Tag: Tamba Hali

Chris Jones is approaching a Chiefs legend on the franchise’s most career sacks list

Chris Jones is approaching a Kansas City #Chiefs legend Justin Houston on the franchise’s most career sacks list | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 regular season is entering its third week, and multiple players are already approaching milestones for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to the media on Thursday about moving up the franchise’s most career sacks list.

“Listen, those are the guys that came in here and laid the foundation for me to look forward to and try to one day even get close to their names and stuff,” said Jones. “When you go from players like (Chiefs 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee) Tamba Hali, (Former NFL player) Justin Houston, and most importantly (PFHOF) Derrick Thomas, who is the all-time (sack) leader, I think, at 126.5 (sacks) – but who’s counting?

Jones is trailing four Chiefs legends on the all-time sacks leaders list, with Justin Houston being the closest to overtake this season. Houston stands at 78.5 sacks, with Jones currently only two behind after having last week’s half a sack rescinded by the NFL.

“You look up to those types of guys because they set the foundation of what greatness should look like and what to be superior looks like,” said Jones. “When my name is even mentioned at the bottom of that category, it’s an honor, but there’s still a lot of more work to do.”

Jones was unhappy about his half-sack being taken away but is poised to continue to add to his career resume.

Tamba Hali on coaching Chiefs’ young pass rushers in the offseason

In an interview with KC Sports Network, #Chiefs legend Tamba Hali spoke about working with George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah in the offseason.

Kansas City Chiefs fans get excited when they hear the name Tamba Hali and they should be glad to hear the All-Pro defensive end is still involved with the team in his retirement.

Hali played his entire professional career in Kansas City and has been working with the Chiefs’ newest crop of pass-rushing talent in the offseason.

During an interview with KC Sports Network, Hali described the training he has done with George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

In his comments, Hali revealed that Karlaftis was the first to reach out to him to ask for help and that he later involved Anudike-Uzomah in the offseason program.

Judging from his comments, Hali sounded like he was impressed with the young pass rushers and seemed confident in their ability to continue progressing in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

Keep your eye on Karlaftis and Anudike-Uzomah during Kansas City’s Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5.

Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah reflects on off-season training with Tamba Hali

Kansas City #Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah reflects on off-season training with Tamba Hali | @EdEastonJr

The expectations are high for defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah heading into his second season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He didn’t play much in his rookie year, but after off-season workouts with a perennial Pro Bowler, he should be ready to make an immediate impact in 2024.

Chiefs legend Tamba Hali has worked with young defensive linemen George Karlaftis and Anudike-Uzomah throughout the offseason, utilizing his wisdom on the young group. Anudike-Uzomah spoke with reporters on Friday after practice about the lessons he’s learned from Hali.

“The motivation with his knowledge of the game and how he had so much success in his years in Kansas City,” said Anudike-Uzomah. “He basically just saw that knowledge on me and just couldn’t help me and George (Karlaftis) get our game better, get-offs, handwork, and stuff like that.”

Anudike-Uzomah took advice from the Chiefs coaching staff before the offseason to work on his fundamentals.

“Talking to some of my coaches was a major thing I had to work on in my offseason,” said Anudike-Uzomah.” So I got to work outside of the Chiefs facility, got to work with Tamba, and just make sure my get-off is straight so I can be ready for the season.”

Veteran Charles Omenihu’s injury recovery process opens the door for more opportunities for Anudike-Uzomah. The former first-round pick is eager to make his mark on defense while putting in the work at training camp.

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).

WATCH: Tamba Hali thanks Clark Hunt for induction into Chiefs Hall of Fame

Tamba Hali thanked Clark Hunt for inducting him into the #Chiefs Hall of Fame in a video posted by the team this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs have hosted some of the most electric players in NFL history over the years, but perhaps none had more impact on the team than Tamba Hali.

A first-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft, Hali rose to prominence in Kansas City as one of the league’s preeminent sack-masters. He was announced as the team’s newest inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame last week and gave a speech on Thursday thanking Clark Hunt for the prestigious honor.

Check out what Hali had to say in this video of his speech that was posted to social media on Thursday:

Clearly, the prolific pass rusher was humbled by his selection as the team’s inductee and didn’t take the honor lightly. Kansas City’s fans are sure to be pleased that Hali is getting the recognition he deserves, especially given his active role in teaching young Chiefs the ropes during the offseason.

Chiefs announce Tamba Hali will be inducted into Ring of Honor in 2024

Tamba Hali will be the 53rd member of the #Chiefs’ Hall of Fame.

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that former Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali (2006-17) will be inducted into the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame this season. He’ll become the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor.

“My family and I are thrilled to announce Tamba Hali as this year’s inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said via Saturday’s press release. “From the day we drafted Tamba in 2006, he has inspired our fans with electrifying performances on the field and outstanding character off the field. Throughout his illustrious career, Tamba was respected and admired by his teammates, as he moved from defensive end to outside linebacker in his fourth season and quickly became a Pro Bowler. His stats speak for themselves, establishing him as one of the great defensive players in Chiefs history. And he is perhaps even more impressive off the field. Tamba’s remarkable personal journey has molded a man of integrity, resilience, and determination. He has given back to the community in Kansas City, in New Jersey, and in his childhood home of Liberia. Chiefs Kingdom, all around the world, is cheering for him today.”

Hali 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 was named to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team, was selected to the Pro Bowl five consecutive seasons from 2011-15, and was named to the AP All-Pro second team twice (2011 and 2013). Hali earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors four times in his career, tied for the second most by any Chiefs defender.

Since retiring, Hali has been a fixture in helping to train young defensive players, most recently George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

WATCH: Chiefs legend Tamba Hali working out with Felix Anudike-Uzomah

#Chiefs legend Tamba Hali was seen working out with Felix Anudike-Uzomah in a video posted to Twitter before the 2024 NFL Draft.

The future of the Kansas City Chiefs defense is filled with plenty of hope following the changes from this offseason. Felix Anudike-Uzomah was Kansas City’s first-round draft pick last year and is expected to take a significant jump in production after linking up with a franchise legend.

Since his retirement, Former Chiefs star Tamba Hali has garnered a reputation for training young talent in the offseason. He notably worked out with George Karlaftis and saw considerable improvement in production.

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Karlaftis finished his second season with 47 tackles, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes defended, sparking high hopes for Hali’s latest project, Anudike-Uzomah.

Hali posted a video featuring the former Kansas State star working on several techniques in the trenches. The Chiefs re-signed several players from the defensive line during the offseason, hoping to build on a successful 2023 campaign. Anudike-Uzomah had 14 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 14 games as a rookie.

Chiefs legend Tamba Hali to serve as drum honoree for Wild Card matchup vs. Dolphins

#Chiefs legend Tamba Hali will serve as the drum honoree for Kansas City’s playoff matchup against the #Dolphins on Saturday.

Sparks are sure to fly during the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup against the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card round of the AFC playoffs on Saturday. The frigid weather conditions predicted for the game and Tyreek Hill’s return to Kansas City have been key storylines ahead of the elimination tilt, but a major announcement on Thursday has provided an extra layer of intrigue to the game.

Legendary pass rusher Tamba Hali has been chosen to serve as the drum honoree for the consequential playoff matchup and should have no problem getting fans riled up as they endure the frosty temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium.

Hali, who played for the Chiefs from 2006 until his retirement in 2017, spent his entire career in Kansas City and is among the team’s most beloved icons of his era. He tallied 89.5 sacks throughout his 12-year career with the Chiefs, and became something of an institution on Kansas City’s defense, especially when he was paired with fellow pass rushers Jared Allen and Justin Houston.

George Karlaftis describes Chiefs legend Tamba Hali as his ‘mentor’

Karlaftis described #Chiefs legend Tamba Hali as his mentor when telling reporters about his preparation for the 2023 season after practice.

The Kansas City Chiefs have selected edge rushers in the first rounds of consecutive drafts and are committed to getting after opposing quarterbacks with extreme prejudice during the 2023 season.

One of the team’s most legendary pass rushers, Tamba Hali, has even stepped in to help Kansas City develop their newest crop of defensive ends, as second-year lineman George Karlaftis explained to reporters after Wednesday’s practice.

“Tamba [has] taught me a lot from a mental and physical perspective,” Karlaftis told the media. “Pass rushing, run stopping, the mentality. Just a lot. He’s a great friend and mentor.”

Hali’s continued presence with the Chiefs in his retirement should be a welcome sign for fans who remember the legendary seasons he put up with Justin Houston and Jared Allen in the 2000s and 2010s.

Now in the 2020s, it seems that Kansas City is keen to rejuvenate their defensive system with top-tier bookend pass rushers in Karlaftis and 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

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George Karlaftis shows appreciation for former Chiefs stars Frank Clark, Tamba Hali

#Chiefs DE George Karlaftis spoke about his relationship with Frank Clark and provided insight into working with Tamba Hali this offseason.

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The Kansas City Chiefs 2022 rookie class played a significant role in the team’s championship run. Contributions from both sides of the ball, with rookies seeing impactful minutes throughout the postseason and making game-winning plays.

One of the many first-year standouts was George Karlaftis, who proved quickly he could be a force on the defensive line. He played spot moments primarily as a reserve but was a critical component of the Chiefs’ pass rush toward the end of the regular season. After the Chiefs parted ways with veteran Frank Clark at the start of the offseason, it immediately opened up more potential opportunities for Karlaftis in 2023.

Karlaftis discussed the impact of Clark with reporters on Tuesday during their one season together, as the veteran has since signed with the Denver Broncos.

“I love Frank,” said Karlaftis. “He meant the world to me. Great person; you got to do what you got to do. You know, it’s his business, but I love him. And he just taught me so much that I’ll take not only with me for this as a professional football player but in life too.”

Karlaftis has also been in touch with Chiefs legend Tamba Hali to improve his technique heading into the new year.

“I knew there were some Chiefs players and guys that had been a part of the organization that lives in town,” said Karlaftis. “I reached out to him (Tamba Hali) to get some knowledge, and it turned out to be a great mentorship.”

Karlaftis finished the 2022 season with 33 tackles, six sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He showed that he could do more damage with more time on the field and consistent opportunity.

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