Tag: Chiefs camp

Chiefs TE Jared Wiley discusses his role in the offense, Travis Kelce’s influence

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Jared Wiley discusses his role in the offense, Travis Kelce’s influence | @EdEastonJr

The rookie class is finding their way in the early stages of the Kansas City Chiefs training camp sessions at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Chiefs rookie tight end Jared Wiley spoke with the media on Thursday to give his thoughts on training camp, the tight end room, and things he’s learned from Pro Bowler Travis Kelce.

“You can pick up a lot just from his knowledge of the game, whether it’s of our offense. Obviously, he’s been in it for a while,” said Wiley. “Just knowing what the defense is going to do and how he can kind of manipulate his routes, or change what he’s doing, to make them think that he’s doing something else, that’d be the biggest thing that I’d say that I’ve looked at so far.”

Wiley started his college career at the University of Texas in 2019. He started 12 games in his three years there, recording 19 receptions for 248 yards and three touchdowns. In the 2023 season, he had 47 receptions for 520 yards and eight touchdowns for TCU.

“Yeah, I mean, just come in and contribute; I know it’s in our room; we got me, Irv (Smith Jr.), Noah (Gray), Gerritt (Prince), obviously, Trav (Travis Kelce), we have a really talented group. So if I can find a way to come in and contribute as much as I possibly can,” said Wiley. “Whether it’s on special teams, anything they want me to do on offense, that’d be my biggest goal is just to, just to prove that I belong in that room, and just to, you know, be able to be on the field with those guys.”

A solid blocker and red zone threat, Wiley can have an immediate impact in his rookie season.

Chiefs C Hunter Nourzad explains his hobbies at training camp: ‘I’m a big Lego guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs C Hunter Nourzad explains his hobbies at training camp: “I’m a big Lego guy” | @EdEastonJr

The news of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes deciding to bring a TV to training camp for the first time has inspired more questions about what players pack with them for entertainment.

Chiefs rookie center Hunter Nourzad has his spin on what he’s brought to training camp, and it has nothing to do with television, as he shared with reporters on Thursday.

“I’m a big Lego guy,” said Nourzad. “So I brought one of my smaller sets just to have a piece of home with me.”

Nourzad began his collegiate career at Cornell University, earning the Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2021. He transferred to Penn State the following year, switched to center and was selected as second-team All-Big Ten.

Even though he’s not a kid anymore, he doesn’t hide his joy for Legos.

“So I have the Lego orchid. I have a coliseum with a 10,000-piece set,” said Nourzad. “I have a Bugatti, an F-150, a Dodge Challenger. I have a crane that moves and a Formula One car.”

He mentioned that he’s planning on getting a shelving unit to store his collection properly. He gave a brief story regarding his love for Legos dating back to his childhood.

“I had a Lego Batmobile when I was like 8. I think I got it for Christmas and built it over Christmas break,” said Nourzad. “And then, being an 8-year-old, I was clumsy, and I remember dropping it down the stairs and just raw emotion. That’s all that happened when I when I dropped it.”

Nourzad is working hard at training camp to avoid dropping an opportunity on the offensive line. He could be a versatile reserve at any position.

Chiefs RB Louis Rees-Zammit at training camp: “Rugby really prepared me for this”

Kansas City #Chiefs RB Louis Rees-Zammit at training camp: “Rugby really prepared me for this” | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Louis Rees-Zammit as a potential breakout player in their system, utilizing many skills that made him a famous rugby star.

As part of the rookie group already working at the Chiefs’ training camp, Rees-Zammit gave reporters an update on Thursday about his adjustment to the NFL and traits he learned from rugby.

“It’s just learning all the plays that are so different from what I’m used to. Obviously, in rugby, you don’t have to learn as much. But I think physically, I think I’m in good shape. I think rugby really prepared me for this with the condition, and it’s been in physical shape.” said Rees-Zammit. “I think the biggest difference is just mental, just staying on top of things, staying on top of the playbook, and making no mistakes.”

Rees-Zammit has already garnered attention on social media following the Chiefs posting highlights of him working with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He stood out in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, which led to his eventual signing with Kansas City.

“Yeah, so with the international player pathway, we’ve been there for about two months, with pads and helmets. So I was just trying to get used to it, to be honest. Obviously, never training with pads and a helmet is quite unusual.” said Rees-Zammit. “But that really prepped me to be able to come in here and kind of get the ball rolling straight away, not having to get used to, you know, the pads and the helmet. So, yeah, I was pretty prepared for that.”

The rookies continue to find their footing in the early stages of training camp, and things are expected to intensify once the veterans are in the mix. Many will be watching Rees-Zammit as a potential special teams standout as he continues to learn the game.

Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks embraces playing multiple positions in the secondary

Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks embraces playing multiple positions in the secondary | @EdEastonJr

The hot days at training camp are underway for the Kansas City Chiefs rookie class as they get a head start adjusting to life in the NFL.

The Chiefs drafted Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of April’s NFL Draft with hopes to utilize his versatility. He spoke with reporters on Wednesday about the challenge of learning multiple positions and the help he’s gotten so far from the coaching staff.

“It’s pretty difficult just because it’s multiple positions. But, I mean, it’s going to help me long term and overall, just because I know where multiple spots are at, and multiple places,” said Hicks. “So it’ll help me overall, and that’s what I just try to lock in and realize: that’s what it’s going to be at, and, wherever, whatever happens, I can play wherever.”

Hicks was a starter in his last year at Washington State but made his mark in 2022, starting 11 of 13 games and had 76 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He spoke highly of Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt’s influence.

“He’s a great coach. Very detailed guy. He makes sure our communication is on there and always up to date.” said Hicks. “He’s just a good coach to be around, having your corner, making sure we’re all on the same page. Again, the communication is at a high level.”

Hicks joins a young and talented secondary with multiple players trying to improve their stock for more playing time.

Chiefs OL Kingsley Suamataia discusses position battle with Wanya Morris

Kansas City #Chiefs OL Kingsley Suamataia discusses position battle with Wanya Morris | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs training camp workouts begin this week and immediately focus on different topics leading into the new season. A hot topic has been the team’s plan for their starting left tackle position after various moves made in the offseason.

Chiefs’ second-round pick in April’s NFL Draft, Kingsley Suamataia, is highly expected to contend for the starting tackle spot ahead of the new season. The BYU standout spoke with reporters on Wednesday, addressing the position battle and relationship with Wanya Morris.

“It’s been great. I’ve known Wanya (Morris). As a player, he’s a great guy. He’s friends with a lot of guys that I know. We’re boys on and off the field, just trying to get that job, but we’re both just working hard as best we can.” said Suamataia. “Whoever comes out on top, (we) still boys, but it’s business out here, but nothing but love for Wanya.”

The rookie offensive lineman has many family members who either played in the NFL or are still active; notably, he is the cousin of Detroit Lions star Penei Sewell. He reflected on advice from his family on making it in the league.

“Just work hard. Just be that one that stands out more than everybody else you know while coming in here for a job,” said Suamataia. “So just put your best foot forward, and whoever comes out comes out on top.”

The offensive line position battle will be a focus at training camp and the preseason, as Patrick Mahomes’ health is paramount to the Chiefs’ success.

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy talks return after hamstring injury: “I’m here, I’m ready to work”

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy talks return after hamstring injury: “I’m here, I’m ready to work” | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs rookie class, with its versatility and highly touted skillsets, should significantly contribute to the team’s progress this season.

The expectations are high for Chiefs first-round pick Xavier Worthy and his skillset fitting into the offense. He spoke with reporters on Wednesday about his hamstring injury and taking the time off the field to study the playbook.

“It’s very important to me. In college, I never missed a game or had any injuries,” said Worthy. “So just having that happen, I mean, like I said, it’s kind of frustrating, but I got a chance to learn and get better in a different way, learning the playbook. So, I mean, it was good for me.”

Worthy was a spectator during off-season minicamp activities due to the nagging injury, but he believes he’s good to go during training camp.

“I’m as good as I could be right now, obviously, still working my way back into things, but I’m here.” said Worthy, “I’m ready to work.”

Worthy also strongly indicated that he’d be healthy enough to play this week if there were a game.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reflects on 2023 season: ‘We didn’t play our best football’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reflects on last season: “We didn’t play our best football”

The Kansas City Chiefs are ready to return to training camp. The road to a three-peat is the focus for the new season, but the returning players still need to explain some elements of last year.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the media on Tuesday, move-in day for training camp. He reflected on last season’s offensive struggles and the team’s ability to overcome them and win another Super Bowl.

“You’ve got to come in with that same mentality you had the year before — even a higher intensity,” said Mahomes. “And even though we won the Super Bowl last year, we felt like we didn’t play our best football — especially offensively. So, it’s our goal to be better that way. And come in with that mentality every single day.”

The offense struggled noticeably in 2023, with unforced errors from the receiving corps and a lack of explosion. Mahomes was able to right the ship as the team rallied in the postseason with two road victories on the journey to another Super Bowl title.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously, the end result was awesome, but I think a lot of us still have a weird feeling in our mouth because we really didn’t play football the way we wanted to play all year long,” Mahomes said. “It wasn’t fun. Every single week, trying just to continue to get better and better and results not paying off the way you want them to — it wasn’t a lot of fun.”

Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses training camp benefits: ‘It builds a certain camaraderie’

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses training camp benefits: “It builds a certain camaraderie” | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs will again call Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph home for the next few weeks for training camp. The franchise has made the campus its second home for years, and it was the spark for three Super Bowl titles.

On Tuesday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with media members while settling in on campus. He proudly discussed the importance of holding camp away from the city and not holding joint practices with other teams.

“We love the setup here. The people here treat us great at Missouri Western State University and its beautiful facilities,” said Reid. “It’s great to be able to get away from the city and be able to house guys in the same dorm.”

Reid’s training camps have earned a reputation for being challenging and mastering his fast system. During the training camp session, an increased focus on details is carved out, and the closed quarters of the campus help get the message across.

“I’m saying this as a coach — they’re probably not going to say this — it builds a certain camaraderie as you go,” said Reid. “You’re eating together; you’re sleeping in the same building together, so you can’t help but talk to each other. In today’s world, that’s a positive thing.”

The journey to a potential three-peat starts now, and the essential aspect of the formula is in motion with camp getting underway.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid pleased with unconventional 2020 training camp

2020 presented a lot of challenges for NFL training camp. Now that it’s over, how does Andy Reid feel Chiefs camp went?

NFL training camps were faced with multiple challenges in 2020 but with camps starting to wrap up the question is how well did they go? The Kansas City Chiefs will be transitioning away from the training camp schedule to a regular daily practice schedule after completing their final practice on Saturday.

“Today’s kind of really the last official day of training camp for us, we’ll start regular practices here next week as far as the schedule goes,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said. “So, I thought it went smoothly. We had a good plan for it, and we were able to get the stuff in that we needed on both sides of the ball and special teams, so I came out of it feeling pretty good. We’re relatively healthy and we’ll be ready to go.”

A lot of people working together were necessary to pull off training camp all across the league. Protocols and safety measures were put in place in order to keep players, coaches, and personnel safe. Reid praised the collaborative effort that it took from everyone to make training camp go without a hitch.

“Well, there was some responsibility that took place with the players taking care of themselves and the coaches taking care of themselves, just physically with the virus surrounding the different areas,” Reid said. “So, we were able to work our way through it and I thought we got things accomplished. And the guys stayed focused on the job at hand. So, I was proud of it and proud of the guys for the way all of us handled it.

“The organization, the plan that they had—Rick Burkholder, Mark Donovan, Mitch Reynolds and Kirsten (Krug) was involved with it—these people gave up their summers to make sure that we could pull this off safely—Rocco (Mazzella), who’s in charge of our facility here and his crew. It’s important though that we don’t pull the pedal off the gas here, that we continue on in all the directions that have been presented this camp and that we continue to focus on all the things we need to do, not only to play the Texans but also going forward, obviously with the racial situations.”

With training camp now in the rearview mirror, the emphasis for Kansas City moves to the regular season, defending their Lombardi Trophy and pursuing a brand new one. Like training camp, the upcoming season will be unconventional in many ways. It too will require a collaborative effort so that the team may successfully and safely navigate the various challenges they face.

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