Sony Michel reflects on Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s Super Bowl LVIII-winning catch w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Georgia Bulldogs legend Sony Michel, who starred as one of the top running backs in the country from 2014 to 2017 before becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Michel reveals that he teamed up with Kingsford last weekend to tailgate at his alma mater, the University of Georgia. The former Rose Bowl hero shared his thoughts on former college teammate and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl LVIII.
“You may not win every game, but you can win every tailgate with Kingsford,” said Michel as he embraced the return to his alma mater, grilling with students in attendance for the Bulldogs’ victory over the Tennessee Volunteers while hosting the latest stop of the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour.’
Michel and current Chiefs receiver Hardman were teammates for two seasons in Georgia. He maintains a friendship with the three-time Super Bowl champion and recalls watching the thrilling ending to last season’s Super Bowl.
“Him (Mecole Hardman) catching the game-winning touchdown. It was amazing to see you talking about a guy I’ve seen work since those college days, getting to see his hard work come to light right from the biggest stage,” said Michel. “I know what it feels like to score in those games, and it’s a wonderful feeling.”
“I was happy for him. The only thing that’s crazy, it sucks, like he’s got one up on me now. He has three Super Bowls; I have two. So that’s one of the conversations we have all the time, where it’s just like, Man, I can’t, I’m not coming out of retirement, to try to catch you. So, I’m super excited for him and how his career is going.”
Sony Michel recalls his performance in the 2018 AFC Championship game vs. the Chiefs w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former New England Patriots running back Sony Michel, who played with the team from 2018 to 2020, winning a Super Bowl during his rookie season.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Michel—who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour‘ at the recent Georgia vs. Tennessee SEC matchup in Athens, Georgia—explained the partnership and reflected on one of the best games of his career at the Kansas City Chiefs’ expense.
“Oh man, this partnership was awesome. When it was brought up to me, I thought it was a great opportunity to get a chance to get a chance to get back on the grill,” said Michel. “I just recently moved after post-retirement, and I needed a grill, you know, for Saturday and Sunday’s football. So, you know, that was a cool opportunity. Then, I could return to Athens and partner with them to have one of the best tailgates. So I thought that was cool.”
Michel took some time to share his experience during the thrilling 2018 AFC Championship game vs. the Chiefs. He notably ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries in the 37–31 overtime road victory.
“The atmosphere was crazy. It was rocking,” Michel explained. “It was almost like a college atmosphere, and it was something I was completely used to playing in the SEC. The other big thing I remember, man, was that it was super cold.
It was like negative 12 degrees, the coldest game I’ve ever played. So, I had to bring a different level of mental toughness to that game, and knowing that I was going to carry the ball a good bit, I was going to stay warm for the most part. But even though I carried the ball so much, it was so cold that I still was freezing in that game.”
The Chiefs were infamously called offsides on the potential game-sealing moment defensively, allowing the Patriots to extend the drive.
“So I do remember that, and some of those big plays that happened in the game really impacted the game. It stands out to me,” said Michel. “One of them is that punt return from (Julian) Edelman. They were reviewing the play. It almost felt like 30 minutes of reviewing that play because that was one of the biggest points to the game that could have changed the outcome. That was an amazing game, an amazing memory.”
Sony Michel explains the Super Bowl culture he learned from the New England #Patriots w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Sony Michel, a Two-time Super Bowl champion and former New England Patriots running back.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Michel discussed teaming up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Georgia vs. Tennessee game at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
He revealed his grilling preparation technique and reflected on learning the ‘Patriot Way’ as part of the Super Bowl culture in New England.
“As far as prepping it, man, we prep the meat, season the meat easily, and you slap it on. It’s the feet. It’s super simple, so cliche to say, but you’re talking about the easiest process and also super safe, man, because you’re talking about, I got two little ones.” said Michel. “So easy to use while they’re around. They don’t get too close. But you’re talking about easy and safe. So there’s no way that you know I would feel more comfortable with it, especially since I have experience of it working for me.”
The preparation didn’t end at the grill for Michel, who was focused during his game preparation while he was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams. The first team he learned the culture as a rookie in New England.
“So many different factors come into play, and the biggest one is teamwork. Everyone is doing their job,” Michel explained. “It’s like one big puzzle, and the goal is to complete it so you can see the outcome. So it’s all about everyone being a piece of the puzzle, coming together to connect, and no one feeling bigger than the team. No one, feeling like, Hey, man, my stats matter.”
In his rookie season with the Patriots, Michel was a key factor on offense, playing efficiently throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
“It’s about the end goal, and that’s to win championships for the most part. I think the biggest thing for us is we relied on each other when it came to playing. That was huge in those little pieces coming together to get that finished product. That was kind of the ‘Patriot Way,’ like we didn’t do anything outside the box. We did everything fairly textbook, consistent, and we knew what we wanted.”
Super Bowl champion Sony Michel discusses Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ evolution since first season w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Sony Michel, a Two-time Super Bowl champion and former New England Patriots running back.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Michel—who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Georgia vs. Tennessee tailgate at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia— revealed his go-to grilling meals and his thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s growth after facing off with him twice during his first MVP season in 2018.
“I won’t say I have a specialty or a go-to; it’s all about what I’m feeling at the moment,” said Michel of his grilling preferences. “Sometimes you can be so versatile, throwing some wings on a grill. I’m a big wing guy; last night, I just decided, man, let me throw some burgers and hot dogs on for the kids, and myself and that’s what I did. The cool thing about it is that it is super easy and super simple; it’s just that it makes cooking so easy.”
Michel faced off against Mahomes and the Chiefs twice during the quarterback’s MVP season in 2018, including the memorable AFC Championship overtime game at Arrowhead Stadium. He witnessed his evolution and its effect on the team becoming a dynasty today.
“I did (see the Chiefs’ growth), especially having a good quarterback,” Michel explained. “I’m a big believer that you gotta have a good quarterback to win football games. They have one of the best in the game, and he can continue to do great things. We’re seeing that today. So we all knew it. We were all prepared for it, like just seeing it back then. We knew how effective he was, so it’s no surprise where they are today.”
#Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles spoke to Ed Easton Jr. about grilling, his thoughts Travis Kelce’s critics, and his drum honoree experience. | w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend and fan favorite running back Jamaal Charles.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Charles, who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Red River Rivalry tailgate, revealed his favorite food to grill, thoughts on recent criticisms of Travis Kelce’s, and his experience being the Chiefs’ drum honoree in Week 5.
“I like lamb chops, and I do oxtails sometimes, as well as turkey legs, man, and I’ll smoke and barbecue chicken wings,” Charles said, when describing his favorite meats to grill after hosting a successful Red River Rivalry tailgate with Kingsford. “I love wings. Man, I’m a big-wings person.”
Many critics questioned whether All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce had lost a step statistically due to the season’s slow start. Charles shot down that notion and defended his former teammate.
“I think I wouldn’t pay attention to that, all those politics, all that I think Travis (Kelce) is every once in a while, coming around with players who don’t really have a great start, they really don’t play well at the beginning,” Charles explained. “I think it’s all fantasy football, man, as long as I think the Chiefs are not worrying about that. I think the organization’s not worrying about that. I just feel like they are winning. Who cares? I don’t think Travis cares about that much, either.”
The Chiefs announced that Charles would serve as the drum honoree before their week 5 Monday night game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. He appreciated the honor of embracing fans again in Kansas City.
“It was awesome, and I got that Juju feeling again. Man, I feel the fans showing me love and giving me that energy. Man, I really feel like I am about to play,” said Charles. “I got hyped up, saying I was ready. I started doing dance moves. I never started doing I was on the drums up there, but it was. It was exciting to be out there and see the fans in a Monday night game and the guys pulling through for the Saints; it was awesome.”
Ed Easton Jr. spoke to #Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles about grilling with fans at a Kingsford tailgate and Xavier Worthy’s rookie season. | w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend and franchise leading rusher Jamaal Charles.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Charles, who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Red River Rivalry tailgate, discussed his enjoyment of grilling with fans and fellow Texas Longhorns alum Xavier Worthy’s rookie season in Kansas City.
“[It was] an [awesome] opportunity to team [up with] Kingsford. Grill some good barbecue on the grill, and [got to] smell that good old charcoal. It was an awesome time. [I was] able to grill, and we were cooking some chicken that day,” Charles said. “[I was] able to cook some of the chicken and eat something. It was awesome, [to] pass it around to some of the fans. Man, you just saw the smile on their faces [for] Kingsford, and it was awesome to let them get some of that good old barbecue.”
“You may not win every game, you can win every tailgate with Kingsford,” said Charles as he greeted fans at the latest edition of the River Rivalry, which saw the Longhorns win 34-3 over the Oklahoma Sooners.
Charles’ alma mater continues to produce top-tier NFL talent, including Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
“Man, seeing another Longhorn representing the University of Texas is good,” Charles said of Worthy’s presence in Kansas City. “We always have a good connection with the Chiefs. They always draft some of them. They do a great job drafting the Longhorns players and we always go up there and try to represent. I’m just happy that (Xavier) Worthy is having great success. I knew he would have great success because Coach Andy Reid was one of the best coaches I’ve been around in my entire career. So I knew he had a great opportunity to continue the success.”
Ed Easton Jr. spoke to #Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles about Patrick Mahomes touchdown run against the #49ers and Kareem Hunt’s return to K.C. | w/ @EdEastonJr
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles, who was one of the top running backs in the NFL from 2008 until his retirement in 2019.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Charles, who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Red River Rivalry tailgate, reflected on the grilling experience, Patrick Mahomes’ trucking touchdown run in Week 7, and Kareem Hunt’s Kansas City comeback.
“The smell and the smoke, the charcoal, the fire, flavor, and experience of bringing friends and family together over some delicious food,” said Charles. “It’s just a good vibe and Kingsford is my go-to when it comes to fueling my grill in the game; It helps you play well on the field, too, as well.”
#AD I’ll be at the @Kingsford tailgate this afternoon at the Texas State Fair for the rivalry. Stop by to see me flexing my grilling skills! 🔥Who ya got this year??
Charles was eager to weigh in on Patrick Mahomes’ outstanding touchdown run against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend, and gave his thoughts on the reigning Super Bowl MVP’s ability to lower the boom on defensive back Malik Mustapha.
Though the legendary running back was impressed, he made it clear that Mahomes was playing a dangerous game by putting his body on the line.
“That’s the nature of football. Man. Pat (Patrick Mahomes) got one that day, he got up on him.” Charles explained. “That’s a football play. I don’t really think it’s a really big deal. I think he just got up on that day. He got lucky because it could have went the other way.”
One of the Chiefs’ most significant contributors this season has been the returning Kareem Hunt, who stepped in as the starting running back while Isiah Pacheco recovered from injury. Charles shared his happiness for Hunt and his potential to finally win a Super Bowl with Kansas City.
“Yeah, I’m happy, man, because, I mean, that’s just like reminding me of me if I have the opportunity to go back and play for the Chiefs right now,” said Charles. “Man, it would be awesome, man. So, with Kareem getting the opportunity to go back and finish what he’s been able to, he could have won a couple of championships when he was there, with Tyreek (Hill) getting on a guy. So, just to see him back and get another shot at the opportunity. Man, I wish that were me. I’m happy for him that he got a shot to go for a ring; if he finishes like that, after all the situation he has been through, and I see him win a championship, man, I know that would be a highlight of his career.”
Anthony ‘Spice’ Adams preached simplicity when it came to solving the Bears’ problems on offense.
You can pick out pretty much any negative adjective or term to describe the 2020 Chicago Bears offense and any one of them would be valid. The unit ranks in the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category. Now that they’re out of their bye week with six games to go, can they turn things around to go on a late-season run? One former Bear lays out the recipe on how to do just that and more.
Former Bears defensive tackle and social media star Anthony “Spice” Adams gave his advice and thoughts to Bears Wire on how Chicago can remedy their offensive woes. Adams also shared as his thoughts on the running game, who on the Bears reminds him of a younger Spice and even grilling tips for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Adams, who played defensive tackle for the Bears from 2007-11, preached simplicity when it came to solving the Bears’ problems on offense.
“Just throw away half of the playbook,” Adams said, literally. “You look at an offensive players playbook, and that thing weighs 50 pounds. Get it down to 25 pounds. Get it to something where, the offensive line, they love mauling people. Give them an offense where they can maul somebody, where they can double team the nose, double team the three technique, on up to the linebacker. Run some powers, get back to the nitty gritty, put a fullback in there and go ‘I’ formation. Go goal line on the 20 yard line and make sure we are going to run the ball. We’re going to run power, we’re going to run trap, counter.
“All the bread and butter. Get back to the smash mouth, snot in your nose football. Get back to the basics. Then, everything else will open up. Once you establish that run game, teams got to respect it. They have to. Then that’s going to open up the play action.”
The running game is an area that has plagued coach Nagy over the course of his tenure with the Bears, who has lost the luster from his shine recently. Adams believes the offense has become too predictable over the last few weeks.
“The offense is sputtering,” he said. “Sometimes we move the ball well when we absolutely need to, but sometimes we go three and out. We haven’t been able to run the ball as effectively as we normally would, which kind of allows teams to peel their ears back and just go ‘I know the Bears aren’t going to run on me and if they do run, they’re going to try and run with Cordarrelle Patterson and it’s not going to work. We’ve seen that a billion times. Teams are making us one dimensional. The fact that we’re not going down the field with that, because we can’t, we’re not getting the protection that we need to. A lot of teams are peeling their ears back and trying to rush the passer to get to our quarterback.”
The Bears certainly have become one dimensional, as they rank third in the NFL in pass attempts per game. Fortunately, fans won’t have to carve time out of their Thanksgiving holiday this year to watch the offense underperform and can instead focus on the cooking, or grilling in Spice’s case.
“I’ve partnered with Kingsford and they’ve been sending me these pellets and I’ve been using a smoker tube and I put the pellets in there,” Adams said. “I let the smoke do the cooking of the turkey, the chicken, or the ham. There’s nothing like that bold, smoky flavor, especially from Kingsford pellets because they’re 100% hardwood. There’s nothing like the smoke of a hickory, or a mesquite.”
Adams offered up a quick and easy meal to prepare on the grill as well; A whole chicken.
“Just get like a smaller version, something you can put a little TLC in and you can start in the morning and cook as long as you want,” he said. “Just let the smoke do the work, get some Kingsford pellets in that thing and woo!”
Spice was fired up about his grilling opportunities this Thanksgiving and had lots of praise for Kingsford, but also had that same enthusiasm for a current Bears player on the defensive line. When asked which player reminded him of himself during his playing days, Adams didn’t hesitate.
“I like Bilal (Nichols),” he said of the third-year pro. “I think Bilal is one of those hard-working guys who has a chip on his shoulder, has something that he has to prove. He’s been getting better every year. He can play multiple positions because he’s so athletic. He can play end, he can play on the inside. With Eddie Goldman opting out of the season, it was a chance for him to get in the middle and show what he can do there and he’s been flourishing there. I like his motor, I like his attitude. I think he’s a good, young player that’s going to last a long time in this league.”
Nichols and the defense have continued to be one of the top units in the NFL, while the offense maintains its status as one of the worst. Will Nagy and the coaching staff take Adams’ advice this Sunday evening and commit to the running game like they did in September? Should the Bears want to make a run at the postseason, they’ll first have to run the ball to get their offense in gear and take pressure off the quarterback. Better start ripping those pages, Nagy.
