The Kansas City Chiefs’ intensity at training camp took another step up on Friday as the team conducted their first practice in pads. The addition of the protective equipment under their uniforms will allow for physicality during workouts as the Chiefs continue to get in shape before their first preseason game in August.
Friday’s practice was circled on the calendars of many players, but Kansas City’s linemen in particular, for that reason. The most anticipatory of any Chiefs lineman was guard Trey Smith, according to his teammate Creed Humphrey who spoke on the matter during his comments to reporters earlier in the week.
Smith is well-known for being a physical presence on the team’s offensive line and spoke with the media on Friday about his mindset now that he is finally able to get rough with Kansas City’s front four in practice.
Said Smith: “You know, the first time you put on the pads, obviously, you’re still a little bit rusty. Someone made a comment earlier; the last time we really put in pads was during the Super Bowl. I was like, dang, it’s been a while.
“So, you know, you have some things that you got to clean up, some things you can be a little bit tighter, technique-wise, but it’s always good to put the pads back on. It’s always good knowing the [regular season is] around the corner.”
Smith and his teammates had a life-changing experience during their last time in pads when they earned Kansas City its third Super Bowl title back in February.
Hopefully, the work that they started on Friday will help them achieve their ultimate goal of winning yet another ring and ending the 2023 season covered in championship confetti once more.
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