 yards, three TDs and a 132.0 passer rating, along with zero INTs.

• Passed Pro Football HOF QB Kurt Warner for most 300-yard passing games in a QB’s first 20 career games in the Super Bowl era (13).

• 1,195 passing yards ranks through the first three games ranks fourth all-time in NFL history.

• Named FedEx Air & Ground’s “Air” Player of the Week for second consecutive week.

Week 4 at Detroit Lions (W, 34-30)

• Completed 24-of-42 (57.1%) for 315 yards and zero INTs.

• Ranked third in NFL history with 1,510 passing yards through the first four games.

• Threw for at least 300 yards in 14th career game, the third most in franchise history.

• Became just the fourth QB in NFL history to throw for at least 300 yards in each of the first four games to begin a season.

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Month (September).

Week 5 vs. Indianapolis Colts (L, 13-19)

• Completed 22-of-39 (56.4%) for 321 yards, one TD and zero INTs.

• Broke the NFL record for most passing yards without throwing an INT to being a season (Peyton Manning, 2013; 1,744).

• Recorded 300-plus passing yards for 15th career time, tying the franchise record for the second-most career 300-yard passing games in club history (Bill Kenney).

Week 6 vs. Houston Texans (L, 24-31)

• Completed 19-of-35 (54.3%) for 273 yards, three TDs and one INT.

• Recorded his 14th career outing of throwing for at least three TDs, ranking third in team history for most games with three or more TD passes.

• Threw first INT of the season in the second quarter after accumulating 1,896 passing yards on the season, advancing his NFL-record to 2,027 passing yards thrown without an INT to begin a season.

Week 7 at Denver Broncos (W, 30-6)

• Completed 10-of-19 (52.6%) for 117 yards, one TD and zero INTs.

• Surpassed 7,500 career passing yards, setting a new NFL record (24 games).

Week 10 at Tennessee Titans (L, 32-35)

• Completed 36-of-50 (72.0%) for 446 yards, three TDs and zero INTs.

• With a passer rating of 119.2, accumulated his fifth outing with at least a 115.0 passer rating this season, marking just the fourth time

that a QB in their first three seasons has been able to do so in a team’s first 10 games to begin a season.

• Marked his 16th career 300-yard passing performance, the second most in franchise history and third-most in NFL history in a QB’s first three seasons.

Week 11 at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 24-17)

• Completed 19-of-32 (59.4%) for 182 yards and one TD.

• Rushed for a career-high 59 yards, tallying three rushing first downs.

Week 13 vs. Oakland Raiders (W, 40-9)

• Completed 15-of-29 passes (51.7%) for 175 yards and one TD.

• Rushed for at least 25 yards in second consecutive game, recording his first rushing TD of the season on a 13-yard carry.

Week 14 at New England Patriots (W, 23-16)

• Completed 26-of-40 passes (65.0%) for 283 yards with one TD and one INT.

• Became the first starting QB under the age of 25 to beat the Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., since 2011 (Jets QB Mark Sanchez).

Week 15 vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)

• Completed 27-of-34 passes (88.9%) for 340 yards with two TDs and one INT.

• Tied Kurt Warner’s record for second-most 300-yard passing games in a QB’s first three NFL seasons (17 games).

• Recorded second-highest pass-completion percentage outing of career (79.4%).

Week 16 at Chicago Bears (W, 26-3)

• Completed 23-of-33 passes (69.7%) for 251 yards with two passing TDs and zero INTs.

• Became the fastest QB in NFL history to throw for 9,000 career passing yards and 75 career passing TDs (30th career game).

• Tied a single-season career-best with second rushing TD of the year.

Week 17 vs. Los Angeles Chargers (W, 31-21)

• Completed 16-of-25 passes (64.0%) for 174 yards, one passing TD and one INT.

• Added 21 rushing yards, taking his season total to 218 rushing yards.

• Guided the Chiefs offense to over 30 points scored for the unit’s seventh time this season, helping secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC Playoffs.

AFC Divisional Round vs. Houston Texans (W, 51-31)

• Completed 23-of-35 passes (65.7%) for 321 yards and a franchiserecord five TD passes.

• Guided the Chiefs to the franchise’s largest comeback (24 pts)

• Recorded a 134.6 passer rating, becoming the first QB since Nick Foles (2017) to record a passer rating of over 134.5 in the postseason.

• His five TD passes were the most by a QB since Ben Roethlisberger recorded five TD throws in the 2017 postseason.

AFC Championship vs. Tennessee Titans (W, 35-24)

• Completed 23-of-35 passes (65.7%) for 294 yards, three passing TDs and zero INTs.

• Finished the game with a passer rating of 120.4, his second-highest single-game passer rating in a playoff game.

• Broke the franchise record for most career passing TDs in the postsea son (11).

• Rushed for a team-best 53 yards with a postseason career-long TD rush of 27 yards.

Super Bowl LIV vs. San Francisco 49ers (W, 31-20)

• Completed 26-of-42 passes (61.9%) for 286 yards, two passing TDs and two INTs.

• Earned the Super Bowl LIV MVP Award after leading the Chiefs to 21 unanswered points in the game’s final quarter.

• Rushed for a one-yard TD in the first quarter.

QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES 2020 ACCOLADES

In his third season as the team’s starting QB, Patrick Mahomes continues to leave his mark in both NFL and Chiefs record books each week. Below is a list of milestones he’s reached throughout the 2020 season.

Week 1 vs. Houston Texans (W, 34-20)

• 24 of 32 (75.0%) for 211 yards, 3 TD, 123.3 QB rating.

• Ties NFL record 25 wins in first 32 games (Dan Marino, Kurt Warner).

• Earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Week 2 at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 23-20)

• 27 of 47 (57.4%) for 302 yards, 2 TD, 90.9 QB rating.

• NFL record 13 games since 2018 with 3+ players with a receiving TD.

Week 3 at Baltimore Ravens (W, 34-20)

• 31 of 42 (73.8%) for 385 yards, 4 TD, 133.5 QB rating.

• NFL record fastest QB to pass for 10,000 yards (34 games).

• Earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Week 4 vs. New England Patriots (W, 26-10)

• 19 of 29 (65.5%) for 236 yards, 2TD, 113.6 QB rating.

Week 5 vs. Las Vegas Raiders (L, 40-32)

• 22 of 43 (51.2%) for 340 yards, 2 TD, 83.5 QB rating.

Week 6 at Buffalo Bills (W, 26-17)

• 21 of 26 (80.8%) for 225 yards, 2 TD, 128.4 QB rating.

• NFL record fastest QB to pass for 90-career touchdowns (37 games).

• Set Chiefs record with 16 consecutive games with a passing TD.

Week 7 at Denver Broncos (W, 43-16)

• 15 of 23 (65.2%) for 200 yards, 1 TD, 107.2 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 17 consecutive games with a passing TD.

Week 8 vs. New York Jets (W, 35-9)

• 31 of 42 (73.8%) for 416 yards, 5 TD, 144.4 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 18 consecutive games with a passing TD.

• Chiefs record 10 career games with 4+ passing TDs.

• NFL record 3+ passing TDs and 0 INTs in a half 10 times since 2018, twice as many as the QBs with the next-most (Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady) (According to NFL Research).

• Earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

• Earned FedEx Air Player of the Week.

Week 9 vs. Carolina Panthers (W, 33-31)

• 30 of 45 (66.7%) for 372 yards, 4 TD, 144.4 QB rating.

• NFL Record fastest quarterback to reach 100-career TD passes - 101 TDs in 40 games.

• Extended Chiefs record to 19 consecutive games with a passing TD.

• Chiefs Record 11 games with 4+ passing TDs.

• Ties NFL record 350+ passing yards, 4+ passing TDs and 0 INTs in back-to-back games (joins QB Tom Brady as the only players to accomplish this in back-to-back weeks in a single season since at least 1950 (According to CBS Sports).

Week 11 at Las Vegas Raiders (W, 35-31)

• 34 of 45 (75.6%) for 348 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 102.8 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 20 consecutive games with a passing TD.

Week 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W, 27-24)

• 37 of 49 (75.5%) for 462 yards, 3 TD, 124.7 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 21 consecutive games with a passing TD.

• First player in NFL history with at least 30 completions and 300 passing yards in four consecutive games (NFL Research).

• Joins Dan Marino (six games) as only players with five career games with at least 400 passing yards and three touchdowns, in their first four seasons in NFL history.

• Tied Chiefs record 24 career games with 300+ passing yards.

• Earned FedEx Air Player of the Week.

• Earned NFL Offensive Player of the Month - November.

Week 13 vs. Denver Broncos (W, 22-16)

• 25 of 40 (62.5%) for 318 yards, 1 TD, 95.6 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 22 consecutive games with a passing TD.

• Chiefs record 25 career games with 300+ passing yards.

Week 14 at Miami Dolphins (W, 33-27)

• 24 of 34 (70.6%) for 393 Yards, 2 TD, 3 INT, 91.9 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 23 consecutive games with a passing TD.

• Extends Chiefs record 26 career games with 300+ passing yards.

• Tied NFL record (PFHOF QB Kurt Warner) 26 career 300-yard games for the most games of at least 300 passing yards a player’s first four seasons in league annals.

• Chiefs record 26 career 300-yard games.

• According to NFL Communications, six-straight 315+ passing yards game, tied with QBs Drew Brees (2012-13) and Rich Gannon (2002) for the longest streak in NFL history.

Week 15 at New Orleans Saints (W, 32-29)

• 26 of 47 (55.3%) for 254 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 92.0 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 24 consecutive games with a passing TD.

• Voted to the 2021 Pro Bowl.

Week 16 vs. Atlanta Falcons (W, 17-14)

• 24 of 44 (54.5%) for 278 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 79.5 QB rating.

• Extended Chiefs record to 25 consecutive games with a passing TD.

Week 17 vs. Los Angeles Chargers (L, 38-21)

• Inactive (No. 1 Seed Clinched in AFC)

AFC Divisional vs. Cleveland Browns (W, 22-17)

• 21 of 30 (70.0%) for 255 Yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 106.9 QB rating.

• Chiefs postseason record for most passing yards (1,729) in a career.

• KC postseason record for most passes attempted (214) in a career.

• KC postseason record for most completed passes (136) in a career.

• Chiefs postseason record for most TD passes (14) in a career.

AFC Championship vs. Buffalo Bills (W, 38-24)

• 29 of 38 (76.3%) for 325 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 127.6 QB rating.

• NFL Record: youngest quarterback to start in three-consecutive conference championship games (25 years old), and the only quarter back to accomplish the feat prior to his 26th birthday. Also the first quarterback to do so in his first four seasons in the league.

• NFL postseason record for most TD passes (17) in first four seasons.

• Extends Chiefs postseason record for most passing yards (2,054) in a career.

• Extends KC postseason record for most passes attempted (252) in a career.

•Extends KC postseason record for most completed passes (165) in a career.

• Extends Chiefs postseason record for most TD passes (17) in a career.

Super Bowl LV at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L, 31-9)

• 26 of 49 (53.1%) for 270 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT, 52.3 QB rating.

• Helped Chiefs earn back-to-back Super Bowl trips.

• Three AFC Championship appearances in three years starting.

QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES 2021 ACCOLADES

In his fourth season as the team’s starting QB, Patrick Mahomes continues to leave his mark in both NFL and Chiefs record books each week. Below is a list of milestones he’s reached throughout the 2021 season.

Week 1 vs. Cleveland Browns (W, 33-29)

• 27 of 36 (75.0%) for 337 yards, 3 TD, 131.4 QB rating.

• Chiefs/current NFL record 26 straight games with a passing TD.

• Chiefs record 27 games of 300+ passing yards.

• NFL record most passing yards (14,372) in first 50 starts (47).

• NFL record most passing TDs (117) in first 50 starts (47).

• Chiefs record (regular + postseason) rushing TDs by a QB (11).

Week 2 at Baltimore Ravens (L, 35-36)

• 24 of 31 (77.4%) for 343 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 131.5 QB rating.

• Chiefs/current NFL record 27 straight games with a passing TD.

• Chiefs record 28 games of 300+ passing yards.

• Ties Chiefs record 30 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

Week 3 vs. Los Angeles Chargers (L, 24-30)

• 27 of 44 (61.4%) for 260 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 81.6 QB rating.

• Chiefs/current NFL record 28 straight games with a passing TD.

• NFL record fastest QB to pass for 15,000+ yards (49 career starts).

Week 4 at Philadelphia Eagles (W, 42-30)

• 24 of 30 (80.0%) for 278 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT, 131.0 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 31 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

• Chiefs/current NFL record 29 straight games with a passing TD.

• Ties NFL record 3+ TDs in first four games of a season, joining Steve Young (1998), Kurt Warner (1999) and Tom Brady (2007).

Week 5 vs. Buffalo Bills (L, 20-38)

• 33 of 54 (61.1%) for 272 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT, 70.9 QB rating.

• Chiefs/current NFL record 30 straight games with a passing TD.

Week 6 at Washington Football Team (W, 31-13)

• 32 of 47 (68.1%) for 397 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT, 90.5 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 29 games of 300+ passing yards.

• Chiefs/current NFL record 31 straight games with a passing TD.

Week 11 vs. Dallas Cowboys (W, 19-9)

• 23 of 37 (62.2%) for 260 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 71.9 QB rating.

Week 13 vs. Denver Broncos (W, 22-9)

• 29 of 15 (51.7%) for 184 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 57.3 QB rating.

Week 14 vs. Las Vegas Raiders (W, 48-9)

• 20 of 24 (83.3%) for 258 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 139.2 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 33 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

Week 15 at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)

• 31 of 47 (66.0%) for 410 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 105.8 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 34 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

• Chiefs record 31 games of 300+ passing yards.

• Chiefs record seven games with 400+ passing yards.

• NFL record seven games with 400+ passing yards in first five sea sons.

• Joins PFHOF QB Peyton Manning as only two QBs to log four con secutive seasons with 4,000+ passing yards in their first five seasons.

Week 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (W, 36-10)

• 23 of 30 (76.7%) for 258 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 135.1 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 35 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

• Chiefs record 64 career TD passes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead.

• Chiefs record four-time AFC Offensive Player of the Month.

• NFL record as only player to earn a Player of the Month award the past four seasons.

Week 17 at Cincinnati Bengals (W, 34-31)

• 26 of 35 (74.3%) for 259 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 113.9 QB rating.

• NFL record first QB with at least 35 touchdown passes in three of his first five seasons.

• Chiefs record 36 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

Week 18 at Denver Broncos (W, 28-24)

• 27 of 44 (61.4%) for 270 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 93.9 QB rating.

• Chiefs clinch no. 2 seed in the AFC Playoff Picture.

AFC Wild Card Playoffs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (W, 42-21)

• 30 of 39 (77.0%) for 404 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT, 138.2 QB rating.

• 138.2 is highest passer rating in a playoff game in team history.

• Five TD passes ties club record for most TD passes.

• 404 yards is most passing yards in a playoff game in team history.

AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Buffalo Bills (W, 42-36-OT)

• 33 of 44 (75.0%) for 378 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 123.1 QB rating.

• Team trailed with :13 to play before tying game.

• Mahomes led offense to team record 552 total net yards.

AFC Championship vs. Cincinnati Bengals (L, 24-27-OT)

• 26 of 39 (66.7%) for 275 yards, 3 TD, 2 INTs, 91.3 QB rating.

• Led Chiefs to an NFL record fourth-straight home AFC Championship

Week 7 at Tennessee Titans (L, 3-27)

• 20 of 35 (57.1%) for 206 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 62.3 QB rating.

Week 8 vs. New York Giants (W, 20-17)

• 29 of 48 (60.4%) for 275 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 74.6 QB rating.

Week 9 vs. Green Bay Packers (W, 13-7)

• 20 of 37 (54.1%) for 166 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 74.8 QB rating.

Week 10 at Las Vegas Raiders (W, 41-14)

• 35 of 50 (70.0%) for 406 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, 127.6 QB rating.

• NFL record 30 games with at least 300 passing yards by a player in his first five seasons.

• Chiefs record 30 games of 300+ passing yards.

• Chiefs record 32 games of 100.0+ passer rating.

QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES 2022 ACCOLADES

In his fifth season as the team’s starting QB, Patrick Mahomes continues to leave his mark in both NFL and Chiefs record books each week. Below is a list of milestones he’s reached throughout the 2022 season.

Week 1 at Arizona Cardinals (W, 44-21)

• 30 of 39 (76.9%) for 360 yards, 5 TD, 0 Int, 144.2 QB rating.

• Became first QB in NFL history to record three or more TD passes in five consecutive season openers.

• AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Week 2 vs. Los Angeles Chargers (W, 27-24)

• 24 of 35 (68.6%) for 235 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 106.2 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 38 career games.

Week 3 at Indianapolis Colts (L, 17-20)

• 20 of 35 (57.1%) for 262 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 78.5 QB rating.

Week 4 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W, 41-31)

• 23 of 37 (62.2%) for 249 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 97.7 QB rating.

• NFL/Chiefs record 162 touchdown passes in first 67 games.

• NFL/Chiefs record 67 games to 20,000 career passing yards.

• AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Week 5 vs. Las Vegas Raiders (W, 30-29)

• 29 of 43 (67.4%) for 292 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT, 117.6 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 39.

Week 6 vs. Buffalo Bills (L, 20-24)

• 25 of 40 (62.5%) for 338 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT, 85.2 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 278 career 20+ yard passes.

Week 7 at San Francisco 49ers (W, 44-23)

• 25 of 34 (73.5%) for 423 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 132.4 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 40.

Week 9 vs. Tennesse Titans (W, 20-17)

• 43 of 68 (63.2%) for 446 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 80.9 QB rating.

• Chiefs record 68 passes attempted in a game.

• Chiefs record 43 completed passes in a game

• Extends Chiefs record to 35 300 yard passing games in a career.

• Tied for first in the NFL with 35 300 yard passing games since 2017.

• NFL/Chiefs record for most passing yards in first 75 starts with 21,596 (71 starts).

Week 10 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (W, 27-17)

• 26 of 35 for 331 yards (74.3%), 4 TD, 1 Int, 129.6 QB rating.

• NFL record 176 passing touchdowns in first 75 career starts (72 starts).

• Tied NFL record 33 games with three or more passing touchdowns in first 75 career starts (72 starts).

• NFL record 16 games with four or more passing touchdowns in first 75 career starts (72 starts). •

• NFL leader of games with 300 passing yards since 2017 with 36.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 41.

Week 11 at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 30-27)

• 20 of 34 for 329 yards (58.8%), 3 TD, 0 Int, 120.8 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 42.

• Extends title of NFL leader of games with 300 passing yards since 2017 with 37.

• Extends Chiefs record to 37 300-yard passing games in a career.

• Tied NFL record with 58 career wins by a QB in first 75 starts (73 starts)

• Extends NFL record to 179 passing touchdown passes in first 75 career game (73 games).

Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Rams (W, 26-10)

• 27 of 42 for 320 yards (64.3%) 1 TD, 1 Int, 85.4 QB rating.

• NFL record of 59 career wins by a QB in first 75 starts (74 starts).

• Extends Chiefs record to 38 300-yard passing games in a career.

• Tied for most QB-pass catcher touchdown connections with 46 to Travis Kelce.

Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals (L, 24-27)

• 16 of 27 for 223 yards (59.3%) 1 TD, 0 Int, 98.2 QB rating.

• Tied Chiefs record for most rushing touchdowns by a QB with 10.

Week 14 at Denver Broncos (W, 34-28)

• 28 of 42 for 352 yards (66.7%) 3 TD, 3 Int, 86.6 QB rating.

• Extends Chiefs record to 39 300-yard passing games in a career.

• Extends title of NFL leader of games with 300 passing yards since 2017 to 39.

Week 15 at Houston Texans (W, 30-24 OT)

• 36 of 41 for 336 yards (87.8%) 2 TD, 0 Int, 117.1 QB rating.

• Extends Chiefs record to 40 300-yard passing games in a career.

• Extended title of NFL leader of games with 300 passing yards since 2017 to 40.

• Chiefs record 87.80 completion percentage.

• Chiefs record 11 rushing touchdowns by a QB

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 43.

Week 16 vs. Seattle Seahawks (W, 24-10)

• 16 of 28 for 224 yards (57.1%) 2 TD, 0 Int, 106.8 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 44.

• Extends Chiefs record to 12 rushing touchdowns by a QB.

Week 17 vs. Denver Broncos (W, 27-24)

• 29 of 42 for 328 yards (69.0%) 3 TD, 1 Int, 106.1 QB rating

• Tied NFL record for most seasons with 5,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns in a career with two.

• Tied Chiefs record for most 300-yard passing games in a season with 10.

• Chiefs record 1,280 (658,622) passes attempted in consecutive seasons.

• Chiefs record 853 (436, 417) passes completed in consecutive seasons.

• Chiefs record 9,887 (4.839, 5,048) passing yards in consecutive seasons.

• Chiefs record 77 (37,40) passing touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 45.

• Extends Chiefs record to 41 300-yard passing games in a career.

• Extended title of NFL leader of games with 300 passing yards since 2017 to 41.

Week 18 at Las Vegas Raiders (W, 31-13)

• 18 of 26 for 202 yards (69.2%) 1 TD, 0 Int, 105.0 QB rating.

• NFL record 5,614 combined yards by a QB.

• Chiefs record 5,250 passing yards in a season.

• Extends franchise record for career games with 100.0 passer rating to 46.

AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (W, 27-20)

• 22 of 30 for 195 yards (73.3%) 2 TD, 0 Int, 112.5 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career postseason games with 100.0 passer rating to 8.

AFC Conference Championship vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W, 23-20

• 29 of 43 for 326 yards (67.4%) 2 TD, 0 INT, 105.4 QB rating.

• Extends franchise record for career postseason games with 100.0 passer rating to 9.

A HOT START FOR THE YOUNG QUARTERBACK

With 80 games under his belt as a starting quarterback in the National Football League, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has performed at a record-setting pace thus far. The charts below compare Mahomes’ first 80 games of his career to some of the game’s greatest quarterbacks in their first 80 starts.

Listed are Pro Football HOF QBs Brett Favre, Kurt Warner, Dan Marino, John Elway, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, Troy Aikman, Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning, along with potential future PFHOFers QBs Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. Among the group, there are 11 Pro Football Hall of Famers, 11 NFL/AFL MVP Award winners, 12 Super Bowl champions and 10 Super Bowl MVPs.

PASSING YARDS (THROUGH FIRST 80 STARTS)

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS (THROUGH FIRST 80 STARTS)

INTERCEPTIONS (THROUGH FIRST 80 STARTS)

* Denotes Pro Football Hall of Famer

COMEBACK KINGDOM

QB Patrick Mahomes led his team to an NFL-QB record eight straight comefrom-behind wins after being down by at least 10 points from 2019-20. He has a total of 13 such comeback victories in his career.

PASS COMPLETIONS (THROUGH FIRST 80 STARTS)

PASSER RATING (THROUGH FIRST 80 STARTS)

Mahomes also owns 14 wins in games his team entered the fourth quarter either trailing or tied.

* Denotes Postseason Game

MISC. OFFENSIVE NOTES MISC. OFFENSIVE NOTES

KELCE LOGS NFL RECORD

Over the past five seasons (2018-22), Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has landed himself in the NFL history book as he’s recorded three of the top five single season receiving yard marks for tight ends in the league’s existence. He set the record in 2020 with 1,416 receiving yards on 105 receptions.

NFL RECORD BOOK: SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING YARDS, TIGHT END

With 144 games played in his career, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has already cemented himself in league history and continues to produce at a recordsetting pace. The below chart compares the first 144 games of Kelce’s career to some of the game’s greatest tight ends in their first 144 games.

Listed are all nine TEs enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- Dave Casper (1974-84), Mike Ditka (1961-72), Tony Gonzalez (1997-2013), John Mackey (1963-72), Ozzie Newsome (1978-90), Charlie Sanders (1968-77), Shannon Sharpe (1990-2003), Jackie Smith (1963-78) and Kellen Winslow (1979-87) -- along with potential future PFHOF TEs Antonio Gates (2003-18), Jason Witten (2003-17, 2019-20) and Rob Gronkowski (201018, 2020-21).

RECEPTIONS (THROUGH FIRST 144 GAMES)

With 71 receiving yards in Kansas City’s 2022 Week 14 game against the Broncos (12/11/22), TE Travis Kelce became just the second pass catcher in franchise history to cross the 10,000-yard plateau for his career. He now owns 10,344 career receiving yards. He has 35 100-yard receiving games in his career, including six in 2022. His 35 100-yard receiving games is a league best for tight ends.

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK: MOST RECEIVING YARDS, CAREER

1.

2.

3.

4.

By reaching the milestone in just 140 games, Kelce became the fastest tight end, and fifth ever, in NFL history to record 10,000 career receiving yards. He's also the fastest tight end in NFL history to record 9,000 career receiving yards, doing so in 127 games.

NFL RECORD BOOK: FASTEST TO 10,000 RECEIVING YARDS, TIGHT END

Rk. Name Years Games

1. Travis Kelce 2013-22 140

2. Tony Gonzalez 1997-08 177

3. Antonio Gates 2003-14 179

4. Jason Witten 2003-14 180

5. Shannon Sharpe 1990-03 203

KELCE YARDS AFTER CATCH

Since entering the NFL in 2013, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ranks first in yards after catch.

RECEIVING YARDS (THROUGH FIRST 144 GAMES)

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS (THROUGH FIRST 144 GAMES)

KELCE JOINS THE 10,000 CLUB

KELCE AMONG THE ALL-TIME GREATS

PLAYOFF CALIBER LEADERSHIP

The Chiefs have appointed their 2022 Playoff Captains. These six Chiefs members have had monumental seasons. QB Patrick Mahomes connected with McKinnon and Kelce for 21 receiving touchdowns this season. On the other side of the ball, DE Chris Jones finished third in the league for sacks, tying with Matthew Judon with 15.5. LB Nick Bolton set the Chiefs record for most tackles in a season with 180. Rounding out the captains, P Tommy Townsend climbed to the top of the Chiefs record book for punting average in a season (53 punts), averaging 50.42.

PROTECTION UP FRONT

Prior to the 2021 season, the Chiefs overhauled their offensive line, drafting C Creed Humphrey with the 63rd pick in the second round and picking up G Trey Smith with the 226th overall pick in the sixth round. The draft picks were paired with Joe Thuney as a free agent and the club traded for T Orlando Brown Jr. adding size and versatility to its front line.

These additions have kept QB Patrick Mahomes protected. Throughout the 2022 season, the Chiefs front allowed only 26 sacks, the third-fewest across the league. The offensive line allowed no sacks four times in 2022 (Week 1, Week 10, Week 12, Week 17). Kansas City’s 26 sacks are the fewest allowed in the AFC.

SACKS ALLOWED, 2022

24

PUT IT ON THE BOARD

TE Travis Kelce has recorded at least one pass reception in 143-consecutive games played from Week 1 of the 2014 season (9/7/14) through Week 18 of the 2022 season (1/7/23), setting the record for longest streak in franchise history.

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK:

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES, PASS RECEPTIONS Rk. Games Player Years

1. 143 Travis Kelce Sept. 7, 2014 – Present

2. 131 Tony Gonzalez Dec. 4, 2000 – Dec. 28, 2008

3. 83 Stephone Paige Nov. 17, 1985 – Sept. 29, 1991

Kelce’s 143-consecutive games with a reception ranks second among all active NFL players. Kelce’s achievement also ranks as the longest consecutive mark by an active TE in the National Football League.

NFL RECORD BOOK:

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES, PASS RECEPTION, ACTIVE STREAK Rk. Name Team Games Date

1. DeAndre Hopkins HOU/ARI 145 Sept. 9, 2013 – Present

2. Travis Kelce KC 142 Sept. 7, 2014 – Present

3. Stefon Diggs MIN/BUF 119 Oct. 4, 2015 – Present

4. Zach Ertz PHI/ARI 116 Dec. 7, 2014 – Present

Kelce concludes his 10th season with 10,344 career receiving yards becoming one of five tight ends in NFL history to eclipse 10,000 receiving yards after recording 71 yards against the Broncos (12/11/22). Reaching this mark in just 140 games, Kelce became the fastest tight end to accomplish 10,000 receiving yards. Kelce’s 71 receiving yards in the win over the Broncos also earned him his seventh-consecutive 1,000 yard receiving season, the most consecutive 1,000 yard seasons in franchise history.

NFL RECORD BOOK

MOST RECEIVING YARDS, CAREER, TIGHT END (ALL 10,000+)

1. 15,127 Tony Gonzalez 1997-13

2. 13,046 Jason Witten 2003-20

3. 11,841 Antonio Gates 2003-18

Since 2018, the Chiefs rank first in the NFL in points scored per game (30.1). The Chiefs averaged 29.2 points per game in the 2022 season, coming out on top across the league. Since Andy Reid was named Head Coach in 2013, the Chiefs have had at least four games each season where they’ve scored 30 or more points. In 2018, the club scored at least 30 points 12 times, which ranked first in franchise history. In the 2022 season alone, they Chiefs recorded eight games with at least 30 points.

NFL LEADERS - POINTS PER GAME (2018-22)

SCRIMMAGE YARDS PER GAME LEADERS

Over the last five seasons, the Chiefs rank first in the NFL in scrimmage yards per game.

2018-22 NFL LEADERS - SCRIMMAGE YARDS PER GAME

MOVING THE CHAINS

Since 2018, the Chiefs ranked first in the league with a total of 1,958 first downs.

2018-22 NFL LEADERS, FIRST DOWNS

Rk. Team First Downs

1. KC 1,958

2. TB 1,855

3. LAC 1,813

4. 10,344 Travis Kelce 2013-22

PUT IT ON THE BOARD

5. 10,060 Shannon Sharpe 1990-03

With Kelce’s TD reception during the Week 12 victory over the Rams, he had 12 scoring catches on the season, tying for the third-most touchdown receptions in a single-season in franchise history and topping his previous mark of 11 (2020) for a new single-season career-high.

CHIEFS RECORD BOOK

MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS, SEASON

1t. 15 Dwayne Bowe 2010 Tyreek Hill

3t. 12 Travis Kelce

4. BAL 1,811

5. DAL 1,809

THIRD DOWN MAGIC

Since 2018, the Chiefs have the highest third down percentage in the NFL, converting 49.0% of their third down attempts. The Chiefs were second amongst the league this season in third down conversions with 48.7%.

2018-22 NFL LEADERS, THIRD DOWN PCT.

Rk. Team Third Down Pct.

1. KC 49.0

2. BAL 43.6

3t. DAL 43.5 LAC 43.5

5. PHI 43.1

DUNLAP SACK NUMBERS AMONG AFC LEADERS

Since entering the NFL in 2010, Chiefs DE Carlos Dunlap is fourth in the AFC in total sacks by an active player.

Rk. Player

1.

2.

VALDES-SCANTLING BIG PLAY THREAT

Dating back to the 2011 season, Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling is tied for the best single yards per reception season.

Rk. Player Year Year Yards per Rec

1t.

*With at least 32 receptions in a season.

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Valdes-Scantling has the second most yards per reception.

Rk. Player Yards per Rec

1. Breshad Perriman 17.3

2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling 17.2

3. Gabe Davis 16.8

4. A.J. Brown 16.5

5t. Kenny Golladay 16.1

*With a minimum of 80 receptions since 2018.

Since 2018, Valdes-Scantling is tied for first and JuJu Smith-Schuster is tied for fourth in 70+ yard receptions.

Rk. Player 70+ yard Rec

1t. Marquez Valdes-Scantling 4 Robbie Anderson 4 Tyreek Hill 4

4t. JuJu Smith-Schuster 3 5 others tied 3

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Valdes-Scantling has the second most games of 85+ reciving yards on four or fewer catches.

Rk. Player Number of Games

1. A.J. Brown 9

2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling 8

3. DK Metcalf 6

4t. Tyler Lockett 5 DJ Moore 5

According to NextGen Stats, in 2021 Valdes-Scantling had the second fastest ball carrier speed of the season.

Rk. Player Speed (MPH)

1. Jonathan Taylor 22.13

2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling 22.09

3. Patrick Surtain 22.07

4. Jonathan Taylor 22.05

5. Jonathan Taylor 21.83

JUJU MAN OF THE LONG BALL

Since entering the NFL in 2017, Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster owns two of the three longest receptions in the league, both of which were touchdowns.

Rk. Player Long Rec.

1. Gabe Davis 98

2t. JuJu Smith-Schuster 97

JuJu Smith-Schuster 97

4. Robert Woods 94

5. Olamide Zaccheaus 93

Since 2017, TE Travis Kelce and Smith-Schuster are both top-six in receptions per game in the AFC.

Rk. Player Rec per Game

1. Keenan Allen 6.5

2. Travis Kelce 6.2

3. Tyreek Hill 5.8

4t. Jarvis Landry 5.3

Diontae Johnson 5.3

6. JuJu Smith-Schuster 5.1

*With at least 60 games.

Since 2017, Kelce and Smith-Schuster are both top-five in receiving yards per game in the AFC.

Rk.

per Game

A WAT TO TALK ABOUT

In his second NFL game, CB Jaylen Watson intercepted Chargers QB Justin Herbert for a 99-yard return to the endzone. Watson became the fastest player in NFL history since the 1970 merger to intercept a pass for 99+ yards.

The last time a rookie recorded a 99+-yard interception was when Chiefs S Justin Reid picked off Washington QB Alex Smith in Week 11 of the 2018 season for a 101-yard return as a member of the Houston Texans.

JUSTIN REID IN NFL RANKS

Since entering the NFL in 2018, S Justin Reid owns the second longest interception return in the league. CB Jaylen Watson is tied for the third longest in that time span.

Rk. Player Long Int Return

1. Marcus Maye 104

2. Justin Reid 101

3t. Jaylen Watson 99

Denzel Ward 99

5. Bobby Wagner 98

Since 2018, Reid is second in the league in average return yards per interception among players with seven or more interceptions.

Rk. Player Avg Int Return Yards

1. Budda Baker 35.0

2. Justin Reid 32.6

3. Malcolm Butler 29.1

4. Marcus Peters 26.3

5. Mike Edwards 25.9

CHIEFS DEFENSIVE NOTES

CHIEFS TAKEAWAYS UNDER REID

Dating back to 2013 when Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid arrived in Kansas City, the Chiefs defense is ranked third in the NFL when it comes to forcing opponent turnovers, tallying 258 total takeaways.

Rk. Team Games Takeaways

1. NE 162 262

2. BUF 161 261

3 KC 162 259

4t. SEA 162 253 TB 162 253

HOUSE CALLS, PLEASE

The Chiefs have returned 24 of their 156 interceptions for touchdowns since 2013, the most in the NFL over that span.

Rk. INT TDs Team

1. 24

2t. 18

Bay Buccaneers 18 Arizona Cardinals

. 18 Los Angeles Rams 18 Houston Texans

Since Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo arrived in Kansas City in 2019, the Chiefs have returned seven of their 58 interceptions for a touchdown, including two in 2022, tying for third most in the NFL.

Rk. INT TDs Team

1. 12 New England Patriots

2. 8 San Francisco 49ers

3t. 7 Kansas City Chiefs 7 Indianapolis Colts

5. 6 Five teams tied.

INTS SINCE 2013

The Chiefs rank third in the NFL with 156 interceptions since 2013, returning those interceptions for a league-best 2,597 yards and 24 TDs.

Rk. INTs Team

1. 173 New England Patriots

2 170 Buffalo Bills

3. 155 Kansas City Chiefs

4. 149 Cincinnati Bengals

5. 148 Two teams tied.

‘23 CHIEFS PRO BOWL PLAYERS & ‘22 AWARDS

The NFL announced on Dec. 21, 2022 that seven members of the Chiefs were selected to participate in the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl.

Orlando Brown (Tackle) - 4th Nomination

Creed Humphrey (Center) - 1st Nomination

Chris Jones (Defensive Tackle) - 4th Nomination

Travis Kelce (Tight End) - 8th Nomination

Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback) - 5th Nomination

Joe Thuney (Guard) - 1st Nomination

Tommy Townsend (Punter) - 1st Nomination

2022 IN-SEASON AWARDS

Week Player Award

1 QB Patrick Mahomes AFC Offensive POTW

2 CB Jaylen Watson AFC Defensive POTW

Sept. P Tommy Townsend AFC Special Teams POTM

4 QB Patrick Mahomes AFC Offensive POTW

11 TE Travis Kelce AFC Offensive POTW

Nov. QB Patrick Mahomes AFC Offensive POTM

15 P Tommy Townsend AFC Special Teams POTW

Dec. RB Jerick McKinnon AFC Offensive POTM

POINTS PER GAME ALLOWED

Dating back to 2013, Kansas City’s defense ranks fourth in the NFL in allowing opposing teams to score just 20.7 points per game.

Rk. Team PPG

1. New England Patriots 18.9

2. Baltimore Ravens 20.1

3. Seattle Seahawks 20.2

4. Kansas City Chiefs 20.7

5. Buffalo Bills 20.8

OPPONENT PASSER RATING

Since 2013, the Chiefs are holding opposing teams to an 85.3 passer rating, placing the unit fifth in the NFL during that time span.

Rk. Passer Rtg Team

1. 79.4 Buffalo Bills

2. 82.2 New England Patriots

3. 84.1 Seattle Seahawks

4. 84.6 Denver Broncos

5. 85.3 Kansas City Chiefs

OPPONENT COMPLETION PERCENTAGE

Since 2013, Kansas City’s pass defense is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete just 60.8 percent of passes, ranking second in the NFL.

PASSES DEFENSED

Going back to 2013, the club is ranked second in the NFL for most passes defensed with 802 passes defensed.

Rk. Team PD

1. Buffalo Bills 817

2. Kansas City Chiefs 802

3 New York Giants 790

4. Cincinnati Bengals 788

5. Denver Broncos 773

I GOT A NEED, A NEED FOR SNEED

1. L’Jarius Sneed KC

2. Marlon Humphrey BAL

71.0

28.5

13.5 4t. Three players tied. 4.0

3. Jourdan Lewis DAL

Since entering the NFL in 2020, Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed ranks first among all cornerbacks in sacks and sack yards.

CHIEFS DEFENSIVE NOTES

CHIEFS EXCEL WHEN SACKING THE QB

The Chiefs have placed an emphasis on putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Kansas City has recorded 6.0 or more team sacks 62 times in team history. In those 62 games, Kansas City has a 56-5-1 (.911) record and has outscored its opponents 1,824-766.

Record When Recording 6.0 or More Team Sacks

Below is a look at Kansas City’s most recent defensive scores. The Chiefs are 130-31-2 (.804) when producing a defensive score. KC is 119-28-1 (.807) when scoring a defensive TD and 16-3-1 (.825) when recording a safety. Kansas City’s defense ranks first in the NFL in scoring defense since 2013.

Defensive Scores Under Head Coach Andy Reid

CHIEFS DEFENSE NO STRANGER TO END ZONE

SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES

BUTKER’S BOOTS

K Harrison Butker’s 147 points scored led all NFL players in 2019. He also broke his own franchise record for the most points scored by a kicker in a single season. Butker’s 147 points rank second in club history for the most points scored by any player in a single season (Priest Holmes, 2003; 162), and his 763 points scored in his career rank third in club annals.

NFL LEADERS, POINTS SCORED (2019)

Rk. Pts. Player Team

1. 147 Harrison Butker KC

2. 144 Wil Lutz NO

3. 141 Justin Tucker BAL

4. 127 Zane Gonzalez ARI

5. 124 Matt Gay TB

CHIEFS MOST POINTS, SEASON

Rk. Pts. Player Year

1. 162 Priest Holmes 2003

2. 147 Harrison Butker 2019

3. 144 Priest Holmes 2002

4. 142 Harrison Butker 2017

5. 139 Nick Lowery 1990

6. 137 Harrison Butker 2018

CHIEFS MOST POINTS, CAREER

Rk. Pts. Player Year

1. 1,466 Nick Lowery

2.

Jan Stenerud

CONSISTENT COVERAGE WITH TOUB

Since his arrival in 2013, Chiefs Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub has had tremendous success with his coverage units.

FEWEST

Toub’s two return TDs allowed since the 2010 season ranks first among all active Special Teams Coordinators who have led special teams units since the 2010 season.

FEWEST RETURN TDS ALLOWED SINCE 2010 (ACTIVE STC)

5.

BUTKER KEEPING PACE

K Harrison Butker owns 763 points in 90 career games, which is the most in NFL history through a kicker’s first 90 games.

NFL RECORD BOOK: POINTS SCORED, FIRST 90 GAMES

Rk. Player Points Team

1. Harrison Butker 763 KC

2. Justin Tucker 749 BAL

3. Will Lutz 745 NO

5. Stephen Gostkowski 734 NE

4. Dan Bailey 723 DAL

TOUB – RETURN TDS ALLOWED SINCE 2004 (FEWEST IN NFL)

QUALITY SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY

Over the past 10 seasons (2013-22) under Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub, the Chiefs special teams units have performed consistently. In fact, over that span, the club is fourth in the league in kick return average and tied for third in punt return average. Additionally, the Chiefs have a combined 14 return touchdowns, which also ranks first in the NFL.

2022 NFL STANDINGS

CHIEFS IN THE POSTSEASON

CHIEFS PLAYOFF APPEARANCES BY THE NUMBERS

RECORD VS. ALL PLAYOFF OPPONENTS

CHIEFS ALL-TIME YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS

OWNERSHIP OF 60+ YEARS

The Chiefs are one of only five current NFL franchises that have been owned by the same individual family for over 60 years.

2016 2-2 ........................12-4 ........................0-1

THE FIRST LADY OF FOOTBALL

Norma Hunt continues to play an integral part of the Chiefs in Kansas City. She owns the distinction of being the only woman known to have attended all 56 Super Bowls and was selected to preside over the coin toss at Super Bowl XLI along with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. She is involved in numerous philanthropic and civic efforts in Kansas City and Texas. Her late husband, Lamar Hunt, was the guiding force behind the formation of the Kansas City Chiefs and the American Football League and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. He, with the help of his family, coined the term “Super Bowl.”

Hunt, along with her daughter-in-law Tavia Hunt and granddaughters Gracie and Ava Hunt, all participate in the NFL Women’s Apparel advertising campaigns among other ventures. The Hunts have been featured alongside other female NFL leaders such as Charlotte Jones Anderson (Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President/Chief Brand Officer and NFL Foundation chair) and Suzanne Johnson (wife of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson).

THIS IS OUR HOUSE - GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM

TOP CROWDS AT ARROWHEAD

(Regular Season and Playoffs)

CHIEFS FANS SET WORLD RECORD

THE ARROWHEAD ADVANTAGE

“The fans, they’re phenomenal. 142.2 decibels, I never thought I would be fired up (for) decibel levels but I’m fired up for them. My ears are still ringing, I mean it was loud, loud down there. Like incredibly loud.”

- Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid

“One hundred percent. Whenever you can go out in pregame warmups and feed on the energy because the fans are there packing the stadium that early, it truly is special. We feed off that the entire game. There’s not an empty seat in the stands and I know there won’t be an empty seat in Arrowhead this week. I’m excited just to be in front of that crowd playing this AFC Championship.”

- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

“A legendary environment like that at Arrowhead Stadium is something else. We’re excited about it, we respect it, we realize that the environment is an issue and an element of play and it’s something that we need to be prepared for and ultimately combat.”

- Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin

On Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, Kansas City defeated the New England Patriots 41-14, and Chiefs fans set a Guinness World Record for Loudest Crowd Roar at a Sports Stadium (Outdoors). Chiefs fans reached a peak decibel reading of 142.2 as Guinness World Records adjudicator Philip Robertson monitored the sound levels. The mark was set early in the contest while the club was on defense. The Arrowhead Stadium record passed the old record of 137.5 decibels and broke Seattle’s record of 137.6. The Chiefs still hold the record seven years later.

“I thought the fans were excellent. Nobody left and everybody stayed, and they were loud and that definitely helped. Like I mentioned, they were able to get a punter to bobble the ball. That’s an attribute to them and the energy they were delivering there, but we appreciate every bit of that, and like I mentioned last night, my hat goes off to them. They’re the best in the NFL. It’s great to be a part of.”

– Head Coach Andy Reid

“Yeah, listen, it was loud down there—very, very loud. You guys were there, so you know. It was that kind of atmosphere. I think you watched all the college games and you felt that. Arrowhead is loud anyways—how you load this thing up and you say you can’t come here for a year you know, and you just open the gates.”

– Head Coach Andy Reid

“Yeah I think it’s kind of what I said it’s the belief we have in each other. We believe as an offense that the defense is going to get a stop when it comes to it and the defense believes that we’re going to go down there and find a way to score. So, I think that belief in each other and going out there and battling is good for our football team. What I think made it feel like a playoff game was our crowd. I mean it was insane, probably one of the best crowds I’ve seen since I’ve been here. I think that was a momentum swing in the game that kind of got in our favor.”

– QB Patrick Mahomes

Lamar Hunt left an indelible mark on professional football. While Hunt made many lasting contributions to the game, part of his legacy will be his “accidental” naming of pro football’s most important contest, the Super Bowl. As the story has been told and retold over the years, some of the facts have gotten lost along the way. Here are some of the most important elements of the tale in how the Super Bowl got its name...

CHIEFS HOFERS FROM SB IV

Prior to Super Bowl LIV, it had been 50 years since the Kansas City Chiefs played in a Super Bowl (IV). That game served as the final AFLNFL World Championship Game in the history of professional football. The spectacle at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, La., helped pave the way for the eventual AFL-NFL merger later that year (1970).

• After the AFL-NFL merger was announced in June of 1966, Commissioner Pete Rozelle appointed a committee consisting of himself, Lamar Hunt (Kansas City), Tex Schramm (Dallas) and two other owners from each league (AFL & NFL) to firm up the details of the merger agreement.

• At one of those initial merger meetings, there was a discussion about the date of the game. As the committee discussed the championship game (which ultimately became referenced as the Super Bowl), there was some confusion on whether the parties were discussing the respective AFL and NFL title games or the game between the two leagues. It was then that Hunt first recalled saying, “You know, the last game, the final game . . . the Super Bowl.”

• The “inspiration” for Hunt’s whimsical suggestion was the high-bouncing “Super Ball” produced by the Wham-O company. Lamar’s wife, Norma, had previously purchased one for each of the Hunt children (Lamar Jr., Clark and Sharron) and the toy had become somewhat of a craze in the Hunt household and many other homes across the country.

• Hunt was later quoted as saying, “Nobody ever said let’s make that the name of the game. Far from it, we all agreed it was far too corny to be the name of the new title game.”

• In a letter from Hunt to Rozelle on July 25, 1966, Hunt urged the commissioner to “coin a phrase” for the title game between the two leagues. In the letter, Hunt said, “I have kiddingly called it the Super Bowl, which can obviously be improved upon.”

• Rozelle agreed with Hunt’s suggestion since he had a particular disdain for the term “super.” According to longtime NFL executive Don Weiss, Rozelle was a former PR man who had a keen appreciation of grammar. In Rozelle’s book, “super” was the equivalent of “gee whiz” or “neat.” He believed that the term “Super Bowl” had no sophistication whatsoever.

• Rozelle was initially inclined to call the game the “Pro Bowl,” but that moniker was already assigned to the NFL’s annual all-star contest.

• In the years leading up to the merger, many members of the media had billed a possible championship match-up between the two rival leagues as a “World Series of Football,” but Rozelle clearly did not want to have his game associated with baseball.

• After much consternation and debate, Rozelle eventually dubbed the title contest between the two leagues as “The AFL-NFL World Championship Game.” However, Hunt’s whimsical, off-the-cuff comment had taken root. In the weeks leading up to the game, headline writers had already adapted Hunt’s two-word title over the much more verbose official moniker for the game. The TV networks billed the game as “Super Sunday” and even NFL Films tagged their film reels as being designated for the “Super Bowl.”

• After the first two “AFL-NFL World Championship Games,” the term “Super Bowl” was officially adopted by Commissioner Rozelle and the NFL. The first game to officially be designated as the Super Bowl at the time it was played was Super Bowl III between the AFL’s Jets and the NFL’s Colts. The first two championship games were retroactively named Super Bowls I & II.

In all, 17 members from both the Chiefs and the Vikings that took part in Super Bowl IV were later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, including both head coaches, Hank Stram and Bud Grant, as well as Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt and Vikings General Manager Jim Finks. For the Chiefs, 10 members of the Super Bowl IV Championship were later enshrined into the hallowed halls in Canton.

• LB/DE Bobby Bell

• DT Buck Buchanan

• DT Curley Culp

• QB Len Dawson

• LB Willie Lanier

• S Johnny Robinson

• K Jan Stenerud

• CB Emmitt Thomas

• Head Coach Hank Stram

• Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt

NORMA HUNT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

and inclusion.

The positions actively expand NFL front office career opportunities for women by annually hiring female candidates into the club’s personnel department.

The Norma Hunt Training Camp Fellowship Program includes exposure in pro and college scouting, free agent tryouts, salary cap and contracts, team operations, player engagement and other departments within football operations.

The Kansas City Chiefs are proud to introduce the Norma Hunt Training Camp Fellowship Program that began in 2021. Named after the matriarch of the team and the only known woman to attend all 56 Super Bowls, the fellowship opportunity is part of the Chiefs commitment to diversity

SUPER BOWL IV

Chiefs 23, Vikings 7 January 11, 1970

CHIEFS — Stenerud, 48-yard FG.

CHIEFS — Stenerud, 32-yard FG.

CHIEFS — Stenerud, 25-yard FG.

CHIEFS — Garrett, 5-yard run (Stenerud kick).

VIKINGS — Osborn, 4-yard run (Cox kick).

CHIEFS — Taylor, 46-yard pass from Dawson (Stenerud kick).

SUPER BOWL LIV

Chiefs 31, 49ers 20 February 2, 2020

49ERS — Gould, 38-yard field goal (10-62, 5:58).

CHIEFS — Mahomes, 1-yard run (Butker kick) (15-75, 7:26).

CHIEFS — Butker, 31-yard field goal (9-43, 4:36).

49ERS — Juszczyk, 15-yard pass from Garoppolo (Gould kick) (7-80, 4:27).

49ERS — Gould, 42-yard field goal (9-60, 5:31).

49ERS — Mostert, 1-yard run (Gould kick) (6-55, 2:48).

CHIEFS — Kelce, 1-yard pass from Mahomes (Butker kick) (10-83, 2:40).

CHIEFS — Dam. Williams, 5-yard pass from Mahomes (Butker kick) (7-65, 2:26).

CHIEFS — Dam. Williams, 38-yard run (Butker kick) (2-42, 0:13).

Kansas City’s finest sports hour concluded at 5:20 in the afternoon of Sunday, January 11, 1970, when the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 23-7, for the World Championship of pro football.

The Chiefs, who finished 11-3 on the season and defeated the N.Y. Jets and Oakland Raiders in the playoffs, closed out their first decade as the winningest team in the American Football League, which, with Super Bowl IV, came to an end. Beginning in ’70, the two leagues merged, with the AFL becoming the American Football Conference of the NFL.

Minnesota, a prohibitive favorite, was 12-2 during the regular season and at one point had won 12 games in succession behind a fearsome defense that had allowed an average of just 9.5 points per game. But behind QB Len Dawson – who would earn the game’s Most Valuable Player Award – the Chiefs would amass more than enough offense to carry the day.

The Kansas City Chiefs squared off against the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolhpins, in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, February 2, 2020. It marked the club’s third Super Bowl appearance (I, IV and LIV), but the first appearance for the club since winning Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings following the 1969 season.

The 10-point fourth-quarter comeback tied for the second-largest comeback in Super Bowl history and the Chiefs became the first team to record three comebacks of at least 10 points in a single postseason in NFL history.

QB Patrick Mahomes was awarded the Pete Rozelle Trophy as MVP of the game. At 24 years and 138 days old, Mahomes became the youngest QB and the third-youngest player (Marcus Allen and Lynn Swann) to win the Super Bowl MVP award.

On March 4, 2021, the Kansas City Chiefs and GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.) jointly announced a historic naming rights agreement that made the nonprofit medical and dental plan provider the first - and exclusive - naming rights partner for Arrowhead Stadium. Beginning with the 2021 season, the home of the Chiefs became GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The announcement expanded on an already robust partnership between GEHA and the Chiefs, which had grown significantly since the relationship was first announced in July 2019, when GEHA became the club’s Exclusive Health, Dental and Vision Plan Partner. The agreement also highlighted the commitment of both GEHA and the Chiefs to ensuring Arrowhead Stadium remained part of the identity of the stadium.

“We are extremely proud and excited to announce our naming rights agreement with GEHA. When we set out to find a partner for the field at Arrowhead, it was critical to identify a national leader that shares our core values, as well as a deep connection to the local community and respect for Chiefs Kingdom,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said at the time of the announcement. “Our relationship with GEHA over the last few years has only served to reinforce the alignment between our two organizations and proven their strong, long-standing relationship with the local community. This expanded partnership will continue to build lasting health and wellness programs that support the team, GEHA and our community.”

GEHA is a national leader in providing medical and dental plans to more than 2 million federal employees, retired military and their families worldwide. Both GEHA and the Chiefs are deeply committed to promoting their missions of driving and supporting health and wellness and this naming rights agreement provides a highly visible platform to support GEHA’s efforts to empower its members to be healthy and well.

Throughout the 2021 offseason, team and stadium staff worked with GEHA and Kansas City-based architecture and design firm Populous on the development of a signage package and plan that ensured that both temporary and long-term GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium branding and logo assets were in place by the kickoff of the 2021 Chiefs season - the 50th season for the Chiefs in the iconic stadium.

We were looking for the right partner. We were looking for someone who has a base and an impact in this community. We found a company in GEHA who not only had been here longer than us, but were bigger than anyone knew, and no one knew about them. And then they have a story that is so Kansas City. To be about to partner with that company, to use our assets to build their brand, you don’t really find that very often.

-Chiefs President Mark Donovan

THE STADIUM SINCE 2000, AT A GLANCE

The stadium opened its doors for the first time on Aug. 12, 1972 as the Chiefs hosted the St. Louis Cardinals in front of 78,190 fans for a preseason game. Since that initial contest, much has changed at the iconic venue through multiple renovation projects and upgrades to the facility. While many modernizations have taken place, the spirit of the stadium remains the same as it was for that first preseason football game in 1972.

2006: On April 4, 2006, Jackson County, Mo., taxpayers approved a 3/8 cent sales tax that was expected to raise $425 million for improvements to the Sports Complex, including $212.5 million for Arrowhead. The State of Missouri also contributed $37.5 million. In addition, the Hunt family contributed $125 million to the project.

2010: Upgrades were officially done prior to the start of the 2010 season and included Founder ’s Plaza, the Ford Fan Zone, the Chiefs Sports Lab, the Chiefs Hall of Honor, the Founder’s Club, the CommunityAmerica Club Level and a new team store. Other improvements included an upgraded sound and scoreboard system, a 360-degree video ribbon board and concourses that were doubled in size.

2013: The club introduced a stadium-wide Wi-Fi network, installing 600 high-density wireless access points as part of a seven-figure investment to create a more fully integrated mobile experience for Chiefs fans. Stadium Wi-Fi changed the way fans consumed Chiefs content in-stadium and also changed the way fans interact with the team and each other. The Wi-Fi network received additional upgrades in 2017 and 2018.

2016: In the spring of 2016, the club finished a three-year, multi-million dollar heating system installation under the playing surface of the stadium. The project included a new boiler room on the stadium’s service level, as well as thousands of feet of pipe snaking sideline-to-sideline underneath the natural grass surface. The system allows the club to maintain consistent soil temperatures during the cold winter months late in the football season and allows the club to maximize grass growing based on the time of year as well.

2019: Prior to the 2019 season, the Chiefs committed more than $10 million in upgrades to the stadium, including concrete repairs and new waterproofing measures in the stadium’s upper level. In addition, the club replaced nearly all seats in the upper deck. The club also upgraded the technology in the west scoreboard to state-of-the-art LED technology that offers an enhanced screen image for fans in-stadium. The team introduced the GEHA Drum Deck, moving the club’s pregame drum tradition from fieldlevel to a more prominent location in the upper deck in the west endzone.

2020: In the week following Kansas City’s AFC Championship victory on Jan. 19, 2020, the club announced multiple offseason projects for the 2020 season, including new seats in the lower bowl, a technology upgrade to the east end zone scoreboard, enclosing multiple open-air field box suites, and an expanded Team Store.

2021: The club finished the third phase of the three-year seat replacement project by installing all new seats on the CommunityAmerica Club Level. The team also completed a massive renovation to the home locker room complex inside the stadium, including not only the Chiefs locker room, but the equipment room, athletic training room and the coaches’ locker rooms. After a decade as the preeminent space dedicated to Chiefs and AFL history, the Chiefs Hall of Honor on the lower level concourse of the stadium received a substantial upgrade, providing a more upscale, fully enclosed, temperature-controlled museum experience while creating a new special events space.

While other venues of a similar vintage have long since been termed obsolete, thanks to the foresight and vision of the leadership of Jackson County, the Hunt family, the Chiefs and the taxpayers who made it a reality, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium remains one of the most iconic stadiums in the NFL. The investments and improvements over time ensure it is not only one of the nation’s top venues for fans to experience the excitement of the NFL, but is also a year-round entertainment destination serving the entire Midwest region.

CHIEFS HOST FLAG FOOTBALL CLINIC

CHIEFS PLAYERS MAKE CLEAN SWEEP OF 101 AWARDS

On Tuesday, January 24, the 101 Awards announed the recipients of the 53rd annual 101 Awards for AFC and NFC Offensive Player of the Year, AFC and NFC Defensive Player of the Year, and AFC and NFC Coach of the Year. This year's award winners include Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as AFC Offensive Player of the Year, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as NFC Offensive Player of the Year, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones as AFC Defensive Player of the Year, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa as NFC Defensive Player of the Year, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson as AFC Coach of the Year and New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll as NFC Coach of the Year.

The Chiefs Community Caring Team hosted a Chiefs FLAG Football clinic for athletes hailing from Special Olympics Missouri and the LSR7 School District on Thursday, January 26. All athletes participated in drills led by Kansas City Ambassador Kimble Anders and Chiefs Legend and current Director of Community Engagement Gary Spani in the gymnasium at East Trails Middle School. At the clinic’s conclusion, the participants were surprised with a special Chiefs item. Additionally, Special Olympics Missouri received a limited-edition Chiefs Flag-in-School kit that includes flag equipment and pinnies for future use.

The Chiefs efforts to promote and expand youth football are at the forefront of the organization's focus. While that can be seen in a myriad of different programs, one shining example is Chiefs FLAG presented by GEHA.

Chiefs FLAG is a network used to help connect parents to the best flag football programs Chiefs Kingdom has to offer. It's the only football program where players wear official Chiefs gear and get exclusive Chiefs access. It's a fun and safe way for kids to learn the fundamentals of football, health and wellness.

Members of the Chiefs FLAG Network, Special Olympics Missouri allows individuals with various physical and/or intellectual levels the chance to compete in several sports including flag football.

CHIEFS SURPRISE SSG CHRISTOPHER NUNLEY WITH SBLVII TICKETS

During the Chiefs Divisional Round matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, January 21, Kansas City's Tribute to the Troops Honoree presented by Crown Royal, SSG Christopher Nunley, was surprised with Super Bowl LVII tickets.

SSG Nunley has been a member of the Armed Forces since joining the Army when he was just 17 years old, due in part to what he felt was his responsibility to serve. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his efforts during an attack on his position within an Iraqi police station, but despite earning such a prestigious honor at a young age, SSG Nunley would prefer to talk about how he's preparing the next generation of soldiers rather than his own achievements. SSG Nunley currently serves as a platoon sergeant at Fort Riley, where he's in charge of 40 soldiers.

Although there was no guarantee that the Chiefs would be going to Arizona when SSG Nunley was surprised with Super Bowl LVII tickets, things came full circle and SSG Nunley will now get to root on his childhood team in person on the biggest stage.

Each full season since the AFL-NFL merger, the 101 Awards have honored the top players and coaches of the year, making it the nation’s longest-running awards event dedicated exclusively to the National Football League. In its 53year history, the highly-acclaimed 101 Awards have recognized many of the greatest players and coaches in pro football history.

The honorees for the 2022 season will be presented with their awards at the 53rd Annual 101 Awards Gala, scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City.

Mahomes led the NFL in passing yards during the 2022 regular season, accumulating a franchise-record 5,250 yards through the air. Combined with his 358 rushing yards, he became the only quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000+ yards and rush for 350+ yards in the same season. Mahomes was the only quarterback in the league to average more than 300 yards passing per game (308.8). His remarkable accuracy resulted in a career-best 67.1 completion percentage. A leading candidate for NFL Most Valuable Player, the sixth-year quarterback led the Chiefs to a seventh-consecutive AFC West crown.

Jones achieved multi-sack games five times during the 2022 regular-season, which was the most in the league by a defensive tackle. He tied his singleseason career high with 15.5 sacks, which tied for fourth in the NFL, and tied for second in the AFC, only behind Cleveland’s Myles Garrett (16). Jones tied the third-longest streak in Chiefs franchise history by recording at least a half-sack in six consecutive games. The seventh-year player also forced two fumbles and recovered one during the 2022 campaign and set a career high for tackles (44) while tying a career high for quarterback hits (29).

In addition to the annual player and coach awards, the 101 Awards event will also present the prestigious Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football, which was created in 2008 to honor the life and legacy of the Chiefs founder. This award recognizes an individual or group that has made significant contributions to the NFL and its status as the preeminent pro sports league in America. The 15th recipient will be announced at a later date prior to this year’s event.

The beneficiary of the 101 Awards will be The University of Kansas Health System, a not-for-profit organization that receives no state or local funding, relying instead on philanthropy and sound fiscal management.

STATS & SUMMARIES

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS / WEEK 21 / THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 / POSTSEASON

POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE AND SPECIAL TEAMS STATISTICS ARE BASED ON PRESS BOX STATISTICS.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS / WEEK 18 / THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2023

Butker: (54G)()()()()(62G,51N,44G)(39N)(23G,47N, SACKS: C. Jones 15.5, Karlaftis 6, Clark 5, 28G)()(33G,52G,30G)(27G,32G,22G,22G)(26G,55N)

Danna 5, Dunlap 4, Saunders 3.5, Sneed 3.5, (35G,45G)(27G,51N)(47G)(51B)(44G)

Gay 2.5, Bolton 2, Harris 1.5, Chenal 1, Wright, K.C.-Pit.-K.C.: ()()()()(44G,32G)(41N,

Cook 1, McDuffie 1, Reid 1, Thornhill 1, 59G)()()()()(33G,39N,33G,48N)(42G,30G,34G)(45G, Wharton 1, B. Williams 0.5, TM 55, OPP 26 52G,25G)(46G,46G,48G,33G)

FUM/LOST: Gordon(LG) 5/2, Mahomes 5/0, Wright, K.C.: ()()()(44G,32G)(41N,59G)()()()()()

Pacheco 4/2, Moore 3/3, Smith-Schuster 3/2, ()()()()()()()

Fortson 1/1, Hardman 1/0, Henne 1/0, TM: (54G)(19G,31G)(26G,34N)(44G,32G)(41N,59G)

Kelce 1/1, McKinnon 1/1, (62G,51N,44G)(39N)(23G,47N,28G)()(33G,52G,30G)

Smith-Marsette(LG) 1/1, Toney(LG) 1/1, (27G,32G,22G,22G)(26G,55N)(35G,45G)(27G,51N)

Toney(TM) 1/1 (47G)(51B)(44G)

OPP: ()(31G)(43G,51G)(45G)(53G,50G,47G)(39G) (30G,50G,49G)(44G)(51N,41N,35G)(46G,21G)(47G) (36G,41G)()(29G)(22G)(49G)(54G,38G)

2022

REGULAR SEASON KANSAS CITY CHIEFS DEFENSIVE STATS (THROUGH WEEK 18)

DEFENSIVE SCORES

INT (2) (10:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) J.Herbert pass short right intended for G.Everett INTERCEPTED by Ja.Watson at KC 1. Ja.Watson for 99 yards. vs. LAC (09/15/22) (4:43) R.Wilson pass short middle intended for B.Johnson INTERCEPTED by W.Gay at DEN 47. W.Gay for 47 yards. DEN-B.Johnson was injured during the play. @ DEN (12/11/22)

FR (0)

Safety (1) (8:55) (Shotgun) J.Garoppolo sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (F.Clark). @ SF (10/23/22)

SPECIAL TEAMS BIG PLAYS

FR (1) M.Wright kicks 67 yards from KC 35 to TB -2. R.White to TB 23 for 25 yards (J.Cochrane, C.Lammons). FUMBLES (C.Lammons), RECOVERED by KC-E.Lee at TB 21. @ TB (10/02/22)

KC T.Kelce 9 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (11-75, 5:23)

KC C.Edwards-Helaire 3 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (J.Reid kick) (7-86, 4:23)

ARI J.Conner 2 yd. run (M.Prater kick) (11-75, 5:15)

KC C.Edwards-Helaire 4 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (kick failed, wr) (11-75, 5:33)

KC H.Butker 54 yd. Field Goal (6-30, 0:33)

KC J.Fortson 1 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (4-75, 2:12)

KC M.Hardman 2 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (8-66, 4:53)

ARI M.Brown 6 yd. pass from K.Murray (K.Murray-Z.Ertz pass) (14-75, 6:04)

KC I.Pacheco 3 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (9-66, 5:13)

ARI Z.Ertz 6 yd. pass from K.Murray (pass failed) (6-48, 2:28)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 12-62, TD; C. Edwards-Helaire 7-42; J. McKinnon 4-22; P. Mahomes 3-5; M. Valdes-Scantling 1-(-3)

ARI K. Murray 5-29; E. Benjamin 4-28; J. Conner 10-26, TD; T. McSorley 3-20

RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 8-121, TD; J. Smith-Schuster 6-79; M. Valdes- Scantling 4-44; C. Edwards-Helaire 3-32, 2 TDs; S. Moore 1-30; J. McKinnon 3-27; M. Hardman 3-16, TD; N. Gray 1-10; J. Fortson 1-1, TD

ARI G. Dortch 7-63; M. Brown 4-43, TD; E. Benjamin 3-33; J. Conner 5-29; Z. Ertz 2-14, TD; A. Green 2-13; A. Isabella 1-10 PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 39-30-360, 5 TDs, 0 INT

ARI K. Murray 34-22-193, 2 TDs, 0 INT; T. McSorley 4-2-12, 0 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

ARI None

SACKS

KC C. Dunlap II 1.0; L. Sneed 1.0; T. Wharton 1.0

ARI None

KC H. Butker (54)

ARI None WEEK

LAC D.Hopkins 31 yd. Field Goal (11-67, 4:41)

LAC Z.Horvath 1 yd. pass from J.Herbert (D.Hopkins kick) (8-58, 3:50)

KC J.McKinnon 9 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Ammendola kick) (7-75, 3:19)

LAC M.Williams 15 yd. pass from J.Herbert (D.Hopkins kick) (11-75, 5:08)

KC Ju.Watson 41 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Ammendola kick) (7-75, 2:30)

KC M.Ammendola 19 yd. Field Goal (9-35, 4:01)

KC Ja.Watson 99 yd. interception return (M.Ammendola kick)

KC M.Ammendola 31 yd. Field Goal (5-72, 0:35)

LAC J.Palmer 7 yd. pass from J.Herbert (D.Hopkins kick) (9-73, 2:09)

FIELD GOALS

RUSHING

KC C. Edwards-Helaire 8-74; J. McKinnon 4-12; I. Pacheco 2-6; M. Burton 1-6; P. Mahomes 2-(-1); M. Hardman 1-(-4)

LAC A. Ekeler 14-39; J. Kelley 4-22; S. Michel 4-13; J. Herbert 2-1

RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 5-51; J. Watson 2-50, TD; M. Hardman 3-49; C. Edwards-Helaire 4-44; M. Valdes- Scantling 2-13; N. Gray 2-12; J. Smith-Schuster 3-10; J. McKinnon 2-4, TD; M. Burton 1-2

LAC M. Williams 8-113, TD; G. Everett 6-71; A. Ekeler 9-55; D. Carter 3-55; J. Palmer 4-30, TD; S. Michel 1-6; J. Kelley 1-3; Z. Horvath 1-1, TD PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 35-24-235, 2 TDs, 0 INT

LAC J. Herbert 48-33-334, 3 TDs, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC J. Watson 1

LAC A. Samuel Jr. 1

KC C. Jones 2.0

SACKS

LAC K. Mack 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC M. Ammendola (19) (31)

LAC D. Hopkins (31)

RUSHING

KC P. Mahomes 4-26; J. McKinnon 7-20; I. Pacheco 3-9; M. Burton 1-2; T. Kelce 1-1; C. Edwards-Helaire 7-(0), TD

IND J. Taylor 21-71; N. Hines 3-7; M. Ryan 3-4

RECEIVING

KC J. Smith-Schuster 5-89; T. Kelce 4-58, TD; M. Valdes-Scantling 4-48; C. Edwards-Helaire 5-39; N. Gray 1-26; M. Hardman 1-2

IND M. Pittman Jr. 8-72; A. Pierce 3-61; N. Hines 5-23; J. Taylor 3-20; J. Woods 2-13, 2 TDs; P. Campbell 2-10; M. Alie-Cox 1-9; K. Granson 2-7; A. Dulin 1-7

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 35-20-262, TD, 1 INT; T. Townsend 1-0-(0), 0 TDs, 0 INT

IND M. Ryan 37-27-222, 2 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

IND R. McLeod Jr. 1 SACKS

KC N. Bolton 2.0; F. Clark 1.0; C. Dunlap II 1.0; L. Sneed 1.0

IND Y. Ngakoue 1.0

FIELD GOALS

KC M. Ammendola (26) 34WL IND C. McLaughlin (43) (51) WEEK

KC T.Kelce 16 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Wright kick) (2-21, 0:42)

TB R.Succop 45 yd. Field Goal (7-45, 4:02)

KC C.Edwards-Helaire 3 yd. run (M.Wright kick) (12-79, 6:11)

KC C.Edwards-Helaire 2 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Wright kick) (11-82, 5:52)

TB M.Evans 13 yd. pass from T.Brady (R.Succop kick) (6-75, 2:36)

KC N.Gray 1 yd. run (M.Wright kick) (6-20, 2:51)

TB M.Evans 1 yd. pass from T.Brady (R.Succop kick) (12-75, 2:01)

KC M.Wright 44 yd. Field Goal (10-49, 3:34)

KC J.Fortson 10 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Wright kick) (9-65, 4:49)

TB R.White 1 yd. run (R.Succop kick) (11-75, 4:58)

KC M.Wright 32 yd. Field Goal (9-46, 4:57)

TB L.Fournette 5 yd. pass from T.Brady (R.Succop kick) (5-34, 1:12)

RUSHING

KC C. Edwards-Helaire 19-92, TD; I. Pacheco 11-63; P. Mahomes 4-34; N. Gray 1-1, TD; J. McKinnon 2-(-1)

TB R. White 3-6, TD; L. Fournette 3-(-3) RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 9-92, TD; M. Valdes-Scantling 3-63; J. Smith-Schuster 5-46; S. Moore 2-31; J. Fortson 1-10, TD; M. Hardman 1-4; C. Edwards-Helaire 1-2, TD; J. McKinnon 1-1

TB M. Evans 8-103, 2 TDs; C. Godwin 7-59; L. Fournette 7-57, TD; R. White 5-50; C. Brate 4-32; C. Otton 3-29; R. Gage Jr. 2-24; K. Kieft 1-19; J. Jones 1-7; C. Beasley 1-5 PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 37-23-249, 3 TDs, 1 INT

TB T. Brady 52-39-385, 3 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

TB S. Murphy-Bunting 1 SACKS

KC L. Sneed 1.0

TB M. Edwards 1.0; C. Nassib 1.0; A. Nelson 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC M. Wright (44) (32)

TB R. Succop (45)

LV D.Adams 58 yd. pass from D.Carr (D.Carlson kick) (4-67, 2:52)

LV J.Jacobs 1 yd. run (D.Carlson kick) (10-69, 5:03)

LV D.Carlson 53 yd. Field Goal (6-43, 3:03)

KC T.Kelce 1 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Wright kick) (11-75, 4:42)

LV D.Carlson 50 yd. Field Goal (9-43, 4:23)

KC M.Wright 59 yd. Field Goal (4-34, 0:17)

KC T.Kelce 4 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Wright kick) (12-75, 5:35)

KC T.Kelce 8 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (M.Wright kick) (8-57, 3:44)

LV D.Carlson 47 yd. Field Goal (8-55, 4:15)

KC T.Kelce 1 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (pass failed) (13-75, 6:40)

LV D.Adams 48 yd. pass from D.Carr (run failed) (7-75, 2:58)

TEAM STATISTICS RAIDERS CHIEFS

RUSHING

KC J. McKinnon 8-53; P. Mahomes 4-28; C. Edwards-Helaire 9-15; M. Hardman 1-7; I. Pacheco 1-(0)

LV J. Jacobs 21-154, TD; B. Bolden 1-5; D. Carr 1-3; Z. White 1-(-7)

RECEIVING

KC M. Valdes-Scantling 6-90; M. Hardman 4-73; J. Smith- Schuster 3-33; T. Kelce 7-25, 4 TDs; C. Edwards-Helaire 3-20; J. McKinnon 2-19; S. Moore 2-15; J. Watson 1-10; N. Gray 1-7

LV D. Adams 3-124, 2 TDs; J. Jacobs 5-39; B. Bolden 3-29; H. Renfrow 4-25; J. Horsted 3-19; J. Johnson 1-5

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 43-29-292, 4 TDs, 0 INT

LV D. Carr 30-19-241, 2 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

LV None

SACKS

KC D. Harris 1.0; F. Clark 0.5; G. Karlaftis 0.5

LV M. Crosby 2.0; D. Perryman 1.0

FIELD GOALS

KC M. Wright 41WR (59)

LV D. Carlson (53) (50) (47)

BUF T.Bass 39 yd. Field Goal (11-59, 4:44)

KC J.Smith-Schuster 42 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (6-79, 2:01)

BUF G.Davis 34 yd. pass from J.Allen (T.Bass kick) (7-96, 1:13)

KC H.Butker 62 yd. Field Goal (3-28, 0:16)

BUF S.Diggs 17 yd. pass from J.Allen (T.Bass kick) (6-59, 3:13)

KC M.Hardman 3 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (7-83, 4:18)

KC H.Butker 44 yd. Field Goal (8-28, 4:23)

BUF D.Knox 14 yd. pass from J.Allen (T.Bass kick) (12-76, 4:27)

RUSHING

KC C. Edwards-Helaire 9-33; P. Mahomes 4-21; I. Pacheco 2-9; T. Kelce 1-4; J. McKinnon 2-1

BUF D. Singletary 17-85; J. Allen 12-32; J. Cook 2-8 RECEIVING

KC J. Smith-Schuster 5-113, TD; T. Kelce 8-108; M. Hardman 3-42, TD; J. McKinnon 3-29; S. Moore 1-24; N. Gray 3-13; I. Pacheco 2-9

BUF S. Diggs 10-148, TD; G. Davis 3-74, TD; D. Knox 3-37, TD; D. Singletary 4-22; R. Gilliam 3-18; K. Shakir 1-14; I. McKenzie 2-9; T. Sweeney 1-7 PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 40-25-338, 2 TDs, 2 INT

BUF J. Allen 40-27-329, 3 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

BUF K. Elam 1; T. Johnson 1 SACKS

KC C. Jones 1.0

BUF V. Miller 2.0; S. Lawson 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker 51WL (44) (62)

BUF T. Bass (39)

SF R.Gould 30 yd. Field Goal (10-63, 4:38)

SF R.McCloud 8 yd. pass from J.Garoppolo (R.Gould kick) (4-34, 2:14)

KC M.Hardman 8 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (9-73, 4:22)

SF R.Gould 50 yd. Field Goal (10-46, 4:56)

KC M.Hardman 25 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (10-90, 5:02)

KC C.Edwards-Helaire 16 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (3-33, 1:32)

SF R.Gould 49 yd. Field Goal (11-52, 5:47)

KC Ju.Watson 4 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (9-75, 4:10)

SF G.Kittle 15 yd. pass from J.Garoppolo (R.Gould kick) (8-75, 4:15)

KC M.Hardman 3 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (6-80, 3:33)

KC J.Garoppolo sacked in end zone by F.Clark for a Safety

KC J.Smith-Schuster 45 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (5-72, 2:44)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 8-43; C. Edwards-Helaire 6-32, TD; M. Hardman 2-28, 2 TDs; J. McKinnon 2-12; C. Henne 3-(-3)

SF J. Wilson Jr. 7-54; C. McCaffrey 8-38; T. Davis-Price 2-4; J. Garoppolo 2-2; D. Samuel 1-2; B. Purdy 1-1 RECEIVING

KC J. Smith-Schuster 7-124, TD; M. Valdes-Scantling 3-111; T. Kelce 6-98; J. McKinnon 2-36; M. Hardman 4-32, TD; N. Gray 1-10; J. Fortson 1-8; J. Watson 1-4, TD

SF G. Kittle 6-98, TD; B. Aiyuk 7-82; R. McCloud III 4-65, TD; D. Samuel 5-42; K. Juszczyk 3-34; J. Jennings 2-24; C. McCaffrey 2-24

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 34-25-423, 3 TDs, 1 INT; C. Henne 2-0-(0), 0 TDs, 0 INT

SF J. Garoppolo 37-25-303, 2 TDs, 1 INT; B. Purdy 9-4-66, 0 TDs, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC J. Thornhill 1; J. Williams 1

SF T. Hufanga 1 SACKS

KC C. Jones 2.0; F. Clark 1.5; W. Gay 0.5; K. Saunders 0.5; L. Sneed 0.5

SF N. Bosa 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker 39WR

SF R. Gould (30) (50) (49)

KC H.Butker 23 yd. Field Goal (15-69, 8:13)

KC M.Hardman 7 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (kick failed, wl) (9-79, 4:30)

RUSHING

KC P. Mahomes 6-63, TD; I. Pacheco 5-5; C. Edwards-Helaire 4-5; J. McKinnon 3-4; M. Burton 1-(0)

TEN D. Henry 17-115, 2 TDs; M. Willis 8-40; D. Hilliard 3-12; H. Haskins 1-5 RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 10-106; J. Smith-Schuster 10-88; M. Hardman 6-79, TD; N. Gray 3-45; J. McKinnon 6-40; J. Watson 2-37; C. Edwards-Helaire 1-14; K. Toney 2-12; M. Valdes- Scantling 1-12; M. Burton 1-9; I. Pacheco 1-4

TEN C. Okonkwo 1-48; A. Hooper 2-34; H. Haskins 1-2; D. Hilliard 1-(-4)

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 68-43-446, TD, 1 INT

TEN M. Willis 16-5-80, 0 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

TEN R. McCreary 1 SACKS

KC C. Dunlap II 1.5; K. Saunders 1.0; C. Jones 0.5

TEN D. Autry 2.0; M. Edwards Jr. 1.0; D. Walker 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (23) (28) 47WR

TEN R. Bullock (44)

KC K.Toney 6 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (5-80, 2:38)

KC M.Valdes-Scantling 18 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (3-59, 1:23)

KC N.Gray 13 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (kick failed, wl) (8-86, 2:35)

JAX C.Kirk 3 yd. pass from T.Lawrence (R.Patterson kick) (5-61, 0:35)

JAX R.Patterson 35 yd. Field Goal (17-58, 9:14)

KC T.Kelce 7 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (10-75, 5:08)

JAX C.Kirk 19 yd. pass from T.Lawrence (R.Patterson kick) (8-54, 2:29)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 16-82; P. Mahomes 7-39; K. Toney 2-33; J. McKinnon 1-2; M. Burton 1-(-1)

JAX T. Etienne Jr. 11-45; T. Lawrence 4-26; J. Hasty 1-4 RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 6-81, TD; M. Valdes-Scantling 3-60, TD; K. Toney 4-57, TD; J. McKinnon 6-56; J. Smith-Schuster 2-33; N. Gray 2-20, TD; J. Watson 1-12; J. Fortson 1-6; S. Moore 1-6

JAX C. Kirk 9-105, 2 TDs; Z. Jones 8-68; M. Jones Jr. 1-33; T. Etienne Jr. 3-28; E. Engram 3-14; D. Arnold 1-8; J. Agnew 3-4; J. Hasty 1-(-1)

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 35-26-331, 4 TDs, 1 INT

JAX T. Lawrence 40-29-259, 2 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

JAX A. Cisco 1 SACKS

KC C. Jones 1.5; L. Chenal 1.0; W. Gay 1.0; K. Saunders 1.0; C. Dunlap II 0.5

JAX None

KC None

FIELD GOALS

JAX R. Patterson 51WL 41WL (35)

KC H.Butker 33 yd. Field Goal (11-60, 4:06)

LAC J.Palmer 50 yd. pass from J.Herbert (C.Dicker kick) (3-75, 1:21)

Fortson 2-51; M. Valdes-Scantling 1-18; N. Gray 2-15; J. McKinnon 1-(0)

LAC J. Palmer 8-106, 2 TDs; K. Allen 5-94; D. Carter 3-33; A. Ekeler 2-17; M. Williams 1-15; I. Spiller 2-11; S. Smartt 1-6; J. Herbert 1-(-2)

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 34-20-329, 3 TDs, 0 INT

LAC J. Herbert 30-23-280, 2 TDs, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC N. Bolton 1

LAC None

SACKS

KC M. Danna 2.0; C. Jones 2.0; W. Gay 1.0

LAC D. James Jr. 1.0

FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (33) (52) (30)

LAC C. Dicker (46) (21) WEEK

KC T.Kelce 39 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (9-90, 4:20)

LAR M.Gay 47 yd. Field Goal (10-46, 5:43)

KC H.Butker 27 yd. Field Goal (12-66, 5:07)

KC H.Butker 32 yd. Field Goal (13-83, 3:00)

KC I.Pacheco 3 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (12-71, 6:52)

LAR V.Jefferson 7 yd. pass from B.Perkins (M.Gay kick) (14-75, 6:36)

H.Butker 22 yd. Field Goal (4-5, 1:33)

H.Butker 22 yd. Field Goal (9-24, 3:33)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 22-69, TD; P. Mahomes 4-36; R. Jones II 4-12

LAR B. Perkins 9-44; C. Akers 8-37; K. Williams 11-35 RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 4-57, TD; M. Valdes-Scantling 4-56; J. Smith-Schuster

S. Moore 5-36; J. McKinnon 3-26; J. Fortson 2-26; J. Watson

2-26; R. Jones II 1-22; I. Pacheco 1-17; N. Gray 2-16

LAR V. Jefferson 3-29, TD; K. Williams 3-25; T. Atwell 2-23; B. Hopkins 1-12; B. Powell 2-6; J. Harris 1-6; B. Skowronek 2-5

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 42-27-320, TD, 1 INT

LAR B. Perkins 23-13-100, TD, 2 INT; R. Dixon 1-1-6, 0 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC N. Bolton 1; L. Sneed 1

LAR N. Scott 1 SACKS

KC B. Cook 1.0; C. Jones 1.0; G. Karlaftis 1.0

LAR None FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (27) (32) (22) (22)

LAR M. Gay (47)

CIN J.Burrow 4 yd. run (E.McPherson kick) (11-75, 6:11)

KC H.Butker 26 yd. Field Goal (10-65, 4:53)

CIN T.Higgins 12 yd. pass from J.Burrow (E.McPherson kick) (9-74, 5:23)

KC J.McKinnon 2 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (14-81, 7:05)

KC I.Pacheco 8 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (7-77, 2:57)

CIN E.McPherson 36 yd. Field Goal (9-57, 4:47)

KC P.Mahomes 3 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (8-53, 3:27)

CIN E.McPherson 41 yd. Field Goal (8-52, 4:02)

CIN C.Evans 8 yd. pass from J.Burrow (E.McPherson kick) (10-53, 4:58)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 14-66, TD; J. McKinnon 8-51; S. Moore 1-12; P. Mahomes 2-9, TD

CIN S. Perine 21-106; J. Burrow 11-46, TD; T. Williams 1-3; T. Taylor 1-(-3)

RECEIVING

KC M. Valdes-Scantling 2-71; T. Kelce 4-56; J. Smith-Schuster 3-35; I. Pacheco 2-16; N. Gray 1-15; J. Watson 1-15; J. McKinnon 2-9, TD; J. Fortson 1-6

CIN J. Chase 7-97; T. Boyd 4-60; S. Perine 6-49; T. Higgins 3-35, TD; M. Wilcox 1-13; H. Hurst 2-12; T. Irwin 1-12; C. Evans 1-8, TD PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 27-16-223, TD, 0 INT

CIN J. Burrow 31-25-286, 2 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

CIN None

KC G. Karlaftis 1.0

SACKS

CIN S. Hubbard 1.0; J. Ossai 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (26) 55WR

CIN E. McPherson (36) (41)

WEEK 14: Chiefs 34, Broncos 28

December 11, 2022 Empower Field at Mile High 76,072

KC H.Butker 35 yd. Field Goal (8-58, 4:04)

KC H.Butker 45 yd. Field Goal (6-53, 2:18)

KC J.McKinnon 56 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (4-78, 1:41)

KC J.McKinnon 10 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (12-76, 4:53)

KC W.Gay 47 yd. interception return (H.Butker kick)

DEN J.Jeudy 18 yd. pass from R.Wilson (B.McManus kick) (4-42, 1:18)

DEN J.Jeudy 5 yd. pass from R.Wilson (B.McManus kick) (7-60, 0:57)

DEN M.Mack 66 yd. pass from R.Wilson (B.McManus kick) (5-75, 1:57)

KC J.Smith-Schuster 4 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (9-72, 4:28)

DEN J.Jeudy 7 yd. pass from B.Rypien (B.McManus kick) (12-75, 4:49)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 13-70; J. McKinnon 6-22; M. Burton 1-(0); P. Mahomes 3-(-3)

DEN R. Wilson 4-57; L. Murray 8-32; M. Mack 3-15; M. Boone 3-2; B. Rypien 1-(0) RECEIVING

KC J. McKinnon 7-112, 2 TDs; J. Smith-Schuster 9-74, TD; T. Kelce 4-71; N. Gray 3-45; I. Pacheco 3-23; M. Valdes- Scantling 1-20; S. Moore 1-7

DEN J. Jeudy 8-73, 3 TDs; M. Mack 2-62, TD; G. Dulcich 3-42; K. Hinton 5-38; M. Boone 2-27; E. Tomlinson 2-11; J. Virgil 1-9; E. Saubert 1-2; L. Murray 3-(-1) PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 42-28-352, 3 TDs, 3 INT

DEN R. Wilson 36-23-247, 3 TDs, 1 INT; B. Rypien 8-4-16, TD, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC W. Gay 1; L. Sneed 1

DEN J. Jewell 2; P. Surtain II 1 SACKS

KC F. Clark 1.0; M. Danna 1.0; C. Jones 1.0; G. Karlaftis 1.0; J. Thornhill 1.0; D. Harris 0.5; B. Williams 0.5

DEN J. Cooper 1.0; D. Jones 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (35) (45)

DEN None

HOU T.Quitoriano 8 yd. pass from D.Mills (K.Fairbairn kick) (11-80, 5:42) (1-26, 0:06) (1-26, 0:06)

KC J.McKinnon 20 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (7-75, 3:34)

HOU D.Mills 17 yd. run (K.Fairbairn kick) (2-17, 0:12)

KC M.Valdes-Scantling 4 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (kick failed, wl) (13-97, 3:52)

KC H.Butker 27 yd. Field Goal (10-67, 5:55)

HOU J.Akins 12 yd. pass from D.Mills (K.Fairbairn kick) (7-49, 4:18)

KC P.Mahomes 5 yd. run (P.Mahomes-J.McKinnon pass) (9-84, 4:28)

HOU K.Fairbairn 29 yd. Field Goal (15-65, 6:46)

KC J.McKinnon 26 yd. run

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 15-86; J. McKinnon 10-52, TD; P. Mahomes 5-33, TD; S. Moore 2-12; R. Jones II 1-6

HOU R. Freeman 11-51; D. Mills 5-21, TD; D. Ogunbowale 8-14; J. Driskel 4-8

RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 10-105; J. Smith-Schuster 10-88; J. McKinnon 8-70, TD; N. Gray 3-31; M. Valdes-Scantling 3-26, TD; I. Pacheco 1-11; K. Toney 1-5

HOU C. Moore 4-42; A. Rodgers 2-26; J. Akins 3-22, TD; R. Burkhead 2-17; B. Jordan 1-9; T. Quitoriano 1-8, TD; R. Freeman 1-5

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 41-36-336, 2 TDs, 0 INT

HOU D. Mills 24-12-121, 2 TDs, 0 INT; J. Driskel 4-2-8, 0 TDs, 0 INT; P. Dorsett 1-0-(0), 0 TDs, 0 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC None

HOU None SACKS

KC F. Clark 1.0

HOU B. Cashman 1.0; C. Kirksey 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (27) 51WR

HOU K. Fairbairn (29)

WEEK 16:

KC K.Toney 8 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (9-63, 5:12)

KC J.McKinnon 9 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (7-53, 3:21)

KC H.Butker 47 yd. Field Goal (6-43, 2:48)

SEA J.Myers 22 yd. Field Goal (11-90, 2:40)

KC P.Mahomes 3 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (5-80, 3:00)

SEA N.Fant 6 yd. pass from G.Smith (J.Myers kick) (10-75, 2:17)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 14-58; P. Mahomes 2-8, TD; J. McKinnon 5-7; R. Jones II 1-4

SEA K. Walker III 26-107; G. Smith 3-16; D. Dallas 2-10 RECEIVING

KC T. Kelce 6-113; I. Pacheco 1-32; J. McKinnon 3-31, TD; J. Smith-Schuster 3-27; N. Gray 1-8; K. Toney 1-8, TD; S. Moore 1-5

SEA D. Metcalf 7-81; C. Parkinson 3-45; D. Dallas 6-32; L. Treadwell 3-26; W. Dissly 1-19; N. Fant 2-12, TD; P. Hart 1-2; K. Walker III 2-(-2) PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 28-16-224, 2 TDs, 0 INT

SEA G. Smith 40-25-215, TD, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC J. Thornhill 1

SEA None

SACKS

KC C. Jones 1.0; G. Karlaftis 1.0

SEA D. Taylor 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (47)

SEA J. Myers (22)

KC I.Pacheco 5 yd. run (run failed) (10-65, 5:42)

DEN B.McManus 49 yd. Field Goal (14-49, 6:46)

DEN R.Wilson 16 yd. run (B.McManus kick) (1-16, 0:05)

KC J.McKinnon 6 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (7-75, 3:38)

DEN A.Okwuegbunam 25 yd. pass from R.Wilson (B.McManus kick) (6-63, 3:48)

KC B.Bell 17 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (6-65, 3:06)

KC J.McKinnon 3 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (4-17, 1:55)

DEN R.Wilson 4 yd. run (B.McManus kick) (12-75, 6:22)

LV D.Carlson 54 yd. Field Goal (10-40, 5:37)

KC R.Jones 2 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (3-44, 1:08)

KC K.Toney 11 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (12-98, 5:19)

KC H.Butker 44 yd. Field Goal (2-4, 0:09)

LV D.Carlson 38 yd. Field Goal (13-55, 8:05)

KC I.Pacheco 1 yd. run (H.Butker kick) (7-62, 3:01)

LV H.Renfrow 11 yd. pass from J.Stidham (D.Carlson kick) (10-75, 4:26)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 9-31, TD; P. Mahomes 4-8; J. McKinnon 2-4; R. Jones II 1-3

DEN L. Murray 12-56; C. Edmonds 7-34; R. Wilson 4-27, 2 TDs; K. Hinton 1-(0)

RECEIVING

KC K. Toney 4-71; J. McKinnon 5-52, 2 TDs; T. Kelce 7-43; S. Moore 3-33; M. Valdes-Scantling 2-28; J. Watson 1-27; J. Smith-Schuster 2-21; I. Pacheco 2-18; B. Bell 1-17, TD; N. Gray 1-12; P. Mahomes 1-6

DEN A. Okwuegbunam 3-45, TD; C. Sutton 4-44; C. Edmonds 3-39; J. Jeudy 7-38; E. Saubert 3-30; L. Murray 4-16; A. Beck 2-10

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 42-29-328, 3 TDs, 1 INT

DEN R. Wilson 38-26-222, TD, 1 INT

INTERCEPTIONS

KC L. Sneed 1

DEN J. Simmons 1 SACKS

KC C. Jones 1.0; G. Karlaftis 1.0; T. McDuffie 1.0; K. Saunders 1.0

DEN None

KC H. Butker 51B

FIELD GOALS

DEN B. McManus (49) WEEK

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 8-64, TD; R. Jones II 10-45, TD; P. Mahomes 3-29; K. Toney 3-26, TD; J. McKinnon 2-6; C. Henne 2-(-2)

LV J. Stidham 7-50; J. Jacobs 17-45; Z. White 1-4 RECEIVING

KC J. Watson 1-67; T. Kelce 6-38; J. Smith-Schuster 2-35; M. Valdes-Scantling 3-27; K. Toney 2-18; N. Gray 1-14; B. Bell 1-3; J. McKinnon 2-(0), TD

LV D. Adams 5-73; H. Renfrow 7-63, TD; D. Waller 2-35; M. Hollins 2-15; A. Abdullah 1-10; F. Moreau 1-10; J. Jacobs 2-5; K. Cole 1-5; J. Johnson 1-3

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 26-18-202, TD, 0 INT

LV J. Stidham 36-22-219, TD, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC J. Thornhill 1

LV None

SACKS

KC C. Jones 2.5; M. Danna 2.0; J. Reid 1.0; G. Karlaftis 0.5

LV M. Crosby 1.0; C. Ferrell 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (44)

LV D. Carlson (54) (38)

KC T.Kelce 8 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (12-83, 6:00)

JAX C.Kirk 10 yd. pass from T.Lawrence (R.Patterson kick) (5-39, 2:52)

KC H.Butker 50 yd. Field Goal (11-43, 5:55)

KC T.Kelce 1 yd. pass from C.Henne (H.Butker kick) (12-98, 6:05)

JAX R.Patterson 41 yd. Field Goal (11-52, 3:27)

KC H.Butker 50 yd. Field Goal (5-29, 2:17)

JAX T.Etienne 4 yd. run (R.Patterson kick) (7-75, 3:19)

KC M.Valdes-Scantling 6 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (10-75, 4:41)

JAX R.Patterson 48 yd. Field Goal (6-37, 0:39)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 12-95; J. McKinnon 11-25; K. Toney 1-14; P. Mahomes

M. Valdes-Scantling 1-6, TD; B. Bell 1-4; S. Moore 1-(0)

JAX Z. Jones 5-83; C. Kirk 7-52, TD; E. Engram 5-31; M. Jones Jr. 1-21; T. Etienne Jr. 3-18; J. Hasty 1-7; J. Agnew 2-5

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 30-22-195, 2 TDs, 0 INT; C. Henne 7-5-23, TD, 0 INT

JAX T. Lawrence 39-24-217, TD, 1 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC J. Watson 1

JAX None

SACKS

KC F. Clark 1.0; D. Nnadi 1.0

JAX None

FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (50) (50)

JAX R. Patterson (41) (48)

WEEK 2: Chiefs 23, Bengals 20 January 29, 2023 GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium 73,426

KC H.Butker 43 yd. Field Goal (7-39, 3:21)

KC H.Butker 24 yd. Field Goal (12-61, 6:18)

CIN E.McPherson 30 yd. Field Goal (13-63, 6:22)

KC T.Kelce 14 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (8-75, 4:43)

CIN E.McPherson 23 yd. Field Goal (12-90, 2:03)

CIN T.Higgins 27 yd. pass from J.Burrow (E.McPherson kick) (8-62, 3:35)

KC M.Valdes-Scantling 19 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) (11-77, 5:39)

CIN S.Perine 2 yd. run (E.McPherson kick) (6-45, 2:25)

KC H.Butker 45 yd. Field Goal (4-26, 0:27)

RUSHING

KC I. Pacheco 10-26; P. Mahomes 3-8; M. Hardman 2-7; J. McKinnon 4-1; R. Jones II 1-(0)

CIN J. Burrow 4-30; S. Perine 5-22, TD; J. Mixon 8-19 RECEIVING

KC M. Valdes-Scantling 6-116, TD; T. Kelce 7-78, TD; I. Pacheco 5-59; J. McKinnon 2-17; S. Moore 3-13; M. Kemp 1-13; M. Hardman 2-10; K. Toney 1-9; J. Smith- Schuster 1-7; N. Gray 1-4

CIN T. Higgins 6-83, TD; J. Chase 6-75; T. Boyd 2-40; H. Hurst 4-37; J. Mixon 3-15; M. Wilcox 1-10; T. Irwin 1-6; S. Perine 3-4

PASSING

KC P. Mahomes 43-29-326, 2 TDs, 0 INT

CIN J. Burrow 41-26-270, TD, 2 INT INTERCEPTIONS

KC J. Watson 1; J. Williams 1

CIN None

SACKS

KC C. Jones 2.0; F. Clark 1.5; G. Karlaftis 1.0; W. Gay 0.5

CIN S. Hubbard 1.0; C. Sample 1.0 FIELD GOALS

KC H. Butker (43) (24) (45)

CIN E. McPherson (30) (23)

ROSTER INFO

2022 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS NUMERICAL ROSTER

Injured Reserve

Practice Squad Practice Squad; Injured

HEAD COACH: Andy Reid

OFFENSE: EricBieniemy (Offensive Coordinator);JoeBleymaier (Wide Receivers);Porter Ellett (Offensive Quality Control); Connor Embree (Offensive Quality Control); David Girardi(PassGame Analyst/Asst. Quarterbacks); Andy Heck (Offensive Line);GregLewis (Running Backs); CoreyMatthaei (Asst. Offensive Line);Tom Melvin (Tight Ends); Matt Nagy (Senior Offensive Asst./Quarterbacks); Dan Williams (Offensive Asst.).

DEFENSE: Steve Spagnuolo (Defensive Coordinator); Terry Bradden (Asst. Defensive Line); Joe Cullen (Defensive Line); Donald D'Alesio (Safeties); Brendan Daly (Linebackers); Ken Flajole (Outside Linebackers); Dave Merritt (Defensive Backs); Alex Whittingham (Defensive Quality Control); Rod Wilson (Defensive Asst.).

SPECIALISTS: Dave Toub (Asst. Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator); Andy Hill (Asst. Special Teams).

MISCELLANEOUS: Barry Rubin (Head Strength & Conditioning); Greg Carbin (Asst. Strength & Conditioning); Tyler Judkins (Asst. Strength & Conditioning); Ryan Reynolds (Asst. Strength & Conditioning/Dir. of Sport Science); Mike Frazier (Statistical Analysis Coordinator).

2022 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ALPHABETICAL ROSTER

Injured Reserve

Practice Squad Practice Squad; Injured

HEAD

Andy Reid

OFFENSE: EricBieniemy (Offensive Coordinator);JoeBleymaier (Wide Receivers);Porter Ellett (Offensive Quality Control); Connor Embree (Offensive Quality Control); David Girardi(PassGame Analyst/Asst. Quarterbacks); Andy Heck (Offensive Line);GregLewis (Running Backs); CoreyMatthaei (Asst. Offensive Line);Tom Melvin (TightEnds); Matt Nagy (Senior Offensive Asst./Quarterbacks); Dan Williams (Offensive Asst.).

DEFENSE: Steve Spagnuolo (Defensive Coordinator); Terry Bradden (Asst. Defensive Line); Joe Cullen (Defensive Line); Donald D'Alesio (Safeties); Brendan Daly (Linebackers); Ken Flajole (Outside Linebackers); Dave Merritt (Defensive Backs); Alex Whittingham (Defensive Quality Control); Rod Wilson (Defensive Asst.).

SPECIALISTS: Dave Toub (Asst. Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator); Andy Hill (Asst. Special Teams).

MISCELLANEOUS: Barry Rubin (Head Strength & Conditioning); Greg Carbin (Asst. Strength & Conditioning); Tyler Judkins (Asst. Strength & Conditioning); Ryan Reynolds (Asst. Strength & Conditioning/Dir. of Sport Science); Mike Frazier (Statistical Analysis Coordinator).

2022 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS POSITIONAL ROSTER

Rookies

2022 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART

(As of February 4, 2023)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Mecole Hardman MUH-cole

Derrick Nnadi NAH-dee

Isiah Pacheco pa-CHECK-co

Khalen Saunders colin

Joe Thuney TOO-nee

Marquez Valdes-Scantling mar-KWEZ

Prince Tega Wanogho TAY-guh wah-NO-go Andrew Wylie WHY-lee

YEAR DRAFT

2013 TE Travis Kelce (3a)

2014

2015

2016 DT Chris Jones (2)

HOW THE 2022 CHIEFS ROSTER WAS BUILT

(As of February 4, 2023)

FREE AGENTS

LS James Winchester (FA)

2017 QB Patrick Mahomes (1)

2018 DT Derrick Nnadi (3a)

2019 WR Mecole Hardman (2a)

S Juan Thornhill (2b)

DT Khalen Saunders (3)

G Nick Allegretti (7)

2020 LB Willie Gay (2)

T Lucas Niang (3)

CB L'Jarius Sneed (4)

DE Mike Danna (5)

2021 LB Nick Bolton (2a)

OL Creed Humphrey (2b)

DE Joshua Kaindoh (4)

TE Noah Gray (5a)

G Trey Smith (6)

2022 CB Trent McDuffie (1a)

DE George Karlaftis (1b)

WR Skyy Moore (2a)

S Bryan Cook (2b)

LB Leo Chenal (3)

CB Joshua Williams (4)

T Darian Kinnard (5)

CB Jaylen Watson (7a)

RB Isiah Pacheco (7b)

S Nazeeh Johnson (7c) TOTAL

K Harrison Butker (FA)

T Andrew Wylie (FA)

QB Chad Henne (UFA)

TE Jody Fortson (CFA)

LB Darius Harris (CFA)

TRADE/WAIVERS

P Tommy Townsend (CFA)

T Prince Tega Wanogho (FA)

DE Frank Clark (T/SEA)

TE Blake Bell (FA)

QB Shane Buechele (CFA)

FB Michael Burton (FA)

DE Malik Herring (CFA)

RB Jerick McKinnon (FA)

G Joe Thuney (FA)

S Deon Bush (FA)

LB Jack Cochrane (CFA)

DE Carlos Dunlap (FA)

RB Ronald Jones (FA)

S Justin Reid (FA)

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (FA)

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (FA)

WR Justin Watson (FA)

DT Brandon Williams (FA)

T Orlando Brown (T/BAL)

WR Kadarius Toney (T/NYG)

15th Year (1)

2022 CHIEFS ROSTER BY EXPERIENCE

6th Year (3)

QB Chad Henne K Harrison Butker

13th Year (1)

DE Carlos Dunlap

(As of February 4, 2023)

3rd Year (5) Rookie (11)

DE Mike Danna LB Leo Chenal

QB Patrick Mahomes LB Willie Gay LB Jack Cochrane

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

LB Darius Harris S Bryan Cook

CB L'Jarius Sneed

5th Year (8) P Tommy Townsend

10th Year (2) T Orlando Brown

TE Travis Kelce T Geron Christian

DT Brandon Williams

9th Year (1)

RB Jerick McKinnon

8th Year (4)

TE Blake Bell

FB Michael Burton

DE Frank Clark

LS James Winchester

7th Year (3)

S Deon Bush

DT Chris Jones

G Joe Thuney

RB Ronald Jones

2nd Year (10)

Nazeeh Johnson

George Karlaftis

Darian Kinnard

Trent McDuffie

LB Nick Bolton WR Skyy Moore

DT Derrick Nnadi QB Shane Buechele

S Justin Reid

Isiah Pacheco

TE Jody Fortson CB Jaylen Watson

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling TE Noah Gray CB Joshua Williams

WR Justin Watson DE Malik Herring

T Andrew Wylie

4th Year (4)

G Nick Allegretti

WR Mecole Hardman

DT Khalen Saunders

S Juan Thornhill

C Creed Humphrey

DE Joshua Kaindoh

T Lucas Niang

G Trey Smith

WR Kadarius Toney

T Prince Tega Wanogho

2022 CHIEFS ROSTER BY DRAFT ROUND

[Overall selection in brackets]

1st Round (4)

[10] QB Patrick Mahomes (2017) [20] WR Kadarius Toney (2021-NYG) [21] CB Trent McDuffie (2022) [30] DE George Karlaftis (2022)

2nd Round (13)

[31] DE Frank Clark (2019-SEA) [37] DT Chris Jones (2016) [38] RB Ronald Jones (2018-TB) [54] DE Carlos Dunlap (2010-CIN) [54] WR Skyy Moore (2022) [56]

WR Mecole Hardman (2019) [57] QB Chad Henne (2008-MIA) [58] LB Nick Bolton (2021) [62] WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (2017-PIT) [62] S Bryan Cook (2022) [63]

S Juan Thornhill (2019) [63] LB Willie Gay (2020) [63] OL Creed Humphrey (2021)

3rd Round (10)

[63] TE Travis Kelce (2013) [68] S Justin Reid (2018-HOU) [75] DT Derrick Nnadi (2018) [78] OL Joe Thuney (2016-NE) [83] T Orlando Brown (2018-BAL) [84] DT Khalen Saunders (2019) [94] DT Brandon Williams (2013-BAL) [96] RB Jerick McKinnon (2014-MIN) [96] T Lucas Niang (2020) [103] LB Leo Chanel (2022)

4th Round (4)

[124] S Deon Bush (2016-CHI) [135] DB Joshua Williams (2022) [138] CB L'Jarius Sneed (2020) [144] DE Joshua Kaindoh (2021)

5th Round (7)

[117] TE Blake Bell (2015-SF) [144] WR Justin Watson (2018-TB) [145] T Darian Kinnard (2022) [162] TE Noah Gray (2021) [168] FB Michael Burton (2015-DET) [174] WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2018-GB) [177] DE Mike Danna (2020)

6th Round (2)

[210] T Prince Tega Wanogho (2020-PHI) [226] OL Trey Smith (2021)

7th Round (5)

[216] G Nick Allegretti (2019) [233] K Harrison Butker (2017-CAR) [243] CB Jaylen Watson (2022) [251] RB Isiah Pacheco (2022) [259] S Nazeeh Johnson (2022)

Undrafted (8)

LS James Winchester (2013-PHI), T Andrew Wylie (2017-IND), TE Jody Fortson (2019), LB Darius Harris (2019), P Tommy Townsend (2020), QB Shane Buechele (2021), DE Malik Herring (2021), LB Jack Cochrane (2022).

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 2022 TRANSACTIONS

May 6 REITER, Austin, C Waived

May 16 COOK, Bryan, S Signed

May 16 GURMAN, Vitaliy Signed

June 9 CHENAL, Leo, LB Signed

June 9 WILLIAMS, Joshua, DB Signed

June 14 WILLIAMS, Darryl, OL Waived

June 14 MOORE, Skyy, WR Signed

June 14 MCKINNON, Jerick, RB Signed

July 22 SEXTON, Matthew, WR Waived

July 25 ROSS, Justyn WR Placed on Reserve/Injured

KEY, Devon, DB

POWELL, Cornell, WR

VITAL, Mark, TE

Jonathan,

Feb. 7 WATSON, Justin, WR

Feb. 9 CALHOUN, Shilique, LB

Feb. 10 PEDERSON, Josh, TE

Feb. 22 HITCHENS, Anthony, LB

Feb. 25 NAGY, Matt, QB Hired

Mar. 8 BROWN, Orlando, T

Mar. 18 REID, Justin, DB

Mar. 19 WYLIE, Andrew, G

Mar. 20 SMITH-SCHUSTER, JuJu, WR

Mar. 21 BURTON, Michael, RB

Mar. 24 BARCOO, Luq,

Mar. 24 BELL, Blake, TE

Mar. 24 CHRISTIAN, Geron, T

Mar. 24 COLEMAN, Corey,

Mar. 24 HENNE, Chad, QB

Mar. 24 LEE, Elijah, LB

Mar. 24 REITER, Austin, C

Mar. 24 NNADI, Derrick, DT

Mar. 24 HILL, Tyreek, WR

Mar. 28 WILSON, Rod

Mar. 28 BUSH, Deon, DB

Mar. 28 CARTER, Jermaine, LB

Mar. 28 JONES, Ronald, RB

Mar. 28 VALDES-SCANTLING, Marquez, WR

Apr. 5 STALLWORTH, Taylor, DT

Apr. 7 GORE, Derrick, RB ...........................................................

Apr. 27 GORDON, Anthony, QB

Apr. 28 MCDUFFIE, Trent, CB

Apr. 28 KARLAFTIS, George, DE

Apr. 29 MOORE, Skyy, WR

Apr. 29 COOK, Bryan, S

Apr. 29 CHENAL, Leo, LB

Apr. 30 WILLIAMS, Joshua, DB

Apr. 30 KINNARD, Darian, T

Apr. 30 WATSON, Jaylen, DB

Apr. 30 PACHECO, Isiah, RB

Apr. 30 JOHNSON, Nazeeh, S

Drafted 1st Round

Drafted 1st Round

Drafted 2nd Round

Drafted 2nd Round

Drafted 3rd Round

Drafted 4th Round

Drafted 5th Round

Drafted 7th Round

Drafted 7th Round

Drafted 7th Round

May 2 JOHNSON, Lonnie, CB Acquired via Trade with Houston

May 3 FINKE, Chris, WR

May 6 COOK, Bryan, S

May 6 JOHNSON, Nazeeh, DB

May 6 KARLAFTIS, George, DE

May 6 KINNARD, Darian, T

May 6 MCDUFFIE, Trent, CB

May 6 PACHECO, Isiah, RB

May 6 WATSON, Jaylen, DB

May 6 CALIENDO, Mike, G

May 6 COCHRANE, Jack, LB

May 6 CRUM, Dustin, QB

May 6 EALY, Jerrion, RB

May 6 FLEET-DAVIS, Tayon, RB

May 6 GREER, Nasir, DB............................................................

May 6 OGINNI HASSAN, Kehinde, TE

May 6 PRYOR, Gene, T

May 6 ROSE, Mike, LB

May 6 ROSS, Justyn, WR

July 25 STEINMETZ, David T Signed

July 25 KSIEZARCZYK, Evin T Signed

July 26 EDWARDS-HELAIRE, Clyde RB Placed on Active/PUP

July 26 BROUGHTON, Cortez DT .........................Placed on Active/PUP

July 27 BROUGHTON, Cortez DT Waived

July 27 KAMARA, Azur DE

July 28 EDWARDS-HELAIRE, Clyde RB

July 28 FENTON, Rashad CB

July 28 NIANG, Lucas T

July 28 WANOGHO, Prince Tega T

July 28 VITAL, Mark TE

July 28 DUNLAP, Carlos DE/OLB

Aug. 2 GLASER, Chris G

Aug. 2 BROWN, Orlando T

Aug. 6 BAKER, Deandre CB

Aug. 6 GRAY, Devin WR

Aug. 8 CALHOUN, Shilique DE

Aug. 8 DICKERSON, Matt DT

Aug. 11 FENTON, Rashad CB

Aug. 11 WANOGHO, Prince Tega T

Aug. 15 BAYLESS, Omar WR

Aug. 15 JOHNSON, Lonnie CB

Aug. 15 KSIEZARCZYK, Evin T

Aug. 15 JENNINGS, Gary WR

Aug. 15 SHELTON, Danny NT

Aug. 16 GRAY, Devin WR

Aug 16. EDWARDS, Austin DE

Aug. 22 DANDRIDGE, Brandin CB

Aug. 22 GREER, Nasir S

Aug. 22 STEINMETZ, David T

Aug. 23 NIANG, Lucas T Placed on Reserved/PUP

Aug. 23 GORE, Derrick RB Placed on Reserve/Injured

Aug. 25 GORE, Derrick RB Waived

Aug. 27 JOHNSON, Roderick T Waived

Aug. 27 CRUM, Dustin QB Waived

Aug. 27 FLEET-DAVIS, Tayon RB Waived

Aug. 27 PARKER, Aaron WR Waived

Aug. 27 ROSE, Mike LB ............................................................... Waived

Aug. 30 ANDERSON, Zayne S Waived

Aug. 30 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB Waived

Aug. 30 CALIENDO, Mike G Waived

Aug. 30 COCHRANE, Jack LB Waived

Aug. 30 DICKERSON, Matt DT Waived

Aug. 30 EALY, Jerrion RB Waived

Aug. 30 FRANKS, Jordan TE Waived

Aug. 30 GURMAN, Vitaliy T Waived

Aug. 30 JOHNSON, Nazeeh S Waived

Aug. 30 KAMARA, Azur DE Waived

Aug. 30 KEY, Devon S Waived

Aug. 30 OGINNI HASSAN, Kehinde DE Waived

Aug. 30 POWELL, Cornell WR Waived

Aug. 30 CARTER, Jermaine LB Waived

Aug. 30 COLEMAN, Corey WR Waived

Aug. 30 FOUNTAIN, Daurice WR Waived

Aug. 30 GORDON, Josh WR Waived

Aug. 30 LEE, Elijah LB Waived

Aug. 30 REITER, Austin C Waived

Aug. 30 SHELTON, Danny DT Waived

Aug. 30 STALLWORTH, Taylor DT Waived

Aug. 30 BUSHMAN, Matt TE Waived

Aug. 31 ANDERSON, Zayne S Signed to Practice Squad

Aug. 31 CALIENDO, Mike G Signed to Practice Squad

Aug. 31 COCHRANE, Jack LB Signed to Practice Squad

Aug. 31 EALY, Jerrion RB

Aug. 31 FOUNTAIN, Daurice WR

Aug. 31 FRANKS, Jordan TE

Aug. 31 JOHNSON, Nazeeh S

Aug. 31 KAMARA, Azur DE

Aug. 31 LEE, Elijah LB

Aug. 31 OLADOKUN, Chris QB

Aug. 31 POWELL, Cornell WR

Aug. 31 REITER, Austin C

Aug. 31 SHELTON, Danny DT

Aug. 31 STALLWORTH, Taylor DT

Sept. 1 BLANTON, Kendall TE

Sept. 1 CHRISTIANSEN, Cole LB

Sept. 5 BELL, Blake TE

Sept. 6 WIGGINS, James S

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Placed on Reserve/Injured

Signed to Practice Squad

Sept. 6 KAMARA, Azur DE Waived

Sept. 10 FOUNTAIN, Daurice WR

Sept. 10 LEE, Elijah LB

Sept. 13 COCHRANE, Jack LB

Sept. 13 LEE, Elijah LB

Sept. 13 AMMENDOLA, Matt K

Sept. 13 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB

Sept. 13 COLEMAN, Corey WR

Sept. 13 McDUFFIE, Trent CB

Sept. 13 WIGGINS, James S

Sept. 15 AMMENDOLA, Matt K

Sept. 15 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB

Sept. 20 GAY, Willie LB

Sept. 20 WHITLEY, Benton DE

Sept. 23 BLANTON, Kendall TE

Sept. 24 AMMENDOLA, Matt K

Sept. 24 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from the PS

Activated from the PS

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Placed on Reserve/Injured

Waived

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Placed on Reserve/League Susp.

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to LAR Active Roster

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Sept. 26 AMMENDOLA, Matt K Waived

Sept. 27 JOHNSON, Nazeeh S

Sept. 27 WRIGHT, Matthew K

Sept. 27 BROUGHTON, Cortez DT

Sept. 27 LEE, Elijah LB

Sept. 28 LEE, Elijah LB

Oct. 1 LEE, Elijah LB

Oct. 1 WRIGHT, Matthew K

Oct. 3 EALY, Jerrion WR

Oct. 3 KEMP, Marcus WR

Oct. 4 COLEMAN, Corey WR

Oct. 6 CONLEY, Chris WR

Oct. 10 LEE, Elijah LB

Oct. 10 WRIGHT, Matthew K

Oct. 12 STALLWORTH, Taylor DT

Oct. 12 GALLMAN, Wayne RB

Activated from the PS

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Waived

Signed to Practice Squad

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev

Placed on Reserve/League Susp.

Signed to Practice Squad

Waived

Signed to Practice Squad

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from the PS

Signed to Practice Squad

Oct. 12 WHITLEY, Benton DE Waived

Oct. 12 BROUGHTON, Cortez DT Waived

Oct. 13 WHITLEY, Benton DE

Oct. 15 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB

Oct. 15 ANDERSON, Zayne S

Oct. 15 CHRISTIANSEN, Cole LB

Oct. 15 WHARTON, Tershawn DT

Signed to Practice Squad

Activated from the PS

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Placed on Reserve/Injured

Oct. 17 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB Waived

Oct. 18 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB

Oct. 18 GAY, Willie LB

Oct. 19 WHITLEY, Benton DE

Oct. 21 SMITH-MARSETTE, Ihmir WR

Oct. 22 BOOTLE, Dicaprio CB

Oct. 22 KEMP, Marcus WR

Oct. 25 CONLEY, Chris WR

Signed to Practice Squad

Suspension Lifted

Signed to MIN Active Roster

Signed to Practice Squad

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Signed to TEN Active Roster

Oct. 25 FOUNTAIN, Daurice WR Waived

Oct. 30 TONEY, Kadarius WR

Acquired via Trade with NYG

Oct. 31 CLARK, Frank DE Placed on Reserve/League Susp.

Oct. 31 KAMARA, Azur DE

Oct. 31 NEWSOME, Dazz WR

Nov. 1 McDUFFIE, Trent CB

Nov. 1 FENTON, Rashad CB

Nov. 3 AMADI, Ugo S

Signed to Practice Squad

Signed to Practice Squad

Activated from Reserve/Injured

Traded to Atlanta

Signed to Practice Squad

Nov. 3 NEWSOME, Dazz WR Waived

Nov. 5 KEMP, Marcus WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Nov. 9 WRIGHT, Matthew K Signed to PIT Active Roster

Nov. 12 AMADI, Ugo S Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Nov. 14 EALY, Jerrion WR Suspension Lifted

Nov. 17 HARDMAN, Mecole WR Placed on Reserve/Injured

Nov. 19 CLARK, Frank DE Suspension Lifted

Nov. 19 KEMP, Marcus WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Nov. 19 POWELL, Cornell WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Nov. 23 NIANG, Lucas T Activated from Reserve/PUP

Nov. 23 BLANTON, Kendall TE Signed to Practice Squad

Nov. 23 EDWARDS-HELAIRE, Clyde RB Placed on Reserve/Injured

Nov. 23 FRANKS, Jordan TE Placed on Practice Squad; Injured

Nov. 26 ANDERSON, Zayne S Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Nov. 26 POWELL, Cornell WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Nov. 28 EDWARDS, Bryan WR

Signed to Practice Squad

Nov. 28 KAMARA, Azur DE Waived

Nov. 29 GORDON, Melvin RB Signed to Practice Squad

Nov. 29 GALLMAN, Wayne RB Waived

Nov. 29 REITER, Austin C Waived

Nov. 30 WILLIAMS, Brandon DT Signed to Practice Squad

Dec. 3 ANDERSON, Zayne S Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Dec. 3 POWELL, Cornell WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Dec. 6 STALLWORTH, Taylor DT Waived

Dec. 8 WILLIAMS, Brandon DT Activated from the PS

Dec. 8 REITER, Austin C Signed to Practice Squad

Dec. 10 SMITH-MARSETTE, Ihmir WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Dec. 20 LEE, Elijah LB Signed to CHI Active Roster

Dec. 20 BUSHMAN, Matt TE Signed to Practice Squad

Dec. 23 BELL, Blake TE Activated from Reserve/Injured

Dec. 23 SHELTON, Danny NT Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Dec. 23 FORTSON, Jody TE Placed on Reserve/Injured

Dec. 27 EALY, Jerrion WR Waived

Dec. 28 HILLIARD, Justin LB Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 2 EALY, Jerrion WR Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 2 POWELL, Cornell WR Placed on Practice Squad; Injured

Jan. 3 WISE, Daniel DE Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 3 EDWARDS, Brian WR Waived

Jan. 4 HARDMAN, Mecole WR Activated from Reserve/Injured

Jan. 4 CHRISTIAN, Geron OT Waived

Jan. 6 WRIGHT, Matthew K Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 6 SMITH-MARSETTE, Ihmir WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev

Jan. 6 WRIGHT, Matthew K Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Jan. 6 HILLIARD, Justin LB Waived

Jan. 12 HOSKINS, Phil DT

Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 12 EALY, Jerrion WR Waived

Jan. 17 EALY, Jerrion WR

Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 17 WISE, Daniel DE Waived

Jan. 20 KEMP, Marcus WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Jan. 20 REITER, Austin, C Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Jan. 23 LAMMONS, Chris CB Waived

Jan. 28 FORTSON, Jody TE Activated from Reserve/Injured

Jan. 28 KEMP, Marcus WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Jan. 28 SMITH-MARSETTE, Ihmir WR Activated from PS via Standard Elev.

Jan. 28 PERINE, La’Mical RB

Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 28 EALY, Jerrion WR Waived

Jan. 30 EALY, Jerrion WR

Signed to Practice Squad

Jan. 30 WRIGHT, Matthew K Waived

Additional Stats

POSTSEASON CHIEFS GAME-BY-GAME OFFENSE

POSTSEASON CHIEFS GAME-BY-GAME DEFENSE

2022 POSTSEASON BIG YARDAGE GAMES

2022 OPPONENTS BIG YARDAGE GAMES [none]

2022

REGULAR SEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

PATRICK MAHOMES

2022

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

GAME-BY-GAME STATS

2022

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

GAME-BY-GAME STATS

2022

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

SEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

SEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

JAYLEN WATSON

BRANDON WILLIAMS

JOSHUA WILLIAMS

INDIVIDUAL SPECIAL TEAMS GAME-BY-GAME STATS

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL SPECIAL TEAMS GAME-BY-GAME STATS

GAME-BY-GAME STATS

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

POSTSEASON INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

Starters indicated by position (Bold), P=Played, *=Inactive, DNP=Did Not Play, PS=Practice Squad, R/SUS=Reserve/League Susp., IR=Reserve/Injured, NOT=Not on Roster, PSIR=Practice Squad/Injured Reserve, R/PUP=Reserve/Physically-Unable-To-Perform, NOTT=Not on any Team, I=Inactive, ^=With Other Team

Starters indicated by position (Bold), P=Played, *=Inactive, DNP=Did Not Play, PS=Practice Squad, IR=Reserve/Injured, PSIR=Practice Squad/Injured Reserve, ^=With Other Team

2022 REGULAR SEASON - CAPTAINS

REGULAR SEASON INACTIVES

PLAYERS

Shane Buechele

Mecole Hardman

Malik Herring

Joshua Kaindoh

Darian Kinnard

Skyy Moore

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

2022 POSTSEASON INACTIVES DATE OPPONENT PLAYERS

1/21 Jacksonville

1/29 Cincinnati

02/12 at Philadelphia

Shane Buechele

Mecole Hardman

Malik Herring

Joshua Kaindoh

Blake Bell

Shane Buechele

Malik Herring

Joshua Kaindoh

Marcus Kemp

Darian Kinnard

Austin Reiter

Darian Kinnard

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Justin Watson

2022 POSTSEASON - DEFENSIVE TAKEAWAYS

2022 POSTSEASON - OFFENSIVE GIVEAWAYS

2022 POSTSEASON - TURNOVERS

Butker: 35-yard FG

Butker: 45-yard FG

Q2: J. McKinnon: 56-yard pass from P. Mahomes

J. McKinnon: 10-yard pass from P. Mahomes

J. Smith-Schuster: 4-yard pass from P. Mahomes

J. McKinnon: 20-yard pass from P. Mahomes

M. Valdes-Scantling: 4-yard pass from P. Mahomes

H. Butker: 27-yard FG Q4: P. Mahomes: 5-yard run

8-yard pass from P. Mahomes

9-yard pass from P. Mahomes

CHIEFS 2022 POSTSEASON SCORING DRIVES

CHIEFS OPPONENTS 2022 POSTSEASON SCORING DRIVES

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

100-YARD RUSHER, 300-YARD PASSER, 100-YARD RECEIVER

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

100-YARD RUSHER/TWO 100-YARD RECEIVERS

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

TWO 100-YARD RECEIVERS/300-YARD PASSER

Tyreek Hill/Travis Kelce Patrick Mahomes

* Never Has Happened * DEFENSE

INTERCEPTED PASS RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

KC

Opp 12/28/1986 @ N.Y. Jets 21 yards

KC

KC 12/28/1986 @ N.Y. Jets Team Safety Opp

KC

KC

KC

vs. Cincinnati 2.0 sk

1/30/2022 vs. Cincinnati 2.0 sk

* Never Has Happened *

Kevin McArthur

FUMBLE RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * SAFETY SCORED

* Never Has Happened * SHUTOUT

San Diego 17, Chiefs 0

FIVE+ SACK GAME

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * FOUR SACK GAME

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * THREE SACK GAME

Chris Jones

Sam Hubbard

FOUR OR MORE INTERCEPTION GAME

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

TWO INTERCEPTIONS BY TEAMMATES

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

THREE INTERCEPTION GAME

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

TWO INTERCEPTION GAME

Husain Abdullah Opp 1/5/1992 @ Buffalo 2 ints

KC 1/4/2014 @ Indianapolis 2 int

KC

KC 1/4/2014 @ Indianapolis 2 ints

KC

Kirby Jackson

70+ YARD INTERCEPTION RETURN

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

TWO INTERCEPTIONS

Husain Abdullah

* Never Has Happened *

THREE INTERCEPTIONS

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

FOUR INTERCEPTIONS

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

LESS THAN 25 RUSHING YARDS

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

LESS THAN 50 RUSHING YARDS

KC 1/29/2023 vs. Cincinnati 42 yards Kansas City 23, Cincinnati 20

KC

KC

KC

Opp 1/12/2020 vs. Houston

SPECIAL TEAMS

KICKOFF RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

* Never Has Happened *

PUNT RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

BLOCKED FIELD GOAL RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

BLOCKED PUNT RETURNED FOR A TOUCHDOWN

* Never Has Happened *

Barkevious Mingo (10:13) 2-D.Colquitt punt is BLOCKED by 52-B.Mingo, Center-41J.Winchester, RECOVERED by HST-32-L.Johnson at KC 10. 32L.Johnson for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

MADE FIELD GOAL OF 50 YARDS OR LONGER

KC 1/21/2023 vs. Jacksonville 50 yards

Evan McPherson

BLOCKED FIELD GOAL

(6:07) 2-E.McPherson 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Harris, Holder-10-K.Huber.

Harrison Butker (:12) 7-H.Butker 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-5-T.Townsend. Opp 1/30/2022 vs. Cincinnati 52 yards

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

BLOCKED PUNT

Keith Cash Opp

KC 1/8/1994 vs. Pittsburgh

* Never Has Happened *

MISSED POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWN ATTEMPT

Nick Lowery Opp 1/24/2021 vs. Buffalo

KC 12/28/1986 @ N.Y. Jets

Tyler Bass

2-T.Bass extra point is No Good, Hit Right Upright, Center-69R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.

POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWN ATTEMPT BLOCKED

KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * Opp

KICKOFF RETURN KC 1/12/2020 vs. Houston 58 yards

Mecole Hardman

Jamal Agnew PUNTED 10+ TIMES KC

KC

1/21/2023 vs. Jacksonville 63 yards

KC 1/9/2016 @ Houston 106t yards

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

70-89 YARD KICKOFF RETURN

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened *

90+ YARD KICKOFF RETURN

Knile Davis

* Never Has Happened *

TEAM/MISCELLANEOUS

500 TOTAL YARDS OF OFFENSE KC

City 552, Buffalo 422

TOUCHDOWN ON OFFENSE, DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * MADE TWO-POINT CONVERSION

*

*

KC 1/23/2022 vs. Buffalo Kansas City 42, Buffalo 36

* Never Has Happened *

OVERTIME WIN AT HOME

1/30/2022 vs. Cincinnati Cincinnati 27, Kansas City 24

OVERTIME WIN ON THE ROAD KC

* Never Has Happened *

* Never Has Happened * 10 PENALTIES

KC 2/7/2021 @ Tampa Bay 11 pen Tampa Bay 31, Kansas City 9

THREE TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS

KC 1/21/2023 vs. Jacksonville 3 td

Opp 1/16/2022 vs. Pittsburgh 3 td

NO TURNOVERS

KC 1/21/2023 vs. Jacksonville 0 to

Opp 1/23/2022 vs. Buffalo 0 to

FOUR TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS

Kansas City 27, Jacksonville 20

(8:02) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

(3:58) (Shotgun) C.Henne pass short left to T.Kelce for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

(7:13) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short middle to M.Valdes-Scantling for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN [D.Hamilton].

Kansas City 42, Pittsburgh 21

(10:51) (Shotgun) Direct snap to M.Hardman. M.Hardman FUMBLES (Aborted) at KC 28, recovered by KC-Da.Williams at KC 29. Da.Williams to KC 28 for -1 yards (C.Heyward; J.Schobert). FUMBLES (C.Heyward), RECOVERED by PIT-T.Watt at KC 26. T.Watt for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

(4:15) (No Huddle, Shotgun) B.Roethlisberger pass short right to D.Johnson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

(7:41) (No Huddle, Shotgun) B.Roethlisberger pass short left to J.Washington for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Kansas City 27, Jacksonville 20

Kansas City 42, Buffalo 36

KC 2/2/2020 vs. San Francisco 4 td

Opp 2/7/2021 @ Tampa Bay 4 td

KC

Opp 1/9/2011 vs. Baltimore 41:44 TOP

KC 1/21/2023 vs. Jacksonville

Opp 1/16/2016 @ New England

Kansas City 31, San Francisco 20

(:36) C.Erving reported in as eligible. P.Mahomes right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

(6:17) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

(2:50) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to Dam.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

(1:20) Dam.Williams left end for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Tampa Bay 31, Kansas City 9

(:41) (Shotgun) T.Brady pass short left to R.Gronkowski for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

(6:11) T.Brady pass deep right to R.Gronkowski for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on KC-B.Breeland, Defensive Holding, declined.

(:10) J.Haeg reported in as eligible. T.Brady pass short right to A.Brown for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on KC-T.Mathieu, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.

(7:51) J.Haeg reported in as eligible. L.Fournette right end for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

OVER 40:00 TIME OF POSSESSION (NON-OT)

* Never Has Happened *

Baltimore 30, Kansas City 7 NO SACKS/NO INTERCEPTIONS ALLOWED

SCORE TOUCHDOWN IN EACH QUARTER

KC 1/23/2022 vs. Buffalo (7, 7, 9, 13, 6 Points)

Opp 1/23/2022 vs. Buffalo (7, 7, 7, 15 Points)

Kansas City 42, Buffalo 36

Kansas City 42, Buffalo 36

30 ONE-HALF POINTS

New England 37, Kansas City 31 Opp 1/4/2014 @ Indianapolis 35 (second half)

KC 1/20/2019 vs. New England 31 (second half)

Indianapolis 45, Kansas City 44

WON GAME BY 20+ POINTS

KC 1/16/2022 vs. Pittsburgh Kansas City 42, Pittsburgh 21

Opp 2/7/2021 @ Tampa Bay Tampa Bay 31, Kansas City 9

LAST GAME

National Football League Game Summary

NFL Copyright © 2022 by The National Football League. All rights reserved. This summary and play-by-play is for the express purpose of assisting media in their coverage of the game; any other use of this material is prohibited without the written permission of the National Football League.

HB 28 J.Mixon S 30 J.Bates

Substitutions

K 2 E.McPherson, P 4 D.Chrisman, WR 11 T.Taylor, WR 16 T.Irwin, WR 17 S.Morgan, CB 21 M.Hilton, S 23 D.Hill, S 31 M.Thomas, HB 32 T.Williams, CB 33 T.Flowers, HB 34 S.Perine, CB 42 A.George, LB 44 C.Johnston, LS 48 C.Adomitis, LB 49 J.Bachie, LB 51 M.Bailey, DE 58 J.Ossai, LB 59 A.DavisGaither, C 63 T.Hill, DT 68 J.Tupou, OT 70 D.Smith, TE 84 M.Wilcox, TE 86 D.Asiasi, DE 96 C.Sample

Did Not Play

QB 8 B.Allen, OT 75 I.Prince

Not Active

QB 6 J.Browning, HB 25 C.Evans, CB 35 Ja.Davis, G 65 A.Cappa, OT 73 J.Williams, DE 93 J.Gunter, DT 97 J.Tufele

P.Mahomes S 22 J.Thornhill

RB 10 I.Pacheco S 20 J.Reid

Substitutions

RB 1 J.McKinnon, RB 2 R.Jones, P 5 T.Townsend, S 6 B.Cook, K 7 H.Butker, DE 8 C.Dunlap, WR 9 J.Smith-Schuster, WR 11 M.Valdes-Scantling, S 13 N.Johnson, WR 17 M.Hardman, DB 23 J.Williams, WR 24 S.Moore, DB 26 D.Bush, LS 41 J.Winchester, LB 43 J.Cochrane, FB 45 M.Burton, LB 47 D.Harris, DE 51 M.Danna, LB 54 L.Chenal, DT 66 B.Williams, OL 67 L.Niang, T 70 P.Wanogho, G 73 N.Allegretti, WR 85 M.Kemp, DT 99 K.Saunders

Did Not Play

QB 4 C.Henne

Not Active

QB 12 S.Buechele, DE 59 J.Kaindoh, T 75 D.Kinnard, TE 81 B.Bell, WR 82 I.Smith-Marsette, WR 84 Ju.Watson, DE 94 M.Herring

National Football League Game Summary

NFL Copyright © 2022 by The National Football League. All rights reserved. This summary and play-by-play is for the express purpose of assisting media in their coverage of the game; any other use of this material is prohibited without the written permission of the National Football League.

Paid Attendance: 73,426 Time: 3:23

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs

at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Final Individual Statistics

Cincinnati Bengals

Kansas City Chiefs

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs 1/29/2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Final Team Statistics

* inside opponent's 20

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs 1/29/2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Ball Possession And Drive Chart

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs

1/29/2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Final Defensive Statistics

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs 1/29/2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

First Half Summary

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs

First Half Summary

KC wins the coin toss and elects to defer. CIN elects to Receive, and KC elects to defend the west goal.

H.Butker kicks 63 yards from KC 35 to CIN 2. T.Williams to CIN 19 for 17 yards (D.Harris).

Cincinnati Bengals at 15:00, (1st play from scrimmage 14:57)

1-10-CIN 19

2-7-CIN 22

1-10-CIN 31

2-10-CIN 31

3-4-CIN 37

3-9-CIN 32

4-18-CIN 23

(14:57) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to J.Chase to CIN 22 for 3 yards (T.McDuffie).

(14:22) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short middle to J.Chase to CIN 31 for 9 yards (J.Thornhill).

(13:42) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short middle to J.Chase (T.McDuffie).

(13:37) (Shotgun) S.Perine up the middle to CIN 37 for 6 yards (L.Sneed). KC-L.Sneed was injured during the play. He is Out.

(13:15) (Shotgun) PENALTY on CIN-H.Adeniji, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at CIN 37 - No Play.

(13:09) (Shotgun) J.Burrow sacked at CIN 23 for -9 yards (F.Clark).

(12:23) D.Chrisman punts 53 yards to KC 24, Center-C.Adomitis. K.Toney to KC 36 for 12 yards (C.Adomitis).

Kansas City Chiefs at 12:11

1-10-KC 36

2-8-KC 38

1-10-CIN 46

1-10-CIN 30

2-7-CIN 27

3-5-CIN 25

4-5-CIN 25

(12:11) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco left guard to KC 38 for 2 yards (S.Hubbard; B.Hill).

(11:38) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco pushed ob at CIN 46 for 16 yards (E.Apple).

(11:01) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce to CIN 30 for 16 yards (V.Bell).

(10:14) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short middle to S.Moore to CIN 27 for 3 yards (C.Taylor-Britt; L.Wilson).

(9:38) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco right guard to CIN 25 for 2 yards (J.Bates).

(8:59) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete deep left to K.Toney.

Kansas City challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. (Timeout #1.)

(8:54) H.Butker 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.Winchester, Holder-T.Townsend.

CIN 0 KC 3, 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:21 drive, 6:10 elapsed H.Butker kicks 56 yards from KC 35 to CIN 9. T.Williams pushed ob at CIN 38 for 29 yards (D.Bush).

Cincinnati Bengals at 8:50, (1st play from scrimmage 8:45)

1-10-CIN 38

2-7-CIN 41

3-13-CIN 35

3-18-CIN 30

4-24-CIN 24

(8:45) (Shotgun) J.Mixon right guard to CIN 41 for 3 yards (F.Clark).

(8:09) (Shotgun) J.Burrow sacked at CIN 35 for -6 yards (sack split by W.Gay and F.Clark).

(7:22) (Shotgun) PENALTY on CIN, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at CIN 35 - No Play.

(7:07) (Shotgun) J.Burrow sacked at CIN 24 for -6 yards (C.Jones).

(6:27) D.Chrisman punts 48 yards to KC 28, Center-C.Adomitis, downed by CIN-D.Hill.

PENALTY on CIN-D.Hill, Illegal Touch Kick, 5 yards, enforced at KC 28. Kansas City Chiefs at 6:16

1-10-KC 33

(6:16) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to N.Gray to KC 37 for 4 yards (M.Hilton).

P1

2-6-KC 37 P3

1-10-CIN 45

2-1-CIN 36

(5:37) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco to CIN 45 for 18 yards (E.Apple; J.Bates).

(4:53) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to K.Toney to CIN 36 for 9 yards (V.Bell).

(4:13) (Shotgun) R.Jones left end to CIN 36 for no gain (D.Reader; G.Pratt).

3-1-CIN 36 R4

1-10-CIN 34

(3:37) M.Hardman right end to CIN 34 for 2 yards (C.Taylor-Britt).

(2:57) (Shotgun) J.McKinnon right end to CIN 35 for -1 yards (C.Sample).

(2:17) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce to CIN 23 for 12 yards. FUMBLES, recovered by KC-J.McKinnon at CIN 22.

2-11-CIN 35 P5

1-10-CIN 22 P6

1-9-CIN 9

2-9-CIN 9

2-19-CIN 19

3-19-CIN 19

END OF QUARTER

(1:27) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to J.McKinnon to CIN 9 for 13 yards (J.Ossai).

(:46) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short middle to J.McKinnon.

(:41) I.Pacheco left tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty.

PENALTY on KC-A.Wylie, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at CIN 9 - No Play.

(:37) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete deep left.

Timeout #2 by KC at 00:32.

(:32) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce to CIN 6 for 13 yards (T.Hendrickson) [D.Reader].

Kansas City Chiefs continued.

4-6-CIN 6

(15:00) H.Butker 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.Winchester, Holder-T.Townsend.

CIN 0 KC 6, 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:18 drive, 0:02 elapsed H.Butker kicks 65 yards from KC 35 to end zone, Touchback. Cincinnati Bengals at 14:58

1-10-CIN 25

2-2-CIN 33

3-1-CIN 34

1-10-CIN 39

1-10-CIN 49

2-14-CIN 45

(14:58) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to J.Chase ran ob at CIN 33 for 8 yards (J.Reid).

(14:27) J.Mixon left end to CIN 34 for 1 yard (N.Bolton; M.Danna).

(13:42) S.Perine right guard to CIN 39 for 5 yards (T.McDuffie, D.Nnadi).

(13:05) J.Burrow pass short left to M.Wilcox to CIN 49 for 10 yards (J.Reid).

(12:23) (Shotgun) J.Burrow sacked at CIN 45 for -4 yards (G.Karlaftis).

(11:40) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short left to S.Perine.

3-14-CIN 45 P4

1-10-KC 39

2-10-KC 39

1-10-KC 15

2-13-KC 18

3-7-KC 12

4-7-KC 12

(11:37) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep right to T.Boyd to KC 39 for 16 yards (J.Thornhill).

(10:54) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short right.

(10:51) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep middle to T.Boyd to KC 15 for 24 yards (J.Reid).

(10:04) (Shotgun) J.Mixon up the middle to KC 18 for -3 yards (C.Jones).

(9:27) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to H.Hurst to KC 12 for 6 yards (T.McDuffie).

(8:45) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short left to H.Hurst (J.Reid).

(8:40) E.McPherson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-C.Adomitis, Holder-D.Chrisman.

CIN 3 KC 6, 13 plays, 63 yards, 6:22 drive, 6:24 elapsed E.McPherson kicks 65 yards from CIN 35 to end zone, Touchback.

Kansas City Chiefs at 8:36

1-10-KC 25

2-5-KC 30

1-10-KC 37

(8:36) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco right guard to KC 30 for 5 yards (D.Reader).

(7:59) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to J.Smith-Schuster pushed ob at KC 37 for 7 yards (E.Apple).

(7:27) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to M.Valdes-Scantling ran ob at KC 48 for 11 yards (M.Hilton).

1-10-KC 48 P9

1-10-CIN 23

2-6-CIN 19

3-1-CIN 14

4-1-CIN 14

(6:52) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass deep left to M.Valdes-Scantling to CIN 23 for 29 yards (V.Bell).

(6:05) (Shotgun) J.McKinnon up the middle to CIN 19 for 4 yards (J.Tupou; G.Pratt).

(5:23) M.Hardman left end to CIN 14 for 5 yards (D.Reader; J.Ossai).

(4:45) P.Mahomes sacked at CIN 14 for 0 yards (C.Sample).

Timeout #3 by KC at 03:59.

(3:59) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-J.Winchester, Holder-T.Townsend. CIN 3 KC 13, 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:43 drive, 11:07 elapsed H.Butker kicks 65 yards from KC 35 to end zone, Touchback.

Cincinnati Bengals at 3:53

1-10-CIN 25

2-4-CIN 31

3-2-CIN 33

(3:53) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to J.Mixon to CIN 31 for 6 yards (Ja.Watson).

(3:11) (Shotgun) J.Mixon right tackle to CIN 33 for 2 yards (N.Bolton).

(2:30) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep left intended for T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by Ja.Watson [C.Dunlap] at CIN 49. Ja.Watson ran ob at CIN 39 for 10 yards (H.Hurst).

Kansas City Chiefs at 2:22

1-10-CIN 39

2-10-CIN 39

3-10-CIN 39

4-10-CIN 39

(2:22) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short middle.

(2:18) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short left to I.Pacheco.

(2:15) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short right to S.Moore.

(2:10) T.Townsend punts 34 yards to CIN 5, Center-J.Winchester, out of bounds.

Cincinnati Bengals at 2:03

1-10-CIN 5

Two-Minute Warning

2-8-CIN 7

3-2-CIN 13

1-10-CIN 33

2-9-CIN 34

(2:03) (Shotgun) J.Mixon left guard to CIN 7 for 2 yards (C.Jones; M.Danna).

(1:59) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to H.Hurst pushed ob at CIN 13 for 6 yards (B.Cook).

(1:52) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep middle intended for H.Hurst INTERCEPTED by J.Thornhill (B.Cook) at CIN 32. J.Thornhill to CIN 32 for no gain.

P10

PENALTY on KC-B.Cook, Defensive Pass Interference, 20 yards, enforced at CIN 13 - No Play. X6

(1:44) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to S.Perine to CIN 34 for 1 yard (M.Danna).

(1:19) (No Huddle, Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to J.Chase to KC 49 for 17 yards (Ja.Watson).

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

1-10-KC 49

2-5-KC 44

(:58) (No Huddle, Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to T.Higgins pushed ob at KC 44 for 5 yards (J.Williams).

(:50) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to S.Perine to KC 40 for 4 yards (B.Cook).

Timeout #1 by CIN at 00:43.

(:43) (Shotgun) J.Mixon left guard to KC 37 for 3 yards (J.Reid).

3-1-KC 40 R8

Timeout #2 by CIN at 00:39.

1-10-KC 37 P9

1-10-KC 26

1-5-KC 5

2-5-KC 5

3-5-KC 5

(:39) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to T.Higgins to KC 26 for 11 yards (J.Williams).

Timeout #3 by CIN at 00:32.

(:32) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep left to T.Higgins to KC 5 for 21 yards (Ja.Watson).

(:11) (No Huddle) J.Burrow pass incomplete short left to T.Higgins (Ja.Watson).

(:08) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short right to T.Higgins [C.Jones].

(:04) E.McPherson 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-C.Adomitis, Holder-D.Chrisman.

CIN 6 KC 13, 12 plays, 90 yards, 1 penalty, 2:03 drive, 15:00 elapsed END

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

KC elects to Receive, and CIN elects to defend the East goal.

E.McPherson kicks 66 yards from CIN 35 to KC -1. I.Pacheco to KC 21 for 22 yards (D.Hill).

Kansas City Chiefs at 15:00, (1st play from scrimmage 14:55)

1-10-KC 21

2-7-KC 24

3-8-KC 23

4-8-KC 23

(14:55) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco up the middle to KC 24 for 3 yards (J.Bates; D.Reader).

(14:24) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to M.Hardman to KC 23 for -1 yards (E.Apple).

(13:44) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete deep right to M.Valdes-Scantling.

(13:38) T.Townsend punts 44 yards to CIN 33, Center-J.Winchester. T.Taylor to CIN 38 for 5 yards (N.Johnson).

Cincinnati Bengals at 13:29

1-10-CIN 38

(13:29) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to T.Higgins ran ob at CIN 47 for 9 yards.

2-1-CIN 47 R11

1-10-KC 46

2-8-KC 44

(13:01) (Shotgun) S.Perine up the middle to KC 46 for 7 yards (J.Thornhill; N.Bolton).

(12:22) (Shotgun) J.Burrow scrambles right end to KC 44 for 2 yards (K.Saunders).

(11:36) (Shotgun) S.Perine up the middle to KC 42 for 2 yards (K.Saunders).

3-6-KC 42 R12

1-10-KC 31

2-6-KC 27

(11:00) (Shotgun) J.Burrow up the middle to KC 31 for 11 yards (B.Cook).

(10:24) (Shotgun) J.Mixon left end to KC 27 for 4 yards (M.Danna). KC-W.Gay was injured during the play.

(10:03) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short right to M.Wilcox [C.Jones].

(9:59) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep right to T.Higgins for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

3-6-KC 27 P13

E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-C.Adomitis, Holder-D.Chrisman.

CIN 13 KC 13, 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:35 drive, 5:06 elapsed E.McPherson kicks 60 yards from CIN 35 to KC 5. S.Moore to KC 23 for 18 yards (M.Bailey; A.Davis-Gaither). Kansas City Chiefs at 9:54, (1st play from scrimmage 9:50)

1-10-KC 23

2-4-KC 29

3-4-KC 29

1-10-KC 40

2-4-KC 46

1-10-CIN 29

2-9-CIN 28

(9:50) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce to KC 29 for 6 yards (L.Wilson).

(9:14) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short right to M.Hardman (C.Taylor-Britt).

(9:10) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to M.Hardman to KC 40 for 11 yards (L.Wilson). KC-M.Hardman was injured during the play. His return is Questionable.

(8:49) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to T.Kelce to KC 46 for 6 yards (E.Apple).

(8:06) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to M.Valdes-Scantling pushed ob at CIN 29 for 25 yards (V.Bell).

(7:30) (Shotgun) J.McKinnon up the middle to CIN 28 for 1 yard (M.Hilton).

(6:55) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes scrambles up the middle to CIN 26 for 2 yards (J.Tupou).

Timeout #1 by KC at 06:07.

3-7-CIN 26 P13

1-10-CIN 19

2-8-CIN 17

3-10-CIN 19

(6:07) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to M.Valdes-Scantling to CIN 20 for 6 yards (V.Bell; C.Taylor-Britt).

Kansas City challenged the short of the line to gain ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to M.Valdes-Scantling to CIN 19 for 7 yards (C.Taylor-Britt; V.Bell).

(5:54) I.Pacheco left end to CIN 17 for 2 yards (J.Bates).

(5:12) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes sacked at CIN 19 for -2 yards (S.Hubbard).

(4:21) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass deep middle to M.Valdes-Scantling for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-J.Winchester, Holder-T.Townsend.

CIN 13 KC 20, 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:39 drive, 10:45 elapsed H.Butker kicks 65 yards from KC 35 to end zone, Touchback.

Cincinnati Bengals at 4:15

1-10-CIN 25

2-7-CIN 28

3-7-CIN 28

3-17-CIN 18

4-17-CIN 18

(4:15) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to J.Chase to CIN 28 for 3 yards (T.McDuffie).

(3:39) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short right.

(3:33) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short middle to J.Chase to CIN 47 for 19 yards (B.Cook).

PENALTY on CIN-C.Volson, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at CIN 28 - No Play.

(3:13) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete deep left to T.Higgins (T.McDuffie).

(3:05) D.Chrisman punts 41 yards to KC 41, Center-C.Adomitis. S.Moore to CIN 34 for 25 yards (J.Bachie).

PENALTY on KC-B.Cook, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at KC 41.

Kansas City Chiefs at 2:53

1-10-KC 31

2-10-KC 31

3-8-KC 33

1-10-KC 43

(2:53) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short left to S.Moore.

(2:49) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco to KC 33 for 2 yards (G.Pratt).

(2:08) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass deep right to M.Valdes-Scantling to CIN 42 for 25 yards (M.Hilton; V.Bell).

PENALTY on KC-A.Wylie, Taunting, 15 yards, enforced between downs.

(1:42) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short right to S.Moore.

P14

2-10-KC 43

1-10-CIN 46

(1:39) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short middle to T.Kelce to CIN 46 for 11 yards (L.Wilson).

(1:00) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes sacked at KC 49 for -5 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CIN-S.Hubbard at KC 45.

Cincinnati Bengals at 0:55

1-10-KC 45

2-5-KC 40

3-5-KC 40

END OF QUARTER

(:55) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to J.Mixon to KC 40 for 5 yards (T.McDuffie).

(:09) D.Smith reported in as eligible. J.Burrow pass incomplete short middle.

(:07) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to S.Perine to KC 41 for -1 yards (T.McDuffie, J.Williams).

P16

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Cincinnati Bengals continued.

4-6-KC 41 P14

1-6-KC 6

(15:00) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep left to J.Chase to KC 6 for 35 yards (B.Cook).

(14:15) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to J.Mixon pushed ob at KC 2 for 4 yards (J.Reid).

(13:35) (Shotgun) S.Perine up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

2-2-KC 2 R15

E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-C.Adomitis, Holder-D.Chrisman.

CIN 20 KC 20, 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:25 drive, 1:30 elapsed

E.McPherson kicks 66 yards from CIN 35 to KC -1. I.Pacheco to KC 22 for 23 yards (M.Bailey).

Kansas City Chiefs at 13:30, (1st play from scrimmage 13:25)

1-10-KC 22

2-8-KC 24

(13:25) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to S.Moore to KC 24 for 2 yards (E.Apple).

(12:43) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to I.Pacheco to KC 31 for 7 yards (M.Hilton).

3-1-KC 31 R17

1-10-KC 33

2-9-KC 34

3-9-KC 34

1-10-KC 39

2-9-KC 40

3-9-KC 40

4-9-KC 40

(12:03) I.Pacheco up the middle to KC 33 for 2 yards (J.Bates).

(11:19) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco right guard to KC 34 for 1 yard (G.Pratt; Z.Carter).

(10:36) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short left to J.McKinnon [J.Ossai].

(10:29) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes sacked at KC 26 for -8 yards (B.Hill).

PENALTY on CIN-E.Apple, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at KC 34 - No Play. X18

(10:11) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco up the middle to KC 40 for 1 yard (J.Tupou; G.Pratt).

(9:33) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short right to T.Kelce.

Timeout #1 by CIN at 09:30.

(9:30) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short middle to M.Valdes-Scantling.

(9:26) T.Townsend punts 42 yards to CIN 18, Center-J.Winchester, fair catch by T.Taylor.

Cincinnati Bengals at 9:18

1-10-CIN 18

1-19-CIN 9

(9:18) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short right to M.Wilcox.

PENALTY on CIN-T.Karras, Offensive Holding, 9 yards, enforced at CIN 18 - No Play.

(9:12) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to T.Irwin to CIN 15 for 6 yards (N.Bolton; D.Harris) [F.Clark].

2-13-CIN 15 R16

1-10-CIN 29

2-3-CIN 36

3-3-CIN 36

(8:30) (Shotgun) J.Burrow scrambles left end to CIN 29 for 14 yards (J.Reid).

(7:48) J.Mixon right end to CIN 36 for 7 yards (K.Saunders).

(7:08) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete deep right to J.Chase.

(7:02) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep right intended for T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by J.Williams (B.Cook) at KC 18. J.Williams to KC 14 for -4 yards (T.Higgins).

Kansas City Chiefs at 6:53

1-10-KC 14

(6:53) I.Pacheco up the middle to KC 16 for 2 yards (Z.Carter; G.Pratt).

2-8-KC 16 P19

1-10-KC 29

2-2-KC 37

1-10-KC 45

1-10-CIN 39

2-13-CIN 42

3-12-CIN 41

4-8-CIN 37

(6:20) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to M.Kemp to KC 29 for 13 yards (L.Wilson).

(5:40) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to S.Moore to KC 37 for 8 yards (G.Pratt).

(4:59) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short left to M.Valdes-Scantling (M.Hilton).

PENALTY on CIN-M.Hilton, Defensive Pass Interference, 8 yards, enforced at KC 37 - No Play.

(4:56) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco to CIN 39 for 16 yards (V.Bell) [J.Ossai].

(4:08) (Shotgun) J.McKinnon left end to CIN 42 for -3 yards (J.Ossai).

(3:28) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes scrambles up the middle to CIN 41 for 1 yard (J.Ossai; Z.Carter).

(2:44) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to J.McKinnon to CIN 37 for 4 yards (L.Wilson).

Penalty on KC-C.Humphrey, Offensive Holding, declined.

(2:36) T.Townsend punts 31 yards to CIN 6, Center-J.Winchester, out of bounds.

Cincinnati Bengals at 2:30

1-10-CIN 6

Two-Minute Warning

1-10-CIN 16

2-7-CIN 19

3-16-CIN 10

1-10-CIN 33

2-8-CIN 35

(2:30) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short left to T.Higgins to CIN 16 for 10 yards (Ja.Watson).

(2:00) (Shotgun) J.Burrow scrambles left end to CIN 19 for 3 yards (M.Danna).

(1:27) (No Huddle, Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short middle [C.Jones].

PENALTY on CIN-J.Burrow, Intentional Grounding, 9 yards, enforced at CIN 19.

(1:03) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep right to H.Hurst pushed ob at CIN 33 for 23 yards (J.Williams) [C.Dunlap].

(:56) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to H.Hurst to CIN 35 for 2 yards (J.Reid).

Timeout #2 by CIN at 00:48.

(:48) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short left to T.Irwin.

X20

P21

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

3-8-CIN 35

4-15-CIN 28

(:44) (Shotgun) J.Burrow sacked at CIN 28 for -7 yards (C.Jones).

Timeout #2 by KC at 00:41.

(:41) D.Chrisman punts 54 yards to KC 18, Center-C.Adomitis. S.Moore pushed ob at KC 47 for 29 yards (S.Morgan).

Kansas City Chiefs at 0:30

1-10-KC 47

2-4-CIN 47

(:30) (Shotgun) I.Pacheco left end to CIN 47 for 6 yards (J.Bates; T.Hendrickson).

Timeout #3 by KC at 00:21.

(:21) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass incomplete short middle to S.Moore (J.Ossai).

3-4-CIN 47 R22

1-10-CIN 27

(:17) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes scrambles right end ran ob at CIN 42 for 5 yards (J.Ossai).

PENALTY on CIN-J.Ossai, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at CIN 42. X23

(:08) H.Butker 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.Winchester, Holder-T.Townsend.

CIN 20 KC 23, 4 plays, 26 yards, 1 penalty, 0:27 drive, 14:57 elapsed H.Butker kicks 56 yards from KC 35 to CIN 9. T.Irwin to CIN 17 for 8 yards. Lateral to T.Taylor to CIN 19 for 2 yards (J.Williams).

END OF QUARTER

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Miscellaneous Statistics Report

3-14-CIN 45(11:37) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass deep right to T.Boyd to KC 39 for 16 yards (J.Thornhill).

2-13-CIN 15(8:30) (Shotgun) J.Burrow scrambles left end to CIN 29 for 14 yards (J.Reid).

1-10-KC 37(:39) (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass short right to T.Higgins to KC 26 for 11 yards (J.Williams).

3-6-KC 42(11:00) (Shotgun) J.Burrow up the middle to KC 31 for 11 yards (B.Cook).

Play StartPlay Description

1-10-KC 48(6:52) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass deep left to M.Valdes-Scantling to CIN 23 for 29 yards (V.Bell).

2-4-KC 46(8:06) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to M.Valdes-Scantling pushed ob at CIN 29 for 25 yards (V.Bell).

3-8-KC 33 (2:08) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass deep right to M.Valdes-Scantling to CIN 42 for 25 yards (M.Hilton; V.Bell).

PENALTY on KC-A.Wylie, Taunting, 15 yards, enforced between downs.

PENALTY on CIN-J.Ossai, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at CIN 42. 420

3-4-CIN 47 (:17) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes scrambles right end ran ob at CIN 42 for 5 yards (J.Ossai).

3-10-CIN 19(4:21) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass deep middle to M.Valdes-Scantling for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. 319

2-6-KC 37(5:37) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco to CIN 45 for 18 yards (E.Apple; J.Bates).

2-8-KC 38(11:38) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco pushed ob at CIN 46 for 16 yards (E.Apple).

1-10-CIN 46(11:01) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce to CIN 30 for 16 yards (V.Bell).

1-10-KC 45(4:56) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short left to I.Pacheco to CIN 39 for 16 yards (V.Bell) [J.Ossai].

4-1-CIN 14(3:59) (Shotgun) P.Mahomes pass short right to T.Kelce for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Playtime Percentage

PLAYER STATS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (TITANS/SEAHAWKS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

BLAKE BELL'S NFL POSTSEASON RETURN STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (COMMANDERS/CHIEFS/RAMS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON

(CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

ORLANDO BROWN'S NFL REGULAR SEASON

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

MATT BUSHMAN'S NFL POSTSEASON RETURN STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

HARRISON BUTKER'S NFL POSTSEASON FIELD-GOAL ACCURACY STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

MIKE CALIENDO'S NFL REGULAR SEASON STATISTICS

POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

LEO CHENAL'S NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

LEO CHENAL'S NFL POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHARGERS/CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

JACK COCHRANE'S NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

JACK COCHRANE'S NFL POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

BRYAN COOK'S NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

BRYAN COOK'S NFL POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022

GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

CARLOS DUNLAP II'S NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

JODY FORTSON'S NFL REGULAR SEASON RUSHING/RECEIVING STATISTICS

JODY FORTSON'S NFL POSTSEASON RUSHING/RECEIVING STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

WILLIE GAY'S NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

WILLIE GAY'S NFL POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (BRONCOS/CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

NOAH GRAY'S NFL REGULAR SEASON RUSHING/RECEIVING STATISTICS

NOAH GRAY'S NFL POSTSEASON RUSHING/RECEIVING STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

RONALD JONES II'S NFL POSTSEASON RETURN STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

JOSHUA KAINDOH'S NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

GEORGE KARLAFTIS' NFL REGULAR SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

GEORGE KARLAFTIS' NFL POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022

GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

TRAVIS KELCE'S NFL REGULAR SEASON PASSING/RUSHING STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (GIANTS/CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

300-YARD PASSING GAMES (41): REGULAR SEASON

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

SKYY MOORE'S NFL REGULAR SEASON RUSHING/RECEIVING STATISTICS

SKYY

(CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME

STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (DOLPHINS/JETS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (DOLPHINS/CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

DANNY SHELTON'S NFL POSTSEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

TREY SMITH'S NFL REGULAR SEASON STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

TREY SMITH'S NFL POSTSEASON STATISTICS

IHMIR SMITH-MARSETTE'S NFL REGULAR SEASON RUSHING/RECEIVING STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (BEARS/CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (GIANTS/CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

JAMES WINCHESTER'S NFL REGULAR SEASON STATISTICS

JAMES WINCHESTER'S NFL POSTSEASON STATISTICS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022 GAME-BY-GAME POSTSEASON STATISTICS (CHIEFS)

2022

2022

RECORDS

Most Consecutive Games Played, Career

184

(Sept. 9, 1967 - Dec. 16, 1979)

Colquitt (Nov. 9, 2008 - Dec. 29, 2019)

180 Jim Tyrer (Sept. 10, 1961 - Dec. 2, 1973) 168

Bell (Sept. 7, 1963 - Dec. 14, 1974) 166

Most Consecutive Games Started (Since 1968) 223

SCORING

TOUCHDOWNS

FIELD GOALS

DEFENSE / SPECIAL TEAMS SCORING

RUSHING YARDS

Most Rushing Yards, Game (All 200+)

Most Rushing Yards, Rookie, Game (All 150+)

Most Rushing Yards, Consecutive Games (All 300+)

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

RATING

PASSING YARDS

Highest Passing Average, Season (Qualifiers: 224 attempts/16 G; 238 attemps/17 G)

TOUCHDOWN PASSES

PASS RECEIVING

RECEPTIONS

YARDS

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS

6 Fred Arbanas

6 Stephone Paige

6 Tyreek Hill

6 Mecole Hardman

5 Chris Burford 1960

5 Otis Taylor 1965

5 Bill Jones 1990

5 Tim Barnett 1991

5 Dwayne Bowe 2007

Most Receiving Touchdowns, Game

4 Frank Jackson at San Diego

4 Jamaal Charles at Oakland

4 Travis Kelce vs. Las Vegas

3 Chris Burford at Oakland

3 Chris Burford at Boston

3 Otis Taylor at Denver

3 Otis Taylor at N.Y. Jets

3 Sylvester Morris vs. San Diego

3 Tony Gonzalez vs. Miami

3 Dwayne Bowe at Seattle

3 Tyreek Hill at New England

3 Sammy Watkins at Jacksonville

3 Tyreek Hill at Tampa Bay

3 Tyreek Hill at Philadelphia

3 Travis Kelce at Los Angeles Chargers

Dec. 13, 1964

Dec. 15, 2013

Oct. 10, 2022

Sept. 23, 1962

Sept. 25, 1966

Dec. 17, 1967

Nov. 16, 1969

Sept. 17, 2000

Sept. 29, 2002

Nov. 28, 2010

Oct. 14, 2018

Sept. 8, 2019

Nov. 29, 2020

Oct. 3, 2021

Nov. 20, 2022

Most Consecutive Games, Touchdown Receptions

7 Dwayne Bowe

6 Travis Kelce

17, 2010 - Nov. 28, 2010

6, 2020 - Sept. 19, 2021

6 Jerick McKinnon Dec. 4, 2022 - Jan. 7, 2023

5 Chris Burford Sept. 8, 1962 - Oct. 12, 1962

5 Otis Taylor Oct. 23, 1966 - Nov. 20, 1966

5 Tyreek Hill

4 Johnny Robinson

4 Chris Burford

4 Fred Arbanas

4 Chris Burford

4 Otis Taylor

4 Curtis McClinton

4 Willie Frazier

4 Otis Taylor

4 Stephone Paige

4 Tony Gonzalez

4 Tony Gonzalez

4 Tony Gonzalez

4 Jeremy Maclin

4 Kareem Hunt

4 Tyreek Hill

4 Travis Kelce

Oct. 25, 2020 - Nov. 29, 2020

Nov. 12, 1961 - Dec. 10, 1961

Oct. 28, 1962 - Nov. 18, 1962

Nov. 11, 1962 - Dec. 2, 1962

Oct. 31, 1965 - Nov. 21, 1965

Nov. 28, 1965 - Sept. 11, 1966

Sept. 11, 1966 - Oct. 2, 1966

Sept. 17, 1972 - Oct. 8, 1972

Sept. 25, 1972 - Oct. 15, 1972

Nov. 23, 1986 - Dec. 14, 1986

Nov. 28, 1999 - Dec. 18, 1999

Sept. 24, 2000 - Oct. 22, 2000

Dec. 7, 2008 - Dec. 28, 2008

Dec. 20, 2015 - Sept. 11, 2016

Oct. 14, 2018 - Nov. 4, 2018

Sept. 10, 2020 - Oct. 5, 2020

Dec. 16, 2021 - Sept.

YARDS

COMBINED YARDAGE

ATTEMPTS

Most Combined Attempts, Career (All 1,000+)

PUNTING DISTANCE

PUNTS BLOCKED

INSIDE THE

PUNT RETURNS

PUNT RETURN TOUCHDOWNS

KICKOFF RETURNS

PUNT RETURN YARDS

Highest Punt Return Average, Career (50 returns)

10.60

Highest Punt Return Average, Season (12 returns)

16.28

KICKOFF RETURN TOUCHDOWNS

FUMBLES

INTERCEPTION RETURN YARDS

INTERCEPTION RETURN

TOUCHDOWNS

SPECIAL TEAM TACKLES

BLOCKED KICKS

GAMES WON

Most 40-Point Games, Season 5 2003, 2018 4 1966, 2002, 2004 3 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 2021, 2022 2 1965, 1968, 1983, 2000, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020

Most 30-Point Games, Season

GAMES LOST

Most

Largest

Largest

TOUCHDOWNS

POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWNS

FIELD GOALS

RUSHING FIRST DOWNS

FIRST DOWNS BY PENALTY

NET YARDS PASSING AND RUSHING

PASSING FIRST DOWNS

RUSHING

10 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1995, 1999, 2010

Most Consecutive Games, 40 or More Rushing Attempts

4 1968, 1978

3 1962, 1973, 1996

Most Consecutive Games, 30 or More Rushing Attempts 15 1980-81

8 1975, 1977-78

7 1972, 1978, 1978-79

6 1970, 1980, 1989, 1999

YARDS

Most Rushing Yards, Game (All 300+)

Fewest

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

PASSING

Most

9 at Denver (9 Cassel)

9 at L.A. Rams (9 Mahomes)

8 at Oakland (8 Mahomes)

8 at Miami (8 Mahomes)

7 at L.A. Raiders (7 Krieg)

1 Morris)

19, 2018

13, 2020

6, 1992

7 at San Diego (7 Gannon) Nov. 22, 1998

7 at Oakland (7 Grbac)

Nov. 5, 2000

7 at Arizona (7 Green) Oct. 21, 2001

7 vs. Indianapolis (7 Green)

7 at New York Jets (7 Smith)

7 at Cleveland (7 Mahomes)

7 at Tampa Bay (7 Mahomes)

7 at Los Angeles Chargers (7 Mahomes)

7 at San Francisco (7 Mahomes)

PASSING YARDS

Most

Oct. 31, 2004

Dec. 3, 2017

Nov. 4, 2018

Nov. 29, 2020

Dec. 16, 2021

Oct. 23, 2022

SACKS

INTERCEPTIONS

PUNTING AVERAGE

KICKOFF RETURNS

PUNTS BLOCKED

PUNT RETURNS

KICKOFF

FUMBLES

YARDS PENALIZED

PENALTIES

SCORING

TOUCHDOWNS

NOTABLE GAMES

FIRST DOWNS

NET YARDS ALLOWED PASSING AND RUSHING

COMPLETIONS

RUSHING YARDS

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

PASSING YARDS

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS

SACKS

INTERCEPTIONS BY

OPPONENTS INTERCEPTIONS

BLOCKED FIELD GOALS

KICKOFF RETURNS

FUMBLES

TURNOVERS

SINGLE GAME

5 Alan Pastrana, Denver

5 James Harris, San Diego

5 Jim Plunkett, Oakland

5 Jim Zorn, Seattle

5 Dave Krieg, Seattle

5 John Elway, Denver

Long Pass (All 80+) 90

Dec. 6, 1970

Nov. 26, 1978

Oct. 5, 1980

Nov. 9, 1980

Dec. 9, 1984

Dec. 14, 1985

RECEIVING

Passing Yards (All 400+)

Elway, Denver

Touchdown Passes

5 George Blanda, Houston

5 Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

5 Peyton Manning, Denver

5 Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay

5 Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh

5 Deshaun Watson, Houston

Interceptions Thrown

6 John Hadl, San Diego

6 Ryan Fitzpatrick, N.Y. Jets

5 George Blanda, Houston

5 John Hadl, San Diego

5 Babe Parilli, Boston

5 George Blanda, Houston

5 Pete Beathard, Houston

5 Marty Domres, San Diego

Dec. 6, 1998

Oct. 24, 1965

Oct. 31, 2004

Dec. 1, 2013

Sept. 28, 2015

Oct. 2, 2016

Oct. 8, 2017

Dec. 8, 1968

Sept. 25, 2016

Oct. 28, 1962

Dec. 16, 1962

Dec. 14, 1963

Oct. 4, 1964

Oct. 12, 1969

Nov. 9, 1969

RUSHING

Pruitt, Cleveland

3 Pete Banaszak, Oakland

3 Walter Payton, Chicago

14, 1975

Dec. 21, 1975

Nov. 13, 1977

3 Curt Warner, Seattle Nov. 27, 1983 (OT)

3 Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders

3 Rodney Hampton, N.Y. Giants

3 Terrell Davis, Denver

3 Curtis Martin, N.Y. Jets

3 Clinton Portis, Denver

3 Onterrio Smith, Minnesota

3 Michael Pittman, Tampa Bay

3 Michael Turner, Atlanta

3 LenDale White, Tennessee

3 Jerome Harrison, Cleveland

3 Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati

3 Mike Gillislee, New England

3 Mark Ingram, Baltimore

Long Run (All 80+)

Nov. 25, 1990

Dec. 19, 1992

Dec. 6, 1998

Nov. 11, 2001

Dec. 15, 2002

Dec. 20, 2003

Nov. 7, 2004

Sept. 21, 2008

Oct. 19, 2008

Dec. 20, 2009

Oct. 4, 2015

Sept. 7, 2017

Sept. 22, 2019

Long

Long

DEFENSE / SPECIAL TEAMS

SCORING

Priest Holmes vs. Indianapolis

2 Knile Davis at Indianapolis

2 Damien Williams vs. San Francisco

2 Travis Kelce vs. Buffalo

2 Byron Pringle vs. Pittsburgh

2 Travis Kelce vs. Jacksonville

Most Points After Touchdown, Career

49 Harrison Butker (14 games - 52 Att.)

13 Nick Lowery (8 games - 14 Att.)

8 Jan Stenerud (5 games - 8 Att.)

6 Ryan Succop (2 games -

Most Points After Touchdown, Game

2017-22

1980-93

1967-79

4 Mike Mercer at Buffalo (4 Att.)

Jan. 1, 1967

4 Nick Lowery at Houston (4 Att.) Jan. 16, 1994

4 Morten Andersen vs. IND (4 Att.) Jan. 11, 2004

4 Harrison Butker vs. IND (4 Att.) Jan. 12, 2019

4 Harrison Butker vs. NE (4 Att.)

4 Harrison Butker vs. SF (4 Att.)

Jan. 20, 2019

2, 2020

Most Points After Touchdown, No Misses, Career

8 Jan Stenerud (5 games)

Most Field Goals Attempted, Career

23 Harrison Butker (14 games)

17 Jan Stenerud (5 games)

12 Nick Lowery (8 games)

Most Field Goals Attempted, Game

5 Jan Stenerud vs. N.Y. Jets

4 Nick Lowery vs. Miami

4 Jan Stenerud vs. Miami

4 Harrison Butker vs. Buffalo

Most Field Goals Made, Career

20 Harrison Butker (14 games - 23 Att.)

9 Jan Stenerud (5 games - 17 Att.)

8 Nick Lowery (8

Most

Longest

RUSHING

1967-79

2017-22

1967-79

1980-93

Dec. 20, 1969

Jan. 5, 1991

Dec. 25, 1971

Jan. 23, 2022

2017-22

1967-79

Jan. 11, 2004

Jan. 4, 2014

Feb. 2, 2020

Jan. 24, 2021

Jan. 16, 2022

Jan. 21, 2023

Most

(to Elmo Wright)

63 Alex Smith at Indianapolis (to Dwayne Bowe)

61 Len Dawson at N.Y. Jets (to Otis Taylor)

60 Patrick Mahomes vs. Tennessee (to Sammy Watkins)

Most Touchdown Passes, Career

32 Patrick Mahomes (13 games)

PASSING

Dec. 25, 1971

Jan. 4, 2014

Dec. 20, 1969

Jan. 19, 2020

Most Passing Yards, Career

games)

454 Dave Krieg (4 games) 1992-93

Most Passing Yards, Game (All 300+) 404 Patrick Mahomes vs. Pittsburgh

Most Touchdown Passes, Game

5 Patrick Mahomes vs. Houston

3 Joe Montana at Houston Jan. 16,

3 Patrick Mahomes vs. New England Jan. 20, 2019

3 Patrick Mahomes vs. Buffalo

3 Patrick Mahomes vs. Buffalo

3 Patrick Mahomes vs. Cincinnati

Most Passes Had Intercepted, Career 8 Len Dawson (8 games)

4 Joe Montana (4 games)

Most Passes Had Intercepted, Game

4 Len Dawson at Oakland

4 Mark Vlasic at Buffalo

PASS RECEIVING

24, 2021

23, 2022

30, 2022

Longest Pass Completion 79 Alex Smith at Indianapolis (to Donnie Avery)

71 Patrick Mahomes vs. Buffalo (to Tyreek Hill)

Jan. 4, 2014

Jan. 24, 2021 64 Patrick Mahomes vs. Buffalo (to Tyreek Hill)

63 Len Dawson vs. Miami

Jan. 23, 2022

Most

7 Travis Kelce (15 games)

4 Tyreek Hill (13 games)

2 Sammy Watkins (6 games)

1 By seven players; Last, Dwayne Bowe vs. Indianapolis Colts

Longest Pass Reception

79 Donnie Avery at Indianapolis (from Alex Smith)

71 Tyreek Hill vs. Buffalo (from Patrick Mahomes)

16, 2022

31, 1994

2013-21

2016-21

2018-20

Jan. 4, 2013

Jan. 4, 2014

Longest Punt

Jan. 24, 2021 64 Tyreek Hill vs. Buffalo (from Patrick Mahomes)

63 Elmo Wright vs. Miami (from Len Dawson)

63 Dwayne Bowe at Indianapolis (from Alex Smith)

61 Otis Taylor at N.Y. Jets (from Len Dawson)

60 Sammy Watkins vs. Tennessee (from Patrick Mahomes)

Most Receiving Touchdowns, Career

15 Travis Kelce (17 games)

5 Tyreek Hill (13 games)

4 Damien Williams (5 games)

3 Byron Pringle (8 games)

2 Otis Taylor (7 games)

2 Fred Jones (6 games)

2 J.J.

Jan. 23, 2022

Dec. 25, 1971

Jan. 4, 2014

Dec. 20, 1969

Jan. 19, 2020

2013-22

2016-21

2018-19

2018-21

1965-75

1990-93

PUNT RETURNS

COMBINED NET YARDS

KICKOFF RETURNS

PUNTING

INTERCEPTIONS BY

Longest Kickoff Return

SACKS

SCORING

FIRST DOWNS

PASSING

NET YARDS RUSHING AND PASSING

RUSHING

SCORING

FIRST DOWNS

PASSING

NET YARDS RUSHING AND PASSING

SACKS

SINGLE GAME

SCORING

Passing

(All 300+)

Interceptions Thrown

5 George Blanda, Houston

4 Todd Marinovich, L.A. Raiders

RUSHING

Dec. 23, 1962

Dec. 28,

RECEVING

Touchdown Passes

5 Daryle Lamonica, Oakland

4 Andrew Luck, Indianapolis

4 Josh Allen, Buffalo

3 Pat Ryan, N.Y. Jets

3 Jim Kelly, Buffalo

3 Neil O'Donnell, Pittsburgh

3 Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

3 Tom Brady, Tampa Bay

1, 1967

Dec. 22, 1968

Jan. 4, 2014

Jan. 23, 2022

Dec. 28, 1986

Jan. 5, 1992

Jan. 8, 1994

Jan. 11, 2004

Feb. 7, 2021

DEFENSE / SPECIAL TEAMS

Long Kickoff Return

63 Jamal Agnew, Jacksonville

Long Punt

64 Reggie Roby, Miami

Long Field Goal (All 50+)

58 Pete Stoyanovich, Miami

52 Ryan Succop, Tampa Bay

52 Evan McPherson, Cincinnati

51 Tyler Bass, Buffalo

50 Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis

Sacks

3 Gerald Williams, Pittsburgh

3 Whitney Mercilus, Houston

Jan. 21, 2023

Jan. 5, 1991

Jan. 5, 1991

Feb. 7, 2021

Jan. 30, 2022

Jan. 24, 2021

Jan. 6, 2007

Jan. 8, 1994

Jan. 9, 2016

FEATURE CLIPS

TEAM

1. Adapting Arrowhead Stadium for 2026 World Cup in Kansas City will be two year process (3)

2. Chiefs Announce Inaugural International Expansion Advisory Board Members (5)

3. Chiefs Searching for super fan to lead gameday rituals (7)

4. For more than a few Chiefs veterans, playing for Championships is why they signed in KC (9)

5. From Andy Reid ‘Arrowhead East’ and Kelce’s, Chiefs-Eagles would be enticing matchup (13)

6. How Chiefs’ new, unfamiliar faces fueled a Super Bowl trip (19)

7. Kansas City Chiefs Unveil Throwback Field for 50th Anniversary of Arrowhead Stadium (22)

8. My Cause My Cleats (23)

9. The Kansas City Chiefs Have Germany In Their Sites (27)

10. Aramark unveils new food offerings at Arrowhead for 2022 season (29)

11. Chiefs honored Len Dawson with choir huddle before preseason game vs. Packers (30)

EXECUTIVES & COACHES

1. Andy Reid - Andy Reid among the most handsome NFL head coaches (31)

2. ANDY REID - Andy Reid, Travis Kelce reflect on 10 years with the Chiefs (32)

3. Andy Reid - On the difference between chopped liver and cheeseburgers in paradise for KC Chiefs (33)

4. Andy Reid - The innovation that’s kept Andy Reid, Chiefs ahead of NFL: ‘He could get my dad open’ (36)

5. Brett Veach - Brett Veach’s Maturation Has The Chiefs Primed for Sucess (42)

6. Dave Toub - On this Mt. Rushmore of special teams coaches, KC Chiefs’ Dave Toub is the ‘first face’ (45)

7. Eric Bieniemy - This NFL coordinator has been on the rise for years. But why hasn’t he been made a head coach yet? (46)

8. Matt Nagy -The Chiefs should build a statue of Matt Nagy for this move he pulled to help Patrick Mahomes impress Andy Reid (49)

9. Porter Ellett - Left-Hand Man (50)

10. Ted Crews - From an HBCU to the NFL, Chiefs’ Executive Ted Crews Encourages Future (56)

PLAYERS

1. carlos dunlap - Inside Carlos Dunlap’s bittersweet journey to 100 sacks (59)

2. Carlos dunlap - Miami’s ‘best brunch’ spot is owned by a Kansas City Chiefs player (63)

3. Frank Clark - Chiefs Frank Clark creates scholarship honoring Missouri teen killed on ride (64)

4. george Karlaftis - NFL draft 2022: How George Karlaftis found his way to football between Greece and Indiana (66)

5. Harrison Butker - After a tough regular season, Chiefs’ Harrison Butker delivers in the playoffs... again (74)

6. Isiah Pacheco - Isiah Pacheco overcomes family tragedy to lead Vineland’s football team (76)

7. Isiah pacheco - Tailback Isiah Pacheco Shows Talent and Character When Called Upon (81)

8. Jaylen watson - With football taken away, he delivered pizzas. KC Chiefs might start him 2 years later (83)

9. Jerick McKinnon - Meet the Chiefs’ latest touchdown-reception machine: RB Jerick McKinnon (86)

10. Jerick McKinnon - Jerick McKinnon Has Become one of the Chiefs’ Most Versatile Weapons (88)

11. Jerick McKinnon - Why Chiefs’ Jerick McKinnon stands taller than his size and is vital against Bengals (90)

12. Joshua Williams & Bryan Cook - Super Bowl-bound get big play from HBCU rookies (92)

13. JuJu Smith-Schuster - Chiefs’ Smith-Schuster credits Call of Duty for win over 49ers (94)

13. JuJu Smith-Schuster - JuJu Smith-Schuster has mastered the digital economy (96)

14. JuJu Smith-Schuster - JuJu Smith-Schuster Has Plenty to Prove in First Year With Chiefs (98)

PLAYERS

15. Justin Reid & Trent McDuffie - Justin Reid & Trent McDuffie Celebrate Juneteenth with Visit to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (101)

16. Justin Watson - ‘No bad days’: How Chiefs’ Justin Watson was driven and shaped by older brother Tommy (104)

17. Kadarius Toney - How Kadarius Toney is affecting Chiefs - and his teammates: ‘It just gets me fired up’ (108)

18. Nick Bolton - Chiefs LB Nick Bolton to wear V Foundation-inspired Cleats during V Week (111)

19. Nick Bolton - Considering these attributes, it’s no wonder Nick Bolton smashed Chiefs’ tackles record (113)

20. Nick Bolton - Like father like son: How Nick Bolton’s dad helped shape him as a linebacker (117)

21. Nick Bolton - Nick Bolton Of Frisco Lone Star Overcomes Adversity To Get Drafted By Kansas City Chiefs (122)

22. Orlando Brown - Chiefs star, company set up for KC youth football player struggling to find helmet (124)

23. Patrick Mahomes - Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes wins Nationwide Charity Challenge (126)

24. Patrick Mahomes - Man of the Year nomination reminds that Patrick Mahomes is gift that keeps on giving (128)

25. Patrick Mahomes - Patrick Mahomes spends an Unforgettable Afternoon with Teenage “Make-A-Wish” Fan (132)

26. Patrick Mahomes - Patrick Mahomes is the lastest athlete to join the Fortnite world (134)

27. Patrick Mahomes - Patrick Mahomes joins NWSL’s KC Current as part owner (135)

28. Patrick Mahomes - The untold stories of Patrick Mahomes’ first start, and what it means 5 years later (136)

29. PATRICK MAHOMES - The QB battle the unlocked Patrick Mahomes (142)

30. Patrick Mahomes - Mahomes working with skill players in Texas ahead of OTAs (152)

31. Patrick Mahomes - 15 and the Mahomies launches volunteer initiative for teens (154)

32. Skyy Moore - How Chiefs’ 4th-string punt returner saved game vs. Bengals: ‘A full-circle moment’ (155)

33. Skyy Moore - Forced in punt-return role, Chiefs rookie Skyy Moore find redemption (158)

34. Travis Kelce - ‘All he’s worried about is winning’: Travis Kelce says latest milestone just part of another Chiefs win (161)

35. Travis Kelce - Chiefs’ Travis Kelce: ‘I owe a lot of my career, if not all my career’ to Andy Reid (162)

36. Travis Kelce - Travis Kelce has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest TEs of all time (164)

37. Travis Kelce - How Travis Kelce And Jason Kelce’s New Heights Podcast Comes Together (168)

38. Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce has launched his own clothing line (171)

39. Travis Kelce - Travis Kelce is one of the best NFL players ever: Why he’s unique (173)

40. Trey Smith - Guard ready for NFL draft eager to explain blood clot issue (180)

Adapting Arrowhead Stadium for 2026 World Cup in Kansas City will be two-year process

BY BLAIR KERKHOFF

The 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup in Kansas City is four years away. But the details, like what happens to Arrowhead Stadium, are being hammered out now.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan said Monday that alterations needed for Arrowhead will be part of two-year construction plan.

The idea is to begin work on the stadium in the spring of 2025, and will involve removing seats. Those seats will be returned for the 2025 football season, and the process will be repeated in 2026 with soccer games being played in the summer.

Why conform Arrowhead in 2025? For FIFA inspection and the possibility of playing games.

“Our goal is make sure every single seat is replaced for every single season, so we don’t lose any (football) seats,” Donovan said. “It will be an enormous challenge for our operations and construction crews.”

Donovan said fewer than 10,000 seats will be temporarily removed from lower rows and the corners.

“It doesn’t seem like a big project, but I would tell you that when you get into the architecture of the building and the age of the building, it’s an enormous project,” Donovan said.

Could the Arrowhead construction mean some permanent changes for the stadium? Donovan didn’t rule out the possibility.

“There are scenarios where we would do something different for the World Cup and say, ‘Wait a second, if you’re renovating Arrowhead would you keep that or change this or take advantage of the construction you’ve already done?” Donovan said. “That’s in the mix.”

Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium was one of 11 sites selected for games in the 2026 World Cup that will be also be played in Canada and Mexico. Some 17 U.S. cities were part of the bidding process.

In a tweet last month at the World Cup announcement, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas put a $50 million price tag on the stadium project and said the city would ask Missouri for funding in addition to private fundraising.

The World Cup, the globe’s largest sporting event, isn’t first on the list of big sports attractions coming to Kansas City and involving the Chiefs. The NFL Draft arrives in April 2023. NFL officials were in Kansas City a week ago meeting with the Chiefs and city leaders about the three-day event.

“The draft in ‘23 will be the largest event Kansas City has ever hosted,” Donovan said. “I gives a little hint about the trend we’re on ... Our goal is to shine the light on Kansas City.”

Chiefs Announce Inaugural International Expansion Advisory Board

Members

chiefs.com

After securing International Home Marketing Area rights for Germany and Mexico in December, the Kansas City Chiefs have announced six members appointed to the club's inaugural International Expansion Advisory Board in Germany. The club plans to develop a complementary advisory board for the Mexico market in the coming months.

The group of professionals come from varied backgrounds across Germany and will provide market-specific subject matter expertise as the club eyes continued growth and expansion of Chiefs Kingdom in the country. The advisory board will evaluate and provide feedback on club marketing, business development and communications plans, as well as help the team forge deeper relationships with key stakeholders among brands, media, sports federations, fan groups and non-profit organizations.

"This is a proud day for the Chiefs franchise and the Hunt family as the club has supported and invested in the global growth of American football and its fanbase for more than 30 years," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. "Our club's goals for international expansion require a thoughtful, long-term commitment to Germany and its football fans. We are thrilled to introduce this group of dedicated, innovative leaders who will help advise us on our current and future efforts in the market to reach and exceed those goals. We have much to learn and look forward to getting started."

The board members include, in alphabetical order:

• Jana Bernhard, Chief Executive Officer, S20

• Holger Blask, Managing Director, Marketing and Sales, Deutscher Fußball Bund

• Andreas Jung, Executive Board Member, FC Bayern Munich

• Marco Klewenhagen, Managing Director, SPONSORs

• Wolfram Kons, Head of Charity and Vice President, RTL Foundation – We help children

• Karsten Petry, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, Deutsche Sporthilfe

"The Kansas City Chiefs have shown great commitment to the growth of American football in Germany. FC Bayern understands the value of having an international presence to learn and advise on how to better connect with local fans, which can be seen with our offices in New York, Shanghai and Bangkok. I look forward to working with the Chiefs Advisory Board, offering strategic guidance and support," Andreas Jung, FC Bayern Munich Executive Board Member, said.

"I am delighted to join the Chiefs Advisory Board in Germany along with some great leaders in sport to support the global growth of American football and the NFL," Jana Bernhard, S20 Chief Executive Officer, said.

The board is scheduled to meet quarterly, with a focus on aligning around key events in both the NFL calendar and in Germany.

Chiefs searching for superfan to lead game day rituals

Sydnie Savage

KANSAS CITY, Mo. As the Chiefs prepare for the playoffs, the team is rolling out new initiatives to put the spotlight on its fanbase. Check out what Chiefs Kingdom has in store to celebrate its fans.

Chiefs Ritual Officer

The Chiefs are on the hunt for one the Kingdom’s own to lead its fanbase as the Chiefs Ritual Officer for a day.

The ideal candidate will be a loud, die-hard Chiefs fan that knows the importance of game day rituals. Interested fans can submit their application on the Chiefs’ website.

Applications are due by Friday, Jan. 13. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the Chiefs Ritual Officer will be announced at the club’s AFC Divisional game.

The fan selected as the Chiefs Ritual Officer will receive a prize package that includes:

• 142 home game tickets across the 2022 playoffs and the 2023 season.

• Official signing day access at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex.

• A private tour of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

• Two pregame field passes to the club’s first home postseason game of 2022.

• Chance to deliver the game coin to officials prior the club’s first postseason game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this year.

“Chiefs Kingdom is distinctive in its fandom, its traditions, its love for the team, and in the way it unites people. Part of what defines Chiefs fans is the level of ownership that they take in their team, and we see that every week at the stadium, on social media and in interactions around the city, region and beyond,” Chiefs Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lara Krug said in a press release.

“We’re always looking to connect with and celebrate our fans in new and different ways and we think the Chiefs Ritual Officer search truly embraces the uniqueness of Chiefs Kingdom and the fans who make it special. We’re thrilled that Travis and Tru Kolors were open to partnering with the club for an exclusive merch collaboration this postseason and are excited that they’re delivering their energy and style to our fans through this partnership.”

Tru Kolors x Chiefs Collection

Ahead of the playoffs the Chiefs have partnered with Travis Kelce’s clothing brand, Tru Kolors, to release a first-of-its-kind collection.

This is the first time an NFL club has collaborated with one of their player’s brands for a merchandise drop.

“When I was asked to design the exclusive playoffs merch collab for the Chiefs with my clothing brand, Tru Kolors, I was genuinely excited. I love fashion, football, and the unwavering energy of Chiefs Kingdom, so having the opportunity to design a capsule for this playoff season is a major moment,” Kelce said in a press release Thursday.

Fans can shop the Tru Kolors x Chiefs collection online on the Tru Kolors website and at the NFL Shop.

The collection is limited and will only be available while supplies last.

Local fans aren’t the only ones getting in on the postseason action. Famed actor, director and Patrick Mahomes superfan Henry Winkler has released a video highlighting the dedication of Chiefs Kingdom.

For more than a few Chiefs veterans, playing for championships is why they signed in KC

BY HERBIE TEOPE

JANUARY 27, 2023 6:00 AM

JuJu Smith‐Schuster was pumped up “super excited,” to be exact after the Chiefs defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs last weekend.

For other players who have been with the Chiefs for multiple years, the victory might have been business as usual. The Chiefs are set to host their fifth consecutive AFC Championship Game on Sunday when they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, after all.

But for the sixth‐year wide receiver who joined the Chiefs on a one‐year deal last offseason, the AFC Divisional Round provided Smith‐Schuster his first taste of a playoff win.

So, it’s understandable that Smith‐Schuster cherished it.

“To think about it, we had two more games to get to the Super Bowl and it’s now one more left just to get there,” he said. “It’s crazy because I’ve been in this situation in my rookie year and against the same team Jacksonville and we (his former team, the Steelers) lost.

“It’s tough and we had a first week bye, so I just think that this means so much more to me because I’ve been doing it for so long, where a lot of the younger guys are kind of like, ‘Oh, this is normal. I’m used to this. I’m used to playing for the Chiefs. I’m used to getting to the playoffs.’ And it’s been like that here the past five years.”

Smith‐Schuster reached the playoffs with Pittsburgh: in 2017 (his rookie season), 2020 and 2021. But it was one‐and‐done affair each time.

Now, the veteran wideout’s goal of being on a team capable of making a championship run deep into the playoffs has become a reality.

“It’s just more so that this is my sixth year in the league,” he said, “and I’ve been trying to get to this every year and the fact that I’m here and I’m preparing for the week we take it day by day. Like I said, I’m excited. But we can’t peak too soon.”

Smith‐Schuster isn’t the only Chiefs veteran who signed a one‐year deal with a championship in mind.

SUPER GOALS

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap has enjoyed an accomplished career over 13 seasons, split among the Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and, this season, with the Chiefs. He’s a two‐time Pro Bowl selection and has recorded 100 sacks in 197 career games.

Safety Deon Bush, a standout on special teams, joined the Chiefs on a one‐year contract last offseason after six seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Like Smith‐Schuster, the 33‐year‐old Dunlap and the 29‐year‐old Bush got their first taste of a playoff victory when the Chiefs defeated the Jaguars last weekend.

“I’m at the peak of my career right now,” Dunlap said. “A lot of my best football came before me, but I still feel like I’ve got a lot left. And that’s why we came here: to have the best opportunity to put it on the main stage and to have the opportunity to compete for things that a lot of players who accomplish what I’ve been able to accomplish didn’t have the opportunity to do.

“I’m almost at 200 (career) games and I hadn’t won a playoff game. Fortunately, we got it before the 200th game.”

Knowing what a postseason loss feels like, Bush is enjoying the ride.

“I never won a playoff game,” Bush said. “I lost two playoff games in my career, so this is by far the furthest I’ve ever been.”

As a battle‐tested pass rusher, Dunlap had choices as a free agent. But he elected to sign a one‐year contract with the Chiefs because he believed they had a championship‐caliber roster.

“That was the big part of the reason,” he said. “Obviously at that this point of my career, I’ve been able to accomplish a lot, but I hadn’t won a playoff game or had an opportunity to play in an AFC Championship Game or a Super Bowl.”

Bush recalled the same thought process.

“I had other offers,” he said, “but when you think of Kansas City, you think of the chance to be in the AFC Championship or be in the Super Bowl. Man, that’s the reason a lot of us, most of us, come here.”

Running back Jerick McKinnon knows what his veteran teammates are talking about. He, too, carefully evaluated his free‐agent options before signing a one‐year deal with the Chiefs in 2021, and then re‐signing another one‐year deal in 2022.

McKinnon, 30, has been on winning playoff teams before, including the Vikings team that pulled off the Minneapolis Miracle. But he also knows what it felt like to contribute to the Chiefs’ playoff runs in 2021 and ‘22.

He said the opportunity to continue his career with a perennial playoff team played a large role in his decision to return to Kansas City.

“Tremendously,” McKinnon said. “I mean, not just this year but the year before, too. Wins are hard to come by in this league, especially making playoff appearances. It’s definitely hard.

“You got some guys, they go their whole careers and never see the playoffs or never won the division, things like that. Just having the opportunity to come to an organization like this that is rich in winning and things of that nature is definitely something that intrigues veteran guys.”

CULTURE MATTERS

Winning has come easy for the Chiefs in recent years, and the team could make its third Super Bowl appearance in the past four seasons with a win Sunday against the Bengals. In Kansas City, winning the AFC West, which the Chiefs have done for seven straight seasons, and getting to the AFC Championship Game aren’t considered far‐fetched dreams.

“The craziest thing is that is the expectation here: like, it’s going to happen,” Bush said. But there’s another aspect of the team that veteran players notice.

McKinnon noted that the Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by Andy Reid, is respected around the league. And their core group of players, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, makes KC an appealing spot for free agents.

“During free agency, you’re going through that whole process, and you look at the possibilities, you look at the team, the rosters, who’s on the team and stuff like that it definitely sticks out,” McKinnon said. “I definitely think it played a role not just for myself, but other veterans, as well.”

Smith‐Schuster agreed.

“You’re talking about a team that’s been to the AFC Championship Game five times in a row, and that’s because of a guy like Pat and Andy Reid,” he said. “Also, for myself, I think that I’m just happy to be a part of it. I’m happy just to be part of the team and contribute to the Ws.”

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Getting their first postseason victory will continue to be special for the likes of Smith‐Schuster, Dunlap and Bush.

But there remains some unfinished business before the Chiefs’ veteran players have an opportunity to try and win it all in Super Bowl LVII at Glendale, Ariz. That this next step comes against his former team carries even more significance for Dunlap.

“It’s like a storybook telling,” Dunlap said. “It’s bittersweet it had to be these circumstances, but I ride with my team. … We’ve got to go out here and do it, and we get the chance to do it at Arrowhead, which is phenomenal.

“To hear these guys hosted it all five times, a majority of guys in the locker room haven’t experienced it. I come with 200 games and I haven’t experienced it, so it’s a crazy story to tell.

But I’m just being in (the) present and enjoying the moment and preparing to win a football game.”

Bush summed it up succinctly.

“Man, it’s exciting,” he said. “I can’t wait to go out there, for real.”

From Andy Reid to ‘Arrowhead East’ and Kelces, Chiefs-Eagles would be enticing matchup

VAHE GREGORIAN

On their endlessly entertaining “New Heights” podcast this week, the Brothers Kelce basked in their teams’ perches entering the NFL postseason.

“Number 1 seeds across the board, baby!” Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end, said. Or “Double No. 1s,” as Eagles center Jason chimed in.

But they didn’t elaborate on the mind-blowing implication that looms with the distinction: If their teams play to seed and win their next two games, they’ll collide in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

Maybe it was just too tantalizing to say out loud as it hovers this close. But with Patrick Mahomes as their guest last month, the Kelces broached the idea of a podcast sequel, including Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts, if each advances to the Super Bowl.

“Let’s talk it into existence, man,” Travis Kelce said.

Let’s do.

Because this one would be bubbling with intrigue, most visibly between the animated brothers who each have led raucous Super Bowl celebrations: Travis with his Beastie Boys-inspired anthem (“You’ve got to fight for your right to … Lombardi”) and Jason’s, uh, enthusiastic performance(s) in Mummers garb.

“The Kelces, please, that would be a week-long documentary,” Joe Valerio, the former Chief who grew up in the Philadelphia area, said with a laugh. “We’d have to make a Netflix mini-series about that.”

But that would only be one of the compelling subplots of a game that would be dominated by the tale of Chiefs coach Andy Reid facing the franchise that fired him 10 years ago.

Reid and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, whom Reid then let go in Kansas City, would be on the marquee ... with the Kelces and a history of Philly West in Kansas City and “Arrowhead East” in Philadelphia on the collage behind them.

That notion remains a long distance from actually becoming a reality, it should be added, as the other 12 teams in the playoffs meet this weekend while the Chiefs and Eagles have a bye before playing again.

‘IT SHOULD HAPPEN’

So maybe it will prove meant to be; maybe it will play out as too good to come true. “Actually, it should happen,” said Dick Vermeil, who coached the Eagles (and Rams) before the Chiefs and has been contemplating this for weeks. “There’s a lot of variables. But they’re the best teams, if you really look at it.”

Vermeil reckons only one team in the NFC could knock out the Eagles: the secondseeded 49ers. And he allows as to how the Chiefs could be KO’d by second-seeded Buffalo or third-seeded Cincinnati. Each defeated the Chiefs in the regular season.

To say nothing of the ever-lurking possibility of other upsets.

“Personally, I think it’s happening,” said Paul Staico, owner of the South Philly wonderland for Chiefs fans called Big Charlie’s Saloon. “But what should happen never happens.”

So the caveats are substantial.

Just the same, the chances are plenty real for a fascinating showdown that might well overcome the ever-emotional Vermeil.

Not to mention gridlock any of us who, say, grew up in the Philadelphia area, interned with the Eagles, live here now and count their oldest friends as Eagles fans and newest as Chiefs devotees.

“I’d root for them both to play well and end up in a tie,” Vermeil, who lives in the Philadelphia area and recently addressed the Chiefs, laughed and said.

He added, “I can’t think of a game in the past I would ever watch so intensely as that matchup game-day in the Super Bowl.”

SO MANY CONNECTIONS

That’s at least in part because of a remarkable sense of connection between them, both currently and historically.

If Big Charlie’s is Arrowhead East, as it’s popularly known and certainly demonstrated in celebration when the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV, Philly’s connection to Kansas City also goes back decades.

“At one point, we used to call it ‘Philly West,’” said Valerio, who might make a fine guest for the Kelces bestriding each market and having both played center and caught touchdown passes as a jumbo-package tight end with the Chiefs. “It was really crazy how we had this pipeline to the Philadelphia area.”

The phenomenon can best be tracked to 1989.

That’s when Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt hired Carl Peterson as president, general manager and CEO. Peterson had been the Eagles’ director of player personnel under Vermeil before leaving to run the Philadelphia (and later Baltimore) Stars of the USFL.

Before Reid resurrected the franchise, Peterson revived it ... and set in motion a tailgating scene like no other. He should be in the Chiefs Hall of Fame, we’ll say again. He still lives in the Kansas City area, still wears an Eagles Super Bowl ring and, like Vermeil, still laments he wasn’t able to get the Chiefs to a Super Bowl.

(Even if he might also be conflicted, yes, he’d like to see them play.)

His front office would come to reflect Peterson’s Philadelphia past. For that matter, so would a roster that featured Philly-area natives or former Eagles such as Ron Jaworski, Bill Maas, Todd McNair, Kevin Ross and Valerio.

Over time, assistant coaches included former Eagles such as Carl Hairston and John Bunting — who kept a team photo of the Eagles’ 1980 Super Bowl team on his office wall.

(We know there are more connections each way, but we’re running out of space. Plus, we need to leave room for something new if this actually happens.)

In 2001, Peterson fulfilled his longtime hope of hiring Vermeil, who entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame last summer. When Vermeil retired after the 2005 season, Peterson turned to Herm Edwards — whom Peterson signed for the Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

ANDY REID CASTS LONG SHADOW

The more modern connectivity begins with club president Mark Donovan, who had been an Eagles vice president before coming to Kansas City in 2009.

But it’s most conspicuous in the form of Reid and the legion he brought with him, or later hired, from Philly. That includes general manager Brett Veach, who began working with the Eagles as a training camp intern and then as Reid’s personal assistant.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, special teams coordinator Dave Toub and vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder, among many others on the staff, worked for Reid in Philly. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy played his last NFL season for Reid and rejoined him when Reid took the Chiefs job in 2013.

Reid’s arrival here generated another twist:

When he took over, Sirianni had just finished his fourth season in Kansas City and had been the receivers coach for the fired Romeo Crennel. But Reid had other plans for that job: to bring in David Culley from Philadelphia.

“Coach Reid was charged with the task of telling me I wasn’t working there anymore,” Sirianni told reporters in Philadelphia in 2021. “It was actually an awesome conversation I had with him. And I really respected the fact that he took time to meet with me, tell me what he had heard about me.”

The two have faced each other as head coaches only once: a 42-30 Chiefs victory in Philadelphia last season that was Reid’s 100th win with Kansas City.

“I think when you look back on it, you’ll know (Reid) as a Kansas City Chief,” Mahomes said that day, adding, “No offense to Philly, but I’m glad they let him go and he’s here coaching us in Kansas City.”

Reid is 3-0 against the Eagles while rejuvenating his career and lifting the Chiefs to the Super Bowl title he never could attain with the Eagles. He’s now the fifth-winningest coach in NFL history.

If the Chiefs play the Eagles, he’d be just the second coach in the Super Bowl era, after Dan Reeves, to be facing the team he used to run.

“Sometimes,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said before Reid’s return to Philadelphia in 2013, “change is good.”

It certainly has suited both franchises.

The Eagles under former Chiefs offensive coordinator (and Eagles quarterback and assistant) Doug Pederson won a Super Bowl before Reid’s Chiefs did.

Which surely played a part in the fact that three different polls of Philadelphia fans before the Chiefs played the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV reported that more than 85% of them were rooting for Reid and his team.

That was hardly universal by the end of Reid’s 14 seasons there without being able to prevail in a Super Bowl. And it certainly would be the opposite if it comes to the Eagles playing the Chiefs in this Super Bowl.

That takes us back to the improbable curiosity that is Big Charlie’s, which in the event of this matchup stands to turn into a media mecca.

“It would be crazy,” Staico said.

Walking into the inner sanctum of Big Charlie’s, Valerio said, might make you feel like you teleported to the Kansas City area.

PHILLY’S PLACE FOR CHIEFS FANS

If you don’t know about Big Charlie’s, you might assume this quirky enterprise began with a transplanted Chiefs fan. But maybe the best part of the story is that Staico is from that very neighborhood, about 2 miles from the Philadelphia stadiums, and became forever devoted to the Chiefs back in 1970.

That’s when his father, Big Charlie, won a bet on “the red team” in the Super Bowl that led to 4-year-old Paul getting a new bike, he told me on a visit there in 2013.

Presto, he swooned over the Chiefs … and has been accumulating team memorabilia about ever since.

So after 50 years of the Chiefs falling short and nearly 40 years in business at 11th and McKean, Staico was moved to tears when the Chiefs won in 2020 and hundreds of likeminded Chiefs fans celebrated outside and within.

“I didn’t want to cry, but people were coming to me crying,” he said. “They knew how much it meant to this corner.”

The corner holds a shrine to the Chiefs, including a replica Lombardi Trophy from Super Bowl LIV courtesy of Spagnuolo.

Spagnuolo, who met his wife, Maria, in Philadelphia, even stopped by to show off his Super Bowl ring a few months ago during the Chiefs’ mid-season bye week.

When the Chiefs played the Eagles in 2021, Maria Spagnuolo helped behind the bar for an eight-hour shift and put the tips toward her charity … a topic on which Spagnuolo held forth for several minutes last fall.

The Spagnuolos hardly are the first affiliated with the Chiefs to spend meaningful time there.

Among others, the locally based families of Valerio and former Chief Rich Gannon watched many Chiefs games at Big Charlie’s.

In 1998, before a game at Veterans Stadium the next day, Staico said, future Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas came by (he’d met Staico at a Chiefs practice) and signed autographs for hours.

In 2003, during the making of an NFL Films piece about Big Charlie’s, Vermeil called from a cell phone ostensibly to thank Staico and Big Charlie’s for the Philly cheesesteaks they’d sent and promised to stop in one day.

In fact, they were outside about to walk in for a visit and to present a signed Chiefs helmet.

Peterson made the pilgrimage, as well. And Donovan, the Chiefs president and former Eagles executive, visited with a team entourage before the 2013 game.

Former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli came to know the family enough that he once visited Staico’s mother in the hospital and sent flowers when she died, Michael Puggi of Big Charlie’s told me in 2013.

As a neighborhood fixture, small wonder many on the nearby blocks flew Chiefs flags and shot off fireworks when the Chiefs won it all two years ago.

“Now, if we’re playing the Eagles, I’m not sure it would be like that,” Staico said.

But it would sure make for great theater … and a fine podcast sequel for the Brothers Kelce, each of whom was drafted into the NFL under a Reid regime.

When the Eagles beat New England to win the Super Bowl in 2018, Travis Kelce was in the stands crying as his older brother reached “the mountaintop.”

But when the Chiefs beat the Eagles earlier that season, he planted a kiss on his wincing brother as they exchanged jerseys afterward. And who’s to predict how this brotherly love would look in the aftermath of a Super Bowl between the Chiefs and the team from the city of brotherly love?

“I’ve been dreaming and I’ve been drooling of a Kelce Super Bowl since I was 10 years old,” Travis told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith last month. “If I could get my brother in the Super Bowl, that would be a dream come true right there.”

And not just for them.

Kansas City Chiefs Unveil Throwback Field for 50th Anniversary of Arrowhead Stadium

Jonathan Howard

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Chiefs are putting down a throwback field design fans will love. It isn’t just the Cleveland Browns that know how to put up an NFL throwback. The Chiefs have been having a great few years with Patrick Mahomes and now they have a big celebration on their hands for the home opener.

The field is going to look just as it did when the stadium opened up 50 years ago in 1972. Since then, the Chiefs have been one of the most iconic teams in the NFL. There could be quite a few throwback unis and designs shown this season.

Will any be as sweet as this one, though?

When that stadium is filled on Thursday Night Football, it will be rocking. The Los Angeles Chargers will be walking into a tornado. Not only facing the Chiefs but having to deal with 50 years of history and fandom as well. The atmosphere could be one of the best of the season.

It seems that Kansas City is going to pick up where they left off last season – scoring wild numbers of TDs and leaving no room for mistakes from their opponents. In the Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, it was a beating of epic proportions. The Chiefs won 44-21 on the road.

Let’s see if the awesome throwback field design provides a little extra something for the Chiefs and their fans.

Kansas City Chiefs Honor Their Past

During the preseason, the Kansas City Chiefs made sure to honor their long and historic past. One of the icons of the Chiefs organization passed away last month. Len Dawson was a Dallas Texan and eventually a member of the Chiefs when the team moved locations.

Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs team made sure to honor the late Dawson. Of course, the former Purdue Boilermaker was with the organization for 13 years. He was there on the team when Arrowhead Stadium opened up in 1972 and he would go on to play for three seasons after that.

The NFL has a ton of history. I’m glad to see teams embracing that history and bringing back some of these great designs. A lot of good art has been put to the wayside for rounded and sleek modern designs. Give me a rough drawing of the past almost every time.

MY CAUSE MY CLEATS chiefs.com

Justin Reid

Cause: Youth Education

Organization: JReid InDeed

Technology is the game changer for our generation. It will set a child a part in the advancement in life and becoming a great citizen for this world. So I feel it is my duty to make sure all have access to technology.

Patrick Mahomes

Cause: Youth Education

Organization: 15 and the Mahomies

15 and the Mahomies is dedicated to improving the lives of children. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on health, wellness, communities in need of resources and other charitable causes. It was established by NFL MVP, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in 2019.

Travis Kelce

Cause: Youth Education

Organization: Eighty-Seven & Running

87 & Running empowers disadvantaged youth to achieve success by providing resources and support to their communities and cultivating their talent in the areas of education, business, athletics, STEM, and the arts. We seek to change the outcomes of underserved youth in communities across the U.S. by creating access to opportunities, enrichment, and advancement.

Orlando Brown

Cause: Type 1 Diabetes

Organization: TrialNet

Several people close to me have been touched by Type 1 Diabetes. My father, grandfather, brother and best friend have all dealt with it. I've seen firsthand how important prevention and education can be. I, myself, have gone through TrialNet process for my own education and awareness. I encourage others, whom qualify, to do the same.

JuJu Smith Schuster

Cause: Youth Health/Wellness

Organization: Fuel up to play 60

I have a long standing relationship with Fuel up to play 60. I enjoy being apart and helping kids understand the importance of healthy eating and exercise habits early in life.

Harrison Butker

Cause: Children with Disabilities; Education

Organization: Dream Factory Kansas City

Dream Factrory Kansas City is a great organization that reminds us through their mission that every child is valuable and worthy of life no matter the circumstances of their birth. I am happy to showcase an organization whose mission is to bring dignity to all children.

Trey Smith

Cause: Disease Awareness/Prevention

Organization: National Blood Clot Alliance

I was diagnosed with blood clots my sophomore year at Tennessee. I've been able to connect with numerous people who have had blood clots and want to understand more about them. Blood clots do not discriminate. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity. I feel like the National Blood Clot Alliance does a great job of building a sense of community as well as informing people about blood clots.

Juan Thornhill

Cause: Suicide Prevention

Organization: AFSP

Nick Bolton

Cause: Cancer

Organization: V Foundation for Cancer Research

Cancer has directly affected my family with both my sister and my mother.

Andrew Wylie

Cause: Military Appreciation/Support

Organization: SIGNATURES FOR SOLDIERS

Signatures for Soldiers have partnered with athletes who donate their autographed items. The money raised is then dispersed through grants to other charitable organizations whose work fulfills the mission of Signatures for Soldiers to help disabled and homeless veterans. With my interests in sports cards and other collectables I've developed a relationship with the people apart of this organization.

Trent McDuffie

Cause: First Responder Support

Organizations: The California Fire Foundation

With family being so important to me and my dad being a firefighter, I feel a deep connection to this organization. Being able to help families in a time of a loss is my way of honoring firefighters and all they do for the community.

Khalen Saunders

Cause: Disease Awareness/Prevention

Organizations: gift of life

This is a cause that has directly affected Khalens Family. Khalen's mom works with this organization as she has had a transplant.

Justin Watson

Cause: Community Outreach

Organizations: The Golden Scoop

George Karlaftis

Cause: Raising money for service animals for kids and adults with disabilities

Organizations: Canine companions

I absolutely love what they do and what they stand for. Pairing service animals with people who have disabilities can make a massive change in easing that persons life.

Mike Danna

Cause: Cancer

Organizations: Sisters Network Detroit

I am honored to once again highlight the Detroit chapter of the Sisters Network and its mission to bringing breast cancer awareness and educational resources to the African American community. My mother and biggest role model, Cynthia, is a breast cancer survivor and I hope her story of resiliency brings inspiration to others in my hometown community.

Skyy Moore

Cause: Youth Health/Wellness

Organizations: Ronald McDonald House Charities

This is important to me so I can help provide opportunities for children and their families during a time of need.

Kadarius Toney

Cause: Disease Awareness/Prevention

Organizations: Alzheimer's Association

Kadarius Toney honors the Alzheimer's Association, a non-profit that is committed to ending Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Chris Lammons

Cause: Youth Health/Wellness

Organizations: Lammons Loyalty Foundation

I chose this specific cause because it's dedicated to supporting youth who may have lost parents through community programming and mentorship, focusing on mental health awareness and life skill development.

Chad Henne

Cause: Cancer

Organizations: Rally for Ryder and Breast Cancer

I choose to support Rally for Ryder because Ryder recently passed away after a hard fought fight with DIPG. Ryder grew up in my home town and I got to know his wonderful family. I will also be supporting Breast Cancer in honor of my mother-in-law Diane.

Leo Chenal

Cause: Pro-Life

Organizations: Live Action

I believe all human life should be valued and want to work towards helping mothers that are considering abortion. I believe it's not only important to value every life before birth, but to provide the mothers and children the tools it will take to thrive going forward.

Jack Cochrane

Cause: Military Appreciation/Support

Organizations: Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation has an excellent reputation for supporting our nation's bravest individuals and their families. It's an honor for me to contribute towards supporting our military and continuing the legacy left by Pat Tillman.

Cornell Powell

Cause: Breast Cancer Awareness

Organizations: Susan G Komen

I chose Breast Cancer Awareness because it has impacted me, my family and friends! It's something that if detected early can be the difference of life and death!

Derrick Nnadi

Cause: Community Outreach

Organizations: The Derrick Nnadi Foundation

The foundation aims to cultivate positive change in people's lives, inspire children and families through meaningful interactions, and assist those in need. Derrick's father taught him at a young age that 'As Nnadi's we don't receive, we give' and The Derrick Nnadi Foundation embodies that mantra through all of the work that it does.

Nick Allegretti

Cause: Disease Awareness/Prevention

Organizations: Uplifting Athletes

I have worked with Uplifting Athletes for almost 10 years now and I have really enjoyed getting to know them and assist them in raising awareness and money for the rare diseases.

Shane Buechele

Cause: Mental Health

Organizations: ForeTheKids

When you get The opportunity to show people how important mental health is you need to take it. When you fight with mental health you feel like your the only person dealing with it. There are so many people that want to be there for you but you have to be vulnerable enough to ask for help. Lastly, Check on your people

The Kansas City Chiefs Have Germany In Their Sights

Jeff Fedotin

Chiefs Kingdom is trying to expand its empire across the pond.

While Germany will host an NFL regular-season game for the first time this weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs are making major inroads into the country to augment its fanbase and capitalize on a growing NFL market.

“We’ve been very, very aggressive,” said Chiefs president Mark Donovan. “We’re very excited about what we’ve been doing in Germany. We’ve shown great progress so far in growing our brand.”

As part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area (IHMA) plan, the Chiefs are one of four teams — along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots — to have marketing, fan engagement and commercialization access in Germany.

Prior to the 2022 NFL season, Donovan said the Chiefs had become the fifth largest NFL brand in that country.

The Chiefs have a strong multimedia presence in Germany. They have experienced growth on social media there and even have a tab on their official web site to translate the text to German.

Why such a push into Germany? It’s a coveted market.

The NFL currently has more than 19 million fans there, according to the NFL International Fan Tracker, and it is already the second most popular sport on television among the German audience between ages 14 and 49.

“We will eventually get over there one day,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said, “and play in front of those fans and see what that atmosphere is like.”

The Chiefs had hoped to be part of the NFL’s first regular-season game in Germany, but instead the Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks will play in Munich on Sunday.

The Chiefs even sent former stars Dante Hall and Tim Grunhard there in April to capture some B-roll footage and as way to further popularize the brand in advance of the game.

Nonetheless, team executives are confident they will play in Germany in the near future.

“I think we’ll be selected in the next two or three years,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said. “Obviously, we would be excited to play in Germany if the opportunity presents itself.”

If and when that happens, the Chiefs are making a conscious effort to market their brand in Germany.

During the 2002 NFL Draft, former soccer player Oliver Bierhoff officially announced the Chiefs’ fourth-round selection of Joshua Williams from a Chiefs draft party in Munich.

In June the Chiefs and SPORTFIVEIVE +0.5%, a global sports marketing agency with regional hubs in Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich, agreed on a comprehensive partnership to help grow their fanbase and business opportunities in Germany.

And in August, DAZN exclusively broadcasted the Chiefs' three preseason games in Germany.

The Chiefs are prioritizing Germany, even though they also have IMHA rights in Mexico.

“It is a much richer opportunity for us,” Donovan said. “There are four teams that have the rights to Germany, and there are nine that have the rights to Mexico. So when you think about it strategically, where are you going to spend your resources? We’re going to go aggressively in Germany.”

Another link to Germany exists because Hunt is also the chairman and CEO of FC Dallas, and that Major League Soccer franchise is aligned with FC Bayern Munich, an internationally renowned soccer club.

As part of an agreement with FC Dallas’ youth academy, two of their players — Chris Richards and Thomas Roberts — spent 10 days with FC Bayern Munich in 2018, and Richards ended up signing a contract with them.

“We established a partnership about four years ago that was focused on youth player development,” Hunt said. “Bayern’s really the biggest sporting brand in Germany, and so having that relationship was very advantageous for us.”

FC Bayern Munich and AC Milan played a match in Kansas City in 2019, and Mahomes said how much he enjoys watching FC Bayern Munich play.

“You have to respect that sport over there,” he said. “The fandom, the way they pack that stadium and the type of athletes that play that sport, it is awesome.”

That home of FC Bayern Munich, the 75,000-seat Allianz Arena, will host the Seahawks-Buccaneers game.

The Chiefs hope to play there soon as well.

“In the meantime we’re going to be laying the groundwork,” Hunt said. “So that when we get there, all the football fans in Germany will know who we are, and then we can build from there.”

Aramark unveils new food offerings at Arrowhead for 2022 season

By: Tod Palmer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s the first week of the NFL season, which means Aramark Sports and Entertainment is unveiling new menu items, including several at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ concessions vendor praised “the work of our talented culinary teams in developing new and buzzworthy food programs and creative concepts that provide fans with the best possible dining experience on game day.”

The new food offerings coming to Arrowhead include new barbecue options, Doritosencrusted empanadas and the KCDilla, a cleverly named quesadilla.

Jousting Pigs Craft BBQ and Buck Tui BBQ will each have new offerings at Arrowhead for the 2022 season.

Based in Liberty, Jousting Pigs will offer pulled-pork and brisket sandwiches, loaded pulled-pork fries and brisket nachos in Sections 107 and 316.

Based in Overland Park, Buck Tui also will offer pulled-pork and brisket sandwiches along with pulled-pork and brisket fries and BBQ chili crunch nachos in its signature Thai-barbecue concept in Sections 121 and 339.

The KCDilla — a chicken or steak quesadilla with cheddar jack cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo — will be available in Section 135.

It’s the first week of the NFL season, which means Aramark Sports and Entertainment is unveiling new menu items, including several at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Doritos empanadas — ground beef, onions, cheddar jack cheese and avocado crema — will be available in Section 111.

It’s the first week of the NFL season, which means Aramark Sports and Entertainment is unveiling new menu items, including several at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Other new offerings include the Stockyard burger, a burger topped with pulled pork and served with ghost pepper barbecue sauce, and vegetarian nachos.

It’s the first week of the NFL season, which means Aramark Sports and Entertainment is unveiling new menu items, including several at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The burger will be available in Sections 109, 127, 321 and 345, while the vegetarian nachos — tortilla chips topped with roasted corn and black bean relish, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole — will be available in Sections 131 and 322.

Chiefs honored Len Dawson with choir huddle before preseason game vs. Packers

Kevin Patra

The Kansas City Chiefs paid tribute to Hall of Fame great Len Dawson before the first snap of Thursday night's preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers, honoring the quarterback who died this week at the age of 87

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs reenacted Dawson's famous choir huddle before Kansas City's first drive.

The Chiefs stayed in the choir huddle for the duration of the play clock before Mahomes and Travis Kelce jogged off the field without taking a snap. The Packers respectfully declined the delay of game penalty.

Coach Andy Reid credited owner Clark Hunt with the idea to honor Dawson before the preseason finale in front of the home crowd.

"Yeah, that was Clark's suggestion. The players completely bought into it and wanted to do it," Reid said, via the team's official transcript. "And then, we added just the little wrinkle at the end there where the official, Craig (Wrolstad), did an amazing job of mentioning Len (Dawson). But listen, it's a tribute to a great person, a great player and then all he did in your profession there. Very solemn, a Hall of Famer in two things, that's he lived a wonderful life. (He) really took advantage of every day he had on Earth here."

The Chiefs will wear a No. 16 decal on their helmets this season to honor Dawson's legacy.

Andy Reid among the most handsome NFL head coaches

Juan Cisneros

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a new study ranking the most handsome head coaches in the NFL, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stands among the top-five.

Gambling.com ran pictures of all 32 head coaches were ran through the the Golden Ratio Face app and given a score based on their appearance.

1. Kliff Kingsbury – Arizona Cardinals

2. Brian Daboll – New York Giants

3. Lovie Smith – Houston Texans

4. Andy Reid – Kansas City Chiefs

5. Frank Reich – Indianapolis Colts

The average score for NFL head coaches was a 7.68 out of 10. Reid received an 8.72. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell received the lowest ranking among all head coaches with a 6.36 rating.

Kingsbury, the most handsome coach in the NFL, earned a 9.2 rating.

Reid will face the the 13th most handsome head coach, Doug Pederson, on Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Andy Reid, Travis Kelce reflect on 10 years with the Chiefs

by: PJ Green

Posted: Jan 5, 2023 / 04:52 PM CST

Updated: Jan 5, 2023 / 04:52 PM CST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, also known as ‘Big Red,’ has been leading the team for 10 years now.

It was 10 years ago on January 4, the Chiefs hired Andy Reid as their head coach. Just a few months later, the Chiefs drafted star tight end Travis Kelce as well.

The Chiefs were 29‐67 in the regular season and 0‐1 in playoffs in the six seasons before Reid arrived: they are 116‐45 and 9‐7 since then.

Reid also led the Chiefs to seven straight AFC West titles, two AFC titles and a Super Bowl ring.

The future Hall of Fame head coach said the most surprising thing about these 10 years has been what he’s eaten since he got to town.

“I’ve never eaten as much barbecue. And I’m coming out of the 10 years still loving every bite I’ve taken,” Reid said with a laugh.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The Hunts are a phenomenal family to work for, and I mean you guys (media) are included in all that. That part’s been a pleasure. You don’t get a chance to really relax and enjoy that, you’re moving forward and that’s kind of where we’re at on this week.”

In the 10 years that Kelce has been with the Chiefs, he’s garnered over 10,000 yards with 69 touchdowns and shattered many records along the way while helping the team earn those rings as well.

Kelce said he owes a lot of his success to Andy Reid.

“It’s been everything for me. He’s helped not only develop my game, but he’s helped change, really, the outlook on what a tight end can be, and I appreciate him guiding me in that. And without a doubt, I’m extremely fortunate – everybody’s always asking how the heck I get so open, I’m like, ‘Well, I got Coach Reid, baby.’”

“When you got Coach Reid, he can get (anybody open). He can get my dad open if he was out there (laughter). So, I’ve been unbelievably fortunate to be under his guidance, programmed the way he is because I do genuinely believe he does it the right way. And I don’t plan on stopping this thing anytime soon and I hope he doesn’t.”

On the difference between chopped liver and cheeseburgers in paradise for KC Chiefs

BY VAHE GREGORIAN

UPDATED DECEMBER 25, 2022 8:44 AM

In a meeting with reporters in his Missouri Western dorm room near the end of training camp in St. Joseph, Chiefs coach Andy Reid repeatedly was asked about the popular perception that the AFC West, and the AFC itself by extension, had radically ramped up.

The implication from pundits around the country, after all, was that one of the upstarts was ready to usurp the team’s now‐perennial dibs on the division.

“You can take it as a badge of honor (or) crawl under the desk and be afraid,” Reid said then. “My thing is, listen, let’s go. … We’re not chopped liver out there.”

Some quibbles and exasperating lapses notwithstanding, the Chiefs four months later have demonstrated they are anything but the term defined by Merriam‐Webster as “one that is insignificant or not worth considering.”

So much so that after his Chiefs stiff‐armed Seattle 24‐10 on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to improve to 12‐3 and stay in contention for the overall AFC No. 1 seed, the normally restrained Reid basked in the moment.

Not by donning a Santa Claus suit for his postgame media appearance like he did in 2017, alas, but with his animated response in the locker room to the Christmas gift of a boxed burger presented by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

“Hey, hey, hey. Thank you. May you all get a gift as great as this,” Reid told the team, before raising his arm and declaring, “Cheeseburgers in paradise, baby.”

Extolling the virtues of cheeseburgers is Reid’s go‐to code for expressing deep contentment such as declaring he would eat the biggest cheeseburger you’ve ever seen after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV.

Not that he’s getting ahead of himself here.

But right here, right now, there sure is a lot to feel good about if you are Reid or a Chiefs fan. Especially late in a season that theoretically could have been one step back for two steps forward later in the wake of the Tyreek Hill trade and a youth movement on defense … particularly in the secondary.

A season that figured to at least be competitive in the AFC West (which the Chiefs clinched last week) and in which top conference seeding was ceded by many to Buffalo which also is 12‐3

and holds the tiebreaker with its victory over the Chiefs in October but has to play at Cincinnati next week.

Look, there’s no way to know where this is all going.

But on a day that reinforced Mahomes’ candidacy for most valuable player, particularly on the key fourth‐quarter drive that ended with his touchdown run to make it 24‐3, the Chiefs flexed some other dimensions, too.

Rookie running back Isiah Pacheco is getting better by the game, and counterpart Jerick McKinnon is single handedly making the offense more versatile with his burgeoning receiving game.

On a wretchedly cold day with sub‐zero wind chill at kickoff, the Chiefs broke a nine‐game streak of turning the ball over.

Kicker Harrison Butker was flawless amid his inconsistent season.

Most reassuring of all, though, the defense stopped Seattle on downs three times in Chiefs territory. And Juan Thornhill’s end zone interception snuffed out the Seahawks’ best chance to make it a one‐score game after the Chiefs took a 17‐0 first‐half lead. What came with that was some complementary football, with Reid and Mahomes each stressing that they became more risk averse (particularly given the conditions) with the defense muzzling Seattle.

“For our defense to stop them in so many critical moments, that’s what we need going forward,” Mahomes said. “When they play like that, we’re going to be a hard team to beat.”

Reid called the sequence of fourth‐down stops “unbelievable” and added, “Lot of intestinal fortitude right there.”

You could say the same about the mindset that reflected in this team after its last two games (eking out wins over woeful Denver and Houston teams) made you wonder about its intensity.

“I believe it shows how much grit we have,” defensive end Frank Clark said. “And that starts in camp. When you’re out there … (and) things (are) getting tough out there in 100‐degree weather in St. Joseph, you know, you think about these things.

“You’re out there in five‐degree weather, in the tundra in Kansas City, you think about those things.”

The Chiefs, of course, still are free to surge or ebb in the weeks to come that will define the season.

Maybe they’re on their way to a fifth straight AFC title game and even a third Super Bowl in four seasons … or maybe they’ll fizzle.

But Clark will tell you the complacency he sensed the last couple seasons after the Super Bowl triumph has been purged through leadership in the locker room.

And it’s a point he believes was evident in the workmanlike way the Chiefs showed up Saturday a week after clinching the division.

“If you watch enough football, you’ll see teams get complacent once they get those hats (for winning a division) …” he said. “Here in Kansas City, we’re not complacent. We always strive for more. We want more.”

They’re also decidedly not chopped liver. And even if this isn’t paradise at this stage, well, you could see it from here on Saturday.

JESSE NEWELL

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watches the video on an iPhone in front of his locker, explaining how a few steps — even those barely ramping up to a jog — make all the difference.

The replay is from a fourth-quarter snap against Seattle on Christmas Eve, and as Kelce starts on the screen as the outside receiver and then motions in, he keeps his pace slow on purpose.

Here, he needs time to process the defenders across from him.

“You can see how they communicate and things like that, and just where their attention is, where their eyes are,” Kelce says while keeping his eyes on the replay. “And that helps me understand how to run my route.”

That ends up being critical, considering what happens next.

A defender didn’t follow Kelce down the line of scrimmage, indicating likely zone coverage. That triggered the subsequent chain of events, as Kelce said having that information and more led to him messing a bit with the defense.

Once he made it to the level of the linebackers, Kelce faked toward the middle of the field to get them to bite. That allowed him to get past when he broke off on a deep over, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes a big window for a 52-yard gain.

There are not supposed to be secrets in the NFL, yet this play is an example of one the Chiefs still possess thanks to their ingenuity.

The Chiefs’ hidden weapon on offense is motion, with coach Andy Reid utilizing it differently than any other NFL team.

The real magic comes when KC targets its receivers that are moving pre-snap. In that setting — even among a league typically full of copycats — the Chiefs are three times more productive than the next-best team in the NFL, zooming their way around the field while scheming a deeper level of offense than their competition.

So how do the Chiefs do it? And what are the extra advantages they get over their rivals?

Here’s a peek behind the curtain of the NFL’s best offense — and the innovation that’s taken place to literally keep it a step ahead.

The innovation that’s kept Andy Reid, Chiefs ahead of NFL: ‘He could get my dad open’

LAPPING THE NFL ... THREE TIMES

Before getting to the specifics, let’s start with the more obvious.

Ask Mahomes about the benefits of motion, and he starts with one of its primary advantages: getting a man-zone ID.

It’s not perfect, but if an offensive player goes in motion and a defender follows him, it’s likely man coverage. Without that defensive reaction, it can indicate to the offense that instead, it’s facing zone.

Most motion-happy teams use it for this purpose. Getting that extra bit of information — before a play starts — can be vital for a quarterback and his teammates.

It’s also worth noting here that some of KC’s motion success comes from a specific play: the “pop” pass. Mecole Hardman scored on this, for example, against the San Francisco 49ers, going in motion before receiving a quick flip from Mahomes where the short pass essentially functions as a run play.

Those two usages, however, don’t explain the entirety of the Chiefs’ dominance with motion this season.

Sports Info Solutions provides the context, via its tracking of stats with a “target in motion.”

Here are a few of the highlights of the Chiefs’ offense:

• KC ranks first in the NFL in expected points added (EPA) on throws to “targets in motion” at 68.93. That’s three times more production than second-place Dallas at 21.91 and two-and-a-half times the Chiefs’ league-leading total from last year (27.04). Meanwhile, 12 teams have posted negative EPA on these throws this season.

• In terms of the highest EPA in a single game among NFL teams using targets in motion, the Chiefs occupy the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 spots by themselves. Shifting to passing yards on targets in motion in individual games, KC owns six of the top nine spots while gaining at least 83 passing yards in each of those contests.

• The Chiefs average 66.7 passing yards per game off targets in motion, nearly double the next-best team (New England, 34.9).

• Overall, when targeting a player in motion, KC completed 82% of its passes for an NFL-best 1,133 passing yards and 9.8 yards per attempt.

So what’s going on here? How have the Chiefs been able to lap the NFL with their production on this type of play?

Motion, it turns out, is good for more than just a snapshot ID marker.

It can create all sorts of opponent headaches by moving the defense too.

CHIEFS GET ‘ROLLING START’

Chiefs receiver Justin Watson has you go back to the start of the video clip, saying it’s important to focus on Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel.

In this Week 11 road game at Los Angeles — when Watson sprints in motion from the top of the screen toward the bottom — the defender’s motion becomes most significant.

Samuel begins the play with “inside leverage” on Watson, which means if the receiver wants to go inside, he’ll have to battle through Samuel’s body to get there.

The Chiefs’ movement changes that, though. After Watson runs toward the QB, Samuel stays toward the sideline to shift to “outside leverage,” meaning Watson has a clear pathway now for any in-breaking route.

Watson watches on a smartphone as it plays out just as the Chiefs hoped. He runs a few steps against the Chargers man coverage, then breaks in between the hashes unimpeded. Mahomes hits him in stride for 25 yards on third-and-17.

“This offensive staff is so smart. Anything they can do to give us an advantage, they’re going to take,” Watson says. “So I think that’s one of the many examples.”

Changing a defender’s leverage is just one way KC is re-imagining what motion can do.

Watson, for one, brings up the impact of getting a “rolling start.” Motion can get Chiefs players to full speed while defenders remain flat-footed, which has often contributed to explosive plays.

A few weeks later, this happens again ... for Watson. He uses motion to get to max speed quicker on a 67-yard bomb, giving the Chiefs their biggest play in the season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster confirms another instance like this from earlier in the year. His pre-snap movement on a third-and-5 against Denver not only helped diagnose the defense — “Right here, I knew it was zone,” Smith-Schuster says with a video paused before the snap — but also got him moving in a direction away from Broncos defenders.

After Denver failed to properly pass off Smith-Schuster, his natural momentum created an even greater opening for a 10-yard conversion.

“I just kept running,” Smith-Schuster says. “I saw green grass and then (was) lucky Pat found me.”

Those advantages, though, aren’t the primary way KC’s coaches have schemed a way to help their best pass-catcher.

Because the NFL’s No. 1 receiver when getting targeted in motion this season? That would be Kelce with 418 receiving yards.

And it turns out motion hasn’t just helped him get going; it’s also ensured he never has to stop.

HOW KELCE RUNS FREE

NBC Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth says there have been times this season when he’s laughed while rewatching Kelce tape.

The All-Pro tight end seemingly continues to make play after play ... even when, at times, it appears he’s only moving at half-throttle.

“He’s probably running an 8-flat 40-yard dash at some of the speeds that he runs,” Collinsworth says, “but he’s like, I don’t know, Tom Glavine or somebody back into baseball days, that it’s chasing the change-up, because if you’re moving slower, you can make breaks faster.”

Collinsworth praises Kelce for his intellect. He says the tight end “probably reads defenses better than three-quarters of the quarterbacks in the league” — a skill needed to thrive at his position at 33 years of age.

However, all that wouldn’t matter as much if Kelce was constantly jammed at the line of scrimmage while unable to get up to speed.

It’s why Kelce says he’s thankful to be in Kansas City and playing for Reid. The Chiefs put in motions from Day 1 of installs of training camp, making it a staple — and not an added feature — of their offense.

And by changing his spot before the snap (while often stacking himself behind a teammate), Kelce can ensure he doesn’t get redirected by a defender.

“When a guy can get his hands on me early, when I don’t have any momentum, it can slow me down on my route,” Kelce says. “But if I can get a free release or get a release on the run, I can get guys moving faster. It helps me with the speed and the route.”

Mahomes notes that when receivers like Kelce aren’t jammed early, “the timing can be right” on planned routes and throws down the field.

Backup quarterback Chad Henne also believes the strategy helps unlock the best of Kelce, as he doesn’t have to worry about ever getting sandwiched between defenders.

“We try to get him out in space,” Henne says, “so he has freelance to do what he does.”

KC has ramped up Kelce’s motion usage in his 10th season. Last year, when targeted in motion, Kelce had 28 receptions for 282 yards with 4.62 expected points added; that EPA total ranked 36th.

This year, he’s becoming the undisputed king of the shift. He leads the NFL in targetsin-motion receptions (34), receiving yards (418) and EPA (15.7).

He’s not the only Chiefs player toward the top of that same NFL leaderboard. Hardman ranks fourth in target-in-motion EPA, while Watson is ninth. Running back Jerick McKinnon (19th) and Smith-Schuster (20th) also are in the top 20.

“I think if you have the ability and the language in your offense to move people around pre-snap to utilize it, it doesn’t hurt, as long as the guys are in tune and aware of how to do it,” Chiefs receivers coach Joe Bleymaier says. “And so we try to use that on as many plays as we can.”

WHAT REID HAS MEANT TO KELCE

A few days before the Chiefs’ Week 18 against the Raiders, Kelce stood at a podium and was asked to reflect on his 10-year history in KC with Reid.

Kelce was honest. He said Reid had developed his game and had “been everything for me” since his third-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

“He’s helped changed really the outlook,” Kelce says, “on what a tight end can be.”

This season has only solidified what the inventive Reid can do.

He’s used a traditional offensive tool unlike any other NFL team. He’s manipulated onestep-late defenses by running by them and shifting off them, then also accentuated the strengths of his future hall-of-fame tight end by giving him a primarily hands-free experience on offense.

It’s part of the reason why Kelce is smiling on this particular Thursday. The secret to his success isn’t just his work, but also attributable to a coach who never rests in the pursuit of giving his guys an edge.

“Everybody’s always asking how the heck I get so open, and I’m like, ‘Well, I got Andy Reid, baby,’” Kelce says with a smile. “You got Coach Reid ... he could get my dad open if he was out there.”

That final line, of course, might ultimately depend on one thing:

Whether Ed is able to go in motion.

The Star’s Pete Grathoff contributed to this story.

Brett Veach's Maturation Has The Chiefs Primed for Success

The Chiefs rebuilt with a different approach this offseason. Instead of hunting for big prizes, GM Brett Veach planned for the long haul.

ZACK EISEN

On Feb. 7, 2021, the Kansas City Chiefs lost Super Bowl LV to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Everyone knew exactly what the Chiefs had to correct in the offseason: the offensive line. General manager Brett Veach accomplished that mission and built one of the strongest units in football. However, after the Chiefs lost in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 30, 2022, the offseason picture wasn't as clear, and there were a bunch of tough decisions looming.

The AFC Championship Game loss marked the end of certain players' tenures with the Chiefs, some we knew at the time and others we didn't. It also marked the end of the first iteration of the Patrick Mahomes Chiefs. The team ran its course, got one Super Bowl victory out of it, and Veach made difficult decisions to plan for the next version of the Chiefs.

Step one of Veach's offseason plan was to bring back their young Pro Bowl left tackle. The Chiefs traded for Orlando Brown Jr. before the 2021 NFL draft as part of their offensive line improvement. The Chiefs franchise-tagged Brown this offseason which extended the time the Chiefs and Brown could work out a long-term deal. Due to the tag, Brown will be a member of the Chiefs for at least this season even without a new deal, where he will continue to protect the greatest asset in sports.

After the Chiefs tagged Brown, the next order of business was shedding money to create cap space. Four-year starter and captain Anthony Hitchens was the first to go in a move that created needed room for the Chiefs. The next biggest question surrounded what was going to happen with defensive end Frank Clark. Clark agreed to take a pay cut in exchange for more guaranteed money. It helped the Chiefs create room and keep a veteran pass rusher around at a position where they were in dire need of improvement.

League-wide free agency began on March 14, and Chiefs fans were left wondering about safety Tyrann Mathieu's future in Kansas City. Reports were conflicting as it seemed that Mathieu was asking for the world, and the Chiefs were barely willing to go double-digits on yearly salary. The speculation ended when the Chiefs agreed to a three-year deal with safety Justin Reid. Though the relationship between Mathieu and the Chiefs ended, the ties did not. Reid came from Houston, just like Mathieu, right before he signed with the Chiefs on a three-year deal in the 2019 offseason. Mathieu was replacing a franchise legend in Eric Berry, and now Reid is tasked to do the same. Reid was in a bad situation in Houston, and there is the belief that better surroundings in Kansas City will bring out the best in him.

After signing Reid, the Chiefs went radio silent for a few days. There were no links to any free agents, leaving fans wondering what the Chiefs were up to. Then, March 18 came along and the Chiefs found their new Sammy Watkins in the form of JuJu SmithSchuster. The offense hit a roadblock in the 2021 season because outside of Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs had no one else that could win one-on-one matchups consistently. Insert Smith-Schuster. He was going to be a difference-maker for how teams could play the Chiefs, and they practically stole him. Then, the bomb dropped.

On the morning of March 23, reports came out that the Chiefs gave Tyreek Hill permission to seek a trade, and less than three hours later, Hill was a member of the Miami Dolphins. Hill was entering the last year of his deal, but Chiefs fans assumed that the Chiefs and Hill would work out a long-term contract. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill will go down as one of the greatest trios to ever step on a football field. Yet that was all over in the blink of an eye. Hill wanted to become the highest-paid wide receiver in football, and the Chiefs balked at that request. By trading him, they recouped the most assets they could and helped set up for the long-term.

Not re-signing Mathieu and trading Hill were the first signs of Veach's maturation as a general manager. Instead of cap-strapping the Chiefs with big-money contracts, Veach understood the long-term goals. Paying Mathieu and Hill top-of-market money might have been beneficial for 2022, but Veach's job is to look into the future, and if he signed those contracts, the Chiefs would be in a drastically different position.

After trading away Hill, the Chiefs' offseason slowed down. They made moves to pick up veterans like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Ronald Jones, Geron Christian, Taylor Stallworth, and others to provide depth to the roster. The roster was starting to take shape prior to the 2022 NFL Draft, holes were being filled, and they entered the draft with very few positional needs.

Heading to the draft, the Chiefs had an unprecedented amount of picks, and frankly, it frightened me. One thing Veach has struggled with is understanding the meaning of value. Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Nick Bolton are all great players, but they don't play premium positions. Also, Veach tended to overpay in a trade-up and only ever made a trade during the draft if it meant the Chiefs were moving up.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Veach broke his tendencies. First, he'd never taken a cornerback before day three. Second, Veach showed patience and did not make a panic trade-up to get his guy. He spent the Chiefs' first three picks on a premium position in the form of Trent McDuffie (CB), George Karlaftis (EDGE), and Skyy Moore (WR). Lastly, he made the first trade-down during his tenure as general manager. Now, the players have to perform on the field, but Chiefs fans' confidence in Veach only increased after his excellent draft process.

A few moves were made after the draft. A trade for Lonnie Johnson, re-signing Jerick McKinnon and bringing in undrafted free agents to round out the 90-man roster. Besides that, the months of June and July were quiet.

The offseason ends with the same person it began with: Orlando Brown Jr. The deadline to get a long-term agreement done passed last Thursday. The Chiefs offered an excellent deal for the organization, but Brown didn't sign it, and they sit here today without a long-term resolution. The hope is Brown will report to training camp on time and play in all the games this year, but nothing is promised as he has yet to sign the tag.

So where does that leave the Chiefs? The Chiefs are positioned to have upward of $50 million in cap room next offseason, with flexibility they haven't had for years. As a result, they can fill the holes that the developing young players don't. They also have excess assets for next year's draft, allowing them to bring another large crop of young talent. But, most importantly, the Chiefs have reset the timeline. Instead of letting the first iteration of the Mahomes Chiefs get old, they retooled and got younger.

Most of the credit should be given to Brett Veach. He looked at himself in the mirror and learned from his previous experience. This offseason would have never happened with the old Veach at the helm. He would have overpaid for Hill, Mathieu, and/or Brown like he did with Frank Clark in the 2019 offseason. That move has hamstrung the Chiefs for multiple years, and Veach wasn't willing to make that mistake again.

This year isn't only about pursuing a championship, but also about allowing young players to rise to the occasion. In the past, the Chiefs had players such as Daniel Sorenson, Ben Niemann and Demarcus Robinson in the way of young ascending players getting reps. Fans knew those guys shouldn't have been on the field, but those players had the coaching staff's trust. This offseason, Veach put an end to that. He let go of the Super Bowl LIV glory days and injected up-and-coming talent into the system. Talents that give the Chiefs the deepest and most athletic team since Mahomes took over at quarterback. Mistakes will be made, but it won't be for the lack of trying. The Chiefs are set up to win now and long-term because of the quarterback, but the players around him will determine if they can win it this year.

Training camp is nearly here, and we get to see the product that Veach built. The young guys may struggle early, but their reps and snaps will only help the Chiefs later in the season. Having leaders like Mahomes, Kelce and Andy Reid gives the Chiefs the ability to allow the new guys to get their feet wet. Remember, it's not how you start, it's how you finish, and the Chiefs are hoping their season ends on February 12 in Arizona, holding the Lombardi Trophy once again.

On this Mt. Rushmore of special teams coaches, KC Chiefs’ Dave Toub is the ‘first face’

BY BLAIR KERKHOFF

The Chiefs’ Dave Toub has long been regarded among the game’s best special teams coaches. There’s even a ranking to support this notion.

Rick Gosselin, a reporter who has covered the NFL for more than four decades, ranks specials teams annually. The coach who has overseen the most successful units over his career: Toub.

On his new website, www.rickgosselin.com, Gosselin — who at one time covered the Kansas City Chiefs and NFL for The Star — ranks the success of the NFL’s kicking and coverage units. Toub’s teams have finished in the top five on nine occasions and the top 10 in 16 years.

Toub is entering his 19th season as a special teams coordinator, his first nine with the Chicago Bears. There, he coached return specialist Devin Hester, among others.

In Kansas City, players like Tyreek Hill as a return specialist and kicker Harrison Butker have helped Toub’s teams maintain their ranking.

This season the Chiefs are looking to replace such special teams regulars as Marcus Kemp, Dorian O’Daniel, Ben Niemann and Daniel Sorensen. On Tuesday, Toub praised the training camp performances of current Chiefs special-teamers Justin Watson, Noah Gray, Bryan Cook, Deon Bush, Elijah Lee and Daurice Fountain.

Gosselin selected two Mt. Rushmores for special teams coaches: one for historical significance and the other for performance. Toub is the “first face” on the performance Mt. Rushmore.

Frank Gansz, who once led the Chiefs’ special teams and then became their head coach, is cited for his historical contributions.

This NFL coordinator has been on the rise for years. But why hasn't he been made a head coach yet?

That Bieniemy has yet to be hired has perplexed academics, coaches and others around the NFL, while turning Bieniemy into a poster child of sorts for the league's diversity issues.

Tom Schad

Over the past two decades, no coach has interviewed for more NFL head-coaching jobs without being hired than Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

According to USA TODAY Sports research, which tracked interviews using team announcements and news media reports, Bieniemy has interviewed for 15 headcoaching positions with 14 different teams over the past four hiring cycles. (He's twice been a candidate with the New York Jets.) Only eight teams during that span have hired a new head coach and not interviewed Bieniemy.

Yet despite his popularity as a candidate, the 53-year-old former running back has yet to be hired — a fact that has perplexed academics, coaches and others around the NFL, while turning Bieniemy into a poster child for the league's diversity issues.

"For whatever reason, he’s gotten caught up in this cycle of interviews with no head coaching offers," said Rod Graves, the executive director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance. "It does make you wonder."

The Chiefs declined to make Bieniemy available for an interview, and his agent did not respond to messages. But in 2020, the coach told USA TODAY Sports he was ready for a head-coaching opportunity, and hopeful about finding the right fit.

"When it comes to hiring, I can’t control what goes on in the owner’s head. I can’t force them to make the decision," Bieniemy said at the time. "My job is to make sure that when I’m in there giving that interview, I’m being my most authentic self. They get to see me, feel me for who I am and what I’m about."

Is Bieniemy a hot candidate for the 2023 NFL season?

It's unclear if Bieniemy will receive more interview opportunities in the next few weeks. But American University professor N. Jeremi Duru worries that he, like other coaching candidates before him, might now be in a precarious position — a hot-shot coaching candidate who's been in the mix for so long that his odds go cold.

"This narrative begins to develop that, 'hey maybe this person isn’t getting a job year after year for a reason.' And it’s unfortunate, and it’s unfair, but I’m worried that some owners are now running that narrative with respect to Eric Bieniemy," Duru explained.

"It would seem as though it should be an easy decision to hire Eric Bieniemy as a head coach. Now, because of that narrative, I think an owner who does it would be viewed as going out on a limb and really taking a chance."

With Bieniemy at the helm, the Chiefs' offense has been consistently among the NFL's best by a wide range of statistical markers — prompting researchers like Kennesaw State professor Joshua Pitts to explore his case in-depth.

In a study published last year, Pitts and two of his colleagues examined promotion probabilities among NFL coordinators from 2003 to 2020 and found that Black coordinators weren't statistically more or less likely than white coordinators to be hired as head coaches — with one notable exception. From 2018 to 2020, the researchers found evidence that Black coordinators were significantly less likely to get hired.

By changing only Bieniemy's race in their statistical models, they found that his estimated probability of becoming a head coach in 2020 increased by nearly 15%.

"His race has definitely harmed his likelihood of becoming a head coach," Pitts said. "Now is that because of discrimination, or is that because of something else? I don’t know."

Chiefs' success makes interview process more challenging

NBC Sports analyst and Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy said he believes Bieniemy has, in some ways, been a victim of his team's success. Because the Chiefs are consistently in the playoffs, Bieniemy usually has had to squeeze interviews in between game prep, or hope a team will wait until after the season to interview him.

"He’s got a small window and he’s the hot commodity, so he’s doing three, four, five interviews in a cycle. You can’t be as prepared and you can’t know as much about the team," Dungy explained.

"I think the way we do it is ridiculous now. I would recommend no interviews, no hiring until after the Super Bowl, to make it fair for everybody."

In the meantime, Bieniemy continues to wait. Of the 15 coaches hired instead of him since 2019, seven have already been fired. An eighth, Bruce Arians, retired last spring.

"This is what I’ve always said: They can fire you! That’s what they do in the NFL," ESPN analyst Herm Edwards said. "(Bieniemy) deserves an opportunity at least."

Edwards, a former Chiefs head coach, said he thinks Bieniemy's best move at this point would be to wait until current head coach Andy Reid retires, in hopes that owner Clark Hunt will hire him as Reid's successor.

"I think the owner who does give Eric Bieniemy a chance will be rewarded substantially," added Duru. "But we’ll see if that happens."

The Chiefs should build a statue of Matt Nagy for this move he pulled to help Patrick Mahomes impress Andy Reid

By Christopher Powers

With Patrick Mahomes seemingly on track to win his second NFL MVP Award in just his fifth year as a starter, it gets more and more impossible to believe that he fell to 10th in the 2017 NFL Draft. That was eight picks after the Chicago Bears selected Mitch Trubisky (yikes!), and one pick after the Cincinnati Bengals selected wide receiver John Ross, who is currently not on a NFL roster (fortunately, the Bengals have since rectified this).

Oddly enough, Matt Nagy, at the time the Chiefs offensive coordinator, had seen enough in the pre-draft process to covet the former Texas Tech Red Raider quarterback. Nagy, who later became the head coach of the Chicago Bears and was subsequently stuck with Trubisky, liked Mahomes so much that he kinda, sorta "cheated" on Mahomes' behalf the night before Mahomes' first meeting with head coach Andy Reid. The rest, as they say, is history. Mahomes gave the inside scoop on the New Heights podcast hosted by Mahomes' tight end, Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason, the longtime center of the Philadelphia Eagles:

OK, we've got a lot to unpack here. First, let's start with the fact that Nagy legitimately deserves a statue outside of Arrowhead some day right next to the statues of Reid and Mahomes, which is not that crazy of a statement given Nagy is back in K.C. as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach now. With Reid being 64 years old and another Super Bowl or two away from being like "OK, I'm done," it's not outlandish to say Nagy is the head coach in waiting, especially considering he and Mahomes are obviously close. Mahomes revealing that he and Nagy essentially schemed his way to K.C. is legendary, franchise-altering stuff.

And that's the other crazy part here, that Mahomes informed the Chiefs he was hearing from other teams about where they were going to take him. "If you let me fall after 12" implies that a number of teams were ready and waiting, and the team at 11, the New Orleans Saints, were extremely interested, something former Saints head coach-turned FOX analyst Sean Payton confirmed earlier this season. The Chiefs used the inside info wisely, trading up to the 10 spot with th Buffalo Bills in exchange for K.C.'s first- and third-round selections, plus K.C.'s. first-rounder in 2018. With those picks, the Bills took Tre'Davious White (a two-time Pro Bowler who is still in Buffalo), wide receiver Zay Jones via a trade with the L.A. Rams (now on the Jacksonville Jaguars) and Tremaine Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler still with the Bills that they traded up to get, using the K.C. first-round pick to do so. All in all, an extremely fair exchange that worked for all parties involved. And now, K.C.-Buffalo has become the sport's best budding rivalry. There are layers to this.

Now, just imagine a world where the Bears take Mahomes instead of Trubisky, and Nagy and Mahomes team up in Chi-Town? Prayers up, Bears fans.

LEFT-HAND MAN

For this NFL coach’s assistant, losing an arm has been a challenge— but never an excuse.

By Michael R. Walker (BA ’90) in the Spring 2019 Issue

When Porter J. Ellett (BS ’14) interviewed for a senior assistant position with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy W. Reid (BS ’82), the coach listed the various job responsibilities, then summed things up: “Basically you need to be me when I’m not here. Or when I am here, you need to be my right-hand man and keep me going in the right direction.”

No problem, Ellett eagerly replied, “as long as you would be okay with your right-hand man not having a right hand.”

The coach laughed. “All right,” he said, “then you’ll be my left-hand man.” Ellett got the job, and the nickname stuck. For the past two seasons, Ellett has been Reid’s shadow, single-handedly managing game plans, scheduling, and other tasks for the veteran coach.

Ellett, who lost the use of his right arm in an accident at age 4 and had it surgically removed at 16, hasn’t let loss of limb, or anything else, hold him back. It was no excuse on the family farm, where he changed sprinkler pipe, baled hay, and drove a stick-shift. Or in sports, where he excelled in high school baseball, basketball, and track. From buttering toast to swimming straight to typing quickly on a computer, Ellett has learned to adapt and to look for the positives in life, lessons he has shared in hundreds of talks as a motivational speaker.

Ellett says growing up with one arm made him a more creative problem solver. “It also changes your perspective on a lot of things,” he says. “I take things seriously and I love to compete, but my perspective . . . is a little different. It’s easier for me to see the positives even when we lose in overtime at the AFC Championship.”

No Arm, No Foul

When Ellett and his wife, Carlie McKeon Ellett (BA ’13), first show up to church in a new ward, there can be awkward first encounters in a culture where meeting someone typically involves a right-handed handshake.

When he is asked to speak in sacrament meeting, Porter typically shares Matt. 5:30: “If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off” noting that’s just what he did. “That lightens the mood, and everybody becomes okay with it,” says Carlie.

Her husband’s perspective and peculiar sense of humor were shaped in part by growing up on his family farm in Loa, Utah, a small town about 150 miles south of BYU. “There’s a lot of people in farm towns missing body parts,” he observes.

Ellett’s accident happened when he and a bunch of kids were riding in the back of a moving pickup, taking turns playing on a motorcycle strapped into the truck bed. “I went to get off of it, and I ended up falling out of the truck,” he says.

The accident fractured his skull in three places and damaged the nerves leading to his right arm. “It was the worst combination of an injury,” Ellett says, “because I couldn’t move it, but I could feel pain in the arm.”

After the accident, amid many priesthood blessings and prayers, the family learned that Ellett had narrowly avoided severing a main artery, which would have been fatal. “We’ve always felt like it’s a miracle that he was saved,” says his mother, Mary. “Losing his arm was just a minor setback, you know?”

Miracle or not, young Porter still had to learn to live with an immobile arm. He soon grew accustomed to being stared at. “I kind of became aware of how different I was, and that was a challenge,” he recalls. And then there was the daunting array of everyday tasks designed for two hands.

Ellett’s practical parents raised him with “a lot of love but no sympathy, I guess,” says Mary. “So he had to find a way to do things.”

“I had a really hard time learning how to tie my shoes and other little things like that,” Ellett recalls. “My parents, they deserve a lot of credit because they didn’t baby me. They let me struggle, figure it out, so I was able to learn and grow from it.”

To motivate Ellett to learn to tie his shoes, his mom offered to buy him a new pair of Air Jordans. At age 10 he worked it out, wrapping one of the laces around the shoe, then stepping on the lace to hold it tight.

Later, Ellett would defy the odds and master a host of other skills with one hand: tossing sheep into a corral, shooting a shotgun accurately, doing pushups, and batting over .400. Equally impressive, he can zip up a jacket, cross monkey bars, reel in a fish, and ride a motorcycle.

“We tried a bunch of surgeries to try to fix my arm, but nothing worked,” Ellett says. So in addition to helping on the farm at one point he was bottle-feeding 44 calves Ellett focused on his athletic abilities. He developed a three-point shot good enough to win a state competition. In baseball, his surprisingly quick “glove-flip” technique catching the ball, flipping it in the air while dropping his glove, then grabbing the ball again to throw it is both artful and efficient.

Even so, Ellett’s right arm often got in the way. “There were times in basketball where it would accidentally hit somebody, and I’d get called for a foul,” he says. “Or, even worse, I would hit myself.”

In a game at age 16, Ellett dislocated his shoulder and elbow and broke his right arm for the sixth time. He’d had enough. During the hour-long car ride to the nearest hospital, he said, “Mom, can we get it amputated? I don’t want to deal with this anymore.” She said, “That’s up to you.”

Later that year Ellett had his right arm removed. Of the operation, he mentions only one regret: “I ended up missing the state cross-country meet that year.”

DOn’t quIT!

One year Ellett’s Grandma Shirley gave him a gift of a framed quote: “DOn’t quIT,” the capped letters spelling out Spencer W. Kimball’s prophetic plea. Ellett was a “little disappointed in the gift when she first gave it to him,” says Mary, but he still displayed it in his room. But the quote would come to mean a lot to him.

Ellett’s dad, Jan, coached his son in basketball from early childhood into high school. During Ellett’s junior year, however, his dad lost his job as coach. Porter took this hard and decided he was going to quit the team. He went home, lay on his bed, and cried at the thought of not playing a game he loved. Eventually, his eyes settled on his grandma’s quote: “DOn’t quIT.”

He picked himself up and never looked back, a DOn’t quIT attitude becoming his hallmark. In baseball, he was 1A MVP as a junior and selected as first team all-state his senior year. In basketball, his Wayne County Badgers won the regional championship and were invited to New York City for an appearance on Good Morning America.

Ellett’s athleticism and response to adversity brought him other attention, including an article in the New Era that would change the course of his life a few years later.

When Ellett returned home from a mission to Los Angeles, he enrolled at BYU. One day while collecting fast offerings at the door of an apartment in his ward, he noticed a girl inside intently watching SportsCenter and obviously annoyed at this interruption. Ellett thought, “Okay, this girl’s cool.”

From her sofa inside, Carlie McKeon noticed that this guy at the door was missing an arm. Suddenly it clicked. “This is going to sound weird,” she asked, “but are you the kid from the New Era?”

“From there, we started talking, went to all the BYU sporting events together, eventually started dating, and here we are,” says Carlie. The couple has been married for seven years and has a son named Brigham and a little girl on the way.

“When they did the New Era interview,” Ellett recalls, “they asked me, ‘If there was one thing that could come from this article, what would you want it to be?’ And I said, ‘I just hope that it blesses one person’s life.’ It ended up that the one person was me. I met my wife because of that article, really. She wouldn’t have known who I was.”

In addition to their passion for BYU sports, the Elletts share a love of Halloween and enjoy incorporating Porter’s missing arm into their costumes. Past costumes have included Ammon and a Lamanite, the “soul surfer” Bethany Hamilton and a shark, and Woody from Toy Story 2.

Ellett’s ability to laugh at himself comes from his family, as well as his good friends from school. “When he got his arm amputated,” Mary says, “his buddies wanted him to bring it home. And they planned to bury it by the first base and have a little funeral. We asked the doctor, and he said, ‘No, I can’t let you have it.’”

Of such lightheartedness, Ellett’s mother says, “You have to laugh or cry, and I guess we have decided to laugh.”

From BYU to the NFL

After graduating from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Ellett began working long hours as a tax analyst with Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City. He was grateful for the good job, but he thought about sports constantly. In his free time, he and coworker Vandes A. Price (BA ’14) would use spreadsheets to evaluate athlete performances in baseball, basketball, and football.

After one long day, sensing that Porter was just sticking it out to provide for the family, Carlie asked him, “Do you really love what you do? Can you see yourself doing this for 20 or 30 years?”

Porter shrugged it off and kept working. But Carlie kept asking, so he finally said, “Okay. You’re right. I don’t love what I do, but 90 percent of the world’s like that.” And she said, “We don’t have anything right now that’s holding us back. Let’s take a chance.”

Porter confided that he would love to find a way to make his passion for sports into a profession. And so, after evaluating sports-management programs, he earned a spot at Baylor, obtaining a master’s degree in 2016.

A connection from his BYU days led Ellett to his first big break. But it wasn’t from his championship intramural softball team or from doing laundry for the football team; instead, it came from teaching Spanish at the MTC. Ellett and a fellow teacher, Devin Woodhouse, shared a love of athletics and had coaching aspirations, so the two friends made a pact to help each other in their careers. Woodhouse married Drew Reid (BS ’12), daughter of NFL coach Andy Reid, and the couple became fast friends with the Elletts.

On an icy day in December 2016, Carlie and Porter ventured to Kansas City to attend a wedding and see a Chiefs game with Drew and Devin, who was then working for the team. Afterward, they were invited to the Reid home, where Drew asked Porter about his life, which, with fellow alum Andy listening in, became a kind of casual job interview. The coach was impressed. “After the season I had an opening, so I ended up bringing

him in, interviewed him with a couple other guys, and thought he was the best,” says Reid.

Over two seasons as a senior assistant, Ellett has become a key member of the Chiefs team with his hard work and positive energy, Reid says. “He’s relentless, has a phenomenal personality, and everybody trusts him.”

Ellett worked with the Chiefs’ equipment guys to create a modified sweatshirt with a pouch sewn in front so he can have play cards sorted and accessible for the coach. “He’s got them all categorized like a filing system, and he just pulls them out when he needs them at practice,” says Reid. “Now some of the guys with two arms are getting them made so they can be hands free out there.”

Ellett’s attitude has also impressed other team members, according to Drew Reid. “He’s always smiling. Everybody says he has the hardest job with the longest hours. My dad really needs it to be done well,” she says. “And at the end of a season, everyone is exhausted, but Porter is still pumped, saying, ‘I can’t wait for next season.’”

On the practice field, Ellett has been known to rib Chiefs receivers when they attempt a one-armed grab and drop the ball. “Our rule around here, guys, is if you have them, use them. If you have two, you’d better use two,” he tells them. “And the players will always laugh and tell me, ‘That’s messed up, man.’”

When most would think only of the negatives of losing an arm, Porter looks at the advantages, including being memorable but, more important, allowing him to be a role model for those with disabilities. “I think it’s blessed other people, helped them deal with their struggles, more than it’s hurt me.”

When he talks to youth at firesides, he tells them, “You should laugh at yourself. You should smile. You should ignore people whose opinions don’t matter. Pick the three or four people you are going to listen to. For me, my parents’ opinions matter, my wife’s, God’s, and then Coach Reid’s, as far as my job goes. Pick who you’re listening to and just listen to them.”

When asked about the future, Ellett says his dream is still to coach one day. But for now he is just “focusing on doing my best at what I’m doing. I think that’s important.”

And he is thrilled to observe and assist Reid. “I’m learning so much from him as far as teaching the game of football, but also the structure you need to build a successful team,” he says.

He was also grateful to learn about the coach’s brother who had a similar accident affecting his arm. “[Coach Reid] knows how to deal with somebody who has a disability but, like me, doesn’t want to be treated like they’re disabled,” Ellett says. “He’ll tell people, ‘No, don’t think he can’t do something, because he can do it.’”

Reid says it comes down to determination and will: “Porter’s a talented guy. He refuses to be denied.”

From an HBCU to the NFL, Chiefs' Executive Ted Crews Encourages Future Generations to Chase Their Dreams Crews,

an alum of South Carolina State, is the Chiefs’ Executive Vice President of Communications

Matt McMullen

The man arrives early every morning ahead of a day immersed within the happenings of the Kansas City Chiefs. He meets with Head Coach Andy Reid on a daily basis, observes the message being instilled during team meetings and crafts how the organization speaks to the world. It's a critical position that touches every aspect of the football team, and one that many don't even know exists.

"It's never lost on me that I'm one of 32 people to do my job," the man says. "In all the years that I've done this, I've never lost track of that, and I'm grateful every day."

His name is Ted Crews, and he's the Executive Vice President of Communications for the Kansas City Chiefs. Crews – who joined the Chiefs in 2012 – is among the most respected and distinguished professionals working in the NFL. He's been asked to work 10 Super Bowls during his 24 seasons in the league while building one of the top communications departments in all of sports, handling anything and everything from football statistics and media credentials to corporate events and concerts.

Any fan – even the most casual of observers – is familiar with his work. Crews and his staff form the bridge between the locker room and the rest of the world. Every press conference, ESPN interview, newspaper article or television broadcast is a result of Crews' influence. He possesses the delicate responsibility of building trust with the players while also serving the public's relentless interest in the happenings of the team, walking a fine line that requires years of experience to fully understand.

Most would reasonably view positions like this one – a dream job for any fan of professional sports – as virtually unattainable, but it's one that Crews discovered midway through his college career along a path that many wouldn't expect. He attended South Carolina State, which is the only public historically Black college or university (HBCU) in South Carolina. It's an institution of less than 3,000 students, and it's where Crews' journey as one of the top executives in the NFL began.

"I've always been in love with sports, but I was introduced to a career that I didn't know existed when I was a junior in college," Crews said. "I often think about my path, and how far it is from Orangeburg, South Carolina to the National Football League, but yet, it's not. That's what I pray my journey can show."

Crews credits much of his career to the mentorship and direction of others, which is a philosophy that he strives to embrace today. He emphasizes the need to find sponsorship – individuals who believe in your potential – and making the most of the opportunities that sponsorship creates. A central figure in his journey was – and still is –

the legendary Bill Hamilton, who served as South Carolina State's Sports Information Director for years. It was Hamilton who introduced Crews to his eventual field and who modeled for him what it meant to be a professional in sports.

"Bill Hamilton is the person. He's the one who said to me, 'You have a skillset that you don't even know about.' He explained that this was an actual career, which I didn't realize existed," Crews explained. "Imagine covering one of your eyes and only seeing half the room. He's the one who moved my hand and allowed me to see that there was depth to myself that I didn't even know. He taught me that if I worked at my craft, I had an opportunity to do this for a living."

Under Hamilton's guidance, Crews went on to earn an opportunity with the Carolina Panthers as a summer intern. That grew into a full-time position two years later, followed by a larger role with the Atlanta Falcons and later the St. Louis Rams. It's a path that eventually wound up in Kansas City, where Crews has led the Chiefs' communications efforts through what's turned out to be the greatest stretch of on-field success in franchise history.

And, along the way, Crews has continually provided an example for future generations of African American professionals in a league that largely lacks representation across the board. In fact, he was recognized by the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation – an organization that promotes diversity and equality in the NFL – with the prestigious "Salute to Excellence" award in 2017.

"I'm extremely aware that I'm in the minority – although the numbers in the communications field have improved since 1998 – but I pray that young African Americans can look at me and realize that there's a way to work in sports without playing," Crews said. "Every opportunity I have to share my experience and influence what we're doing, I'd like to think that my presence is valuable to the organization because I offer a different perspective. I think more teams need that. My experience is different, and I think that through that experience, my perspective can be helpful."

It's a mindset that has its roots in Crews' upbringing, which emphasized not only the value of hard work, but the importance of enjoying the journey along the way.

"My parents were the best. My dad isn't here anymore, but I'm not sure there was one person who was more influential in my life. He was a great man of faith, and every role that he had, he took it seriously. He was a phenomenal leader, and his employees truly loved him," Crews said. "I remember how people responded to him, and I like to think that I lead in that way. I tell my staff all the time that they don't work for me, we work together."

That mentality is what led Crews from South Carolina State all the way to One Arrowhead Drive, setting an example for anybody – no matter who they are – to chase down their dreams.

"I feel like I'm called to help people who maybe don't jump off the page at first glance, because that was me," Crews said. "There's no dream that's too big if you're willing to do what it takes. Surround yourself with good people, be willing to work and do right by others. Dream as big as you can, and work at that dream."

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Inside Carlos Dunlap's bittersweet journey to 100 sacks

By Adam Teicher

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS left defensive end Carlos Dunlap lined up for a third-down play in the first quarter of a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 13.

This play was different from any other in Dunlap's 13-season career. It completed a quest that began when he arrived in the NFL in 2010, and fulfill a promise he made to his father early in his career.

Dunlap beat right tackle Jawaan Taylor around the corner, and by the time he arrived at quarterback Trevor Lawrence, teammate Chris Jones was also there. Jones and Dunlap each got credit for a half-sack, which was all Dunlap needed to get him to 100 for his career, something only 40 other NFL players have accomplished.

He celebrated with a somersault, something of a signature move for him. He then returned to the sideline, where congratulatory hugs and head taps awaited from many of his teammates.

The celebration later continued at a Kansas City restaurant with a group of family and friends that included his mother, Diane Jackson.

Still, there was an emptiness in the festivities for Dunlap. His father, Carlos Sr., was not there. He died in January after being hit by a car.

"I feel lighter,'' Dunlap said. "It's a huge weight lifted. It's bittersweet in the fashion how it happened. But we want to enjoy it. It's something to be celebrated. My dad would be happy for me. My family is happy for me. There are a lot of feelings.

"There are a lot of reputable guys who don't have 100 sacks. A hundred to me is a real milestone . . . puts me in that elite category, which I set out to do from the day I came into this league.''

AFTER SIGNING WITH the Chiefs over the summer, Dunlap's arrival at training camp was delayed by a couple of days. He had an important stop to make first.

He went to his father's gravesite in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Once there, he told his dad he would soon embark on a mission to fulfill the dreams for his football career they once shared, which included getting his 100th career sack, winning a playoff game, which he's never done, and being a Super Bowl champion.

"His dad was so important for him in getting to the NFL,'' said Jackson. "He would come to every game, high school, college and pro.

"Once the season started, he wasn't going to be able to come to Charleston, so he went to talk to his dad then. He told him, 'I'm with a new team now. I want to make you proud. I'm going to make it to 100 and we're going to make it to the playoffs.' It was his way of talking to his dad and saying, 'Here we go. I know you're not here physically with me, but I know spiritually you're here with me.' I think Carlos feels that at every game.''

The two were so close that in 2019, when Carlos played for the Cincinnati Bengals, he ran onto the field alongside his father before a game during player introductions.

Dunlap said he wouldn't have reached the NFL without the help of his father. Jackson initially wouldn't allow Dunlap to play football, and it wasn't until he was in middle school that he, with the help of Carlos Sr., talked her into letting him play.

Until then, soccer and basketball were his sports.

"My dad since I started playing any sport was at every game, every practice'' Dunlap said. "He was my coach in youth league for basketball. When I was younger and I had a rough day and the coach would tell me to leave, I left and dad grabbed me and took me there and made me do whatever I had to do to get back on the team.

"Clearly it paid off, because I'm blessed to be here today.''

The two talked often when he was drafted by the Bengals in 2010 about what Dunlap was capable of achieving. They set 100 sacks as a goal once he started to pile them up after a few seasons with the Bengals.

Dunlap spent the first 10-plus seasons with Cincinnati before being traded in 2020 to the Seattle Seahawks.

Jackson attends most of Dunlap's games as well. She took pride in her son's achievement but was also respectful of the role Carlos Sr. played in it.

"I told Carlos before it happened, 'Ninety-nine can be for me. Let 100 be for dad.' And it all worked out,'' she said. "I was in awe. I was just so proud of him. Now he could say, 'I made my dad proud.' It worked out because he hit 100 even by getting a halfsack. This was perfect. This was how it was supposed to happen.''

DUNLAP IS IN historical company. Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald -- a three-time Defensive Player of the Year -- is a few spots ahead of him on the all-time sack list at 103. Former Chiefs defensive end Neil Smith finished his 13-

year career at 104.5. Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Haley is in a group of players immediately ahead of Dunlap at 100.5.

"That's a lot of prestige in that group,'' Jones said. "The closer he got, the harder it gets. I'm glad he got his 100th sack here, with the Chiefs. We got to share it with him.

"Now it's about continuing to build his legacy, whether that's 110, 105, a Super Bowl ring.''

Dunlap signed with the Chiefs because he was looking for a place where he could achieve his remaining career goals. He was 0-5 with the Bengals and 0-1 with the Seahawks in the playoffs.

He entered the season with 96 sacks and is playing for a team that features a top passrusher in Jones, and other complementary pass-rushing parts like Frank Clark. The Chiefs are fourth in the league in sacks with 32.

Dunlap's most notable features in his pass rush are his size at 6-foot-6 and his long arms. He benefits from both as he attempts to get to the opposing quarterback.

"He has a real sense of staying alive on his rush," Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen said. "Sometimes it's not about beating a blocker 1-on-1, just blowing right by him. You've got to fight through the down . . . and just stay alive, working his hands, knowing when to counter back inside. You never see him just get blocked and stop. He's always working to get to the quarterback. Sometimes he doesn't always beat the guy clean, but he impacts it.

"That's something from afar I always admired about Carlos.''

Dunlap will play his first game against the Bengals on Sunday when the Chiefs visit Cincinnati. His former teammates recall his consistency. Dunlap in his first 12 NFL seasons finished with fewer than six sacks just once, and with four this season is on pace to pass that mark again.

"He just has an incredible amount of consistency in his production and how healthy he stayed,'' Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard said. "It's an amazing accomplishment. It's not by accident. ... I'm happy to see his success continue. I know he's going to keep going for more.''

Dunlap's next personal milestone is to climb as high on the sack list as possible. With four over the Chiefs' final six games, for instance, Dunlap would end the season at 104, which would be 34th all time.

For the moment, he's content knowing he reached the goal he set with his late father.

"I don't want to speak for him but he would definitely be proud,'' Dunlap said. "He would take ownership in that 100. He would probably get on the phone and start bragging to all his friends.''

-- ESPN's Ben Baby contributed to this report

Miami’s ‘best brunch’ spot is owned by a Kansas City Chiefs player

Juan Cisneros

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Miami New Times’s Best of Miami list includes a brunch spot owned by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Carlos Dunlap.

Dunlap, who joined in the offseason, owns “Honey Uninhibited” located in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami, Florida.

“When I signed here, the news had just came out that we got nominated for the Best Brunch in Miami for ’22,” Dunlap said.

Honey Uninhibited brings true southern staples south, to the bottom of the map, in the cultural melting pot of Miami. We create an uninhibited locale with our music, art, decor and hospitality that in itself refreshes and rewards our guest.

The menu offers a variety of eggs benedict, sandwiches, sweet treats and southern staples made in a scratch kitchen.

Brunch wouldn’t be brunch without a mimosa and Honey Uninhibited has a large selection of mimosa beverages and other boozy drinks to choose from.

Dunlap was able to check on his restaurant during the bye week, but now returns to Kansas City as they prepare to host the Tennessee Titans.

Chiefs Frank Clark creates scholarship honoring Missouri teen killed on ride

by: Heidi Schmidt

Posted: Jun 20, 2022 / 02:30 PM CDT

Updated: Jun 20, 2022 / 02:36 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A member of the Kansas City Chiefs is stepping up to help a Missouri family.

Defensive end Frank Clark said he contacted the family of Tyre Sampson after the 14year-old fell to his death from an amusement park ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.

Sampson lived in Berkeley, Missouri, near St. Louis. He was on a spring break trip with friends at the time.

The teenager was a football athlete and had the dream to play professional football in the NFL.

“When I heard of the tragic passing of Tyre Sampson, I knew I needed to do something to help his family. I can’t imagine the hurt and loss that his family and love ones are experiencing,” Clark shared on Instagram.

Clark said he contacted the family and offered to cover the costs of Sampson’s funeral to allow the family to focus on celebrating and honoring the teenager’s life.

“When talking with Nekia, Tyre’s mom I had the pleasure of learning about the many accomplishments of Tyre. His passion for football, basketball, how gentle his heart was and his big appetite for loving people. I made a promise to Nekia that Tyre’s legacy would live on,” Clark said.

Clark is making sure he doesn’t break that promise to Tyre’s mom. The Frank Clark Family Foundation established the Tyre Sampson Scholarship Fund. It will benefit incoming college freshmen student athletes from the inner city.

Clark’s foundation will award a $2,500 scholarship to two college freshmen for the 20222023 school year. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Friday, July 15. Additional information about the application requirements can be found on the Frank Clark Family Foundation website.

“Just know our family will always be there for you,” Clark wrote to Sampson’s mom.

Sampson’s father spoke publically for the first time since the autopsy report was released last week.

He walked up to the site of the Orlando ride Monday morning and wrote his son’s name and his date of birth in chalk on the fence surrounding the ride. He also wrote “death trap.”

Sampson’s autopsy showed he had a number of extensive injuries and died from blunt force trauma.

The autopsy report from Orange County Medical Examiner’s office showed the 14-yearold suffered serious internal injuries, as well as injuries to his head, neck and torso after falling more than 70 feet.

The ride’s weight limit for a rider was 287 pounds. The autopsy indicated the teen was 383 pounds. A ride safety analyst previously said Sampson should have never been allowed to get on the ride.

In March, an examination of the ride found Sampson’s seat had been manually loosened and he was not properly secured.

Sampson’s family has filed a lawsuit against multiple businesses the family claims were responsible for the teenager’s death.

Thursday, April 14, 2022

NFL draft 2022: How George Karlaftis found his way to football between Greece and Indiana

By Adam Rittenberg ESPN.com

BEFORE 2014, GEORGE KARLAFTIS never had football on his radar.

Growing up in Athens, Greece, his sporting plate overflowed with swimming, soccer, tennis, basketball, track and field, judo and water polo, in which Karlaftis fast-tracked as a young teen. Karlaftis fit in every arena. He has a confluence of gifts -- size, speed, confidence and drive -- that allowed him to pick any athletic endeavor and excel. But Karlaftis ultimately pivoted away from all of those sports, and toward one that rarely, if ever, came up during his childhood.

"[Football] was perceived as very dangerous, barbaric," he recalled. "A little bit of fear tactics for us not to play."

His father, Matt, an accomplished athlete in Greece who competed in track and field at the University of Miami, hoped Karlaftis and his two brothers would never participate in football. Matt's only brush with the sport had led to a traumatic head injury and surgery.

"I was scared, I never really wanted to play growing up, you know, and [in Greece], it's not really an issue," Karlaftis said.

But when Matt died on June 4, 2014, George's life and athletic outlook forever changed. Along with his mother and siblings, he moved to the United States, near his mother's family in West Lafayette, Indiana. He had to process the trauma of his father's death while beginning school in a different language, and making new friends. His athletic talent became a way to fit in. After some initial hesitation, Karlaftis began playing a distinctly American sport, and learned to love football, as he blossomed into a star defensive lineman at Purdue.

Now, he's on the doorstep of the NFL. The draft begins April 28 in Las Vegas, and Karlaftis' name likely will be called on the first night. Mel Kiper Jr. has the DE being selected at No. 30 in his most recent mock draft.

"To think back on how things have gone, it's c'est la vie, right? That's life," Karlaftis said. "It's been a lot, everything that's happened, from the time I was 12, 13 years old to now, certainly massive changes in my life and a lot of other people's lives. I had to grow up almost overnight and become a man."

KARLAFTIS HAS SPENT his entire high school and college years in West Lafayette, Indiana, but his roots remain in Greece. He misses many things about his homeland: his family, the food, the culture and, of course, the weather.

"The best summers ever," he said. "It's a different atmosphere than anywhere in the world."

Karlaftis lived in Athens with his parents, brothers Yanni and Niko, and sister Annie. His mother, Amy, spoke English to the kids at home, but otherwise George had a traditional Grecian upbringing, from school to sports.

"They wanted us to be active and do a lot of things, find what we love and do that at the highest level we could," George recalled.

George and his siblings had a natural path to sports because of their parents.

Their father had grown up as a talented all-around athlete in Greece, and he walked onto the track team at Miami and competed in javelin. Amy played basketball and other sports in high school, but after breaking her nose in softball, she chose to not pursue college athletics. She attended Purdue, where, as a freshman in 1994, she met Matt, a doctoral student, while playing volleyball together at the student rec center.

Four years later, Amy traveled to Greece with two suitcases to visit Matt and never left. They started their family in Athens, where Matt worked as a civil engineering professor at National Technical University of Athens. Matt wrote several books, edited research journals and earned a Fulbright scholarship and other awards.

"He became an expert in his field," Amy said. "He was in charge of all the bus transportation for the [2004] Olympics in China. He had algorithms with what intervals the buses need to come to be able to get the athletes to their venues. When he was young, he was always thought of as this dumb athlete, but he was obviously this brilliant man. So he always wanted to instill to the kids to be good athletes, but also be good at school."

The Karlaftis kids were natural athletes, and Amy spent much of her time shuttling them to activities. Yanni, two years younger than George, became a world champion in judo for his age group (11). After sampling many options, George took to water polo, where he played goalkeeper.

"I had the weight of the team on my shoulders," George recalled. "Everything runs through you. When things are coming at me, I'm the one who's going to save the team. I felt really comfortable in that role."

George became a member of Greece's under-16 national team. Had things turned out different, he could still be manning the goal for Greece, currently ranked No. 1 in the world.

Matt traveled often for work. In early June 2014, he went to the island of Kos to give a speech at a civil engineering conference, but he never showed. He was found at his hotel, dead from a heart attack at 44.

Amy immediately realized she couldn't stay in Greece with four young children. Her parents, four siblings and their families were all back in Indiana.

"I knew within a day," she said. "I made my decision."

IN SEPTEMBER 2014, Shane Fry was teaching eighth grade physical education in West Lafayette when a Greek giant, well over 6 feet, showed up midway through class. George arrived in America after the school year had started, since he stayed in Europe to play water polo following his father's death.

George, a bit shy, had to be coaxed into playing whiffle ball in Fry's class.

"They talked him into batting, and he came up there and held the ball bat with one arm, looked like a caveman," Fry said. "I pitched it and he smacked it where no one could, like a Mark McGwire home run with one arm. I think he started running with the bat, didn't even know where to run or what that even meant."

Life in West Lafayette presented new experiences and challenges. Although George knew English through his mother, he never used it in school.

George had visited his mother's family over the years, and had many cousins around, including R.J. Erb, who was the same age and became George's "built-in best friend." Sports became a way for him to acclimate to his new surroundings.

"He ultimately wanted to be with his friends and play a sport and fit in, try and blend in with a new country and a new way of life," said Kaia Harris, George's longtime girlfriend, whom he met during his freshman year at West Lafayette High.

George initially competed in basketball and track, two familiar sports. When the opportunity to play football came up, he hesitated initially. At Miami, Matt was convinced into playing with the Hurricanes' championship football team. But during the practice, his helmet flew off and he suffered a fractured skull, requiring a 12-hour surgery, leaving a noticeable scar.

"They cut him from one side of his ear to the other and pulled that forward and put plates in," Amy said. "His skull was crushed."

Matt's experience impacted George, who knew his father's family, especially his grandfather and namesake, wouldn't be thrilled about the idea.

"I had a lot of conversations with coaches, family," he said. "The game had changed so much: the rules, the helmets, the equipment. My friends were doing it, I thought I'd be pretty good at it. I was just like, 'Yeah, I'll give it a try.'"

George only played two weeks of eighth grade football, but was interested in the game and began asking Fry, the coach at West Lafayette High School, about joining the varsity squad as a freshman. Fry knew that George, already 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, could handle the physical demands. But George barely knew the game, and he would have to learn what each position meant, and how to get in a stance.

Fry first tried George as a straight-toe kicker. Someone found a size-14.5 steel boot on eBay, which George used in games that fall, as West Lafayette reached the state championship.

"He'd turn into 'The Waterboy,'" Fry said. "He would kick it and run down the field like a complete psycho, no regard for his body."

The following summer, George attended a football camp at Indiana University. At 235 pounds, he posted the fastest 40-yard dash of any camper. An injury held him out of one-on-one drills, but Indiana coach Kevin Wilson approached George, telling him that the Hoosiers had significant interest.

"I was like, 'OK, cool.' I didn't really know what that meant," George recalled.

Weeks later, George attended another camp at IU and received a scholarship offer, which he also didn't completely understand at first. By the time sophomore year started, he had fallen in love with football. Up to 6-5 and 240 pounds, George played more that season, but mostly as a pass-rusher in a run-oriented league. By the playoffs, he had improved against the run, recognizing misdirection and play-action.

More offers followed the next summer, including Notre Dame and Alabama. George began his junior season with a flurry of sacks, and soared up national recruiting boards.

"When Notre Dame offered him, it was very evident that he had no idea what Notre Dame was or meant," Fry said. "To him, IU is a college football team and Notre Dame is a college football team. What's the difference?"

ESPN eventually rated George as the top prospect in Indiana and the No. 79 recruit in the 2019 class. But because he was so new to football and the recruiting scene, he approached the attention differently.

Amy credited George for thoroughly researching how recruiting worked -- "He's got so much of his dad in him," she said -- and making sure he attended the right camps and combines.

"He was just green to the whole process and how everything worked, and that was positive," Purdue coach Jeff Brohm said. "Luckily, from our end, we got in early and offered him, and the more you got around him, it was a unique mixture of talent, but yet extremely humble, extremely polite and just willing and eager to learn and listen. You just don't get that with high-profile guys."

George could have played college ball anywhere, but many forces drew him toward Purdue. He lived about a mile from campus, and could see Ross-Ade Stadium from West Lafayette High. Sometimes, late at night, George and his buddies would sneak onto Purdue's practice field.

Amy's family is filled with Purdue graduates, and their rental property business is known around town. Brohm, hired in December 2016, quickly got to know George's family. His wife, Jennifer, is close with Amy, and their son, Brady, is the same age as George's sister, Annie, and became friends with her.

George also knew that by attending Purdue, he could continue to watch over his family.

Greek law states that when a father dies, his eldest son becomes head of household. So when George was just two months removed from his 13th birthday, he understood his new reality and carried that obligation to the states.

"I had to become a man overnight and be the protector of my house overnight," he said. "That comes with a lot of responsibility, but also you've got to be mature enough to handle that."

Although Amy remarried, George still teases his stepdad about the head-of-household role.

"He's like, 'I'm still head of my family,'" Amy said. "It's kind of funny, but George really believes that, and that was another reason why he wanted to stay and go to Purdue, to be close in case. Georgie, the little boy, grew up almost overnight. It's almost sad when you think about it, like he got robbed of some of his childhood, but it came back when he was able to play and do sports."

In October 2017, he committed to Purdue.

"He has his pillars: No. 1 is God and No. 2 is his family," Harris said. "I knew he was never going to leave his family. He was 100% going to Purdue."

GEORGE HAS NEVER struggled to find motivation. In eighth grade, he created a vision board, under the banner "American Dream," including logos for the NFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Quotes lined the wall of his high school bedroom, and a whiteboard in his room at Purdue. He had "One more" and "Rise, rise, rise again," often said by Christian Burns, a high school teammate killed in a car accident. Other quotes included "They can't catch what they can't see," "You are made for greatness" and George's favorite, "Prove them wrong."

"That was kind of his tagline," Harris said. "Everyone has laughed at him because he'd never played football before, he played water polo. They were like, 'Oh no, that's not going to happen,' because of how hard it is to get in the NFL."

George graduated high school early and enrolled at Purdue in January 2019. By the fourth or fifth spring practice, teammates were telling him he could make the NFL. George asked Kevin Wolthausen, then Purdue's defensive line coach, to outline what he needed to become a first-round draft pick.

That fall, George started every game, leading Purdue in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (17.5). He was second-team All-Big Ten and a first-team freshman All-American. He was on his way.

Mark Hagen had been Indiana's defensive line coach in 2015, and remembered the 14year-old camper from Greece who impressed the staff with his speed and size. When Purdue hired Hagen as defensive line coach in January 2021, he saw a different version of George.

"Everything was devoted to maximizing his full potential," Hagen said.

The texts came every morning that spring. George asked Hagen when they could meet. They watched all of his reps from practice, and video from his freshman and sophomore years. Hagen gave George projects, including breakdowns of the top pass-rushers in the 2021 NFL draft, such as Michigan's Kwity Paye and Miami's Jaelan Phillips.

George approached nutrition and training room time to prevent injuries unlike any player Hagen had coached. After team workouts, he would meet with Purdue strength coach Domenic Reno to do hand work.

"He's always taking notes in meetings, always in study mode, always in that mode of wanting to get better," Hagen said. "When you've got guys like that, where their work ethic is off the charts, you're going to make time to help them chase their dreams. Every minute for him seemed to be mapped out."

George took the same approach away from football. In high school, Harris remembered George as a somewhat "goofy" guy who pounded pints of ice cream and lived on steak and potatoes. When she transferred from Air Force to Purdue, where she's a thrower for the track team, Harris saw a different person.

"He acts like an 80-year-old man," Harris said. "He stretches for 30 minutes before bed at exactly 9 or 9:30, depending on how early he has to wake up. He reads 10 pages of the Bible before bed, wakes up at this [exact] time, makes his morning smoothie. He's so regimented. He makes sure he gets his vegetables and carbs, and only eats deer and bison and elk. He grew up a lot."

Because George's family home is so close to Purdue's football building, Brohm would see him around "at all hours." When George needed a laptop after the coronavirus pandemic hit and the team couldn't be together, he borrowed Brohm's for months to watch film.

Brohm, a former NFL and XFL quarterback from a family of football players, attributes George's approach to his relatively short connection with the sport.

"There's not a whole lot of burnout because he didn't grow up just having to play football and living and breathing it," Brohm said. "He grew up being an active, athletic young man who did a lot of different things. Because of that, shoot, he's eager, he's ready to go out there and prove how great he can be. I'm sure there's a lot of other really good picks in the first round, but this is, to me, a surefire 10-plus-year veteran All-Pro, because that's the type of guy he is."

George thinks he would approach any sport this way, saying, "That's who I am, that's what I believe in." But he recognizes his football journey is only just starting.

"My best football is ahead of me," he said. "Without a single doubt in my mind, I know that. In my heart of hearts, I believe I should be the No. 1 [overall] pick. Whether the teams feel like that or Twitter or Instagram, ESPN, if they don't feel like that, it's fine. But that's how I feel."

After injury and the pandemic limited him to three games in 2020, George started all 12 regular-season games last fall, leading Purdue in tackles for loss (11.5), forced fumbles (3), sacks (5) and quarterback hurries (8) despite frequent double-teams. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and helped Purdue to its highest wins total (9) since 2003.

In December, George announced he would skip his final season to enter the draft. Brohm thinks George will be an elite power rusher in the NFL, most likely at strong-side end, who will also incorporate speed and moves to reach the pocket.

"He's a guy who can play all three downs," Brohm said.

Hagen added that George can move well as a big guy and can really excel as a passrusher. And throughout the draft process, George has enjoyed being able to show he's not just this big, physical guy, that's a non-athlete. After all, he did have a 38-inch vertical jump and a broad jump over 10 feet at the NFL combine.

"[Whoever drafts him is] getting a guy who is versatile, a guy who can play on the edge, but also, if you're trying to get your best pass rushers on the field, bump him inside at times and create some mismatches on some of those guards and centers that aren't quite as athletic as those outside tackles," Hagen said.

When George first considered football, he knew his grandfather in Greece would worry, because of what had happened to Matt. His grandfather warmed to the idea after learning George could attend college on an athletic scholarship. He and George's uncle have seen Purdue highlights, and George hopes they will be able to attend one of his NFL games.

In America, the Karlaftises have become a football family. Yanni is a second-year linebacker at Purdue and a former ESPN 300 recruit, while Niko, 14, also plays the game.

Asked what his dad would think of him now, George recalled how Matt would tell stories about men who thrived in both athletics and academics, like he did. Matt was the type to give advice, but ultimately let George make his own decisions, which he would support.

"He'd be so incredibly proud of me, even though I'm playing football," George said. "I graduated college in three years and I'm a professional athlete. That'd be like his dream come true."

After a tough regular season, Chiefs’ Harrison Butker delivers in the playoffs... again

BY BLAIR KERKHOFF

UPDATED JANUARY 30, 2023 2:07 PM

Harrison Butker has endured the most difficult of his six NFL seasons. He suffered an ankle injury in the opener, missed games for the first time in his career and also finished the regular season with his lowest accuracy number combined field goals and extra points.

But when he was needed most, in the playoffs’ biggest game with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake, Butker delivered Sunday night.

His 45‐yard field goal with eight seconds remaining was the game‐winner in the Chiefs’ 23‐20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead.

“I try to treat every kick like a big kick,” Butker said. “Extra points, first‐quarter field goals, those are all big kicks to me. So when I do get to that big moment it’s the same. I try to trick my mind in that regard.”

But Butker couldn’t trick the conditions. The wind chill was 10 degrees at kickoff and lower some three hours later. The wind was swirling. Flags that fly atop the goal posts and ones above the stadium seemed to be blowing in different directions.

“What do you think, Tommy?” Butker asked of his holder, punter Tommy Townsend, who was standing at the next locker after the game. “A little in the face and left to right. I thought the wind was worse than what the flags were showing.”

Butker has plenty of leg for a 45‐yard attempt. He booted a club‐record 62‐yarder this season, a highlight in a season in which he went 18 for 24 on field goals and missed three extra points. But the conditions Sunday presented a challenge.

“I wasn’t sure if the ball was going to have enough distance,” Butker said. “I hit it well. But it was just kind of floating up in the air. I’m glad it went over.”

Butker was so unsure of the kick that, even as Townsend started embracing him, Butker wasn’t sure the kick was good.

The field goal was set up by a couple of big plays in the game’s previous minutes. The Bengals got the ball with 2:30 remaining and moved to their 35. But on third down, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones came up with his second and the team’s fifth sack of the day to end the drive.

A 29‐yard punt return by Skyy Moore gave the Chiefs possession at their 47 with 30 seconds remaining. On third and 4, Patrick Mahomes scrambled for five yards to the Bengals’ 42 and

was shoved to the ground after he went out of bounds. The resulting penalty on the Bengals tacked on an additional 15 yards.

Butker needed that. Had the ball not advanced past the 42, a 59‐yard attempt would have been a shaky proposition.

“In warm‐ups, I was dropping 55‐yarders short going in that direction,” Butker said. But the penalty put the ball at the 27. Butker had already made field goals of 43 and 24 yards. He had been warming up ever since the Chiefs got the ball.

And there is this: Since joining the Chiefs, he has been money in the biggest moments.

In the 2018 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, Butker drilled a 39‐yarder with eight seconds remaining to send the game to overtime.

The Chiefs’ dramatic 2021 Divisional Round victory in overtime against the Buffalo Bills doesn’t happen unless Butker nails a 49‐yarder on the final play of regulation.

And he sent last year’s AFC title game into overtime with a 44‐yard kick on the final play of regulation in a game the Chiefs eventually lost.

“As a kicker, you dream about those moments,” Butker said. “That’s what everyone remembers, those big kicks.”

Isiah Pacheco overcomes family tragedy to lead Vineland's football team

 Mike McGarry

VINELAND — Isiah Pacheco moved his sister Celeste Cannon into her new home on West Main Street in Millville this summer.

He carried beds, couches, dressers and televisions up the four steps that led into the house.

The Vineland High School football standout and his older sister had always been close. Celeste attended Isiah’s games and made sure he had a few extra dollars or new clothes when the school year began.

“My sister was like my best friend,” he said.

Three months later, on the morning of Sept. 20, a cousin appeared at the door of Isiah’s Vineland home and told him and his mother, Felicia Cannon, that Celeste had died.

“It was like, ‘What?’ It was confusing,” Isiah said. “It was out of nowhere.”

Isiah, his mother and his father, Julio Pacheco, rushed to Millville and found police surrounding Celeste’s home. She had been killed by a gunshot. Celeste was 24 years old.

“It’s crazy,” Isiah said. “I was (flashing) back to helping her move in. It can’t be true.”

Police wouldn’t let anyone inside the home. Isiah watched as officers carried his sister out in a body bag.

It wasn’t the first time Isiah confronted tragedy. His brother, Travoise Cannon, was stabbed to death in Bridgeton in January 2016. He was 29.

But despite those tragedies — and maybe in some way because of them — Isiah has emerged as one of the state’s top players. The 18-year-old quarterback and defensive back will finish his high school career Thursday when Vineland plays at Millville in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. He will attend Rutgers University on an NCAA Division I football scholarship.

“I don’t want to disappoint anybody,” he said. “I don’t want to be one of those kids who says, ‘I could have done this, or I wish I would have done that better.’”

Always in a hurry

Isiah is the youngest of Felicia Cannon’s five children. She has two older children — Ricky Fowler, 26, and Felicia Cannon, 23.

He was always in a hurry and seemed to always be the center of attention growing up.

As a toddler, Isiah lived in Bridgeton. When he heard a motorcycle come down the street, he would jump on the couch, look out the window and pretend he was riding the bike.

Isiah also loved to share his playmates’ toys, whether they wanted him to or not. The other kids would scatter in fear when he stepped onto the playground.

“We had to tell him you just can’t take other kids’ toys,” Felicia Cannon said with a laugh.

Isiah would pester his older siblings, especially Celeste, until they brought him what he wanted or gave him a ride to where he needed to go.

“I told him, ‘How are you going to run your brothers and sisters? You’re the littlest one,’” Felicia Cannon said. “But he would get them to do what he wanted.”

Of all his siblings, he was closest with Celeste. She had a way of needling him to keep him humble.

“If she was here now,” Julio Pacheco said with a laugh, “she’d be saying, ‘Who do you think you are, a superstar or something?’”

Celeste entertained her family by cooking brownies while dancing around the kitchen to the music of rap artist Meek Mill.

“She could cook,” Isiah said with a laugh, “but she couldn’t cook as good as my mom. When Celeste cooked, she was probably going to burn something.”

Police arrested Donald Scurry Jr., of Bridgeton, on Sept. 27 and charged him with Celeste’s murder. The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office said he and Celeste had a relationship. Their 2-year-old son, Donald Scurry III, lived with Celeste.

Since his sister’s death, Isiah constantly checks on his mom, texting her often. The Vineland football team celebrated senior day against St. Augustine Prep on Nov. 4. He walked to midfield with his mother and father. Halfway through the ceremony, he bent down and put his head on his mother’s shoulder.

Sometimes the two can’t sleep at night, so they’ll stay up together watching football highlights on YouTube.

“He warms my heart,” Felicia Cannon said.

Known as ‘Pop’

It’s through sports that Isiah has found an outlet. He’s known throughout Vineland as “Pop.” He earned the nickname playing football in the Vineland midget leagues. During one game, he ran around the end and devoured a Penns Grove quarterback.

“Everybody was like, ‘Oh, wow, you popped him,’” he said. “They’ve been calling me Pop ever since.”

Isiah has led the Fighting Clan to its first back-to-back winning seasons since 1990-91. He will finish his career with more than 3,000 rushing yards.

He can be loud with teammates and friends, but he often answers reporter’s questions with a “Yes, sir” or a “No, sir.”

Isiah spoke to his teammates after Vineland beat Atlantic City 34-8 on Oct. 20.

“All of you are like my brothers,” he said. “I love each and every one of you. We have to work hard. If we’re not at practice, we have to watch film. We have to study. We have to do what’s right for this team. You all want to make history? Let’s make history.”

But since his sister’s death, he’s turned inward. His parents sometimes catch him looking off to nowhere, lost in his own thoughts.

“He’s thinking a lot more,” Julio said.

Three days after Celeste’s death, Isiah wanted to be someplace he felt at home. So he took the field with his Vineland teammates.

Isiah ran for 222 yards and a touchdown to lead the Fighting Clan to a 42-6 win over Egg Harbor Township on Sept. 23. At 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, he’s strong enough to run over defenders but can quickly shift directions to leave would-be tacklers grasping at air.

“I wanted to play,” Isiah said. “I wanted to be there for my brothers on the team.”

Isiah attended his sister’s funeral the morning of Sept. 29. Vineland was scheduled to play that night against Cumberland Regional. He chose to play again, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns as Vineland won 60-6.

“I just feel like she’s in a better place now,” Isiah said.

Isiah plans to graduate from Vineland in December and enroll early at Rutgers.

“I want a fresh start,” he said.

He’s excited about his future but knows how important it is to remember where he grew up.

He and his mother took Donald Scurry III to the Rutgers football game against Maryland on Nov. 4. When Maryland had the ball on third down, Rutgers blasted the Metallica song “For Whom the Bell Tolls” throughout the stadium. His nephew loved it, rocking out with the rest of the crowd.

“He really doesn’t have parents,” Isiah said. “His father is in jail. I have to be there for him, get him into sports.”

His one-story home has a Rutgers “R” on the front door.

His bedroom is in the back of the house. It contains the organized chaos of a typical teenager’s room. Scrapbooks and recruiting letters from multiple colleges are stashed everywhere.

Isiah goes through the same ritual every night.

On a mirror above a crowded dresser filled with trophies, he keeps his siblings’ obituaries. Just before he goes to sleep, he reads them and says a prayer.

“I dedicate that time to them,” he said. “I thank them for looking down on me. I’m going to keep doing things in a positive way to make them proud of me.”

Tailback Isiah Pacheco Shows Talent and Character When Called Upon Pacheco rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries in last Sunday’s victory

Nov 19, 2022 at 10:48 PM

Faith Douglass Chiefs.com Contributor

Kansas City Chiefs' rookie running back Isiah Pacheco appears to be coming into his own after setting two personal bests last week with 82 yards on 16 carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pacheco joined the Chiefs as a seventh-round pick, but he's quickly showing that he belongs.

"I don't think he is ahead of schedule – I think he's right where he should be," said Running Backs Coach Greg Lewis. "To me, I don't look at [a player] as a rookie or as 10-year veteran, the expectation is the expectation. The standard is the standard, and whoever we put out there needs to be at that standard."

Pacheco certainly met that standard on Sunday, leading a Chiefs' rushing attack that collectively averaged a season-best 5.7 yards-per-carry. It was a significant development when considering that in the previous week, Kansas City only ran the ball 20 times. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes instead attempted 68 passes for 340 yards, and while it ultimately led to a victory, the Chiefs emphasized the need to effectively run the ball heading into their matchup with the Jaguars. The script was indeed flipped last Sunday, and Pacheco was a key player in that effort.

"For me, it's about having the same mindset every day when I come into the building to go to work." Pacheco said, "I go out there on the practice field and go 100 percent so that when it comes to game day, I can execute at a high and intense level."

Though Pacheco stepped up when it came to running the ball last week, it wasn't without adversity. Pacheco fumbled on the Chiefs' opening series, but fans watching the game could tell that his early mistake wasn't going to ruin his day.

"When I came back to the sideline, I didn't hold my head down because I had a strong feeling in my heart," Pacheco said. "I was angry enough to go back out there and execute my job at a high level."

The Chiefs' coaching staff often goes right back to players such as Pacheco following early mistakes, and that was exactly their decision on Sunday despite the fumble. In fact, not only did Pacheco take the field on the Chiefs' next possession, but he also handled the first play of the drive for a 13-yard gain.

"For me, I went back in the huddle and was just waiting for my name to get called," Pacheco said. "I was ready to go and locked in."

Pacheco said that he received significant encouragement from his teammate, fellow tailback Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who reminded him that there was plenty of game left and that he needed to keep his head up.

Additionally, Coach Lewis explained that he told Pacheco to forget about the fumble and it was about how he responded from there. Lewis said that he thought Pacheco did a tremendous job with that challenge, and his actions were a testament to his mindset and how he plays the game.

"It's a brotherhood in that running back room," Pacheco said. "We push each other. We have examples of how we could have hit runs better, what we see out there and what they see from the sideline. We're building in this room and there's a lot of football left this season."

Lewis also said that his collection of running backs is a great group and a supportive team of guys, but at the end of the day, only one guy can have the ball at a time. That was primarily Pacheco last Sunday, whose sense of urgency was exemplified by his four rushes of at least nine yards against Jacksonville. It was an impressive output that the rookie will look to continue this week against Los Angeles.

The Chiefs' offense is ever-changing, and it's clear that Kansas City's primary playmakers can change from week-to-week. The certainty, however, is that whoever is called upon will be ready for the challenge.

With football taken away, he delivered pizzas. KC Chiefs might start him 2 years later

JESSE NEWELL

July 24, 2022, 1:57 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie cornerback Joshua Williams — with professional dreams — found himself in an unsettling situation in 2020:

Without football.

Williams, who was attending Division II Fayetteville (N.C.) State at the time, watched as major conferences continued to play during the start of the COVID pandemic.

Fayetteville State did not. It bypassed both a fall and spring season, meaning Williams missed out on his initial junior season.

He still tried his best to stay ready. That meant working out and keeping up his schoolwork while also picking up two part-time jobs.

One of those gigs was as a pizza delivery guy.

“Shout-out to Domino’s,” Williams said at Chiefs training camp on Sunday.

The other was a security guard at Walmart, though Williams said he didn’t face too many issues with theft.

“Maybe it was just my demeanor,” Williams said with a laugh. “Maybe they were scared.”

Knowing the backstory makes Williams’ rise in football all the more impressive.

The 6-foot-3 Williams, who posted 31 tackles and three interceptions during his 2021 season, parlayed that performance into a Senior Bowl invite and NFL Combine appearance. A year later, the Chiefs’ four th-round draft pick also finds himself competing for a starting role as the team sifts through its options in its secondary.

“At the end of the day, I think I belong,” Williams said after the Chiefs’ practice on Sunday at Missouri Western, “regardless of where I came from.”

The last two days have given Williams plenty of chances to show what he can do. Because only rookies and quarterbacks participate in the team’s first three practices, Williams has rarely left the field while going through instructional periods and 7-on-7s with roughly 30 of his teammates.

One of his best plays Sunday came early in drills, as he batted down a Patrick Mahomes pass intended for rookie receiver Skyy Moore.

“Skyy is a fast dude. He’s coming off the line. And luckily, I was just blessed enough to get out of my break fast enough to break up a pass,” Williams said. “There’s a lot of great receivers on this team, so anytime I’m guarding any of them in the open field, I’m getting better. I love getting the competition, getting work.”

Williams’ role could be partially dependent on the team’s health. Though L’Jarius Sneed and rookie Trent McDuffie are heavy favorites for starting roles, Rashad Fenton will be sitting out the start of training camp following recent shoulder surgery.

Lonnie Johnson, Jaylen Watson and DeAndre Baker are some of the Chiefs’ other candidates for snaps at defensive back.

“The coaches we have, they always push you along. They’re always telling you how to adjust quicker,” Williams said. “So it’s not really a getting thrown in the fire. They’re telling you what to expect, how to do certain things, how to go about it, how to prepare. So (the transition to NFL) is definitely not super-smooth, but it’s something that’s doable if you prepare yourself.”

Williams certainly has become a master at keeping himself ready — an attribute only reinforced when he had to live without football two years ago.

“I do understand I had a different path to get here,” he said. “And I was blessed enough to make it to where I’m at.”

Meet the Chiefs’ latest touchdown‐reception machine: running back Jerick McKinnon

BY BLAIR KERKHOFF

UPDATED DECEMBER 24, 2022 6:38 PM

Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon came into this season with just seven touchdown receptions in his first five NFL campaigns, and no more than two in any one year.

Well, McKinnon recorded his sixth touchdown reception of the season on Saturday in the Chiefs’ 24‐10 win against the Seattle Seahawks at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

What’s more, that 9‐yard scoring catch from Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter which extended the Chiefs’ lead to 14‐0 was McKinnon’s fifth in the last four games, with a touchdown in each one.

Talk about being in a zone McKinnon most definitely is.

The end zone.

“It’s play‐calling, it’s Pat finding me and it’s the offensive line blocking super well up front,” McKinnon said. “It’s a collection of everything.”

For the day, McKinnon logged three receptions on three targets for 31 yards. One of those catches was on a slip screen, a route that has also produced touchdowns. But not Saturday.

McKinnon simply drifted out to the right flat and found himself wide open; Mahomes hit him around the 9. McKinnon spun out of one tackle at the 3 and powered through another defender at the goal line.

“The linebacker was inside. I already had my leverage,” McKinnon said.

The touchdown throw was Mahomes’ second of the game. He earlier flipped a pass to receiver Kadarius Toney for a 5‐yard score.

Mahomes now has 37 TDs this season. He entered the game leading the NFL in that department and passing yards. After Saturday’s win, his yardage total stands at 4,720.

McKinnon has 18 receptions over the past three games and 49 for the season. Two more and he’ll match his season best, set in 2017, when he played for the Minnesota Vikings.

He also had the Chiefs’ game‐winning 26‐yard touchdown run to beat the Houston Texans in overtime last weekend and was on the scoring end of a 56‐yard no‐look flip pass from Mahomes against the Broncos before that.

McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco have headed up the Chiefs’ running backs corps since a Week 11 injury to Clyde Edwards‐Helaire. Pacheco is the hard‐running rookie, while McKinnon is the crafty veteran who also brings a level of toughness.

He showed the toughness on the finishing kick on his touchdown against the Seahawks.

McKinnon’s production and nose for the end zone is reminiscent of former Chiefs running back Damien Williams, who always played his best football in the postseason. In five playoff games over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Williams scored 10 touchdowns, including four through the air. McKinnon could be headed on a similar path.

“Opportunity landing in my hands and I’m trying to make the most of it,” he said.

Jerick McKinnon Has Become One of the Chiefs' Most Versatile Weapons

McKinnon ranks fourth on the Chiefs in scrimmage yards this season

Dec 23, 2022 at 10:02 AM

Kaden Chumbley Chiefs.com Contributor

Kansas City Chiefs' running back Jerick McKinnon has had an exceptional season so far, fitting into any role that this offense asks of him. In fact, McKinnon has turned out to be a versatile weapon that the Chiefs can use to punish defenses both on the ground and through the air.

"He is a very good football player that happens to play the running back position," said Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy. "Jerick is doing a great job. He is doing everything that we expected him to do – that is just who he is. He is the ultimate professional."

McKinnon has managed to make a massive impact on this Chiefs' offense due to his impressive speed and athletic ability. Now an eight‐year veteran, McKinnon has been a Swiss army knife of sorts for the offense this season by utilizing the many unique characteristics of his game on a weekly basis.

"He does everything the right way," said quarterback Patrick Mahomes." He protects well, he runs routes well and he runs the ball well. So, we can have him in there and trust that he's going to know exactly the protections assignment, where to be on time and whenever we give him the runs, he'll make plays happen. He is a great player."

McKinnon has 256 scrimmage yards over the last two weeks, which is the fourth‐most of any player in the NFL. McKinnon also has a league‐most four scrimmage touchdowns during that span.

With a career high of five scrimmage touchdowns overall on the season and a new career‐high in receiving yards with 429, McKinnon has really shown how valuable of a weapon he is throughout the year. Clearly, McKinnon has fit perfectly into the role that Head Coach Andy Reid and Bieniemy have crafted for him.

What makes McKinnon so impactful in this offense is his ability to essentially play two positions. McKinnon is listed as a running back, but that doesn't really tell the whole story, as he has

made a significant difference in the passing game, too. His 492 yards after the catch this season rank fifth in the NFL.

McKinnon knows his role in this offense, which allows him to be as successful as he has ever been in the NFL. His versatility is a great luxury for the Chiefs, and at this point, defenses know that McKinnon can do it all. What the defenses have yet to figure out, however, is how to slow him down.

Week‐in and week‐out, McKinnon continues to tear up defenses with his speed, vision, explosiveness and hands. You name it, McKinnon has it.

Why Chiefs’ Jerick McKinnon stands taller than his size and is vital against Bengals

BY VAHE GREGORIAN

JANUARY 26, 2023 4:58

As Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy stepped off the stage following an interview on Thursday, he felt obliged to present the next man up:

“Jerick McKinnon, y’all.”

But Bieniemy’s welcome was more celebratory than introductory when it comes to McKinnon, who this season announced himself as what might be called an overnight sensation at age 30.

After years of relative obscurity, including missing two seasons with knee injuries before the Chiefs took a chance and reset his career in 2021, McKinnon has endeared himself to fans and teammates in multiple ways.

That included scoring nine touchdowns in the final six weeks of the regular season to be recognized as AFC Offensive Player of the Month.

He finished the regular season third on the team in scoring with 62 points (behind Harrison Butker with 92 and Travis Kelce, 74) largely on screen passes and highlighted by the 56‐yard no‐look TD pass from Patrick Mahomes at Denver.

Beyond that, coach Andy Reid has referred to the radiant man with the high‐pitched voice as “like everybody’s big brother” and has suggested the trustworthy former Georgia Southern triple‐option quarterback is the emergency backup at the position.

Meanwhile, Mahomes considers McKinnon one of the favorites, if not the favorite, in the locker room.

There are a lot of reasons for that, including McKinnon’s evident humility and obvious appreciation for his teammates and at last being in this position after a trying journey.

As he pondered the significance of his breakout in advance of the Chiefs playing host to the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, McKinnon beamed and said he’s got it all at “a happy medium” and can’t fully feel it now.

“When it’s all said and done and I finally do,” he said, “I’m pretty sure it will probably hit me in a whole another way.”

Until then, he’ll also be busy hitting others as an adept and fierce blocker despite his 5‐foot‐9, 201‐pound frame.

And that speaks to another reason he’s so respected by Mahomes and other teammates and why he will be vital against the Bengals whether it shows up in the box score or not.

With Mahomes working through a high‐ankle sprain he suffered against Jacksonville last week, you could see McKinnon immediately take that to heart when Mahomes returned to the game in the second half.

In a “Chiefs Mic’d‐up” segment, McKinnon approaches Mahomes just before they take the field and says, “We got you, 15. We got you, brother.” Then he turned to teammates and said, “We’ve got to be there for him.”

Then he made good on that, most visibly with his jarring block on Foyasade Oluokon as the Jaguars linebacker tried to rush Mahomes a block recognized by the NFL Network as an “NFL Way To Play” moment of the divisional round.

When I asked McKinnon on Thursday where that apparent passion for blocking comes from, he paused and smiled before answering.

“I’ve got little man syndrome; maybe that’s what it is,” he said.

Truth be told, he hadn’t had occasion to do it much before being drafted 96th overall by the Vikings in 2014.

Over time, though, he came to realize adding an element that he considers mostly “heart and will” to his skill set was “something that’s going to keep you around as a running back in this league.”

In fact …

“I take big pride in that area,” he said. “More than running and catching the ball, for real.”

It helps gird him for typically bigger and stronger players coming at him, he joked, to “be a little crooked in the mind.”

Just the same, McKinnon knows the success of this key aspect of his game is equally predicated on preparation and collaboration with the line and protecting Mahomes especially under these circumstances.

“When you see something like that,” McKinnon said, “it does nothing but inspire you.”

The same could be said for him as a versatile offensive weapon, vital blocker and much‐admired teammate … especially after navigating so many ups and downs to get to this time in his career.

Jerick McKinnon, y’all.

Super Bowl‐bound Kansas City Chiefs get big play from HBCU rookies

Two rookies who played their college ball at HBCUs have helped the Kansas City Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl.

Posted on January 29, 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs are headed back to the Super Bowl and a pair of rookies from HBCUs made a big play that helped get them there.

With the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinatti Bengals tied at 20 late in the fourth quarter, Chiefs rookie defensive back Bryan Cook tipped a Joe Burrow pass that landed in the hands of Joshua Williams. The interception stopped a potential go‐ahead scoring drive for the Bills and gave the Chiefs the ball back.

The Chiefs wouldn’t score on that possession, but they would go on to win the game on a 46‐yard field goal by Harrison Butker following a late‐hit against quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

That gave the Chiefs a 23‐20 lead with three seconds remaining. The Bengals got the ball on the ensuing kickoff with little time left, and Williams made the tackle that officially ended the game.

That sends the Kansas City Chiefs back to the Super Bowl. It will obviously be the first trip for Cook and Joshua Williams.

Cook finished his career at the University of Cincinnati, but started out at Howard University. He recorded 93 tackles, five tackles for a loss and five interceptions over two seasons. He eventually transferred and was picked in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He recorded 21 tackles and a sack during the regular season.

Williams was a fourth round pick in 2022, becoming the highest of four HBCU players drafted into the NFL. He did so after a stellar career at Fayetteville State in which he helped win four‐

consecutive CIAA Southern Division championships. A part‐time starter during the 2022 season, Williams put together 27 tackles and one interception.

Now both men will be heading to the Super Bowl as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12.

Chiefs' Smith-Schuster credits Call of Duty for win over 49ers

OCT 24, 2022

BY JULIA ELBABA

Oftentimes athletes credit the strong camaraderie that develops within a team with the time that is spent bonding off the playing field.

That's what happened for the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night which translated into an explosive offense performance that was hard to break down. After the Chiefs' win over the 49ers in Week 7, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster revealed the team's secret weapon that goes beyond the workouts quarterback Patrick Mahomes hosted during the offseason: Call of Duty.

“Oh man, you want to talk about chemistry and trust,” Smith-Schuster said. “So, we start off in Dallas, you know we worked out there. . . We came back here, worked out at camp, built that chemistry. Obviously, preseason (and) camp, but I’m going to tell you what got us the chemistry that we needed this game. I think it was Friday night — it was me, Pat (Mahomes), Travis (Kelce) and (Marquez Valdes-Scantling) — we were playing Call of Duty: Warzone together. We played three games and we won three games backto-back.”

Smith-Schuster said the iconic first-person shooting game gave the teammates the opportunity to bond in more profound ways that don't involve football, developing new levels of trust. The 25-year-old says he truly believes connecting with Mahomes on the field has improved through the game.

“And we got off (after the three wins) and we were like, ‘Damn.’ Because it’s really hard to win a game in Warzone,” Smith-Schuster explained. “And you could just like tell because of the communication between all of us and the chemistry, it was like we were in an (NFL) game. . . it kind of just bled into this game. It kind of just showed on the field.”

While Mahomes is not a big gamer, he said he did feel the experience contributed to the strong performance against the 49ers.

“Yeah, it’s cool,” Mahomes said. “When you get away from the facility, you’re doing kidlike things. You’re on the headset, you’re talking, you’re joking around and talking about the week. It kind of gets your mind off of just football and it’s about building those relationships. So it’s definitely cool to see those guys, even if it’s in a game, outside of the facility.”

While the Chiefs have a bye for Week 8 and face the Titans in their next showdown on Nov. 6, it's pretty safe to assume what the squad will be up to in their downtime.

What is the Chiefs current record?

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently 5-2 through Week 7 and are first in the AFC West heading into their Week 8 bye.

What is Juju Smith-Schuster contract with the Chiefs?

Juju Smith-Schuster signed a 1-year, $10.75-million contract with the Chiefs on March 20.

When does Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 release?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled to be released on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

JuJu Smith-Schuster has mastered the digital economy

By: Rocky Magana

Recent data suggests that there are an estimated 3.2 million social media influencers in the world. Joe Gagliese, who is the co-founder of the influencer-focused marketing firm Viral Nation, explained to Vox.com that exactly how much money an influencer can earn annually depends on the number of followers they have.

“People with smaller followings [who are known as nanoinfluencers] can make between $30,000 and $60,000 a year. The micro-influencers can make anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000. Celeb influencers make way, way more.”

This is the economy of the future.

One of the largest influencers, Jimmy “Mr. Beast” Donaldson, reportedly made $54 million last year. Many well known brands pay influencers a lot of money to promote their products.

In addition to this, online gaming sees a lot of overlap in this space. Esports are projected to generate nearly $1,038 million, in 2022 alone.

Situated in the middle of the cross pollination between these two emerging industries is Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster may be best known for his viral TikTok dances before football games — but if you think that’s all there is to the 25-year-old wide receiver then you are vastly underestimating his intelligence.

Smith-Schuster knows his target audience and is an expert at relating to them. He is the celebrity athlete who acts like he’s one of your friends — this relatability has a lot to do with why Smith-Schuster boasts over 9.2 million followers across all of his social media platforms.

With followers comes earning power. It has been reported that in 2021, Smith-Schuster earned a healthy $14,062.68 per social media post that he made.

In 2018, Smith-Schuster partnered with the highly popular esports group FaZe Clan to market his own merchandise. However in 2020, Smith-Schuster left the group to start his own esports team named Team Diverge.

During Chiefs training camp, we asked Smith-Schuster about his exit from FaZe Clan and what led him to start Team Diverge.

“I was part of FaZe Clan, I appreciate them for putting me on, but I kind of just wanted to start my own way,” Smith-Schuster replied. “I treat professional gamers, like professional athletes.

“A lot of us will watch pay-per-view to watch Floyd Mayweather fight, but a lot of little kids will pay a lot of money to watch guys like Ninja and these big time streamers play a game because they are the best at it. LeBron is the best at what he does, Steph Curry is the best at what he does ... and these gamers are the best at what they do.”

If you visit Team Diverge’s website, the first thing you will notice is a link to their online store, which is not uncommon with esports teams. As noted by Newzoo in their annual report:

“Esports brands are becoming lifestyle brands.”

The lifestyle space is a market that Smith-Schuster knows very well.

So all of this begs the questions, what is Juju Smith-Schuster?

Is he a star wide receiver?

Is he a social media influencer?

Is he a gamer?

Is he an entrepreneur?

I think the answer to these questions “yes.” He is them all.

Some people may not understand it, but it’s a new digital world out here, and SmithSchuster has mastered how to money in it.

Juju Smith-Schuster Has Plenty to Prove in First Year With Chiefs

Smith-Schuster is on a mission to prove himself right and others wrong during the 2022 season.

 JORDAN FOOTE

 SEP 8, 2022 12:27 PM EDT

The JuJu Smith-Schuster era with the Kansas City Chiefs technically got started in the preseason, but the actual beginning will happen on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Smith-Schuster, whom the Chiefs signed to a one-year deal this offseason in an effort to partially offset the loss of superstar wideout Tyreek Hill, went untargeted in Kansas City's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. After that, a nagging knee injury caused him to miss both practice and in-game reps. In a ramp-up period for the entire team that could've seen Smith-Schuster build additional chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, he was instead stuck watching from the sidelines for a good chunk of it.

Smith-Schuster has now been back at practice for a week-plus, however, and he also claims to be 100% healthy. As the Chiefs' first regular season game of 2022 — an afternoon showdown in Glendale against the Cardinals — approaches, the 25-year-old receiver says he's excited to get back out on the field for real games while being healthy.

“I’m excited," Smith-Schuster said on Wednesday. "It’s been a while since I’ve stepped onto the field. I should be fully healthy going into this game. I’m just happy to play with this team, happy to play with these guys. Like I said, just all excited, all positive vibes.”

Those real games have been a point of emphasis for the Chiefs as of late, and even Mahomes touched on that during his Wednesday press conference. When asked about how so many moving pieces and parts in the wide receiver room will jell together,

Mahomes said it's simply time for he and his peers to show what they're truly made of when it matters the most. The entire offseason has provided ample opportunities for everyone to get acquainted with one another, but the real tests will arrive very soon.

For Smith-Schuster, he projects to possibly be Mahomes's top non-Travis Kelce target this season. He elected to join forces with an entirely new unit during the offseason, and that group features only Mecole Hardman in terms of returners from last year's club. Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore and Justin Watson are all brand new to the Chiefs and Andy Reid's offense. With that said, one of the elder statesmen of the lot says things are coming together nicely heading into the regular season.

"It's meshing really, really well," Smith-Schuster said. "I think the biggest thing, like coach talked about, was being able to go out and dominate [training] camp. I think camp was the hardest camp of my NFL career. Being a part of that and then going through this whole process leading up to Week 1, it's coming together really, really well."

In addition to proving that he can produce outside of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, Smith-Schuster must prove himself right and his detractors wrong in 2022. Some folks don't believe that he can replicate his early-career numbers or be the same player he once was. Despite missing a great deal of the 2021 campaign due to injury and also having a mixed bag of production in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, however, it wasn't too long ago that Smith-Schuster was off to one of the better starts for a wide receiver's career in NFL history.

Over the course of his freshman and sophomore seasons with Pittsburgh, SmithSchuster hauled in 169 passes for 2,343 yards and 14 touchdowns. All three of those marks rank among the top 20 all-time for all receivers in their first two years. That came while also sharing the field with Antonio Brown, who was still enjoying the last couple of prime seasons of his career. A new opportunity presents a new challenge for SmithSchuster as the 2022 season begins shortly: show that he's still got it.

“Honestly, just (that) I still got it," Smith-Schuster said of what he needs to prove. "I think last year was kind of like the toll where ‘Hey, I kind of fell off,’ obviously injuries and stuff like that happens. It’s the name of the game, it happens. At the end of the day, I came here for a reason. I came here to win. I came here to win a Super Bowl. I think it was the best fit for me. The coaches, my teammates, the staff, everyone around, and obviously you guys. You guys made me a better person, a better player so that’s what I came here to do, win a Super Bowl.”

Justin Reid & Trent McDuffie Celebrate Juneteenth with Visit to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Jun 19, 2022 at 11:59 AM

Matt McMullen Chiefs Reporter

Two individuals walked through the double doors of a brick building earlier this month, passing by the world-famous Blue Room and the historic Gem Theatre before entering a space less than 100 feet from the intersection of 18th and Vine.

Neither man – not Kansas City Chiefs' safety Justin Reid nor cornerback Trent McDuffie – had ever ventured to this hallowed ground before, but they would soon learn that this humble building contained the story of how sports – and the brave athletes at its forefront – helped bring about positive change to society as a whole. It's a story that's far too often overlooked and forgotten, but one that deserves to be told.

"We always celebrate those who cross the bridge, but we rarely celebrate the people who built the bridge," said the man who greeted the two players inside. "The Negro Leagues built that bridge."

The man speaking was Bob Kendrick, the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the heart of Kansas City's historic jazz district. His mandate on this warm summer afternoon was to provide Reid, McDuffie and more than a dozen high school football players from nearby Lincoln College Preparatory Academy with a museum tour, transporting this contingent of athletes to a time of defiant resiliency in the face of segregation and bigotry.

We always celebrate those who cross the bridge, but we rarely celebrate the people who built the bridge. The Negro Leagues built that bridge."Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

"Today gives us an opportunity to talk about the importance of what the Negro Leagues meant to virtually every athletic endeavor," Kendrick explained. "I don't care what you play. If you play it professionally in this country, and if you're black or brown, all roads lead back to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum."

This visit – which spanned several hours under Kendrick's thorough guidance – was in honor of Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American culture. On this particular outing, it was

an opportunity to reflect on the revolutionary actions of individuals such as Moses Fleetwood Walker (considered the first black player in MLB history), Rube Foster (called the "Father of Black Baseball") and Cool Papa Bell (perhaps the fastest player of all time) – names that have largely and wrongly been omitted from the history books.

Kendrick explained that the individuals behind the Negro Leagues pioneered numerous innovations that are now commonplace in American sports, from night games to batting helmets. The Kansas City Monarchs, who were described as the Negro Leagues' equivalent of the New York Yankees at the time, were also Kansas City's first professional champion in 1924.

Much of that knowledge is lost, however, due to the blatant racism that influenced the way that history was recorded. It's a reality that the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is determined to combat, providing a fitting celebration of Juneteenth – and all it represents – for McDuffie, Reid and the Blue Tigers of Lincoln College Prep.

"If you don't control the pen, you can't tell the story," Kendrick told the athletes. "Our museum is about telling the story the way it should be told."

Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs

The tour began as it always does, with a view of the iconic baseball diamond at the museum's center from behind chicken wire. Much of the museum is intentionally designed this way, transporting visitors to a time when young athletes were so close to their dreams, yet prevented from ultimately reaching them. That stark truth would lead most individuals to give up, but the determined athletes of the Negro Leagues were not most people. It's why the museum only allows those who fully tour its exhibits to "earn" their place on the field at the end of each visit, just like legends such as Jackie Robinson did.

"It's amazing how they stood up for themselves, and it was about more than just their sport," Reid said. "They may not have even realized that they were doing it, but their love and passion for their sport bled into culture and ended up contributing to revolutionary changes in society. It's a spirit of love that made a difference and changed everything moving forward."

Indeed, as Kendrick pointed out during the tour, professional sports helped lead the way for integration in America. Jackie Robinson suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, breaking the color barrier that had prevented Black athletes from competing in Major League Baseball for six decades. A year earlier, in 1946, four Black football players reintegrated the NFL.

It wasn't until 1948, a year after Robinson's debut with the Dodgers, that the military integrated. Public schools then did so six years later in 1954, followed by the Civil Rights Act in 1964 that legally prohibited segregation in public places. According to Kendrick, each of those occurrences – which all marked a step toward positive societal change – had its roots in sports, and before any of those historical events took place, integration was commonplace in the Negro Leagues.

Continuing a Legacy featuring Trent McDuffie | Defending The Kingdom 6/19

"One thing that I really found interesting was that at the Negro League games, the crowd wasn't segregated. Everybody sat together," McDuffie said. "That wasn't the case at Major League Baseball games, so I thought that was really cool. You never really hear about that, and I think it's cool because it helped transform society into what it is today. What this league did for us is amazing."

It's why Kendrick, who describes the museum as "home" for minority athletes of any background, has dedicated his life to preserving the Negro Leagues' legacy. It's also why Reid, a self-described "lifetime learner," was so excited to share it with the high schoolers in attendance.

"It's all about talking to them and spreading a message," Reid explained. "I understand that I didn't get to where I am now by myself. I learned a lot from the people who came before me just because I paid attention and listened to them. If these kids are willing to do the same thing, I'm always trying to pay it forward by being a voice for them."

That message is particularly impactful when paired with the meaning behind Juneteenth and the metaphorical bridge that Kendrick discussed at the beginning of the tour.

"Growing up, I didn't really know a lot about it. I understood that Juneteenth was a celebration of Black culture, but it was never really defined for me. I never truly understood it, but as I've grown up, I've realized that it's about being part of something bigger than myself," McDuffie said. "It's a way to look back at the history of everyone who came before me and to appreciate them. It's because of them that I can sit here today and live my life."

And while society has made strides since the days of when Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson – two Negro Leagues' superstars – were prohibited from playing alongside their white counterparts, the visit provided a reminder that we still have a long way to go.

"When I was younger, I used to think that 1946 was such a long time ago. As I've gotten older, I've realized that it really wasn't," Reid said. "Learning these lessons is so important, because history will repeat itself. If you don't know your history, you're doomed to repeat its mistakes."

To learn more about the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum or to plan your visit, check out their website by clicking here.

‘No bad days’: How Chiefs’ Justin Watson was driven and shaped by older brother Tommy

BY VAHE GREGORIAN

At a Chuck E. Cheese when he was about 7 years old, Justin Watson redeemed tickets for a football. No wonder his father, Doug, was puzzled when he saw Justin instead holding a tiara a few moments later. Turned out he overcame his shyness to ask for a trade since he thought his little sister, Abby, would want the tiara.

That’s Doug Watson’s favorite story about his son, who as a child on Halloween tended to reach for Almond Joys every chance he could since it was the favorite candy of his mother, Terri.

Those stories, his parents will tell you, speak to the essence of who he is.

And you can see how that parallels the play of the receiver in his first season with the Chiefs — the receiver who played 57 of 65 snaps last week against the Chargers with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman out hurt and Kadarius Toney sidelined by an injury during the game.

Watson, quarterback Patrick Mahomes says, sees the big picture in such a way that he can tell everyone else where to line up … and has been helping others all along.

The under-the-radar dependable one to whom Mahomes turned in a key third-and-17 for a 25-yard gain on a day when he led all Chiefs wide receivers with 67 yards.

The particularly selfless one who relishes downfield blocking, something you’ll surely see again Sunday when the Chiefs play host to the Rams at Arrowhead Stadium.

“He’s always looking to see how he can help somebody else,” Terri Watson said in a family phone interview with The Star.

Some of that is by nature. Some is a reflection of the selfless values of parents the Pennsylvania native considers the hardest-working people he’s ever known.

But perhaps nothing has influenced Watson’s consciousness of others, his drive and embrace of being part of something bigger than himself than his oldest brother Tommy, who was born with cerebral palsy.

Tommy is his parents’ “angel,” Justin says.

But that seems an apt term for how Justin views him, too.

He’s the reason, Justin says, that he lives (and plays) by a code that says “there are no bad days” — words that came to him as an epiphany when he was in high school and have guided him ever since.

We’ll come back to that realization in a moment.

Safe to say, though, that that feeling was within him even before he began to articulate it that way.

“Justin has always looked at Tommy and felt, obviously, touched by Tommy’s physical condition. Because it’s not easy being Tommy,” Terri Watson said. “And Justin has thought it out deeply, thanking God for what he does have. He does not take it for granted at all, knowing every time he wakes up and can do something it’s a gift. Because Tommy wasn’t so lucky with that.”

While trying not to hold back their other kids, Alex, Justin and Abby, the Watsons made virtually all family decisions based on how it would affect Tommy — who can’t walk, talk or feed himself and is legally blind but for years went to his siblings’ events.

Meanwhile, the family went to many of his at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children and learned of a bigger world than their own.

“They saw people differently because of Tommy,” Doug Watson said.

If the family was invited to someone’s house or to an event and there was no easy access for Tommy, they simply didn’t go.

The children seldom, if ever, questioned that, and Justin says now he wouldn’t even call that a sacrifice.

At home, Doug and Terri were so adept with making Tommy part of everything that for a long time the kids didn’t understand why extra help sometimes was needed.

By his late teens, though, Tommy was getting too heavy for such essentials as Doug carrying him into the shower. His siblings weren’t grown enough to be able to take that over. They needed help.

They wept when they moved him into the Merakey Allegheny Valley School, which “provides … a full range of services to individuals with all levels of intellectual and developmental disabilities.” But they always see him several times a week and are grateful for his care.

It was there that Justin one day experienced a certain clarity about Tommy’s role in his life that has fueled him ever since.

After a day of triple practice sessions at South Fayette High, Doug took Justin to visit Tommy, who is 8 years older than the 26-year-old Chief. In the hallway, Justin was complaining about the practices and a new pair of cleats giving him blisters.

Then he entered the room where his brother greeted him with a huge smile as he sat among a group of 15 or 20 others in wheelchairs.

“That’s a day that really changed everything for me,” Justin said at his locker earlier this week. “I thought, ‘Man, if Tommy had one day in my shoes, he would run until he passed out. Until his feet were bleeding. Until he threw up. And as soon as he could do it again, he would.’ ”

So “no bad days” guided him, off the field and on.

At the crossroads when he had to decide how much of himself he would invest in sports, he told himself he was all-in.

Told himself “anything I’m going to do, I’m going to do with (Tommy) in mind. And give it my absolute everything just like I know he would if he had a day to do the same.”

Through a record-setting career at the University of Pennsylvania and being selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and the ups and downs and injuries along the way to being signed by the Chiefs last offseason, that’s been the through line for Watson.

Tommy’s influence helps account for the way Watson sees and plays the game and why he’s first to jump up when someone goes down, as Mahomes noted.

Not to mention why he’s compelled to try to put a smile on the face of any child — particularly ones contending with some of the same things he has seen challenge Tommy.

One of the highlights of Watson’s NFL career actually was a 2019 preseason game in Pittsburgh. Because Tommy was able to attend one of his games for the first time since Justin was in middle school.

In photos from that day, you can see Justin’s radiance from the thrill of having Tommy and all his family gathered around.

The special bond among them includes a language all their own, one built around loving gestures. When Tommy’s happy, Terri said, his entire body loosens up and he makes sounds of contentment as he snuggles or leans into loved ones.

While all of their kids are close, the Watsons know, they see something unique about Justin and Tommy’s wavelength.

For instance, Justin has certain noises, including one like a duck call, that always make him light up.

“He’s got great hearing, so he listens and communicates more in laughs and smiles …,” Justin said, later adding, “I could tell him anything in the world, and he wasn’t going to tell a soul. And there’s power in that. He’s a guy I’ve always leaned on.”

There’s power, too, in the constant reframing of perspective that Tommy inspires. If life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react, as Watson believes, Tommy is “living testament” to that with the joy he conveys amid suffering and hardship.

That example deeply influences Watson’s view of the world.

“I lean on my faith a lot in all areas in life, especially when there’s things that I can’t quite understand,” Watson said. “And so I always know there’s a reason behind anything we go through in life. With Tommy, I know that when this life ends he’ll be in a better place, alleviated from all his pain and suffering and hurt.

“The other thing I rest on is that what he’s going through now has changed so many people’s lives. Our whole family, everyone that he touches, are better people because of him.”

Including, no doubt, himself.

Amid a career reset with the Chiefs and recently married, Terri Watson said, Justin “knows that he’s been blessed beyond blessings.”

With help, as ever, from all his family … and from Tommy in its own profound and poignant way.

How Kadarius Toney is affecting Chiefs — and his teammates: ‘It just gets me fired up’

BY JESSE NEWELL

JANUARY 07, 2023 11:01 PM

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Kadarius Toney found himself not wanting to leave the field. Not yet anyway.

A few minutes after the Chiefs’ 31‐13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Toney stopped at the corner of the northeast tunnel at Allegiant Stadium to sign a red Chiefs flag, then worked across to an adjacent section, where he autographed the numbers on the back of a fan’s Patrick Mahomes jersey.

When he started to jog back toward the locker room after that, Toney slowed his pace when some people began to yell down at him from the crowd.

Toney raised his fist and pumped it in the air a few times, encouraging that roar a few more seconds before disappearing beneath the concourse.

It was a fitting end to a productive day for Toney, who scored a touchdown and flashed some of his best moments since joining the Chiefs following a midseason trade with the New York Giants.

Afterward, Toney said days like Saturday made him appreciate this new opportunity with the Chiefs.

“It’s been a great experience. I can’t lie,” Toney said in the locker room. “It’s been a great experience to be here and be accepted by the team and the coaches and the staff and everybody believing in me.”

There certainly were doubts about how helpful Toney could be this season when he was acquired for a third‐ and sixth‐round draft pick in late October.

The Giants starving for receiver production had seemingly given up on him one year after he was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Part of that included question marks about his injury history and ability to play through ailments.

But a new start with the Chiefs hasn’t just been embraced by Toney; it’s also been a source of pride for teammates who have watched him develop through the last half of this season.

“It just gets me fired up,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said, “because the excitement of seeing somebody new come into this offense and have fun and have a lot of success, it just makes the game that much more fun to play with the guys.”

Chiefs coaches and teammates certainly enjoyed watching Toney perform on Saturday.

The receiver’s most impressive play was on an outside pass, as he stopped abruptly to juke a pair of defenders before gaining extra yards. ESPN announcers Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky joked on the broadcast that the Madden NFL video game didn’t have a controller button to allow that kind of move, even in a fantasy football world.

“He’s a special type of talent,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “That’s different than any player that I think I’ve played with as far as the way that laterally he’s able to move.”

Toney also scored a touchdown on KC’s trick “Ring around the Rosie” play before it was called back because of a holding penalty. Coach Andy Reid went right back to him for a jet sweep on the next snap ... and Toney made another defender miss before scoring on an 11‐yard run.

“I’m tired, then he called the play ... ‘Let’s go then,’” Toney said. “You get that second wind, just as a competitor. You get that second wind and try to go out there as hard as you can.”

The receiver made the most of his time on the field while playing 16 non‐garbage‐time snaps against Las Vegas. Toney had three carries for 26 yards with the touchdown while adding two catches for 18 yards.

“Definitely is a baller,” KC running back Isiah Pacheco said of Toney. “He’s finishing his drives, finishing his plays. Even when the ball’s not thrown to him, he’s helping teammates up. That’s the type of energy we need.”

Toney said he often leans on Kelce to hype him up during games. More than anything, Toney was looking to fit in with what the Chiefs already have going.

“It’s me just falling in line, falling in the rotation of what I got to do,” Toney said, “and playing at a high level when it’s time.”

This certainly seems an opportune moment for him to be peaking.

The Chiefs will begin the playoffs in two weeks following a bye, giving Reid more time to find creative ways to implement Toney into the offense.

In the last two weeks, Toney has lined up in the backfield and also sprinted in motion. Reid noted on Saturday that Toney was “tough to bring down” and had “great quickness.”

“He’s got the receiving part, and then you hand him the football, and he can do some damage,” Reid said. “And he loves to play. That’s the thing you appreciate about him.”

Toney reiterated Saturday he feels fully healthy after a hamstring injury that kept him out of three combined games in November and December. Now, he wants to continue producing for the team that acquired him. Toney said he loves hearing “Home of the Chiefs” from KC fans at the end of the national anthem at home and road games. He also smiles after being told that Riddick and Orlovsky had a conversation on Saturday’s ESPN broadcast where they referenced

that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Toney might turn out to be KC’s most talented receiver.

“Stuff like that just makes me kind of go harder,” Toney said. “Because if he can see it from afar, it just makes me want to prove it for him.”

And as for what Chiefs fans can expect from him in the playoffs?

Toney grinned before answering that question Saturday.

“I guess,” he said, “you just seen it today.”

Teammates hope to witness more highlights like that in the games to come.

“When he’s out there making plays like that, those are momentum‐boosters. Those are plays that you don’t get from a majority of the guys in the league,” Kelce said. “That’s what makes him special.”

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton to wear V Foundation-inspired Cleats during V Week

Ed Easton Jr.

December 1, 2022 8:45 am CT

NFL players are encouraged to reveal their passions beyond the game and wear their hearts on their feet through the league’s My Cause My Cleats campaign. The players can pick an important cause and represent their chosen organization on customdesigned cleats.

Kansas City Chiefs LB Nick Bolton is participating in the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative for Week 13 this weekend vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. ESPN is celebrating V Week across the network’s platforms through December 11th, and Bolton has chosen to support the V Foundation with his cleats. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State college basketball coach and ESPN commentator.

Bolton will be wearing one pink & one gray cleat to symbolize breast & brain cancer. His mother, Jalunda, battled breast cancer and was declared cancer free on 12/2/15, and his sister Jaz, battled brain cancer and was declared cancer free on 3/10/10. One cleat represents Bolton’s mother, while the other his sister, with their names and the date they declared victory over cancer.

The Chiefs’ starting linebacker has had a breakout second season leading the team in tackles and becoming a defensive leader this season. The strength and courage he

displayed on the field are secondary to the energy he’s given to help his family and bring awareness to many fighting cancer.

Considering these attributes, it’s no wonder Nick Bolton smashed Chiefs’ tackles record

BY HERBIE TEOPE

UPDATED JANUARY 20, 2023 12:44 PM

The Chiefs had an idea in 2021 what they were getting when they used a second‐round pick on former Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton.

From assuming the green‐dot leadership role in 2022 to two productive seasons since being drafted out of Missouri, this tackling machine has certainly met the Chiefs’ expectations.

“I think he’s done a great job of understanding and leading the defense,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He’s got to make all the calls; he’s the transmitter between the front and the back end.

“He’s done a great job with communicating that and still being with that load still being the player and making the tackles that he’s made. He’s as sure (of a) tackler that you have in this league.”

The 5‐foot‐11, 237‐pound Bolton entered the league with a reputation of being a fearless play‐maker. He recorded 220 tackles (139 solo), four sacks, two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in three seasons at Mizzou.

His skill‐set was an immediate fit for the Chiefs’ defense: He notched a team‐high 112 tackles (70 solo), including 11 for losses, in his rookie season.

And then Bolton’s second season blew away the first. He recorded a new team record with 180 tackles (108 solo), breaking the previous mark of 179 held by Derrick Johnson. Bolton also had two sacks, two interceptions and six quarterback hits on a team‐high 1,119 defensive snaps.

The Chiefs’ middle linebacker lived up to his tackling‐machine reputation by making 10 or more tackles 10 times this season. His 180 tackles overall ranked second in the league behind only Jacksonville linebacker Foye Oluokun (184).

Bolton said he is humbled to hold the team record knowing a pair of Pro Football Hall of Famers came before him.

“It’s huge just to be in the conversation with those guys: Willie Lanier, D.J. (Johnson), all those guys, even D.T. (Derrick Thomas),” Bolton said. “Just to be named with those guys is special. I never thought that I’d be able to do that, so just having the opportunity to do that and doing it for our fans, my family and everything, it’s a blessing.”

The record, which Bolton established in the Chiefs’ season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, didn’t go unnoticed by Johnson, who tweeted him a congratulatory note.

Bolton, who has never been formally introduced to Johnson, appreciated that the former Chiefs linebacker took a moment to acknowledge the accomplishment.

“If you’ve been around here, you know how important he is to the organization and how much he is respected around here,” Bolton said. “I’ve got to meet him. I haven’t got to meet him (yet), so that’s one of the things I’ve got to do this offseason, for sure.”

FOOTBALL SMARTS

Bolton obviously has the physical gifts to do the things he does on the field, but there’s one aspect of his game that might go unnoticed.

Allow Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and linebackers coach Brenden Daly, both of whom know a thing or two about game‐changing linebackers, to explain.

Spagnuolo’s long‐time coaching experience includes being around the likes of James Laurinaitis, Jeremiah Trotter and Antonio Pierce, while Daly worked with Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower in New England before joining the Chiefs’ coaching staff.

Each coach identified some common attributes between those linebackers and Bolton.

“The first thing that jumps out is the football intelligence,” Spagnuolo said. “The second thing that jumps out is the football instincts. In some ways one in the same, but Nick has a tremendous feel for the game. There’s a lot of times when it’s drawn up a certain way going into the week, and it when changes on him really quick, he can adjust.”

Daly agreed.

“All of those guys operate at an extremely high level in terms of understanding the game, understanding the defense, understanding the nuances of calls and adjustments,” Daly said. “And then (they) also have great ability to communicate there.”

There has to be high level of trust between the player and the sideline, too. And Bolton has the confidence of his coaches to see something on the field outside of the defensive alignment call and make suggestions for in‐game adjustments.

“The other thing he’s really good at is in‐game coming over and saying, ‘You know, I think we should do this, or maybe not do that because of this, or because of what they’re doing or what the quarterback is saying,’” Spagnuolo said. “That’s valuable. And all those other guys that you’re talking about used to do the same thing. It’s huge.”

GRATEFUL FOR A MENTOR

Bolton’s emergence as one of the Chiefs’ defensive leaders didn’t happen overnight.

In fact, it took a full season before he became what he is now.

In 2021, Bolton had an opportunity to watch former Chiefs middle linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who embraced a mentorship role with a willing student.

Bolton said he absorbed everything Hitchens taught him about lining up in disguise so the opponent’s blocking scheme didn’t account for him. The young linebacker then applied it to live game action with a view toward making tackles, including takedowns for losses.

“Man, that was huge,” Bolton said. “It was huge for my growth.”

The Chiefs didn’t bring back Hitchens for the 2022 season, electing to release the veteran in a salary‐cap move. The transaction signaled the Chiefs’ complete faith in Bolton’s readiness to take the lead.

Bolton said he cherishes his relationship with Hitchens, noting that the two men have stayed in touch.

“I actually had a conversation with Hitch not too long ago and just thanked him for all the things he did for me and getting me to this point,” Bolton said. “Hitch has been the best vet. I mean, he’s probably been the best vet that’s ever been in the league.

“A lot of guys when you first come in won’t give you the chance, the opportunity to learn from them, especially if you have an opportunity to take their position. He was 100% a real pro in letting me go out there and just learn and being under his wing to grow every day.”

‘MORE TO PROVE’

Bolton’s development in just two seasons has made him a high‐level contributor in Kansas City. His overall play and ability to relay defensive calls from the sidelines to his teammates helped the Chiefs finish the 2022 regular season with a 14‐3 record and the AFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs. With Bolton in the middle, the Chiefs ranked 11th in total defense (328.2 yards allowed per game) and eighth against the run (107.2).

But despite his production and value to the Chiefs’ defense, Bolton wasn’t selected to the Pro Bowl or The Associated Press All‐Pro Team at his position group. Instead, voters selected interior linebackers Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens and C.J. Mosely of the New York Jets for the Pro Bowl; Smith was also named to the first‐team All‐Pro Team.

Bolton took the snubs in stride.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say (I was) disappointed,” he said. “I kind of feel like I played better than some of those guys on the list, but I’ve got a lot of respect for everybody that is on the list. I mean, they played their asses off all season. I got a great deal of respect for every one of them.”

Receiving recognition from voters and becoming a household name outside of the Kansas City market could eventually become a nice reward for Bolton.

For now, however, there are bigger goals, starting Saturday when the Chiefs play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I’ve got more to prove, more football to play and a chance to win a championship,” Bolton said. “That’s all that really matters at the end of the day.”

Like father like son: How Nick Bolton’s dad helped shape him as a linebacker

December 5th, 2020

By Jack Soble

Alabama snapped the ball. Less than a second later, Nick Bolton knew where it was going.

The dead giveaway: the Crimson Tide’s left and right guards rotated their hips 90 degrees to the defense’s right, and the center and right tackles took a hard step 45 degrees to the left.

To most people, that probably doesn’t signal what’s next. But to a weak-side linebacker, it means that a run to the right is coming, and that you — the backer — need to follow the blockers and get to the hole as quickly as you can.

To a weak-side linebacker like Bolton, it meant that he was already off and running.

The junior linebacker flew across the width of the field, wrapped up Alabama running back Najee Harris’s legs behind the line of scrimmage and rolled to secure the tackle.

[insert tweet w/video here]

Bolton’s father, Carlos Bolton, watched the play unfold from the stands.

“He read the play, he shot the gap and [he] made a tackle in the backfield,” Carlos Bolton said. “That’s all it is in a nutshell. The read. The flow. ‘Okay, he’s going to hit this hole because this is the hole that’s open. And I hit that hole before he hits that hole and then explosion through it.’”

Carlos Bolton would know. Nick Bolton, considered by coaches and NFL draft analysts alike to have arguably the best diagnostic skills in the country, credits his father with helping to develop those skills.

“He kind of sent me ahead of everybody else,” Nick Bolton said. “He’s been tremendous in helping me get to where I am today.”

Carlos Bolton played defensive end and linebacker at Louisiana Tech from 1990 to 1992. His speed was fine, his upper body strength above average, but his football intelligence set him apart his senior year.

“I watched a lot of games, played a lot of games,” Carlos Bolton said. “I got with the coaches a lot to get a feel for what they were thinking, how they were thinking, how they wanted to attack different offenses. Like a sponge, I absorbed all of that.”

Bolton thought about a coaching career once or twice, but he never seriously considered it. Instead, he looked to pass his knowledge onto his son, Nick.

When Nick Bolton was in first grade, his team played on Saturday afternoons, and as was first reported by Peter Baugh of The Athletic, his mom Jalunda filmed the games. On Saturday nights, Nick Bolton and his dad would sit down in front of a screen and pop open the tape.

“We’d just go back through the play calls, and he’d tell what he saw and I’d tell him what he should’ve seen,” Carlos Bolton said.

Nick Bolton played both offense and defense at the time, so Carlos Bolton noticed that he would absorb the information better if he went over which hole the running back was supposed to hit first.

Once he had that part down, Nick Bolton — again, a first grader — began to understand the idea that if he saw that hole as a linebacker, he could hit it before the ball-carrier.

“[He started to grasp] playing gaps and how different teams play different ways,” Carlos Bolton said. “Looking at the defense, seeing it up front, and knowing exactly where everybody’s gonna be at and where he’s supposed to be.”

Carlos Bolton was his son’s biggest critic, even back then.

“Sometimes I really wouldn’t listen to him, or sometimes I really didn’t agree or understand why he was so hard on me,” Nick Bolton said. “But there’s those things that were sewn in there, just trying to understand the Xs and Os of why certain people do certain stuff.”

As Bolton progressed through elementary school, the weekly film sessions went over mostly the same concepts. But once his son reached seventh grade, Carlos Bolton started to notice a change in what Nick Bolton was seeing.

Instead of Carlos Bolton telling Nick Bolton what he saw, Nick Bolton would figure it out on his own.

“Okay, tell me what was the call,” Carlos Bolton said at the time. “And then tell me what you should have done.”

Easy. But Carlos Bolton pushed his son further.

“Then tell me what the player next to you should have done.”

“At that point, he kind of evolved into figuring out what everybody needed to do so he can know exactly, ‘Where was the weakness in the defense?’” Carlos Bolton said. “‘Where was the weakness that I needed to cover up?’”

Carlos Bolton realized that his son could be special when they reviewed the tape from a seventh-grade game in East Texas. Nick Bolton was playing middle linebacker in a 4-3 (four down linemen, three linebackers) defense, and a run play to his side was coming.

“I saw the tackle down block, the guard down block, and I saw the running back go the opposite way,” Nick Bolton said as the play was about to unfold on-screen.

From a linebacker’s perspective, that means one thing: chances are you’re about to see a kick-out block coming from the other side, and that the running back is going to hit the hole in between you and the down-blocking tackle. What you need to do is “squeeze” toward the inside, attack the kick-out blocker’s inside shoulder and make the tackle.

That’s exactly what seventh grade Nick Bolton did.

“At that point, I knew he was seeing it faster than most people see it, because typically, they only see the person in front of them,” Carlos Bolton said. “He was actually seeing people outside of what he would normally see.”

Each year after that, Nick Bolton would add some sort of skill to his rapidly improving repertoire.

From seventh to eighth grade, he improved his reaction time. From eighth grade to ninth grade, he made the jump to varsity football in Frisco, Texas, where game speed was much faster. He improved his playing speed.

From ninth grade to 10th grade, he worked on diagnosing the plays before they happened. And from 10th grade to 11th grade, he took it a step further.

“He went from diagnosing [plays] before [they] happen to, ‘Okay, I’m gonna let it happen, because I think I can get to the receiver before the quarterback can get the ball to him,’” Carlos Bolton said. “And then he started breaking on the ball a little faster.”

When LSU quarterback Myles Brennan released the ball, one would imagine his heart fell directly into his stomach.

He was looking for Terrace Marshall Jr. on a third-down play from Missouri’s 1-yard line. LSU had lined Marshall, its star receiver, up as a tight end, and they planned to run the adjacent receiver inside to cut off whoever was in coverage. Once that happened, Marshall would be wide open.

It totally worked. Just one problem.

[tweet with video here]

“That’s film study,” Carlos Bolton said. “That’s knowing the personnel that’s out there… I think that play, the wide receiver was in tight. And instead of going for the inside route, he immediately flared out. So that gave Nick the key that if he’s playing out, then most likely he’s the receiver on this side, and the ball is coming his way.”

Nick Bolton prides himself as a film rat. His dad would show him tape from greats who played back when he was a kid like Mike Singletary, who made a habit of calling out plays before they happened.

“Filmwise, everybody has certain tendencies,” Nick Bolton said. “Running back depth or the tight ends on the same side as the running back or the opposite — everybody has certain tendencies they like to run.”

Bolton ended the first quarter this past week against Vanderbilt with six tackles and a sack. He explained that he was able to diagnose certain plays just by observing where Vanderbilt’s tight ends lined up.

Tight end Ben Bresnahan, more of a receiver type who lines up in different spots, works in tandem with Justin Ball, a traditional tight end who works in a three-point stance next to the offensive tackle.

Bolton knew that going into the game, they would try to create mismatches by moving Bresnahan to Ball’s side of the formation. That knowledge helped him gauge which plays might be coming next.

“Everybody has a preferred tight end they want to run to,” Bolton said. “Just kind of studying those nuances and trying to see if I can catch a couple hints on film, hopefully they show up on game day.”

Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has seen the results of Bolton’s film study — both week to week and as a kid — play out since his freshman year.

“He doesn’t need to mess up to learn,” Walters said. “He can feel tendencies. If a guard is light in his stance, it probably means he’s gonna pull. If a back is split out a little bit farther than he usually is, he’s probably split out to get out.”

Even throughout his college years, Walters can see improvement in Bolton’s reads. During his freshman or sophomore year, Bolton might have second-guessed what he was reading and wouldn’t arrive at the ball as quickly as he would now.

As a result, some plays that would have gone for two-yard gains in 2018 or 2019 are tackles for loss in 2020.

“He’s not hesitant to pull the trigger,” Walters said.

After the LSU game, Bolton, who played hurt for most of the game, told the media that “Pain is temporary, but wins are forever.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dave Matter tweeted that quote and added a suggestion: “Put that on a t-shirt.” Carlos Bolton saw that tweet.

“We thought about it at the time, ‘Well, let’s see if it works,’” Carlos Bolton said. “We just tried to go out and put it on a shirt. And it worked.”

Carlos Bolton and his family pull fun, good-natured stunts like that from time to time, as a means to break the monotony of being “same old parents,” in his words. Nick Bolton has noticed.

“My dad’s my biggest fan,” Nick Bolton said. “Just having him in my corner, pushing me, trying to live out both our dreams at the same time. Just coming in every day, just pushing me every day to get better.”

Nick Bolton will walk on senior day, meaning he is at the very least considering moving on to the NFL after this season. Neither he nor Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz have made a definitive statement on his decision, but Walters came pretty close.

“If he was thinking about staying, I’d probably tell him he was crazy,” Walters said.

As he watches his son finish his college career, Carlos Bolton — the man Nick Bolton credits with shaping him as a football player — looks on with pride.

“I’ve been proud of Nick ever since he stepped on Missouri’s campus,” Carlos Bolton said. “He’s been chasing this dream for a long time. To see him play up to his ability, it makes me proud every day.”

Nick Bolton Of Frisco Lone Star Overcomes Adversity To Get Drafted

By Kansas City Chiefs

MAY 2, 2021 / 4:20 PM / CBS DFW

FRISCO, Texas - When Nick Bolton was taken with pick #58 in the NFL Draft, which was Kansas City's first pick, his loved ones in Frisco and his former coach at Lone Star High School could rejoice because they knew who the Chiefs are getting.

Frisco Lone Star Head Coach Jeff Rayburn says, "The same thing I'm gonna say now is the same thing I told recruiters. If he doesn't play a down for your college program, or he doesn't play a down for Kansas City, he's going to make your organization better."

Nick's younger brother, Jayden, says, "He's done a lot for our family. He's like another father in the family. He's taken care of us."

Before he was the hard hitting linebacker at Missouri and way before he was a play making machine at Frisco Lone Star, Nick Bolton was mature beyond his years.

He had to be, as a kid, when it was discovered that his older sister, Jazmin, had a 3inch tumor in her brain. The tumor required an 11-hour surgery.

Jayden explains, "When it first happened, it kind of put a few setbacks in the family but Nick just came out strong with it. It left another reason for Nick to play the game and do great things."

And just when Jazmin was getting better and the Bolton family was turning the corner, Nick's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Rayburn promises, "Adversity reveals true character and anytime adversity has hit Nick Bolton, all he's done is use that as motivation."

With motivation like that, it's no wonder Bolton has been able to run circles around opposing offenses -- never losing sight of those who come behind him.

Case and point, at Mizzou, taking on a leadership role in the battle against racial injustice. After a peaceful protest march last year, Nick was quoted as saying, "It's important for me as an African American. I got three younger siblings at home, trying to make a correct example for them, knowing one day they're gonna be 18 to 20. I want them to feel safe. So, I'm just trying to find the best way to create an environment for the younger generation."

When it comes to what he represents to the younger generation in DFW, his brother, a wide receiver at Lone Star High School, says, "Another idol for other people to keep working no matter what the situation is."

Rayburn says, "He's a special young man and a special leader. He's going to do big things in the NFL and probably further than that."

Chiefs star, company step up for KC youth football player struggling to find helmet

Sean McDowell

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Help has arrived for a local youth football player in need of a large-sized helmet.

Without the proper size of head protection, 12-year old Brandon Jackson can’t play football.

FOX4 introduced viewers to Jackson in late August, as his family and coaches in Kansas City’s KCFC hunted high and low for a helmet. The family originally believed a size 2X helmet would fit him, but after trying one, it didn’t fit either.

Coaches are enthusiastic about helping Jackson because of his size and potential. He’s not yet a teenager, but he’s already 6-foot-2 and 320 pounds — the size coaches at every level seek in linemen on both sides of the ball.

On Wednesday afternoon, Jackson and his family came to FOX4 studios in Kansas City. They met Chris Coffing, a national sales manager and professional helmet fitter with Riddell Sports. The company creates helmets for all 32 National Football League teams and numerous Division I college football teams.

A high-tech system Coffing uses makes precise measurements of Jackson’s head since a perfect fit ensures football safety.

Coffing learned of Jackson’s needs from Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown. Riddell Sports and Brown have agreed to pool their resources and pick up the tab for Jackson’s new helmet.

“I appreciate it because I’ll be able to play a game. Last week, I was out of the game because I wasn’t able to get a helmet, so I wasn’t in the game,” Jackson said.

The custom made helmet will cost anywhere from $900-$2,000, and Jackson’s family won’t pay a dime.

“We just love that a young man like yourself is wanting to play football. We want to give every person out there the ability to play,” Coffing said.

“Just giving him the ability to go out and play what I consider the greatest game ever is an awesome opportunity for him,” said Dustin Cundiff, Jackson’s coach with the Northland Revolution.

Coffing said it should take 3-4 weeks to make Brandon’s helmet. The KC 12-year-old grateful for the kindness — and so are his coaches — who hope to have the big lineman on the field in October.

Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes wins Nationwide Charity Challenge

PJ Green

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback has been honored once again for his charitable efforts.

Patrick Mahomes, the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, is now the winner of Nationwide’s Charity Challenge. Nationwide will donate $25,000 to Mahomes’ foundation, 15 and the Mahomies.

This is the third year in a row and the fourth time overall that a Kansas City Chiefs nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, presented by Nationwide, finished first in Nationwide’s Charity Challenge.

Previous Chiefs winners include safety Tyrann Mathieu (2021-22), tight end Travis Kelce (2020-21) and safety Eric Berry, who won the inaugural Charity Challenge during the 2015-16 NFL season.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, which Mahomes established in 2019, is dedicated to improving the lives of children through initiatives that focus on health, wellness, under-resourced communities and other charitable causes.

The foundation’s signature program, 15 FOR 15, supports 15 youth charitable initiatives with an emphasis on academics, science, the arts, classroom supplies, athletics, children with disabilities, after-school programs and more.

“It is a tremendous honor to win this year’s Charity Challenge,” Mahomes said in a statement.

“Since before I joined the league, it has been a goal of mine to make a lasting impact on the communities that have given so much to me. Brittany and I are forever grateful for the continued support and passion that we receive from Chiefs Kingdom both on and off the field.

“Thank you to all of the incredible fans that voted for me for this honor and the continued support for our efforts with 15 and the Mahomies. Together, we are making a lasting impact on kids in underserved communities.”

Mahomes finished in front of Washington Commanders offensive tackle Charles Leno, who finished second in voting, while Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins finished third.

Nationwide will also contribute $10,000 to the charity of Leno’s choice and $5,000 to Dawkins’ designated beneficiary.

The league will announce the winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award during the NFL Honors broadcast on Feb. 9, the week of Super Bowl LVII, at 8 p.m. CT.

Man of the Year nomination reminds that Patrick Mahomes is gift that keeps on giving

BY VAHE GREGORIAN

DECEMBER 08, 2022 7:00 AM

All of a sudden nearly five years ago now, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made his NFL debut in Denver.

Mahomes’ performance that night, including his scrambling 30‐yard completion through a thicket and a thimble to Demarcus Robinson, was the start of a monumental change in the trajectory of the franchise and the psyche of Chiefs fans.

A torch flickering for nearly two generations soon was passed to the generational talent who shortly after whisked the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl appearance and triumph in 50 years and an encore among four straight AFC Championship berths.

With the phenomenon still a mere 27 years old, there remains no reason to put boundaries on what more the Chiefs (9‐3) might accomplish in the Mahomes Era.

Most immediately, they verge on clinching their seventh straight AFC West with what would be a 14th straight win over the Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

The return to Denver, of course, also conjures a reminder of how fickle fate might be. When Mahomes suffered what initially appeared to be a potentially catastrophic injury there three years ago, you could practically feel the city droop.

Instead, Mahomes returned a few weeks later, the first of a series of improbable comebacks on the way to their 31‐20 rally over San Francisco in Super Bowl LIV.

A global audience of more than 100 million people watched that game, making for an unprecedented spotlight on Kansas City with the irresistible force of Mahomes as our most visible and compelling face.

That was the start of what would become truly international fame.

In Nigeria, for instance, few people follow the NFL or know much about football. “But they know Patrick Mahomes,” aspiring Chief Kehinde Hassan Oginni said last summer.

Walking in Italy once, coach Andy Reid recalled with a smile on Wednesday, people called out “Mahomes” to him.

But there’s something better yet to the story, something that was reiterated this week.

Given the fervor for winning football, Mahomes would be a point of pride in Kansas City even if he weren’t the prince of a person that he remains through any lens you might see him.

But what really makes him a civic treasure deserving of BIRGing (“basking in reflected glory,” as psychologists call it) is that Mahomes is a terrific ambassador for Kansas City because he is unspoiled by his success and determined to use his powers for good.

It was one thing to write about that golden element of his story leading up to that Super Bowl victory.

But it’s another to be able to still say it with conviction now, with Mahomes carrying a $500 million contract and such fame that might make a person of less character complacent or arrogant.

Instead, the guy who grew up looking out for the last kids picked in sports events and reminding coaches when it was somebody’s birthday continues to be just about as uncannily conscious of the world around him off the field as he is on.

The latest echo of that was the news this week that Mahomes had been named the Chiefs’ nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award a distinction the league calls its “most prestigious honor.”

The award recognizes players for their excellence on and off the field and particularly for community service, which Mahomes has generated largely through his “15 and the Mahomies Foundation” in support of underserved children.

At its third annual gala on Tuesday at the Midland Theater, Mahomes wrote Wednesday on Twitter, the foundation awarded $400,000 in grants to more than 25 charities in Kansas City.

In their news release announcing the nomination of Mahomes, the Chiefs pointed to the nearly $2.75 million in grants distributed by the foundation since its inception in 2019.

And to such actions as a $1 million donation to build the inclusive playground at Martin Luther King Park, funding free eye exams and glasses for more than 100 children.

Among many other endeavors, the foundation also has donated toward alleviating food insecurity and combating illiteracy. And it has funded Camp Hope scholarships for youths battling cancer and scholarships for the children of fallen or active‐duty military members.

“It’s way past what I even dreamed of it ever being,” Mahomes said. “And I think that that goes to the people that I have around me, and the people in the communities that have brought me up.

“They’ve been willing to give back and help me kind of follow this dream of giving back to the communities that helped me out so much. It takes everybody. It’s not just me.

“I’m the face of it, but there’s so many people behind the scenes that make this thing go.”

He can say the same about his life itself, including as a husband and father of two now.

“It takes Brittany being at home with the babies and taking care of them throughout the day. Making it easy when I come home,” he said. “They’re all happy and ready to see me. I get the easy part of it.”

With a certain caveat, that’s all also a bit like the way Mahomes describes his role with the Chiefs.

“I mean, for sure, it takes everybody …” he said, laughing and later adding, “I don’t say I’m the face of the Chiefs, though: That’s Coach Reid and that mustache. So I’m going to follow behind his lead.”

Just the same, Mahomes undeniably is among the faces of the NFL and surely the most widely recognized Kansas Citian one who has further made himself of this region by investing in the Royals and Sporting KC.

With his innovative game and engaging way, he’s as fine a symbol of a Kansas City on the move as the new airport or the trailblazing Kansas City Current co‐owned by Brittany.

Never mind that he’ll always be a proud Texan.

“I’m, like, dual; I’m a Texan and a Kansas Citian, for sure,” he said, smiling. “I’m building a house here. I’m going to be here for a long time. I always will have a house in Kansas City.

“I think that’s just because I appreciate the people so much and how they’ve taken my family in and made it a part of this community.”

And vice versa, as it happens.

Even this early into Mahomes’ career, his legacy on the field is assured and he’s well on his way to a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But that legacy will be augmented by what he’s doing off the field. While that could be burnished by being recognized as the one of 32 nominees for the ultimate award, that will hold true regardless of whether he emerges as the overall winner in the tradition of Willie Lanier in 1972, Len Dawson in 1973, Derrick Thomas (1993), Will Shields (2003) and Brian Waters (2009).

In the meantime, Mahomes like the other candidates will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year decal on his helmet through the end of the season.

That’s just the latest badge of honor for him that by extension should make us want to bask in this reflective glory.

Reid says this all the time, but it’s no less true because of it: Cherish every moment and adventure of this unique window in time with this authentic and honorable man.

With every return to Denver, we can be reminded of both the magic of how this started and how fleeting and capricious this all might be.

Certainly, Mahomes knows that.

For that matter, he’s not immune to the stress of all this.

It’s just that he also knows he is in a prime position in so many ways.

“It’s hard for, I think, anybody when you have this much pressure on you every single day to go out there and be your best,” he said. “But when you put the right people around yourself, you can just enjoy it.

“I think that’s what I try to do every single day. Understand that it’s a pressure, and it’s a hard opportunity.

“But you’re blessed to have it, so you have to just enjoy it every single day. And when I stop enjoying it, I think that’s when I’ll walk away.”

With a smile, he added, “But I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

Good thing.

Because as ever with Mahomes, we can’t wait for what’s next. And to enjoy it all the more with the reassurance he’s someone you can admire and believe in off the field, too.

Patrick Mahomes Spends an Unforgettable Afternoon with Teenage "Make-A-Wish" Fan

Jul 19, 2022 at 11:12 AM

Matt McMullen Chiefs Reporter

Myka Eilers took a seat in front of the television, clad in a custom red sweatshirt and with a football in her lap. She watched the screen intently, fixated on a segment of coach's film as the individual to her left walked through the final 13 seconds of last year's postseason victory over Buffalo.

This was the defining element of perhaps the greatest game in league history. Millions have watched it over and over, but few have viewed that night's epic series of events alongside the man who orchestrated it. Myka hung on every word of this private commentary, occasionally nodding while processing the reality of what was turning out to be an unfathomably special day. In a world where "once in a lifetime" is probably overused, this particular afternoon embodied the phrase.

Myka is 14 years old. She loves cake pops, pasta and LEGOs, but most of all, Myka loves the game of football. In fact, the California native is the quarterback of her flag football team and aspires to be the first female player in the NFL one day.

It's a dream rooted in her family's collective passion for the Kansas City Chiefs, something that originated with Myka's dad – a Kansas City native – before permeating throughout this household of five. It's their family's thing, and it's why the decision for Myka – who survived multiple heart surgeries as an infant – was an easy one when afforded an opportunity by the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation earlier this year.

Myka wanted to meet Patrick Mahomes.

"She was granted a wish a few years ago, but everything got put on hold when the pandemic hit," said Myka's mom, Angela Eilers. "She ended up outgrowing her original wish, so we went back-and-forth on what to do. That's when the idea of meeting Patrick Mahomes came up, and I was like, 'Well, we can ask, but that's a big ask.' The next thing we knew, they told us it was going to happen."

Myka learned the news on a Sunday. Three days later, she was in Kansas City spending the afternoon with the Chiefs' starting quarterback. She watched practice, helped break down the huddle and got fitted for equipment before sitting down for her film session with Mahomes, marking the continuation of a day full of surprises. She

even signed a contract alongside General Manager Brett Veach, who suggested that Myka could be Mahomes' replacement one day.

"Today has been amazing," Angela said. "It's made her feel so special. Our family just feels welcome and seen. We couldn't have envisioned this in our wildest dreams."

The highlight of that day, of course, took place within the confines of the Chiefs' indoor practice facility. It was there that Myka lined up just inside the hashmark, sprinted ahead and put a double-move on tight end Travis Kelce, breaking free upfield. Mahomes reared back and fired a pass in her direction, slinging the ball perfectly into Myka's outstretched hands. She ran forward for the would-be touchdown, cracking a smile along the way as her family watched from the sideline.

The two quarterbacks switched roles, too, providing Myka with an opportunity to throw some passes of her own. Mahomes drew up a quick slant that Myka executed to perfection, mimicking Mahomes' cadence before firing a dart to Kelce over the middle. She then followed that up by heaving a deep ball into Kelce's grasp, prompting Mahomes to let out a yell that echoed throughout the building. It wasn't until after Mahomes departed, however, that tears of joy streamed down Myka's face.

Here was a teenager – and a family – who persevered through the unthinkable, battling through the worst of circumstances in order to achieve the simplicity of a normal life. Myka's strength was rewarded with an opportunity to meet her hero, but as it turned out, Mahomes was just as eager to meet her.

"He's a genuine human being," Angela said. "He's a good person who just happens to be a stellar athlete. At the end of the day, he cares."

Patrick Mahomes is the latest athlete to join the Fortnite world

By ESPN

In reality, it's impossible to be Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. But that's no longer the case in the virtual world.

While you can't be the Super Bowl-winning MVP QB, you can play as him in Fortnite. In the Fortnite Icon Series, Mahomes drops into the Epic Games franchise.

According to Epic Games, the Mahomes looks -- which will be released on Wednesday feature three styles: Default, Gladiator Mindset and Gameday Gladiator. An alter-ego Mahomes Saucy Style will also be in the game and have its own look.

The outfits and accessories are gladiator-themed and feature similar weapons and accessories. One look features Mahomes' big wraparound sunglasses.

The Mahomes Saucy Style is themed around Mahomes' love for a certain condiment. It has Mahomes in a suit with a ketchup-bottle pattern and sauce-red lapels.

The NFL MVP, entering his sixth season in the league, is the latest to have character skins in the game. He joins NBA megastar LeBron James, soccer greats Harry Kane and Neymar, tennis player Naomi Osaka and Olympian Chloe Kim.

Patrick Mahomes joins NWSL's KC Current as part owner

Adam Teicher

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Patrick Mahomes' sporting empire grew on Tuesday when the Kansas City Current announced he has bought into the National Women's Soccer League franchise.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback also posted the news to his Twitter account.

Mahomes' wife Brittany was already a part of the team's ownership group along with Angie and Chris Long.

"I am thankful for the chance to join my wife as part of the Kansas City Current's ownership team," Patrick Mahomes said. "Brittany and the Longs have done an incredible job building a world-class organization. I am excited to join another championship-caliber club as it continues to make history."

Mahomes also owns a piece of the Kansas City Royals and Sporting Kansas City. He said during a 2021 interview that buying into professional sports franchises is helping prepare him for principal ownership once his career is finished.

"I want to play for a long time but you can't play forever but I always want to be involved in sports in some way."

Brittany Mahomes said: "We are so thrilled to make this a family affair and have Patrick join as an owner.

"He has been a huge supporter behind the scenes. His passion for the Current is undeniable and I am glad that he will be with us as we continue on our journey to become the best in the NWSL.

Angie and Chris Long said, "Patrick is obviously a once-in-a-generation athlete and someone who has had an immeasurable impact on the Kansas City community. Working with Brittany has been a blessing. We are elated to now partner with Patrick too. The Mahomes are truly a remarkable family."

Among other pro athletes, James Harden owns a piece of the NWSL's Houston Dash and Kevin Durant owns part of New Jersey/New York Gotham FC.

The untold stories of Patrick Mahomes’ first start, and what it means 5 years later

BY SAM MCDOWELL

JANUARY 01, 2023 5:00 AM

The first time Patrick Mahomes threw a no‐look pass in practice, the only other person sure of what he’d just done was the man on the receiving end of it.

And he could only be pretty sure.

It came on a slant pattern, which might be the lone reason Marcus Kemp, then a rookie receiver sharing scout‐team duties with Mahomes, was even ready for it. The throws on those routes tend to come in hot.

Mahomes had jerked his head toward a running back in the flat, stared him down a bit, and then suddenly fired instead to Kemp.

“One of my claims to fame,” Kemp said this week, “is I caught the first one.”

Mahomes hadn’t been looking at Kemp when he made that throw during a 2017 drill Kemp was certain of it.

Well, kind of. It was one of those things that was so hard to believe let alone convince his teammates that after practice, the wide receivers immediately flipped on the film of the play. And it’s worthwhile to point out that the Chiefs do not spend much time watching back reps of the scout team.

But this one?

“We all wanted to run it back,” Kemp said, “just to be sure he just did what I thought he just did.”

This was about two practices into the regular season schedule, Kemp recalled, and a collection of wide receivers on a team that would become a division champion were huddled around a screen, watching a replay clip of the backup quarterback.

Over. And over. And over again.

“You saw these glimpses of some of what he does now. Like, ‘Man, he just did this in practice; he just did that in practice,’” said Greg Lewis, then the team’s wide receivers coach who now leads the running back room.

“And you’re sitting there, thinking,” Lewis adds before placing his hand on his chin and offering a sly grin.

“I wonder if he could do it in a game.”

THE PREP WORK

On Sunday afternoon, the Chiefs will play host to the Denver Broncos having already clinched their seventh straight AFC West title. They’re still in the mix for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, still in the mix to make the conference championship game come through Kansas City for a fifth straight year. It’s almost easy to forget that this kind of thing didn’t used to happen often around here.

Or, you know, like ever. And then this guy came around.

In 2017, the Chiefs jumped up to No. 10 in the NFL Draft and selected Mahomes, anticipatory of their future even as Alex Smith remained the immediate present.

Ultimately, it would set up the most meaningful meaningless game in Chiefs history. On the final day of the 2017 season, the Chiefs had locked up the No. 4 seed in the AFC. Couldn’t move up. Couldn’t move down.

So they decided to give the kid a shot. Why not? Mahomes, then a 22‐year‐old rookie, had spent the season as Smith’s backup, though he didn’t throw even one pass in the initial 16 weeks.

Week 17 was all his.

The entirety of the coaching staff, however, was not.

The postseason loomed one week later, so head coach Andy Reid assigned half of his staff to playoff preparation, with the other half reserved for Week 17 and Mahomes.

Reid took the quarterback.

You know, first dibs and all.

“I could see that Coach was really intrigued by this kid,” said Matt Nagy, then the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator and now the man who returned as quarterbacks coach after a head coaching stint in Chicago. “You could just see the excitement from Coach, doing everything from Monday game‐planning to lining up the best reads to blitz pickup to calling plays for him on Sunday. I just remember how cool it was to see his excitement.”

Five years into his career, Mahomes remains meticulous about this part of the preparation, a trait he says he learned from playing behind Smith. That’s a theme in the interviews for this column, by the way how frequently all Involved credit Smith for how that 2017 New Year’s Eve game unfolded. Or at least what led to it.

In any event, Mahomes has developed into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks against the blitz so elite that teams have virtually stopped trying.

But he’d arrived in Kansas City in 2017 carrying the burden of an Air Raid offense that more than a handful of scouts had all but avoided, determining that particularly style of quarterback didn’t have a place in the NFL. The evidence came in the form of his predecessors, and it was compelling.

A secret: That wasn’t completely untrue with Mahomes, either. Handed a significantly more vast playbook than he’d ever held, he would later admit, “When I first got in the preseason that first year, I was so focused on getting us in the right position and getting the offense lined up that I wasn’t even worried about what the defense was doing.”

Five months later, as he prepared for his first career start, Mahomes sat in a meeting that covered blitz packages. Reid had peppered him with questions, and there’s one moment from that gathering that has stuck with Eric Bieniemy, then the running backs coach who would soon be promoted to offensive coordinator. It wasn’t that Mahomes answered a question correctly.

It was that he practically finished Reid’s sentence.

And if this linebacker comes?

This guy is the read.

“That was like a preemptive moment,” Bieniemy said. “Where you sit back and say, OK, now that’s pretty good right there.”

GAME DAY

There’s a play from that game five years ago that has received most of the attention within Mahomes’ debut. He’s flooding to his right and so deep in the pocket that some of his coaches were literally yelling for him to throw it away before he launched a ball toward the middle of the field that somehow found receiver Demarcus Robinson for a first down.

If you were watching that day, that pass from the final drive of a 27‐24 win is probably the one you remember. To coaches, the moment came much earlier.

Just three plays in.

After a pair of incomplete passes to open the game throws that might have had just a bit too much juice behind them Mahomes dropped straight into the pocket on third and 10. From his own 5‐yard line, he sent a bullet to tight end Demetrius Harris near the 40, and the freeze frame on the throw shows it just beyond the fingertips of one defender, into the outstretched arms of Harris and just underneath inside the top defender. It is, by all measures, a strike.

“That’s the throw that you’re like, ‘Yeah, this dude can do some stuff out here,’” Lewis said.

The throws are what we notice. The details are what his coaches teammates spotted. Bieniemy referenced the communication.

But there are other points, too.

“I think just everything operations‐wise both pre‐snap and post‐snap was very polished, and it was really impressive from what I remember him being in the preseason,” former Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz said.

For example?

“As a tackle, you get worried that the quarterback is going to hang onto the ball for awhile or set up super deep in the pocket, but none of that happened,” Schwartz said. “Everything was crisp and smooth.”

The Broncos played with the bulk of their starters that afternoon. Mahomes played with backups, save Schwartz, who preserved a consecutive‐snaps streak. Heck, after Kareem Hunt ran the ball just one time to secure the NFL’s rushing title, fullback Anthony Sherman eventually took over as the bell‐cow back.

In fact, among the 16 players to take at least one offensive snap that day, just one is still on the Chiefs’ roster.

Mahomes.

Only three others who played any snaps that day offensive, defensive or special teams remain in the Kansas City locker room: Mahomes, defensive tackle Chris Jones, kicker Harrison Butker and long‐snapper James Winchester.

Playing alongside mostly backups, and playing against mostly starters, Mahomes would help the Chiefs build a 24‐10 lead with Mahomes finding Albert Wilson 10 times for 147 yards.

“Starters aren’t playing; backups are in; so I’m thinking, ‘Hey, I wonder if we’ll be punting the ball a little more today,’” Winchester recalled. “Yeah, that wasn’t the case.”

At one point midway through the fourth quarter, sensing Mahomes had all but wrapped up a win in his first NFL game, Nagy approached Reid with a suggestion. Third‐string quarterback Tyler Bray had been on the team for a few years, but he never once had the opportunity to actually play in a game.

“What

do you think about going with Tyler to finish the game?” Nagy asked Reid.

On Bray’s first snap, a fumbled handoff was scooped up by the Broncos and returned for a touchdown. On the ensuing possession, the Chiefs went three‐and‐out, and then the Broncos marched down field and tied the game.

“Oh, crap,” Nagy recalled thinking.

“I’m in trouble.”

THE DRIVE

Nagy heard Mahomes before he saw him.

The game had unraveled in the span of about five minutes, and there was Mahomes, begging his offensive coordinator to let him back in the game.

This staff would come to learn this was indicative of his personality a game that, technically, meant nothing, and he insisted on taking the next drive.

“He just said, ‘Hey, you want me back in,’ Nagy said. “Said he’d go back in and help win the game. “And then he went down and did it.”

It was 17 degrees, mind you, and Mahomes had never been removed from a game altogether only to re‐enter it later. This was a first. In many ways.

Mahomes has led 12 game‐winning drives in his NFL career, and we share stories about his speeches on the sideline preceding them or other key moments. “Let’s do something special” has been branded across T‐shirts. But his first game‐winning drive?

Not a one‐liner from him but rather to him. As they waited on the sideline for the ensuing possession, Albert Wilson, the Chiefs’ leading receiver in that game, turned to Mahomes. “We’re about to go down there and score,” Wilson said.

Butker recalled moving to the kicking net early in the drive.

“I felt pretty good he was going to get us down there,” Butker said.

The Chiefs took possession with just under three minutes to play. Mahomes had the memorable throw to Robinson over the middle while rolling right.

Then he went for it all, lofting a pass deep over the middle to Harris. It fell incomplete. Afterward, Schwartz, the lone regular starter out there with Mahomes, approached him, put two hands on his chest and delivered what he thought would be a useful reminder.

“I remember going up to him and telling him to be smart; we just need a field goal,” Schwartz said. “I thought I was being a good veteran. Looking back on it, I’m sure he was like, ‘You idiot. I know what I’m doing.’”

A play later, one final completion to Wilson put the Chiefs in field‐goal range. Butker drilled it from 30 yards out.

In one chance, Mahomes had become the first quarterback drafted by the Chiefs to win a game for the franchise since Todd Blackledge in 1987. Thirty years.

“I’m just gonna say it,” Bieniemy said. “That was some good (stuff).”

To clarify, he did not say stuff.

THE AFTERMATH

There’s a little bit of the‐rest‐is‐history to the remainder of the narrative.

A game in Denver provided a moment in which the Chiefs didn’t think, hope, predict or suspect they had their guy.

They knew.

They traded Smith to Washington three months later, opening the job for Mahomes. He would win the league’s Most Valuable Player award in his first year as a starter, and then lead the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl championship in a half‐century one year after that. He’s on track to win another MVP this year.

It’s not only possible but overwhelmingly likely that Mahomes becomes Mahomes whether he throws those 35 passes in Denver as a rookie, or even if he throws none at all.

But they weren’t meaningless.

“There’s the unknown when you only see it in practice, because it’s the NFL,” Nagy said. “You know, it’s never known with young guys what you’re going to get with the first game.

“I think what we saw from him, from that first game, is the moment was never too big for him.”

Having seemingly given his final answer of an interview, Nagy began to walk away. Then, a parting shot.

“And I think it’s safe to say that’s still true today.”

Thursday, January 26, 2023

The QB battle that unlocked Patrick Mahomes

By Ryan Hockensmith

THE SUMMER BEFORE SEVENTH GRADE, Patrick Mahomes got summoned to the Whitehouse High School football field for a special workout. It wasn't quite a secret. But let's just say the coaching staff in East Texas definitely didn't advertise it to the other 10 to 15 middle school kids who wanted to be Whitehouse's quarterback when they grew up.

The coaches did invite one other kid. The varsity's offensive coordinator, Reno Moore, was running the workout that day and asked fellow seventh-grader Ryan Cheatham to come out, too. Moore had heard hype about both kids, and he wanted to get a quick assessment of what the buzz was all about.

Mahomes was a star pitcher in the Tyler area, the son of an MLB player. Cheatham was just as good as a pitcher. Together, they were the one-two punch that led Tyler's junior baseball team (ages 13-14) to the U.S. title at the 2010 Junior League Baseball World Series.

Cheatham and Mahomes stood side by side that day, doing footwork drills and throwing for Moore. He'd scheduled this workout at a time and place where he hoped none of the other kids would see. "We didn't need anybody thinking we'd already decided," he says.

But ... he was about to have already decided. Cheatham and Mahomes were awesome that day. They both had cannons, and Moore took note of the skills and footwork they had accumulated from playing other sports. There's a good chance no field in America had two better seventhgrade throwers than what Moore was looking at.

Moore nodded throughout and didn't say much. He was impressed, though. He thought Cheatham was the perfect righty pocket passer for the Whitehouse system. And Mahomes was a brilliant lottery ticket, with unorthodox arm angles and power that made anything possible on any given play. The only real concern with Mahomes was whether he would eventually decide baseball was the bigger priority -- and he loved being on the Whitehouse basketball team, too.

The two boys both understood what was happening on that day in 2008. Whitehouse was a program on the rise in Texas, and Moore had developed his past two starting quarterbacks into scholarship FCS passers. Both kids were giddy about the coaches paying such close attention to them. "We were honored to get time with the varsity coaching staff," Cheatham says. "That day was so much fun."

The whole time that Cheatham and Mahomes threw, Moore kept noticing how supportive they were toward one another.

"Good throw," Mahomes would say to Cheatham.

"Nice one, Pat!" Cheatham would yell at Mahomes.

After an hour or so, Moore had them stop. He'd seen enough. He already thought both kids had Division I potential. He watched as they high-fived and walked away together, and it was the first hint that Cheatham and Mahomes were, in fact, best friends.

All three left that day excited about the future. But they had no idea that one of the longest, most formative quarterback battles in the history of football had just begun.

IN INTERVIEWS WITH 14 former coaches, players and friends from that era, all said that the Mahomes-Cheatham competition laid the groundwork for what we see today -- a well-liked megastar NFL quarterback who has consistently managed to navigate difficult situations with seeming ease.

It all began back at Whitehouse during what ended up being a four-plus year QB competition between young Patrick Mahomes and the kid they called Cheeto. "There was a level of respect for Cheeto from everybody, including Patrick," says Whitehouse receiver Coleman Patterson, who later played with Mahomes at Texas Tech. "It was competitive but I don't think there was jealousy. There was a mutual respect, and I think it was instrumental in making him the quarterback he is today."

That friendship got off to a frosty start. Mahomes moved into the Whitehouse district in third grade, and he ended up in the same homeroom as Cheatham. The two had known each other from afar. Tyler's one of those wide Texas areas that's big enough to produce a bunch of great athletes, but small enough that they all know of each other.

In their first sports showdown, right before Mahomes moved to Whitehouse, he was on the mound and Cheatham was at the plate. The at-bat was a 14-pitch little kid duel, with Cheatham fouling off pitch after pitch before finally popping out. As Cheatham ran off the field, they both looked at each other like they knew this would be the first of many head-to-head showdowns in their life. "We were definitely sizing each other up," Cheatham says.

But within a week or two of being in the same class, they realized they both loved the same things: football, baseball, basketball, video games ... and heating up really crappy-but-delicious food at midnight on sleepovers. Mahomes and his buddies liked to get chicken fried steaks with mashed potatoes and gravy, and then they would chop up the beefsteak, stir everything together and splatter ketchup onto it to create a chicken fried puddle. "A lot of people might find that gross," Patterson says. "But it was amazing. I love ketchup. But nobody loves ketchup like Patrick Mahomes."

The Mahomes ketchup hype is very real. Cheatham says his mom had two ketchup bottles in her fridge, one for the Cheatham family and one for Patrick Mahomes. Over ketchup and Call of

Duty, Cheatham and Mahomes became very close friends -- and two rising dominant athletes at Whitehouse.

By the time they hit their teenage years, Mahomes and Cheatham were part of Rose Capital East, the best junior baseball team in the country. Mahomes won the U.S. final one night on the mound in 2010, then Cheatham had a no-hitter through five innings in the world championship against Chinese Taipei. But Chinese Taipei ended up batting around in the sixth to chase Cheatham and win 9-1. Mahomes played shortstop and scored the only run. If future MLB draft rankings existed for that age group, Cheatham and Mahomes probably would have been two of the nation's best prospects.

That propelled them onto the radar of Whitehouse football coaches. From their first day of seventh grade, coaches began alternating between Mahomes and Cheatham under center, starting with that day with Reno Moore on the practice field. The coaching staff was truly 50-50 and changed their minds every other day about who was in the lead. Mahomes was a little shorter, with a slightly stronger arm, and he seemed to generate more big plays, both good and bad. Cheatham was more of a prototypical, steady distributor in the system that Moore ran at Whitehouse.

For that seventh-grade year, Cheatham and Mahomes rotated in and out on almost every series. They both were fantastic, so coaches just kept the rotation going ... and going ... and going. In eighth grade, they split snaps. In ninth grade, same.

When football season ended, they played hoops together. When hoops season ended, they alternated starts on the mound for the Whitehouse baseball team. There's a decent chance that Cheatham and Mahomes had exactly zero school days off from a sport in high school. The sheer volume of sports was a crucial part of shaping young Patrick Mahomes. He had to coexist with something like 100 different kids every year in three different sports, plus take coaching from 20 or so different adults. It forged a future A-list star who is kind and generous with teammates and humble and open-minded when coaches get after him.

The only question -- and it was a huge question in the Whitehouse hallways -- was, which sport would Mahomes ultimately pick? If Vegas had put odds on Mahomes in junior high, it would have been something like even money for baseball and 3-to-1 for football, with sharp bettors all throwing some long shot money on basketball, which Mahomes often told friends was actually his favorite sport. He was a die-hard Duke fan -- with a Duke jersey he wore as often as he could -- and would argue with Patterson, a UNC fan, every March about who was better, JJ Redick or Tyler Hansbrough.

But no matter the season, his relationship with Cheatham was the through line of Mahomes' high school life. By the time they had gotten through ninth grade, Cheatham and Mahomes had competed against one another on the football field for three full years -- then stayed over at the other's house every weekend gaming and ketchupping. Coaches up and down the Whitehouse football program marveled at the way two highly competitive teen boys managed that dynamic ... while also realizing they really needed to pick one of them soon.

Before that freshman year, coaches asked Cheatham and Mahomes to take on an extra job every week. They would play their game on Thursday, then come to the varsity game on Friday night and chart plays. One kept track of down, distance and stats and the other would document every playcall and the result. They could switch back and forth, but coaches wanted detailed reports at the end of every game. "It was going to be their team someday soon," says Adam Cook, then the quarterbacks coach at Whitehouse. "Well, one of them, anyway."

The two eagerly took on the job, and a close friendship somehow got even closer. They spent Thursday nights trying to beat the other out for a job, then Friday nights helping each other on the sideline with pens and paper. "We knew we were both good, and that something was going to eventually happen where one of us didn't get the playing time," Cheatham says. "But outside the lines, Patrick is the most respectful, kindhearted guy I know."

They both had good years rotating on the JV team, and they knew Whitehouse was committed to senior-to-be Hunter Taylor for their sophomore years. But that summer, just when they thought they were headed for yet another split season under center as JV sophomores, Whitehouse coaches pulled Mahomes aside with some stunning news.

They were bringing Mahomes up to varsity -- to play safety.

MAYBE THE MOST FUN Cheatham ever had playing sports was his sophomore year of high school. With Mahomes playing varsity defensive back, Cheatham took over the JV offense, and Whitehouse dominated the surrounding schools. Coaches really began to think they had a core group of kids coming up that could challenge for a state title. They just had to figure out who was going to be their quarterback.

Mahomes had a good year as a safety. Coaches thought he had remarkable instincts and an understanding of offensive strategy, and his baseball skills, including tracking fly balls, came in handy in the defensive backfield. "He could get to more balls that you thought he had no chance at, and it's because he has really good feet and anticipation," Cook says.

But Mahomes didn't love safety. Not like quarterback, anyway. He never said much about it directly to his friend group, but seeing Cheatham get every rep -- and crush it -- on the JV team made him a little jumpy about competing for the job the following year with some QB rust. Coaches could tell he wasn't feeling it as a defensive back, and Mahomes eventually had a tough conversation with his mom. He aired out his concerns about his football future, and the idea of quitting football was on the table.

Mahomes and his mom, Randi, declined comment for this story. But in past interviews, she says she encouraged him to pray on it, which Mahomes did. When football rolled around before his junior year, Mahomes still was on the fence. He thought maybe this was the end of his football career. "You're going to regret it if you quit," she told him.

So he stuck with it and entered his junior year with coaches again unsure of who to start at quarterback. Cheatham and Mahomes had drifted a bit during that sophomore year. Not in a bad way -- they just didn't get to spend as much time together because they were on two different teams. It was weirdly nice to be competing again as juniors. "I missed being around him more on the football field," Cheatham says.

Whitehouse opened the 2012 season 2-0, with Cheatham and Mahomes again splitting snaps. But in the third game, against rival Sulphur Springs, Mahomes started the first half in steady rain. He managed the first half with no turnovers, no botched snaps, no fumbled handoffs. The other school's skill position guys kept having slips and dropped balls, and coaches were impressed at the way Mahomes had Whitehouse chugging along.

At halftime, Cook pulled Cheatham and Mahomes aside and told them the coaching staff wanted to stick with Mahomes because of the slick conditions. But they both had a feeling that Mahomes had just won a quarterback battle that had gone on for four-plus years.

Cheatham exchanged a look with Mahomes. It's the kind of look between two very good friends, where no words are said because no words are needed. They were both happy and sad, all mixed up together. "At the time, I wouldn't have admitted it," Cheatham says. "But I knew Patrick was better than me. I could see it."

Mahomes led Whitehouse to another win. After the game, there was a sense in the locker room that Cheatham's quarterback career was over. As the room cleared out, only Cheatham and Cook remained. They hugged and started to cry.

"My pride hurts," Cheatham said.

"I know, Ryan," Cook said. "It's going to hurt. For a while. But you have a new opportunity now. You have an entire team that respects you, and we will have a role for you. You can succeed, and you can help Patrick succeed."

Cook told him that Cheatham could shift out to receiver, where he had taken some reps before. He knew the Whitehouse offense inside and out. He knew how to find open windows in defenses. From that year of charting plays, he knew what Cook was going to call before Cook did sometimes. And most of all, Cheatham knew Mahomes and vice versa. "It was definitely tough to come to terms with," Cheatham says. "But internally, I thought if I was going to lose my spot, I'm glad it was to a guy like Patrick."

Before he even left the locker room, Cheatham nodded his head. He needed to go home and process the loss a bit. But he understood the new assignment, which was essentially this: He had to become Travis Kelce 1.0.

ON THE FIELD after the Sulphur Springs game, Texas Tech wide receivers coach Sonny Cumbie approached Whitehouse's Adam Cook. Cumbie was there to see Red Raiders wide

receiver recruit Dylan Cantrell, and he stumbled upon something else. "People are going to know the name Patrick Mahomes really soon," he told Cook.

Cumbie went back impressed, and later briefed new Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury. They both quickly made Mahomes their No. 1 recruiting mission for the next class. When Cumbie showed Kingsbury film of Mahomes, he remembers Kingsbury sitting up in his chair. "We have to get this kid, don't we?" Kingsbury asked.

Kingsbury went so far as to take every other quarterback prospect off his recruiting board. Their infatuation makes perfect sense now that Mahomes is the best player in the NFL. But whatever Kingsbury and Cumbie saw ... nobody else was seeing it.

But how? How did everybody miss on the son of a prominent pro athlete who had preposterous arm strength and won at a high level in Texas and would become one of the youngest Super Bowl MVPs ever five years later?

It's most likely a combination of things. One is that Mahomes wasn't exactly Arch Manning at football -- he hadn't even won the starting job at Whitehouse until he was a junior in high school, after all. And even then, as charming and breathtaking as his style seems now, football hadn't had a Mahomes yet to make comps to. Throw in the fact that quite a few programs wondered if Mahomes might get drafted by an MLB team, and he felt like a big recruiting risk at the time.

Mahomes had a strong junior year, throwing for 3,839 yards and 46 TDs during Whitehouse's 10-2 season. He got offers from Oklahoma State and Rice, but Texas Tech was all-in on him. He attended the Tech spring game in April 2013, and on April 21, Mahomes tweeted a photo of himself beside Kingsbury, in a Texas Tech shirt, doing the Red Raider "Guns Up" salute. He was going to be a Red Raider.

But just when Mahomes' football future looked all but locked up, baseball decided to knock on his door one last time.

THE FINAL SEASON of Cheatham-Mahomes had a very different vibe. By the time they were seniors, the two were closer than ever and had begun to develop the kind of on-field dynamic that is eerily similar to the relationship Mahomes has now with Kelce. Kelce was once a very good high school quarterback himself before shifting to tight end at the University of Cincinnati. If you want to understand how the magic of Mahomes and Kelce came to be, the magic of Mahomes-Cheatham is the origin story.

Cook would call a play. Mahomes would get back in shotgun, with Cheatham in the slot, and they would make eye contact. "That same weird telepathy relationship that we have, you can see it with him and Travis Kelce," Cheatham says. "I could look over before the snap and see Patrick's eyes and then he'd look at the safety over the top of me and see that he saw there was a hole, and I knew he wanted me to go to that hole and sit down there and he would get it to me. That's exactly what Kelce does."

Whitehouse was ridiculous that year. Mahomes led them to a 10-0 regular season, scoring 40plus points in every game. The team beat Sulphur Springs 38-14 in the first round of the playoffs, then lost a tough 65-60 shootout in the next round. For the season, Cheatham had 60 catches for 624 yards and 8 touchdowns, but he didn't lead Whitehouse in any statistical category, other than maybe hauling in all-hell-breaks-loose 6-yard catches on 3rd-and-5 to bail out Mahomes. Sound familiar?

That spring, Mahomes and Cheatham finished up their last sports season together on the baseball team. Mahomes was heading for Lubbock in a few months, and Cheatham was going to pitch at Tyler Junior College. But first, they decided they wanted one last big memory before that chapter of their lives ended.

The memory came on March 11, 2014, when Michael Kopech rolled into town. The whole Whitehouse baseball team -- especially Cheatham and Mahomes -- had a long history with Kopech, who lived an hour away in Mount Pleasant. Kopech, now a starter for the Chicago White Sox, was a gas-throwing senior 60 miles up the road from Whitehouse. He'd been pitching against Tyler-area teams in high-level baseball games for about 10 years, and both Cheatham and Mahomes circled the Mount Pleasant-Whitehouse game that year on the calendar. So did MLB scouts. Mahomes got the call to pitch that day, and about 30 scouts showed up with radar guns. Kopech was a likely first-round pick, and MLB teams still considered Mahomes an early-round talent if he picked baseball. Everybody in the stands that day couldn't help but think that a huge game from Mahomes might cause his gaze to drift back toward baseball.

They both were hitting the high 90s that day. Cheatham played first base, and in his first at-bat, he dug into the box hoping to get some offense going for Mahomes. Kopech wound up and unleashed a heater right at Cheatham's knee. "It was terrifying when the ball came out of his hand and was headed straight for my leg," Cheatham says. "Luckily, it got me in the soft spot of the knee."

Mahomes struck out the first six guys he faced, often on 3-2 counts, and walked four in the game. Yet he took a no-hitter and a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning. His coach, Derrick Jenkins, thought he looked tired.

"Let me finish," Mahomes told him. "I got this."

And he did. Mahomes mowed through the last two hitters to finish off a no-no. Mahomes had 16 strikeouts -- including three against Kopech. Meanwhile, Kopech had 12 strikeouts -- including two against Mahomes. They combined to go 0-for-6 with five strikeouts against each other.

Kopech didn't even get to see the last out of the game. Whitehouse players agitated him the entire day with chirping, usually goofing on Kopech's long hair. Kopech eventually snapped and got tossed for jawing at the umps. "Our friend group always did a really good job of getting under peoples' skin," Patterson says. "We got in Kopech's head pretty bad that day."

The Whitehouse baseball ended nearly two months later after a state playoff loss. But Cheatham and Mahomes both savored that Kopech game as they moved on. "That is an all-time great memory for me and Pat," Cheatham says. "We couldn't have scripted it any better."

They went their separate ways that summer. Mahomes -- sort of -- moved into his dorm room in Lubbock on the same day the 2014 MLB draft concluded. He'd made a seven-figure ask of any team that picked him, and scouts had continued to call Mahomes. So on move-in day, Mahomes and his family initially didn't take his stuff in. They sat outside, fielding calls, and sure enough, the Tigers picked him in the 37th round.

But right after he got picked, Mahomes' roommates watched as he started hoofing in his belongings. They came out and helped carry some stuff in, and when one guy asked Mahomes what happened, he said, "They didn't offer enough money."

"How much did they offer?" he asked Mahomes.

"A little over a million," Mahomes said.

"Damn, that's a lot of money," his teammate said.

But not enough. Mahomes replaced injured starting QB Davis Webb over a month into the season, and he immediately looked like a foundational player. Mahomes threw for 1,547 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, cinching up the starting job for the foreseeable future.

As soon as the season ended, Mahomes walked on with the Tech baseball team. He still had the itch. He played a little right field, some third base and pitched during the preseason. In one of the first games of the season, Mahomes came in as a reliever against Northern Illinois with Tech up 6-0. It was, for all intents and purposes, the end of his baseball career.

Mahomes got a standing ovation as he took the mound -- the excitement around him as Texas Tech's quarterback was inescapable. But fans weren't on their feet for very long. Mahomes walked the first hitter, including one pitch behind the guy's back. He hit the next batter in the buttocks. He walked the next guy on five pitches and was pulled. He threw 15 pitches and didn't record an out. All three guys scored, giving him an ERA of infinity. Mahomes played two games the rest of the year as a backup third baseman, finishing 0-for-2 at the plate. He had a bright future -- but it wouldn't be on the diamond. He let coaches know after the season that he was hanging up his baseball cleats.

"You could tell it was really hard for him," Texas Tech baseball coach Tim Tadlock says. "Make no bones about it, I watched him play against the best players in the country, some of which went on to be major league players. He was right there with them. But football was screaming louder at him than anything else."

Through all the ups and downs of that first year, Mahomes and his entire Whitehouse friend group stayed in touch, getting together during breaks. That's about the time most high school friend groups begin to splinter.

But that's not what happened with the Whitehouse gang. Mahomes and his longtime high school girlfriend, Brittany Matthews, stayed together into college. And before Mahomes' sophomore year at Tech, two familiar Whitehouse faces transferred to Texas Tech and decided to walk on with the football team. That meant three of Mahomes' favorite high school targets, Dylan Cantrell, Jake Parker and Coleman Patterson, were now lining up alongside their old prep quarterback again. "It was like a Whitehouse mini-reunion," Patterson says.

Cheatham had gone off to Tyler Junior College to pitch and won a national title as a sophomore. He then transferred to the University of Texas' Tyler branch as a junior -where he again won a national title -- and Mahomes came to a few games to cheer on his good friend. His wife, Brooke, was friends with both Patrick and Brittany, too, so they all hung out when they could. Somehow, they'd moved farther apart and gotten closer.

Eight years later, the Whitehouse gang is going as strong as ever. Mahomes got engaged to Brittany in 2020, and they recently had their second child together. Most of his high school inner circle still collides at night on a regular basis, going at it playing Call of Duty the same way they did when they were teenagers. The only thing missing is Mrs. Cheatham's extra ketchup bottle, and maybe a swamp of chicken fried steak soup at midnight.

It's not hard to see the benefits of Mahomes' friendship with Cheatham. When he arrived at Texas Tech, Kingsbury was up front with him that he would sit behind Webb. Mahomes never sulked and sat patiently until Webb got hurt. Then, when the Chiefs traded massive draft capital to jump from No. 27 to No. 10 to grab him, Mahomes entered training camp telling anybody who would listen that he was the backup that year to starter Alex Smith. "I come in with a little bit of pressure, but it's Alex's team," he said at the time. "Alex is the starting quarterback, so I have time to really work on my game and become ready and be available whenever Coach Reid needs me."

Just 10 months ago, Mahomes married Brittany in front of friends, family and what felt like half of Whitehouse High. Mahomes posed for pictures with Brittany, then his family, then finally with his five groomsmen. Four were Whitehouse alums.

In one photo, Patrick is standing in the middle, with his groomsmen surrounding him. Directly to his right is his younger brother, Jackson. On the far left stand his high school and college receivers, Patterson and Parker. On the far right stands Cheatham.

And the one non-Whitehouse guy, the very tall figure sandwiched between Cheatham and Mahomes? Yep, the actual Travis Kelce.

Mahomes working with skill players in Texas ahead of OTAs

by: Jared Bush

Posted: Apr 18, 2022 / 05:43 PM CDT

Updated: Apr 18, 2022 / 05:44 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Organized team activities (OTAs) are approaching and the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to get a head start.

With many new faces at wide receiver for the Chiefs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been working out in Texas with the skill position players as they get ready for OTA’s.

Mahomes is looking to build chemistry with his new receivers on and off the field and that is a big reason why coaches Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy decided to have virtual voluntary meetings.

“Having them with a little time away to do their bonding with themselves, especially with the influx of new players, I think is important,” Reid said. “It says a lot about Patrick.”

Mahomes also views this as a very opportune time to get closer to his receivers.

“First, we want to build those relationships. I think that’s what made us so great over these last few years,” Mahomes said. “I wanted to get everybody together so they get to meet each other, they learn how each other kind of acts with each other and how to build those friendships, and I wanted to really focus on the details.”

With the departure of Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs will look to spread the ball around more, a contrast from previous seasons.

“We have nice mixture of speed and size, which I will think will force defenses to not only play those deep coverages but come up to play some man too. I think we’ll be able to have a different variety for them. They won’t know exactly where the ball is going every single play. They don’t know where it’s going to cause we have so many different guys that can make plays in this offense,” the Chiefs signal caller said.

Mahomes has played five career games without Hill and has had success, a sample size of what’s to come this season.

In those games, Mahomes is 4-1 with a 63% completion percentage, 347 pass yards per game, eight touchdowns and one interception.

“I don’t think it’ll be significantly different, it’ll be similar to what we did in the games Tyreek couldn’t play in,” Reid said about what the offense will look like this upcoming season without Hill.

The main thing Mahomes said he realized about throwing to his new targets is their size and physicality as he said they’ve caught multiple balls that he thought he overthrew.

“I’ve thrown it high thinking it’s an overthrow and those guys are catching it easy. So, just having that size I think will be different. I’m excited for it, cause I think it will be very useful for us during the season,” Mahomes said.

The Chiefs will be looking to get solid production from their new targets in Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster, as they will play big role if the Chiefs want to continue their success on offense.

OTA offseason workouts begin for the Chiefs on May 25.

15 and the Mahomies launches volunteer initiative for teens

by: Juan Cisneros, Regan Porter

Posted: May 25, 2022 / 07:39 AM CDT

Updated: May 25, 2022 / 05:40 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ foundation is encouraging teens to give back this summer.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation launched “Volunteer for 15,” a new initiative that encourages people between the ages of 11 and 18 to volunteer 15 hours during their summer break.

“I think so many kids in middle school and high school don’t realize how much of an impact they can make in their own communities by helping others,” Mahomes said. “I’m inspired by the YVC youth volunteers, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this summer.”

“Instead of just watching from the sidelines, get out and do it yourselves,” 15 and Mahomies Executive Director Marques Fitch said, “and you can do that by volunteering with an organization.”

“Really the biggest benefit is seeing the lives of people change in our own communities,” Youth Volunteer Corps CEO Tracy Hale said, “both the youth and those they serve.”

Volunteers can register through the Youth Volunteer Corps and pledge to volunteer inperson or virtually.

“So they might be painting murals over the top of graffiti. They might be working at an animal shelter,” Hale said. “They might be serving the homeless, or stocking food at a food bank.”

The first 500 volunteers to register and complete the 15 hours will receive a “Volunteer for 15” t-shirt. The volunteer who completes the most hours this summer will receive an autograph from Mahomes.

“Patrick, himself, is a great model for serving the community,” Hale said, “and we love seeing the youth emulate that and being a role model in their community, as well.”

The program starts on June 1 and runs through the end of August.

How Chiefs’ 4th‐string punt returner saved game vs. Bengals: ‘A full‐circle moment’

BY JESSE NEWELL

UPDATED JANUARY 30, 2023 2:07

Confetti fell from the sky at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium when Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub found receiver Skyy Moore on the field.

“Redemption. That’s a redemption moment,” Toub told the Chiefs rookie as they embraced late Sunday night. “I told you you were gonna get a big one.”

God’s honest truth: Neither believed this would be that day. Or that the Chiefs’ 23‐20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game would be when Moore would overcome his earlier nightmares while showing the world that, yes, he could be a dangerous punt returner.

Moore with 41 seconds left and the score tied at 20 caught a Cincinnati punt at the Chiefs’ 18 and returned it 29 yards up the right sideline to the 47. Tight end Travis Kelce would later call it “arguably the biggest play in the game.”

None of that, though, encapsulates just the significance of this moment for Moore, who was the Chiefs’ fourth‐string punt returner this week after losing three fumbles this season.

He kept working on them in practice. One day maybe in training camp next season or later in his career he might need to have those skills ready again.

“I knew I was gonna get one. I just didn’t know when,” Moore said in the locker room. “I would say this year ... I didn’t think I was gonna get one this year.”

Then the attrition began Sunday.

Justin Watson was inactive for the game because of an illness. Kadarius Toney left Sunday with an ankle ailment, and Mecole Hardman reinjured his pelvis.

Suddenly, in the second half when Cincinnati had to punt, Moore said there wasn’t much conversation. Instead, assistant special teams coach Andy Hill said, “Skyy, go out there,” then instructed him which yard line to stand on for the incoming kick.

In other words, Moore had to face his demons head‐on.

Moore, who’d never been a punt returner in college, began the season as the Chiefs’ starter before the muffs added up. His fumble was one of the biggest plays in a Week 3 loss to Indianapolis, then four weeks later, he lost another against San Francisco.

Toub stuck with him, though not for much longer. Moore fumbled again in Week 13’s win against the Los Angeles Rams and the Chiefs turned to other options after that game.

“They said they weren’t going to put me back there. I was like, ‘I ain’t going,’” Moore said. “I didn’t even want to go back there.”

Those mistakes also had a confidence‐shaking effect overall, as Moore said they “kind of put me down, made me feel different about myself.”

Through all that, though, he never stopped fielding kicks in practice.

“I had to buckle down and just keep working at it for times like this, just in case I was called to do it. I haven’t stopped catching punts, you know?” Moore said. “But I knew there would be a time that it would get like that. So I had to be ready.”

There were anxious moments Sunday for sure. Teammates attempted to be supportive on the sideline, but many repeated the same words to him before he took the field.

“Everybody was just looking at me like, ‘Catch the ball,’” Moore said. “But it happened how it was supposed to happen.”

Moore returned his first punt Sunday in the third quarter 25 yards. That would’ve been the longest punt return of the Chiefs’ season if it hadn’t gotten wiped out by a holding penalty.

His final opportunity late in the fourth quarter had no such callback. Instead, Moore’s 29‐yard scamper on a punt return right was a season best ... and the type of play foretold by Toub the night before at the team hotel.

“He told us in film. He’s like, ‘This will be the week. This is gonna pop this week,’” Chiefs cornerback and special teams blocker Joshua Williams said. “And he didn’t lie to us. He just told us keep fighting, and eventually, we’re gonna come up big.”

A few critical blocks set it all up. Chiefs receiver Marcus Kemp credited Williams’ and Bryan Cook’s work on Cincinnati gunner Stanley Morgan, as that outside runner is typically the first one down the field; when he goes free, Kemp said, it often can put pressure on punt returners as they’re trying to focus on catching the ball.

Early on, Williams knocked Stanley to the ground as they grappled downfield. Though Bengals coaches protested to officials that it should have been a penalty, Williams didn’t see it that way.

“He got past me a little bit. I came up, and I just laid a small little lick on him,” Williams said. “He’s a good gunner, and we knew we were gonna have to double him. So we blocked that edge off, and there goes Skyy.”

While watching a replay, Kemp highlighted other teammates who did their jobs while shielding the right sideline from defenders. That included Darius Harris sealing off the side and Cook and Williams making sure Morgan didn’t have an impact at the start.

“If you can do a good job on the gunners, a lot of times, you can catch an edge,” Kemp said. “And that’s where the big plays are made.”

Moore one of the Chiefs’ second‐round draft picks from April made it to that spot on the right sideline, saying he considered trying to hurdle Morgan before taking the safer route while going out of bounds.

When it was over, Moore bounced up and roared toward the crowd, fired up by his extended return.

“My team put a lot of confidence in me too, just to go out there knowing I was like the last line of defense like everybody that was ahead of me was hurt,” Moore said. “So I had to really step up and just focus on the ball and get it done.”

The play set up the dramatics that came next. Patrick Mahomes followed with a critical scramble. Harrison Butker hit a 45‐yard field goal with 3 seconds left, and the Chiefs, a few minutes later, were raising the Lamar Hunt trophy after advancing to Super Bowl LVII.

Moore described it in front of his locker after the game as “a full‐circle moment.”

“The Rams game (fumble) put it over the top, like, ‘I’m done,’” Moore said. “But when you grow, you get bumps and bruises. I was hurt about it, but that was behind me. We’re going to the Super Bowl now.”

When all the reporters were finished with their questions, Moore leaned back. He was seated at his locker, resting his head while looking up toward the ceiling.

Teammate Juan Thornhill saw Moore’s relaxed posture as he walked out, smiling before turning to him.

“Soak that in,” he said.

Moore kept his comfy stance, laughing while still reflecting on what had just happened.

And also the two weeks that lie ahead.

“Having an impact on that last couple plays, it just made me feel so relieved,” Moore said, “and so excited to go to the big dance.”

Forced back in punt‐return role, Chiefs rookie Skyy Moore finds redemption

By: Tod Palmer

Posted at 1:27 AM, Jan 30, 2023

and last updated 7:28 AM, Jan 30, 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. There were times the scrutiny and pressure of his first NFL season dimmed Skyy Moore’s smile.

The Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver heard that chatter, saw the jokes and criticism on social media and internalized his struggles early in the season as a punt returner a job he lost after by the bye week after a series of muffed punts and miscues.

“I didn’t think I was ever going to get a punt return again this season,” Moore said. “But I didn’t stop catching punts, so I was prepared for a moment like that and it paid off.”

Moore, a second‐round pick from Western Michigan who didn’t return punts in college, was dropped to fourth maybe even fifth on the team’s depth chart, he said.

Fellow receivers Kadarius Toney, Mecole Hardman Jr. and Justin Watson are Kansas City’s top three returners, but Toney and Hardman left Sunday’s AFC Championship Game injured and Watson was inactive with an illness.

Moore said he thinks fellow rookie Trent McDuffie, a cornerback from Washington, is above him on the depth chart, too.

That meant the roster attrition pressed Moore into punt‐return duty once again with a Super Bowl at stake.

“McDuffie doesn’t really catch punts in practice, so he’s just a name above,” Moore said. “I knew as soon as Mecole went down, it was going to be me.”

Rather than shrink from the moment, Moore rose to the occasion, including a 29‐yard punt return in the closing minute to help set up the game‐winning field goal.

Despite the struggles, Moore never gave up on practicing the position.

“I just really had to remind myself who I was and why I was here,” Moore said. “Just knowing I was doing something new, I was going to take my bumps and bruises, but I kept working at it.”

He also credits the unwavering confidence shown by his coaches, Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub and Assistant Special Teams Coach Andy Hill, for giving him the chops needed.

“First of all, Coach Toub and Coach Hill just believing in me and keep putting me back there I’m dropping them and I don’t even feel comfortable back there but they’re just telling me, ‘You’re going to be good; just do it’ every week,” Moore said. “That in itself just made me more confident as the weeks went on.”

It all paid off in arguably the biggest moment of the season for the Chiefs.

“Once I saw it was a line drive kick, I was like, ‘All right, I’m not going to fair catch it; I can catch it and do something with it,’” Moore said. “I couldn’t go back there with any doubt. I wasn’t thinking about dropping it at all.”

Moore averaged only 6.1 yards on 14 punts returns, none longer than 15 yards during the regular season, but his 29‐yard return Sunday moved the ball from the Kansas City 18‐yard line out to near midfield with 30 seconds left.

Tight end Travis Kelce gushed about Moore after the game, saying he “arguably makes the biggest play of the game on that punt return.”

Four plays later, Harrison Butker drilled a 45‐yard field goal to deliver a 23‐20 win.

“It felt great just coming up big for my team when they needed me,” Moore said. “Everything else didn’t matter. My team needed me at that moment to step up and get it done.”

Of course, a half‐hour after the game, he still wasn’t sure it had sunk in that he’d be playing in a Super Bowl two weeks from now in Glendale, Arizona.

“I’ve got to get to the car first and see what my family’s talking about,” said Moore, who stashed his phone in the car during the game. “Maybe it will sink in a little later.”

A wide smile — one that seemed well‐earned — flashed across Moore's face as he considered Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 against Philadelphia.

Chiefs’ Travis Kelce: ‘I owe a lot of my career, if not all my career’ to Andy Reid

BY PETE GRATHOFF

UPDATED JANUARY 12, 2023 10:39 AM

In his first draft as head coach of the Chiefs, Andy Reid used a 2013 third‐round selection on tight end Travis Kelce.

In their first season together, Kelce appeared in just one game. Four Chiefs tight ends combined for 53 receptions for 541 yards and five touchdowns. Sean McGrath and Anthony Fasano were the leading tight ends, and Kelce didn’t make a catch.

The following season, Kelce appeared in all 16 games for the Chiefs, making 11 starts. He had 67 catches, 862 receiving yards and five touchdowns. By 2016, Kelce topped 1,000 yards receiving and he has reached that plateau every year since, including the past five seasons with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback..

Kelce is the NFL’s preeminent tight end, and he is grateful to be playing for Reid. On this week’s episode of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Jason, Kelce toasted Reid’s 10 years with the Chiefs and the impact Reid has had on Kelce’s career.

“I mentioned it before how he’s changed the tight end position for a guy like me,” Kelce said. “What the tight end looks like in this offense is way different than what it was when I first got into the league, especially here in Kansas City with Alex Smith and then Pat, having Tyreek (Hill) out there, changed a lot of what we were doing in the type of routes that I could run. But Coach Reid nonstop evolved this tight‐end position for me, and I can’t say how much I love him for that.

“Coach Heck, Andy Heck, our offensive line coach, run‐game guy, also helped transition me into that role. Seeing how much of the RPOs (run‐pass option) have changed the tight end position and the offense in general. And with that, it’s just like the evolution and coach Reid being the creative genius behind it. A lot of people don’t understand, coach Reid was a tight end coach in Green Bay, he understands that position. He was an o‐line coach in college. So he gets the grand scheme of things for sure. And he understands the type of mismatches a tight end could have.

“So I owe a lot of my career, if not all my career to that big guy. So cheers. Cheers to 10 more.”

Jason Kelce, who was drafted by the Eagles when Reid was coaching Philadelphia, asked Travis for his favorite story about Reid

It took Kelce a while to come up with one he wanted to share, but he told a funny tale from last week. The Chiefs had just played the Broncos and were preparing for the Saturday game in Las Vegas.

“I was feeling it after last game and we had a short week this past week,” Kelce said. “So we played the Broncos, got banged up took a few big hits. And I I’m trying to go to work on a Tuesday and we have walk‐through and stuff so I’m walking around out there in ... some shoes that I’ve had in my locker for since like 2015. And I got this long sleeve on. I probably hadn’t had a hair cut in like two weeks, and I’m moving 10 times slower than everybody else.

“And Coach Reid, we’re watching the film afterward, and we’re just watching walk through. (He) pauses, circles me with the laser and says, ‘This is what 7 on 7 at the retirement home looks like.’ I’m just the oldest one of the room moving the slowest, (I’m) just like that’s a good one, Big Red.”

Kelce laughed as he told the story and it showed off Reid’s sense of humor and how his players love him.

How Travis Kelce And Jason Kelce’s New Heights Podcast Comes Together

Jeff Fedotin

Whether it’s Jason Kelce’s epic speech while in costume at the Super Bowl LII championship parade or Travis Kelce’s elaborate touchdown celebrations, the brothers are known for their outgoing personalities.

“(We) typically entertain whoever is around us,” said Travis said via email.

Now the Kelces have a new entertainment platform — New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce.

The co-hosts of that podcast share impressive football credentials. Each is a leader on his respective NFL team, has won a Super Bowl, made multiple Pro Bowls, played under coach Andy Reid and played for the University of Cincinnati.

Previously, they had been too busy to talk extensively during the grind of the NFL season. So, Travis, who chose his jersey No. 87 as an homage to his brother’s year of birth in 1987, is enjoying that opportunity while recording New Heights.

“It’s been good to just have that set amount of time to be able to just sit down and chat,” Travis said. “It’s like we’re just kicking it at dinner back when we were in high school and college together.”

Travis said the brothers have slightly different tones. Jason acts a little more like the big brother he is, and Travis is a little more light-hearted, though neither takes themselves too seriously on the show.

Older brother (35-year-old) Jason is listed first in the podcast’s title, but he and 33-yearold Travis, who does the 30-second opener, share duties. This is not a Pat Summerall/John Madden situation, where one is the traffic cop and the other is the analyst.

“It’s the perfect two-hander,” said Tunde St. Matthew-Daniel, senior vice president, original content of Wave Sports + Entertainment (WSE). “It’s a sitcom with two brothers.”

St. Matthew-Daniel, who used to be a producer for the NFL’s digital media arm, had previously broached Travis’ camp with an idea for an NFL show in 2016, though it did not come to fruition.

For this current iteration, WSE reached out with an idea of a show for the Kelces early in the summer of 2022, and it debuted on Sept. 8.

“We saw an open space to bring our unique point of view to a wider audience,” Travis said, “with the intention of sharing our authentic take on the NFL and the culture around it.”

The weekly podcast is slated to run every week (even during the offseason) and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

The brothers record remotely on Tuesday, which is usually a day off for NFL players across the league, and a team of WSE employees edits, post-produces and releases the show on Wednesday — about six-to-10 hours after the Kelces originally recorded it.

Though it’s typically remote and once a week, they recorded a bi-weekly, in-person show when Jason’s teammate, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, was a guest on Nov. 10. Since it was Travis’ bye week, they broadcasted from the Eagles’ facility.

When Travis’ quarterback, superstar Patrick Mahomes, was the guest for the Dec. 1 show, Travis and Mahomes recorded from the Kansas City Chiefs’ training facility, and Jason was remote from his studio.

WSE set up remote studios for both brothers since Travis lives in Kansas City and Jason is in Philadelphia. Travis has more room in his house than Jason, who has a wife and two young children, so it was a bit easier to find studio space for Travis.

Mindful of the Kelces’ busy NFL schedules, the brothers and producers rely on an ongoing group text thread with topics to prepare for each show. There are guidelines for each podcast, but it is not scripted.

“These guys are natural conversationalists,” St. Matthew-Daniel said. “We have prompts, but, one, they’re prompts that they also helped develop together, but also at the same time, they call some audibles right on air.”

Amusing and candid topics — such as Jason’s Fatman persona or how the New York Giants could’ve gotten rid of Kadarius Toney — have been discussed on New Heights.

That title is a double entendre, referring to where the brothers grew up in Cleveland Heights and the new multimedia journey they’ve embarked on.

Across its podcast, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube platforms, New Heights drew more than 53 million impressions from mid-October to mid-November and is seeing 20% growth each week. It has more than 250,000 subscribers on YouTube and was the No. 1 sports podcast on Spotify for more than two months.

“The audience is strong,” St. Matthew-Daniel said. “And the audience is growing.”

Athletic Greens, LinkedIn and DraftKings are regular advertisers, and New Heights commands up to 100% higher CPMs (the price of 1,000 advertisement impressions on one web page) than industry standard. It already has sold substantial inventory through the first quarter of 2023.

On the field, their teams are excelling as well. Jason’s 10-1 Eagles have the best record in the NFC, and Travis’ 9-2 Chiefs have the best in the AFC.

That has led to some talk about a possible Kelce Bowl in Super Bowl LVII.

It could also be dubbed the Andy Reid Bowl. Reid coached Jason, the longtime Eagles center, in Philadelphia before becoming the tight end’s head coach with the Chiefs in 2013.

It’s just part of their shared relationship that they can discuss on New Heights.

“I’m having a blast,” Travis said. “It’s fun to just do something with my brother weekly.”

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce Has Launched His Own Clothing Line

Jeff Fedotin

Resembling the ensemble of Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G character, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce sported a yellow Nike puffer jacket, a black Nike headband and thick glasses before facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.

Before Week Four, Kelce wore horn-rimmed glasses, tan corduroys and a long-sleeved striped shirt.

“I have fun in fashion,” Kelce exclusively shared. “I love to pick a different outfit every single day.”

So it’s no surprise that the fashion-conscious Kelce has his own clothing line.

Inspired by vintage ’90s sports gear, his company, Tru Kolors, sells athleisure products, including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatsets (matching sweaters and sweatpants), quarter-zip outer pieces and hats.

Travis Kelce chose the name Tru Kolors not only as a nod to his initials, but also to create a brand that embraced diversity and individuality.

“I just want everybody to feel comfortable in who they are,” he said, “and showing their true colors and then appreciating everybody else’s colors along the way.”

While working with the manufacturing company, CALA, Kelce is very hands-on. The main decision-maker, he examines fabric samples, color swatches, design renderings and the stitching.

“The details matter,” Kelce said. “I have a lot of fun creating, especially with the different types of fabrics you can have, different types of looks.”

Since the company’s January 2020 relaunch, he has begun doing more elaborate cut and sew pieces.

Tru Kolors doesn’t have retail or distribution partners at the moment. The clothing is sold through the Tru Kolors website.

Due to popular demand, several of the items have sold out. But less concerned with the revenue generated, Kelce said his new business is a labor of love.

“I’m not really focused on those kinds of things,” Kelce said. “I’m not doing it for the dollar.”

Teammates, including Frank Clark and Jody Fortson, have been wearing Tru Kolors gear, and more tailored, stylistic pieces will be released during the company’s third drop, which is slated for February.

Around that time Kelce and the Chiefs could be playing in a third consecutive Super Bowl.

The 32-year-old Kelce is certainly doing his part to help the AFC West-leading Chiefs get there.

Despite facing more physical coverage, including teams doubling him with defenders over the top, he ranks second on the Chiefs in catches (73) and receiving yards (875) this season.

“Kelce is a unique individual,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said. “Him and Pat (Mahomes) have an unbelievable chemistry together, so they’re seeing things and making things happen before it even takes place.”

In August of 2020, Kelce signed a contract extension that is the second most lucrative in both average ($14.3 million) and total contract value ($57. 25 million) among all NFL tight ends.

The four-year, contract extension with the Chiefs goes through 2025.

If and when Kelce, who is on pace to become the first tight end in NFL history to exceed 1,000 receiving yards for a sixth consecutive year, hangs it up, the fashion industry could become his main career path.

Kelce emphasized, though, he wants “to keep all the doors open” when that time comes.

In the interim Tru Kolors has become a passion project.

“When it came down to what I wanted to do outside of sports,” he said, “I kind of just naturally gravitated to fashion.”

Guard ready for NFL draft eager to explain blood clot issue

By TERESA M. WALKER April 19, 2021

Trey Smith has no problem explaining his situation, no matter how many times he has to detail his history of blood clots.

The Tennessee guard wants to make sure no NFL coach or general manager has any unanswered questions about his availability to play before the upcoming draft.

“I’ll explain it a million times if I have to,” Smith said. “Because it’s just something unique. It’s something that’s different. At the end of the day, I want to play football at a high level. I want to go to the NFL, so I have no issue whatsoever helping people understand what I went through and making them comfortable with it as well.”

The 6-foot-5, 321-pound Smith played 42 games at Tennessee even while dealing with his condition.

Blood clots in his lungs kept him out of spring practice in 2018, but blood thinners allowed him to eventually return. He missed the final five games that season when doctors worried Smith had a recurrence of blood clots before extended testing made them confident that hadn’t happened.

Doctors and specialists put together a plan and medications that allowed him to start 12 of 13 games in 2019 at left guard, and he earned first-time All-Southeastern Conference honors.

Smith was confident enough in the plan that he played in each of the Vols’ 10 games during the 2020 season instead of opting out during the pandemic. He also was All-SEC for a second straight season.

That’s why Smith has no concerns about being able to play in the NFL. He says teams that do their research will understand, especially if they talk to the doctors and specialists Smith went across the country to see.

“They’ll sort of see the plan we have set and (have) a lot more confidence in it as well,” Smith said. “I know that’s something we haven’t been completely open about in the past due to my own privacy. But at the end of the day, it’s a plan that will not only sustain itself in the NFL, but have a lot of success as well.”

NFL scouts and coaches got a closer look at Smith both at the Senior Bowl in January and at Tennessee’s pro day in March. Before the Senior Bowl, Smith got some feedback from former Tennessee offensive lineman Ramon Foster, who played 11 seasons at guard with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“So just being able to be in communication with him, and just get knowledge and information from a veteran that played in the NFL that long, I mean, I want to soak it up like a sponge, man,” Smith said.

Teams have talked with Smith about playing both tackle and guard and whether he prefers the left or right side. At Tennessee’s pro day, he ran a 5.1-second 40-yard dash, had a 31-inch vertical leap and did the three-cone drill in a time of 7.43 seconds to show off his athleticism.

Smith also bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times, raising more than $4,100 for Uplifting Athletes to help people dealing with rare diseases. He wound up doing two more reps than he hoped for, inspired by people he trained with.

“For them, it means the world,” Smith said. “But for us as athletes, with the platform we have, I think it’s something we should do.”

That’s nothing new for Smith, who won the Torchbearer award for serving Tennessee with overall excellence. Smith also joined some fellow athletes in leading an anti-racism march on campus last August.

Still, the first and biggest question about Smith is his health.

“Hopefully it will be a way to pioneer ground for people with my issues, that have bloodclotting issues and things of that nature,” Smith said. “Then you look at people like David Andrews, Russell Okung, they’ve been playing and they had very similar issues that I’ve had. We’re talking about very high-level offensive linemen.”

And Smith wants to be the next.