Tag: Chiefs camp

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton reflects on 2023 season: ‘I battled some adversity’

Kansas City #Chiefs LB Nick Bolton reflects on 2023 season: ‘I battled some adversity’ | @EdEastonJr

Many players in the league must rebound from an off-year due to injuries, especially during training camp. The Kansas City Chiefs will have a few players working through injuries to start camp but should expect their top linebacker to be healthy in time for the season.

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton spoke with the media on Monday, sharing his mindset heading into the new season after an injury-riddled 2023.

“I got a lot true to myself, first and foremost, not necessarily to the outside. I feel I can play a lot better football. I think last year’s kind of the first year where I battled some adversity in terms of injuries in my career period, and so things like toughness with that, learning who I am as a person, learning who I can lean on outside of football.” said Bolton. “Now, I think it means to be a better person, a better leader, be able to learn and sit up from the outside and learn from Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) and son why he calls different things, and it helps me play a little bit faster. So yeah, I think I’m excited for this year to get out there and show what I can do.”

Bolton missed nine games last season due to multiple injuries, most notably his wrist and parts of the left side of his body.

“Not being able to use my whole left side. Man, I have my wrists messed up. I had a cast on it, my elbow, my left ankle, so I was trying to get through a little Humpty Dumpty all the way to the Super Bowl.” said Bolton. “So I was trying to find a way to play, get out there, and give my team a chance to win. So that’s kind of what I was going through last year.”

A healthy Bolton will go a long way toward helping the Chiefs’ defense maintain the dominance that helped propel them to last year’s Super Bowl title.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is keeping an open mind regarding Arrowhead Stadium’s future

Kansas City #Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is keeping an open mind regarding Arrowhead Stadium’s future | @EdEastonJr

As preparations for the Kansas City Chiefs 2024 season get underway at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, the future of the franchise’s home remains the leading discussion point.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt shared his thoughts on the team at Arrowhead Stadium with the media at training camp on Monday.

“We have six-and-a-half years left on our lease at Arrowhead, and GEHA Field at Arrowhead is a special place. It’s special for our fans, and it’s special for the players and the coaches, but we do have to look to the future, and we do need a solution starting in 2031, which I know that Mark (Donovan) mentioned,” said Hunt. “We’re glad to have some options.”

On Friday, team President Mark Donovan called the stadium’s future a generational decision, and Hunt echoed the belief that they should be diligent in their evaluation.

“We really appreciate what the Kansas legislature did in passing the upgrade to the STAR Bond bill that potentially would give us an opportunity to look at a stadium over there, and we’re going to work very hard over the coming months and years to come up with a solution that makes sense for the organization, for the team, but also one that makes sense for the community,” said Hunt. “So, we’re approaching it very much with an open mind and look forward to talking to leaders on both sides of the state line.”

The possibility of leaving Missouri is real as the process continues to take shape with a hopeful resolution on the horizon.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the defense without L’Jarius Sneed: ‘I miss him every day’

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the defense without L’Jarius Sneed: ‘I miss him every day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense in 2023 showed the league they were for real with their consistent dominance through the Super Bowl LVIII run.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo addressed the change in the secondary, which included L’Jarius Sneed’s departure in the offseason and the possibility of Trent McDuffie taking over his role moving forward. He spoke with reporters about it on Monday after practice.

“We’ll see how that goes. I mean, almost every game, we had LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) travel with the “top receiver,” whether we do that or not with Trent (McDuffie), it’ll just be a game-by-game plan. We’ll see who the other corner is and who the nickel is.” said Spagnuolo. “There’s still a lot of unknowns right now. We got some work to do back there. We certainly miss LJ; I miss him every day.”

During his 57 regular-season games in Kansas City, Sneed had ten interceptions and 40 passes defended. In the postseason, he had one interception and seven passes defended in 13 games, primarily against the opposing team’s top receiver.

“Some of the schemes might change. We’ll see somebody going to step up and serve that particular role. If we don’t, we go in another direction and find another way to do it,” said Spagnuolo. “In the years we’ve been here, we always, every game, travel a corner. We did it a little bit when Charvarius Ward was here; we did with him, but it’ll be a game-by-game thing.”

The Chiefs’ defense was the team’s primary strength last season and was praised for its work in the secondary. The absence of Sneed could play a significant role in whether or not the success can be replicated in 2024.

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman reflects on growth since his rookie season

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman reflects on growth since his rookie season

The evolution of players throughout their careers is critical to a franchise’s success. The Kansas City Chiefs have multiple drafted players who have played significant roles in winning three recent Super Bowl titles.

Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman joined the New York Jets at the start of training camp last year before a mid-season trade sent him back to Kansas City. He spoke with reporters on Sunday shortly after the first training camp practice with veterans before the 2024 season.

“I think just the experience. I guess just being here, most of the time, and learning the system, learning how to win, learning how to become a better leader, learning how to take care of your body, learning how actually to practice, learning the game – the game is slowing down,” said Hardman. “I think all of that comes with experience and the years you have in the league. Now it’s just more about finding ways to become better at the little things, at the little fundamental things, and trying to get better each and every day, so that way you can have that long career that you want – that everybody wants.”

Hardman was a Pro Bowler his rookie season for his exceptional work on special teams and was the Super Bowl hero for his game-winning catch against the San Francisco 49ers. He continues to praise veterans still on the team for his progress.

“I think the experience and the knowledge that comes with it is where I’ve been learning the most, learning from guys like Trav (Kelce) and the older guys that have been here,” said Hardman. “So, just trying to take that all into account and just become better each and every day.”

Hardman is part of a talented receiving core that is focused on rewriting their group’s narrative, which was often criticized in 2023.

WATCH: Chiefs legend Tamba Hali releases pre-training camp video featuring George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah

WATCH: Kansas City #Chiefs legend Tamba Hali releases pre-training camp video featuring George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah | @EdEastonJr

The start of the Kansas City Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, featuring the entire roster, is underway, and players are preparing for the new season. Some players from last year’s Super Bowl LVIII winning team have used the offseason to train ahead of camp.

Chiefs legend Tamba Hali has notably worked with young defensive line standouts George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah throughout the offseason. He released another video montage of his training with the duo, wishing them well ahead of training camp.

“I enjoyed training with George and Felix during the off-season,” Hali posted to his X account. I wish them a safe and healthy season. Go Chiefs!”

The Chiefs Hall of Famer spent his 12-year career in Kansas City, appearing in 177 games (157 starts), the fourth most by any Chiefs defender in team history. He’s proven throughout his career and after retirement to have the secret formula for taking your game to the next level, as he was selected to the Pro Bowl five consecutive seasons from 2011-15 and named to the AP All-Pro second team twice (2011 and 2013).

Chiefs DT Chris Jones’ motivation at training camp: ‘I play football because I love the game’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones’ motivation at training camp: ‘I play football because I love the game’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ veterans have hit the field for their first practice at this year’s training camp.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones was the lead topic of last year’s camp and is focused on keeping things about his play on the field and helping the team. He explained his motivation to reporters on Sunday after practice.

“I think my mind frame is always to be the best I can be. I strive for DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) every year. It’s a commitment to myself that I make, and I challenge myself to make my teammates better,” said Jones. “I think no matter how much money I’m making, how much money I get, my motives never change. I play football because I love the game, not for anything else.”

Jones has starred on the Chiefs’ defensive line during their three recent Super Bowl victories. He is excited about the chance to make history and become the first NFL team to three-peat.

“I think chasing history is all part of it. When a lot of players retire, they always say they want to lead a game better than when they started,” said Jones. “If we can get this three-peat and continue to add to the legacy of the Kansas City Chiefs, I think it’ll be a huge accomplishment, not only for us but for the NFL.”

Jones is embracing the return to a full training camp after holding out last year during his contract negotiations.

Chiefs DB Kamal Hadden on returning from injury: ‘I feel like I am back’

Chiefs DB Kamal Hadden on returning from injury: ‘I feel like I am back’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ late-round selections in recent NFL Drafts have proven fruitful.

Chiefs rookie defensive back Kamal Hadden had his college career ended earlier than expected following a shoulder injury last fall. He addressed the status of his surgically repaired shoulder to reporters on Friday.

“I feel back when I feel like I’m back. “said Hadden. “It’s really good to be back on the field. I feel like I’m more faster, I feel like I’m stronger, and mainly, I feel like I’m smarter, so that just the game took me out, but it helped me grow mentally and helped me grow as a man and as a player.”

Hadden was a sixth-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft. He finished his last year at Tennessee with 19 tackles, three interceptions, and a touchdown in a shortened year. As training camp begins, he has developed a close connection with a Chiefs teammate.

“Me and Nic Jones are from Michigan, so I train with him a lot. And, just asking him questions every day when we train, bouncing things off of him while we are training, and asking him any little things to help me help a rookie come in,” said Hadden. “Because he was also a rookie, I just asked him little things like that every day while we trained. “

Harden will compete in camp to join the talented Chiefs’ defensive secondary unit.

Chiefs QB Chris Oladokun entering training camp: ‘I feel a lot more comfortable’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Chris Oladokun entering training camp: ‘I feel a lot more comfortable’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ depth at quarterback is rarely questioned, given Patrick Mahomes’s meteoric success. The work done in that room has helped the team secure three Super Bowl titles in five years.

Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun has played many roles in the quarterback room and is ready to take the next step. Entering his third season, he spoke with reporters on Friday about his improvement and motivation.

“I went in this off-season and worked with Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and Jeff Christensen a lot; I did a lot just from mechanically with my feet, even the way I was gripping the ball; they made a lot of changes that way,” said Oladokun. “So I feel a lot more comfortable.”

Oladokun spent last season on the practice squad, often serving as the scout team quarterback, simulating the opponent for the defense.

“I’m always going to come out here and compete, no matter who’s in the room. Every day, I’m trying to beat Pat (Patrick Mahomes), Carson (Wentz), and Ian (Book); that’s my job,” said Oladokun. “I’m here to earn my keep. I’m going into year three. In the last two years, I’ve been on the practice squad. There’s a lot of intensity in terms of my work, how I go about things, and making sure I put my best foot forward.”

The signing of veteran Carson Wentz as Mahomes’ assumed backup will require Oladokun to have an exceptional training camp and preseason.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan discusses deadline on future at Arrowhead Stadium

Kansas City #Chiefs president Mark Donovan discusses deadline on future at Arrowhead Stadium | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs veterans are coming to Missouri Western’s campus in St. Joseph, Missouri, for training camp. The rookies have had time to get early work, and adding the rest of the roster will open up more drills and full team practices.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan addressed the media on Friday, discussing the looming decision regarding the team’s future at Arrowhead Stadium.

“This is a generational decision,” said Donovan. “This is going to impact the future of this franchise for generations.”

The Chiefs and Royals have played at Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium for over five decades. The outdated conditions at the Truman Sports Complex could be the catalyst for a move of bath franchises in the near future.

“We have to get this right,” said Donovan. “We are going to do the due diligence. We are going to take our time and do it right. But there is a reality to the timing. You can only take so much time to get it right. And that window is starting to close.”

Logistics regarding parking lot size and the Chiefs’ hopes of hosting a Super Bowl one day are all being considered, as the Chiefs don’t want to fall behind other franchises with significant upgrades to their home facilities.

“Really, the deadline is how you can be up and running in a new facility or a renovated facility for January of the 2031 season,” said Donovan. “You’re looking at an existing structure, something we’ve done a lot of work on; there is a little less lead time. If you are talking about something new, it extends the lead time a year and a half. So we feel like we’re in the window now to get something done in the next six months to be in a good position. That’s the timeline we’re working on.”

The next few months will be critical regarding the team’s future location, making each game slated at Arrowhead Stadium more precious than usual.

Chiefs C Hunter Nourzad describes the offensive line room, praises Creed Humphrey

Kansas City #Chiefs C Hunter Nourzad describes the offensive line room, praises Creed Humphrey | @EdEastonJr

The start of training camp has the Kansas City Chiefs rookies bonding before the arrival of the veterans to start full team drills.

Chiefs rookie center Hunter Nourzad opened up about his experience with the offensive line through OTAs during his press conference with the media on Thursday.

“Yeah, I think – not even just the draft picks – the entire offensive line room that’s here is very, very cohesive, and we all have great relationships with each other,” said Nourzad. “It’s not really one person leaning on another; it’s everybody leaning on each other, and I think the room and the culture that has been built here – in the offensive line room – is extremely good.”

The training camp work will affect all levels of the roster as the young players will learn from proven veterans, especially if they are needed for relief. Nourzad is slated as a backup offensive lineman, with his focus at center behind starter and Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey.

“I don’t even think it’s a tangible amount, you know what I mean. He (Creed Humphrey) has so much to give when it comes to knowledge, scheme, and technique in his play,” said Nourzad. “I mean, you watch him play, he is an extremely, extremely talented center. I’m going to do my best to try to get every ounce of knowledge out of him.”

Nourzad was respected for his versatility on the offensive line in college and could serve as an essential depth option at each position on the offensive line.