Tag: American Century Championship

Jaguars HC Doug Pederson on matchups vs. Chiefs: ‘You want to beat those guys’

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Doug Pederson about the coming NFL season and his respect for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Only days away from the 35th edition of the American Century Championship, better known as the “Super Bowl of Celebrity Golf.” Travis Kelce will be participating and representing the Kansas City Chiefs, facing off on the golf course against many of the team’s football rivals.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and tournament participant Doug Pederson about this year’s NFL season and respecting Kansas City’s championship roster while trying to dethrone them.

“It’s impressive to watch, and when you think his teams are out, they’re not; they’re always going to be in there at the end,” Pederson explained of facing Andy Reid’s Chiefs teams. “It was obviously evident last year with the team he had in Kansas City and how they went on to win the championship. So that’s what we’re all striving to do as head coaches, to be just like that. You want to beat those guys, and that’s what motivates you to do well, and that’s what motivates you to win. That’s the that’s the pinnacle in our sport right now, and those are the teams you got to beat.”

All eyes will be on Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course during the second week of July, with competition set for Friday-Sunday, July 12-14. The nationally-televised (NBC/Golf Channel/Peacock) tournament features 90 sports and entertainment celebrities performing for crowds of up to 60,000. Almost $8 million has been raised for charity.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

John Smoltz shares scary story about getting drilled in the face with a golf ball

“Hardest I’ve ever been hit.”

John Smoltz had a scary moment on the golf course recently, one that involved getting hit in the face with a golf ball.

On a conference call Tuesday for the American Century Championship, the annual celebrity golf bash at Lake Tahoe, the MLB Hall of Famer talked about the incident.

“First time it’s ever happened to me on a golf course,” he said. “I got hit in the head right above the eye, about 100 miles an hour. Hardest I’ve ever been hit. Very lucky, very blessed. And it’s about two weeks ago tomorrow.”

Smoltz, one of the tournament’s favorites in 2024, is a regular in the ACC. He was runner-up in both 2010 and 2021. On the Zoom conference call Tuesday, a bruise was visible on his face.

“So the only thing I really have is some hearing problems, but other than that I’m glad that’s all I’m dealing with,” said the 1996 National League Cy Young Award winner and 2015 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.

The American Century Championship, a made-for-TV event, will be staged for the 35th time in 2024. Steph Curry, the defending champion, will not be able to return after he announced he will play for the U.S. Olympic basketball team this summer.

Marcus Allen shares thoughts from both sides of Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about playing on both sides of the #Chiefs vs. #Raiders rivalry. | @EdEastonJr

The AFC West showdowns between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have created iconic moments in the NFL’s history. The anticipation before each game has fans, players, and coaches ready for a big game battle at least twice a season.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about his experience competing at the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and playing on both sides of the Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry.

“They’re probably a handful of guys we know that are going to be in contention (American Century Championship), and most of us go up there to compete and have fun. And for many of us, it’s networking, too,” said Allen. “But I played in a stretch where I had three birdies in a row. I’ve played well, and then I turn around. It’s been Christmas in July, and I give points back. You know what I mean. Just being there has been a high point.”

Allen played eleven seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders, winning Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. He decided to join the division rival Chiefs in 1993, playing a role in improving the franchise and making a run to the AFC Championship game.

“When I was playing for the Raiders, it just felt like everybody was a rival, but, when I played for the Chiefs, I felt, in particular, the Raiders were the rival, and Marty Schottenheimer made a point of that special, he emphasized it that way,” Allen explained. “To me, it was a balancing act, right? I go to compete regardless; even if I were playing against my brother, I would never try to embarrass my brother, but I would try to win, and that’s how it was for me.

“Nothing was personal. Remember, these are my friends that I had, that I fought with, and that’s why I even today, if there is, I guess the last event I went to was the Kimble Anders (Chiefs Ring Of Honor) induction because these are my teammates. I let nothing or no one separate me from that, no matter if they want you to pick and choose, and I’ll never do that. I’ll always choose my teammates.”

Allen earned a reputation in the locker room as one of the more likable teammates for both the Chiefs and Raiders. His teammates notably voted him for the Commitment to Excellence Award five times during his career with the Raiders.

“In this case, I played for two teams and had great teammates on both. So that’s how I look at it. Yeah, I wanted to win the game,” said Allen. “We won nine out of ten, but it was mixed emotions with me, right? It’s like, I’m gonna win, but I don’t feel so great about beating my buddies, and that’s how it was.”

This year marks the 35th edition of the golf tournament known as the “Super Bowl of Celebrity Golf.” The 54-hole tournament, which raises funds for local and national charities, will take place from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It will air on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. At stake is a purse of $750,000, with a $150,000 first prize award.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Marcus Allen reveals the ambitious mentality he had as a player, predicts Chiefs 2024 season

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Marcus Allen to discuss his football ambitions and Kansas City’s chances for a Super Bowl three-peat. | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce won’t be the franchise’s only notable icon participating in the annual American Century Championship tournament at Lake Tahoe.

Former Chiefs running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen will bring his competitive spirit back to the golf course from Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, airing on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen to discuss his ambitious mentality on the football field during his career and his thoughts on the Chiefs’ chances for a Super Bowl three-peat.

“Well, my number one goal was to be one of the greatest players that ever played,” said Allen, “you have to do that over time. You have to have consistency, certainly. You have to be a champion, at least in your effort, for as long as you know you play the game; you don’t win a couple of awards and then turn it off again if your goal is to be one of the greatest players ever played, that takes a long career. It takes consistency and an extra effort, which is uncommon among most players. That was my ultimate goal: to walk away and say you don’t mention the game without mentioning my name. That was always my goal.”

After winning Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and Super Bowl MVP awards early in his career with the Los Angeles Raiders, Allen expressed his desire to strive for more success on the field and prove doubters wrong.

“I wanted to win some awards along the way, starting with the Rookie of the Year,” Allen explained. “You only get one opportunity to win that, and I wanted to do that, especially coming out of my senior year. And even though I was a Heisman Trophy winner, many naysayers said my success was only because I played behind a great offensive line at USC and knew differently.

“If anybody had common sense, they would say the guy’s only been playing running back for two years. Remember, I got moved from DB (defensive back) to running back, but I didn’t play. And then, the next year, I got moved to fullback. Fullback is nothing like playing tailback, So it’s completely different. Then I turn around and get the running back possession, which is, again, a different animal.”

Allen used the versatility of his college career at USC to benefit his NFL career ambitions. The Heisman Trophy winner would go on to break multiple records with the same unsatisfied mentality, never settling for less than the best.

“I always thought that I was still in my infant stage of learning the position. And so I thought my best years were still ahead of me,” Allen continued. “Some people doubted that, so winning the Rookie of the Year proved right. And so then you go on. Well, you know, you want to go to the Super Bowl. You don’t go to the Super Bowl to hang wallpaper. You want to be the guy. And then that happens, you know?

“Then, obviously, if you want to be the best that ever played, you know, you say there’s the MVP of the league. It was always fueled by wanting to be the greatest player that ever played. I wanted to walk away by saying that when you talk about the NFL, you have to mention him.”

Allen played five seasons for the Chiefs to end his NFL career and continues to follow the team’s current success. He firmly believes that a three-peat is in the cards for the 2024 season.

“Absolutely. They have the infrastructure in place, from the coach to the quarterback to the defense; it really gets talked about. They have it all, and certainly, the ownership is where everything starts,” said Allen. “They certainly can be the best in the business right now. Until somebody dethrones them, the Chiefs are the team you must go through to win. And if somebody doesn’t realize that, they’re not very smart.”

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Marcus Allen discusses modern running backs, Isiah Pacheco’s running style

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Marcus Allen, discussing the value of running backs in today’s NFL and his thoughts on Isiah Pacheco. | @EdEastonJr

When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Marcus Allen to be their staring running back in the early 1990s, he was already older than most running backs in the NFL today.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen ahead of his participation in the American Century Championship golf tournament and discussed the diminishing financial value of running backs in the modern NFL and his thoughts on Isiah Pacheco.

“You never took yourself out on occasion, but I mean not as often as you do now,” Allen said of contemporary rushers. “To me, when you take yourself out, you take yourself off the field, then allow somebody else to play, which sometimes gives them an idea of somebody else in mind.

“Our mindset was that we were never leaving the field. We’re making ourselves so valuable they can’t live without us. But today, guys make one or two runs, and they’re waving their hand and bringing somebody else in. So it almost allows this whole running back by committee to take shape and form.”

Allen was the NFL’s MVP in 1985 after leading the league in rushing with 380 carries for 1,759 yards. He holds the record for most consecutive seasons with a rushing touchdown, finishing with 16.

“Unfortunately, the league is sort of a me-too product, and if one team has success, everybody else copies it,” Allen explained. “There are running backs that, I think, are special and stay in the game, but they’re getting penalized by a mindset that guys only last so long, or they are only productive for so long.

“I played for 16 years. I like to think I was productive for 16 years and could still play for 17, but I decided not to. Me and Frank Gore, and I don’t know, whoever else played that long. They were the exception and not the rules. So I don’t know, but I like to think that if you have a great running back, you can’t help but utilize him and pay him well.”

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has earned a reputation as a hard-nosed runner who is willing to make contact with defenders in pursuit of extra yardage. Pacheco has dealt with injuries due to this propensity for contact over his first two seasons, as Allen chimed in on his approach per carry.

“He runs extremely hard; I’ve always had this thing: if you carry the ball and you attack every single one, you’re hit, let’s say, four times by four defenders, after 11 straight plays… you’ve been hit 44 times,” said Allen. “Being elusive is good, not trying to run everybody over on every play. I’ve always picked a side; you pick a shoulder, you try to but never make full contact, and you’ll get hit. I mean, you play this game. It’s no avoiding it.

“The good ones, obviously, instead of giving up 100 percent of their body, they give up 98.5 percent. They sometimes feel like they never played, even though they are running hard. Everybody used to criticize Franco Harris for running out of bounds on occasion; you have to. So there are times that you have to avoid contact.”

Current and former NFL stars will join Allen in this year’s tournament, including Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Josh Allen, Doug Pederson, Steve Young, John Elway, Jerry Rice, and more.

The 35th annual American Century Championship occurs from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It airs on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Marcus Allen reflects on Chiefs tenure: ‘It was an incredible five years’

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Marcus Allen about the annual American Century Championship and his tenure in Kansas City in the 1990s. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have hosted many talented running backs over the years, but few can match the immediate impact of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, who joined the team in 1993 after 11 seasons playing for the Los Angeles Raiders.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen about his involvement in and enjoyment of the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and his five-year stint with the Chiefs in the 1990s.

“It’s an event that everybody looks forward to in the American Century, and it has done an amazing job since it became the title sponsor,” Allen explained. “It’s just, it’s incredible. I think for me, this is 26 years now. I’m not one of the originals, I think the originals are still Jack Wagner and Jim McMahon. I think [I am] maybe the third longest-tenured person there. I love going, playing, competing against my fellow athletes and friends, and it’s just an outstanding event. NBC does an amazing job. It’s a lot, it’s been a lot of fun, and it’s something we look forward to every year.”

A turning point in Allen’s NFL career was signing with the Chiefs before the start of the 1993 season. The move to Kansas City was rejuvenating for the veteran, as it helped lead the franchise to become a contender.

“They accepted me immediately,” Allen said of the Chiefs’ fanbase. “Going out and playing hard certainly helps that, right? Also, playing the game the right way, hard and as tough as possible, and keeping it simple, the fan base was incredible. And then to play alongside some great players like Joe Montana and Derrick Thomas, John Alt, and Kimble Anders, and just several guys I played with. I remember getting so close on a couple of occasions but not being able to finish there.

“Those were the high points, just being involved and playing those games no one else thought we could win. And then there were some games we obviously let get away from us, which we should have won. And then I think about the Hunt family and just how gracious they are, and just provided a great opportunity for the players to succeed there.”

During his five seasons in Kansas City, Allen was named a Pro Bowler and, in his final year, at 37, became the oldest player to score ten or more touchdowns in a season.

“The city was great. It was an incredible five years for me,” Allen said. “I know they’re experiencing great success now, and rightfully so. They should get all the credit. But I do feel like, yeah, we early on. I think we sort of changed the dynamic there. That’s at least what I was told by a lot of people, you know, a lot of fans there and stuff like that.

“We brought back the love and interest in the fire amongst the fans. 1993 was amazing; we went all the way to the AFC Championship game. Unfortunately, we lost that game. If Joe doesn’t get knocked out of that game, I think we go in and beat Buffalo [Bills], which is one of the hardest things to do in Buffalo.”

Allen joins other retired NFL players and celebrities for the annual American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe from Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, airing on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. The 54-hole tournament raises funds for local and national charities with a purse of $750,000, including a $150,000 first prize.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Jason Kelce to join brother Travis Kelce at American Century Championship. Will Taylor Swift follow?

Both Kelce brothers will be playing in the American Century Championship.

RENO, Nev. — For the first time, both Kelce brothers will be playing in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.

The tournament is July 10-14 at Edgewood Tahoe.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has played in the tournament since 2020. This will be the first appearance for retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.

One person who will likely not be in attendance, according to tournament officials, is Travis’ girlfriend, Taylor Swift.

Travis Kelce is usually paired with his Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes in the ACC, but Mahomes has not yet committed to playing in it this summer.

“Taylor Swift will be performing her summer concert tour in Europe at that time, so do not ask me that question,” Phil Weidinger, representing the ACC, told the media.

Swift will be performing in Zurich on Wednesday, July 10, and has two days off before her next show in Milan on Saturday, July 13. At the most recent Super Bowl, she traveled from Japan to Las Vegas and back to her concert tour.

The Kelce brothers have one of the top-rated podcasts, “New Heights,” in which they talk about the NFL and other sports as well as off-field interests. During a recent episode, Travis discussed whether he’d be making an appearance in “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Jason Kelce is a seven-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles. He retired after the past season, his 13th in the NFL. He is among the 88 players committed to this year’s event.

Other first-time players include MLB legends Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols, NHL players Matthew Tkachuk and John Carlson, “Today Show” host Carson Daly, NFL quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Joe Flacco, six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, former host of “The Bachelor” Chris Harrison, actor Rob McElhenney, former NBA forward Chandler Parsons, NBA player Austin Reeves and former soccer star Taylor Twellman.

Panthers WR Adam Thielen comments on matchup vs. Chiefs in Week 12

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to American Century Championship participant Adam Thielen about the #Panthers’ Week 12 matchup against the #Chiefs. | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 regular-season schedule for the Kansas City Chiefs has many twists and turns because of the timing of their prime-time games. Each matchup will feature top-tier NFL players, including their Nov. 24 game against Carolina Panthers star wide receiver Adam Thielen.

Ahead of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament next month, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Thielen, who will be taking part. Topics included the Panthers’ Week 12 game against the Chiefs and his mentality against the defending champions.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a different game. That’s what I think is so great about the NFL — every game means and matters so much,” Thielen said. “Whether you’re playing the worst team in the NFL or you’re playing the very best, every game matters so much that you can’t treat them differently. You’ve got to show up every day. You’ve got to show up every game. I’ve been a part of really good teams that have lost a really bad team that year, and I have been a part of the opposite last year; I think we were the worst record in the NFL, and we beat Houston.”

Thielen started all 17 games last season, his first season in Carolina, and had 103 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. The Panthers finished with a 2-15 record as the team continues to rebuild under quarterback Bryce Young.

“Every game, you got to show up, and you got to play your best ball, and I think it just creates that atmosphere that there’s no slacking,” said Thielen. “It’s not like college, where you can just show up and you play this FCS school, and you can roll them. No, that’s not the case in the NFL. So, which I think is cool.”

Thielen will join many other NFL players at the American Century Championship, including Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose brother Jason will make his first appearance at the event. It will be held at Lake Tahoe from Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14 and will air on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and the Golf Channel. The 54-hole tournament raises funds for local and national charities with a purse of $750,000, including a $150,000 first prize.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Panthers WR Adam Thielen shares thoughts on Patrick Mahomes’ golf skills

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Panthers Adam Thielen to discuss the 2024 American Century Championship and Patrick Mahomes’ golf game. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs won’t have any players represented at this year’s American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe as the popular gold tournament returns in July.

This year marks the 35th edition of the golf tournament known as the ‘Super Bowl of Celebrity Golf’. The 54-hole tournament, which raises funds for local and national charities, will take place from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It airs on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. At stake is a purse of $750,000, with a $150,000 first prize award.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to veteran Carolina Panthers wide receiver and tournament participant Adam Thielen to discuss this year’s crop of talent from the NFL and his thoughts on Patrick Mahomes’ golf game.

“He and many guys in the NFL love to play the game,” Thielen said of Mahomes. “Our offseasons are a great time to be down south somewhere and play a lot of golf. So, a lot of guys love to play. I mean, Pat is a guy who has a ton of ability. I think once he gets more rounds under his belt, and I know he’s super into it, I think he’s got a little golf hole in his backyard in Kansas City, so I know he’s super into it. He’s got a ton of ability. So the more reps he gets, the more golf is just a game where you need reps, the practice, and the rounds played to be competitive.”

While Mahomes and Travis Kelce aren’t competing this year for the first time after four consecutive appearances, the tournament boasts plenty of football headliners along with Thielen. The NFL stars included in this year’s event are Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Josh Allen, Doug Pederson, Steve Young, John Elway, Jerry Rice, and newcomer Trevor Lawrence.

“I think when he gets that down, he’s going to be tough,” Thielen explained. “He’s a tough player. But yeah, there’s a lot of guys that play. We had an NFLPA Player Association event this year and got to see a lot of guys that, you know, maybe never played with or seen play golf, and many guys got a lot of potential.

“A lot of guys that love to play the game, even in our locker room. There are a lot of guys who want to play golf and get better but just haven’t had a lot of access to it until they get into the NFL and are around it. So it’s cool to see those guys getting into the game.”

2023 winner Stephen Curry will also be unavailable due to his commitment to this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Steph Curry drills hole-in-one at celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe

What can’t Steph Curry do?

What can’t Steph Curry do?

After dropping in a ridiculous putt on Friday in the America Century Championship celebrity golf tournament and being at the top of the leaderboard after the first round, the Golden State Warriors continued his red-hot streak on the golf course on Saturday.

On the seventh tee, Curry buried an unbelievable hole-in-one from 152 yards out at the Edgewood Resort in Lake Tahoe. Curry’s shot was the first ever hole-in-one from the seventh hole at the ACC championship.

After realizing he knocked in a hole-in-one. Curry streaked down the fairway and celebrated on the green as the crowd went wild.

Via @NBCSports on Twitter:

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