Tag: tight end

Former Broncos TEs coach takes over as UNC-Charlotte’s interim coach

Tim Brewster, who coached Broncos tight ends from 2005-2006, has been named interim head coach of the Charlotte 49ers.

A former Denver Broncos assistant coach is getting a head coach job at the college level, at least on an interim basis.

After parting ways with Biff Poggi halfway through their season, the Charlotte 49ers have named Tim Brewster their interim head coach.

Brewster, 64, is a veteran coach who served as Denver’s tight ends coach from 2005-2006. The Broncos’ top tight ends in those two seasons Jeb Putzier, Stephen Alexander and Tony Scheffler.

Brewster left Denver in 2007 to become the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. After going 15-30 over four seasons, Brewster was let go in 2010. Since then, he has spent time with eight other colleges, each time as an assistant coach.

Before joining UNC-Charlotte as an associate head coach and tight ends coach earlier this year, Brewster served as Colorado’s tight ends coach under Deion Sanders in 2023. He also coached with Sanders at Jackson State in 2022. Before that, Brewster spent time at Florida, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida State and Mississippi State.

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes explains Noah Gray’s efficiency this season: ‘He’s learned a ton from Trav’

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes explains Noah Gray’s efficiency this season: ‘He’s learned a ton from Trav’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs offense has utilized the services of a great pass-catching tight end throughout the franchise’s history. Patrick Mahomes spoke with reporters on Wednesday, praising a tight end on his roster who has been making plays lately, but he is not named Travis Kelce.

“He (Noah Gray) does everything the right way. He’s learned a ton from Trav (Travis Kelce), and so he knows how to work within the rules of the offense and get himself open,” said Mahomes. “He’s just a guy that’s going to be in the right spot, so as a quarterback, if you’re going to give him the football, he’s going to make the play happen. He’s not going to talk a lot. He’s going to come in – he’s going to come to work, do his job, but at the same time, those are the guys you want on your team because you
know that he’s going to do whatever it takes to win.”

Gray scored his first two touchdowns this season in last Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, registering his first-career multi-touchdown performance. The two touchdown receptions on the season match his single-season career high from the 2023 season. He tied a single-game career-high with four receptions for 23 yards and two touchdowns.

Former Colts TE Ben Utecht describes his experience playing with Peyton Manning

Former Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht describes his experience playing with Peyton Manning w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Utecht discussed his collaboration with his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, on developing the Shower Sockᵀᴹ and his experience playing with pro football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

“We assembled a team of student engineers (University of Minnesota) to start the prototyping process,” Utecht said of the development of the Shower Sockᵀᴹ. “We also built out some teaching opportunities, where I had a chance to come in and provide some teaching and coaching around organizational culture. This is my passion outside this business, as I work with companies and help them build championship cultures using the Tony Dungy model.

“They wanted to bring that into their ecosystem. So, I had a chance to pour into the students and faculty as well. In return, they partnered with me to help me build this prototype to launch in the marketplace. So I hope that partnership will remain as we begin a hard launch and build a larger product line over time.”

Utecht played four seasons for the Colts after going undrafted in 2004 out of Minnesota. He credits the culture during his tenure with the franchise, especially with Manning as quarterback, pushing him to be a better player.

“Peyton Manning’s skill level actually removed or balanced the pressure,” Utecht explained. “When you have somebody like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or Drew Brees, you have an example of a true professional who stewards every moment. The day is different than the rest, elevating every player’s performance on the field, naturally and subconsciously. It just everybody’s confidence goes up. Everybody’s attention to detail goes up. Everybody’s energy, you know, and what they’re giving on every play increases, and you don’t even really realize it’s happening.”

Utecht started in the Colts Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears. He finished with one catch for eight yards.

“So when you have a quarterback, that is a master of the football chess game. You trust that he will put you in the best position to win every time,” said Utecht. “So when the ball is coming to you, it’s because of what he’s seen, and you’re the person that’s open. If he places the ball on your back hip, it’s because he’s telling you that the corner is coming from the outside, so you need to adjust and come back inside, or else you’ll get hit. I mean, that’s how specific Peyton was on his ability to put the ball in the right place to give you the best chance to win. And that actually removes pressure because, because of the ability, the amount of trust you have in that player has increased dramatically.”

For more information on the Shower Sock, log on to ShowerSock.com & follow on X, Instagram and Facebook

Chiefs TE Noah Gray isn’t celebrating career game after Week 11 loss: ‘Doesn’t really matter’

Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Noah Gray isn’t celebrating career game after Week 11 loss: ‘Doesn’t really matter’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray was a prime target for Patrick Mahomes in Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. In his postgame press conference, Gray explained to reporters that his accolades were second to the team’s success.

“I mean, it doesn’t really matter because the only thing I think that does matter is the win, but that was a great Buffalo team out there. Played us extremely hard.” said Gray. “All the guys on our side played extremely hard and grind it out from the O-Line receivers to Pat (Patrick Mahomes). Yeah, and, unfortunately, we lost, but you know, that was a really good Buffalo team, and unfortunate that we lost, but we’re looking forward to next week.”

In the first half, on a third-and-two, Patrick Mahomes found Gray for a two-yard touchdown reception to give the Chiefs the lead, 14-13. Gray caught a one-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to pull the Chiefs within two of the Bills, 23-21.

The scores marked Gray’s first touchdowns this season, registering his first-career multi-touchdown performance. His two touchdown receptions on the season match his single-season career high from the 2023 season. He ended the night by tying a single-game career-high with four receptions for 23 yards and two touchdowns.

Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht talks Chiefs tight end legends Tony Gonzalez, Travis Kelce 

Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht talks #Chiefs tight end legends Tony Gonzalez and Travis Kelce w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Super Bowl XLI champion Ben Utecht.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Utecht discussed his collaboration with his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, on developing the Shower Sock and his thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce revolutionizing the tight end position. 

“I grew up in Minnesota and chose to stay home and play for the Gophers,” Utecht explained. “I had a great career there, built many relationships, and was not just in the athletic department. When I came up with this idea, my first instinct was to return to the Bakken Medical Device Center at the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Medical Center is one of the top four in the country, and I knew they would be able to direct and guide me through this process. They were just absolutely amazing.”

Utecht partnered with global med-tech executives Mario Nozzarella and Heinrich Von Solms to develop the product further. They secured US and international patents and trademarks and developed the manufacturing and chemical application process for what has now become the Shower Sockᵀᴹ.

The former First-team All-Big Ten tight end has appreciated the position’s growth since retiring in 2009. He acknowledged the greatness of two Chiefs legends at the position and how it’s evolved over the years. 

“When you think about the progression over the last 15 years, when I came out, Tony Gonzalez was the pinnacle,” Utecht said. “He was, at his all-time greatest, not an overly fast tight end but an amazing position receiver, somebody who was knowledgeable about the game and could incorporate that to put himself in positions on the field where he knew the gaps in the defense.

“Then, we progressed to Jeremy Shockey, and then we progressed to Rob Gronkowski. And now you’ve got this combination of players who have speed, know how to put themselves in the right positions, and have the courage to put their bodies into the block on the line of scrimmage. I think (Travis) Kelce is an excellent example of all the above.”

Utecht also credits the coaches’ game plans, including Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, with affecting today’s tight ends. 

“Something that goes a little undervalued or doesn’t get discussed is the coaching side; You must have an offensive staff and philosophy built toward the tight end,” Utecht explained. “You have to have a scheme that allows somebody with Travis Kelce’s talent to know how to take advantage of it, and they do that very well. The 49ers did that very well, and the Patriots, with Rob Gronkowski, did that very well. The Colts, with Dallas Clark and myself, did that very well.

“So when you have the suitable scheme and the right coaching strategy on top of the physical ability to do every aspect of the tight end position, which is second to the quarterback, has the greatest responsibility because you have to be in the backfield, you have to be in the slot, you have to be out wide, you’ve got to be on the line of scrimmage, you’ve got to pass protect, you’ve got to run block. So there’s nothing that the tight end doesn’t do, and so, yeah, hats off to what the Chiefs have done with his career, and he’s a great talent, and it’s no surprise that he’s going to go down in history as one of the greatest tight ends to play the game.”

For more information on the Shower Sock, log on to ShowerSock.com & follow on X, Instagram and Facebook

Chiefs Dave Toub sees potential in a recently elevated tight end: ‘A three-phase player for us’

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Toub sees potential in tight end Peyton Hendershot: ‘A three-phase player for us’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ special teams unit has played well this season, as players rotate often due to injury and needs in the offensive and defensive gameplans. Coordinator Dave Toub is proud of his group but acknowledged the work and potential of former practice squad tight end Peyton Hendershot.

“Yeah, he (Peyton Hendershot) was a good player in Dallas. I talked to (Cowboys Special Teams Coordinator John) Fassel down there, and he called me immediately as soon as we traded for him, and he said, ‘You got my guy.’ He does a good job.” said Toub. “He can run and does a good job; he’s real physical. He understands, has good instincts, and helped us in that game. He was able to step in on a short – you know, obviously, when he (Jared Wiley) got hurt – he got (called up)on short notice and was able to be a three-phase player for us in that game, so it helped.”

Hendershot made his season debut for the Chiefs in last Monday’s overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will likely play prominently on special teams, but, as Toub said, he should see time on offense filling in for injured tight ends Jody Fortson and Jared Wiley. He had 15 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown during his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Former Broncos draft bust is now a free agent

The Eagles cut former Broncos fourth-round draft pick Albert Okwuegbunam this week.

The Philadelphia Eagles released tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on Tuesday, making him a free agent.

Okwuegbunam (6-5, 258 pounds) was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Missouri. After reuniting with former college teammate Drew Lock, “Albert O” was projected to serve as Denver’s top receiving tight end.

Okwuegbunam was relatively productive when healthy — he totaled 33 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in his second season — but the tight end struggled to stay on the field with the Broncos.

Okwuegbunam missed 24 games during a three-year tenure in Denver before being traded to the Eagles ahead of the 2023 season. The Broncos sent “Albert O” and a seventh-round draft pick to Philly in exchange for a sixth-round pick. He dressed for four games with the Eagles last fall but only drew one target and did not record any catches.

Okwuegbunam started the 2024 season on injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery. After recovering from that surgery, “Albert O” was cut by Philly. The 26-year-old tight end now hits free agency with 54 receptions for 546 yards and four touchdowns on his resume.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce discusses his fumble vs. Buccaneers: ‘I almost handed it away’

Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce discusses his fumble vs. the Tampa Bay #Buccaneers: ‘I almost handed it away’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled out a thrilling overtime victory in the pouring rain on Monday Night Football. The Arrowhead Stadium crowd supported their stars, including tight end Travis Kelce, who had a career night.

After the 30-24 victory, Kelce sat down with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, recapping his fourteen-catch, 100-yard night in front of the fans of Chiefs Kingdom. He immediately addressed his fumble in the first half, stalling a promising drive.

“I almost handed it away today a few times, and I’m lucky that my guys were right there for me,” said Kelce. “It’s a culture, man. It’s a culture set from the big man (Andy Reid) down, and everybody just believes at all times that we’re gonna get it done because we’ve done it in the past. We keep doing it on nights like tonight. I’ll tell you what when Arrowhead (Stadium) is rocking like it was tonight. Man, it’s hard to lose in this place.”

The Chiefs have now won a record fourteen consecutive games, counting back to last season, and Kelce and his teammates credit the winning culture.

Broncos Super Bowl 50 champion Cody Latimer retires from football

Cody Latimer, who won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos in 2015, has retired from pro football.

Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Cody Latimer is hanging up his cleats.

“Thank you football!!!” Latimer wrote on his Instagram page on Monday. “This game has taken me places i would’ve never imagined… Onto the next chapter!! 💪🏾💪🏾”

Latimer, 32, was picked by the Broncos in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Indiana. He spent the first four years of his career in Denver, hauling in 35 receptions for 445 yards and three touchdowns in 45 games.

Latimer played 24 snaps on special teams and two snaps on offense in the team’s 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

After his contract with the Broncos expired, Latimer spent two years with the New York Giants. He later had a brief stint with the Washington Commanders before three years out of football.

Latimer returned to the gridiron with the XFL’s Orlando Guardians in 2023 and transitioned to tight end. After making the All-XFL team in 2023, Latimer joined the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2024. He totaled 36 receptions for 391 yards and one touchdown this spring before being placed on injured reserve.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9B5w0xWan/?hl=en&img_index=10

Congrats to Latimer on his nine-year career in professional football.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce discusses DeAndre Hopkins’ veteran presence: ‘He’s just professional’

Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce discusses DeAndre Hopkins’ veteran presence: ‘He’s just professional’ | @EdEastonJr

The moves being made by the Kansas City Chiefs front office are preparing the team for a hopeful three-peat run. Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce serves as a leader on the team, and he doesn’t hold back on uplifting new teammates when they join the organization.

On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce praised DeAndre Hopkins’ immediate veteran presence on the team.

“It’s awesome, man. Having D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) in the building, have another vet, a guy, he’s such a,  I call him ‘Swag Champ’ when you get a vet into the building, and he juices everybody’s confidence up,” said Kelce. “He juices everybody, like the aura and the fun that you have in the building and just going to work. He’s just another guy that you can always rely on to show up and put in the work, but enjoy what he’s doing and try and have some fun with it. Man, he’s been awesome stepping up and stepping into the building.”

Hopkins will have a more prominent role in the offense after his brief cameo in the Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

“He had two days, Thursday and Friday during practice, to get timing with Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and in the offense to try and kind of get into the routine, everything with coach (Andy) Reid’s way of doing things,” said Kelce. “he’s just professional, just a professional guy. He came in asking questions, trying to get caught up as fast as possible. And sure enough, we got him in the building, and I think the first third down we had, we went right to him, baby. Yeah, right to him. And he’s right on time, man.”

The Chiefs return to action on Monday Night Football with Hopkins and recently acquired linebacker Joshua Uche taking center stage in front of a national audience.