Latest news with #MissouriWesternStateUniversity
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs President Mark Donovan reflects on the franchise's growth over the years
Kansas City Chiefs team president Mark Donovan spoke with reporters at Missouri Western State University to open training camp practice in St. Joseph. He reflected on the growth of the franchise and success over recent seasons. "We're really proud of this. And again, I go back to '09-'10 for those of you who were here; this organization has come a long way. And a lot of it is the success of this football team and the Hall of Fame coach, Hall of Fame tight end, Hall of Fame quarterback, Hall of Fame defensive tackle, five of the last six Super Bowls." said Donovan, "But a lot of it's the work that goes on behind the scenes to have the right plans, the right programs, and the right processes in place. And so, the NFL tracks fan base, and it's a combination of your primary fan base and your secondary fan base, and they rank every single NFL team. And you can imagine in 2009 and '10, we were looking up a long way to get into the top 10." Kansas City has won nine consecutive division titles, the second-longest streak of division championships for any team in league history. Only the New England Patriots, who won 11 successive AFC East titles from 2009 to 2019, had a longer streak. "As great as our fans are, you have the challenge of a smaller market, the challenge of not being really successful on the field, and we've been able to do things off the field, innovative-wise, marketing-wise," said Donovan. "The movies and things like that have created a much bigger fan base. But the cool thing about it for us and our strategy is that one of the reasons we're number one is we're a worldwide fan base now. So, the combination that is for the first time ever, we surpassed some of the biggest teams out there, and we're the largest fan base in the NFL." The Chiefs' home dominance has contributed significantly to their success. In 2024, they finished with a perfect 10-0 record at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the first undefeated year in franchise history that included the playoffs.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt expresses his appreciation for training camp
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt addressed reporters after practice on Thursday at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. He discussed the importance of training camp and the work he had put in during the offseason. "I did the best I could, for sure, taking care of my body wasn't easy. But, I feel like later in the season, the playoffs started, really getting a groove and, it's hard to really simulate going out there and getting hit, training, and stuff like that." said Hunt, "My track coach isn't going to line up and tackle me or try to chase me down, or anything like that. It's a different type of speed out there from training by yourself and just working hard." The former Toledo standout was an essential part of the Chiefs' offense during Kansas City's run to Super Bowl LIX, and he is likely to be among the team's most impactful offensive playmakers next season. "I get to be around guys who push me (at training camp), guys who challenge me each and every day," said Hunt, "Instead of trying to push myself by myself, working out and staying in shape, and making sure I hold myself accountable." Last season, Hunt led Kansas City in rushing with 728 yards and seven touchdowns. He didn't join the Chiefs until Week 4 last season after being signed due to Isiah Pacheco's injury.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes praises teammates' work in the community
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke with reporters at Missouri Western State University training camp practice in St. Joseph. He congratulated the teammates, Trey Smith and George Karlaftis, on their new contract extensions and their ongoing commitment to the community. "Extremely excited. More than the player, the people that they are. I mean, y'all know Trey (Smith), y'all know George (Karlaftis), just come to work every single day, attack the day, great teammates, great people in the community and that's what you want on your team." said And so, we've built a great culture here, and to have guys like that get rewarded for how they play, but also the people that they are, it's a great feeling. It keeps guys wanting to come out there and be the best every single day." Smith notably held summer camps for youth in West Tennessee and has participated in events around the Kansas City community. Karlaftis held a youth football camp earlier this summer for military children at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The Pro Bowl guard signed a $94 million extension with a $70 million guarantee last week, and pass rusher Karlaftis inked his four-year contract extension with the Chiefs, which will be worth a maximum of $93 million.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs C Creed Humphrey recalls time with former teammate Joe Thuney
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey addressed reporters after practice on Thursday at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. He reflected on his time with former teammate Joe Thuney, who was traded to the Chicago Bears during the offseason. "First and foremost, he was a talented player. He's an All-Pro, all that stuff, he's one of the best guards in the league. So you know you're gonna miss that," said Humphrey, "But also just the camaraderie, he was a great teammate, great mentor, always kept the room with good morale, always cracking jokes, being funny, but doing it at the right time and leading the right way. He's set a good example for me and Trey to follow these past four years, and we've learned a ton from him. I'm extremely thankful for the time I have with Joe (Thuney). He was an awesome teammate and a great leader." Thuney is a four-time Super Bowl champion, dating back to his time with the New England Patriots and his recent years with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2024, he earned his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection, having already secured three career Second-Team All-Pro selections. According to Pro Football Focus, Thuney ranked second among all guards in 2024 in pass-blocking.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Andy Reid hypes ‘svelte' Travis Kelce after transformative offseason: ‘He looks 20'
Just call him Travis 'Svelte' Kelce. The Chiefs' All-Pro tight end received high praise Thursday from head coach Andy Reid, who told reporters the 35-year-old Kelce is in great shape and looks half his age at training camp 'He's svelte right now,' Reid said during his media availability. 'He looks like he's 20. He's doing a good job. He's in great shape. 'And I'm not sure he didn't come in first during the whole conditioning thing, he was right up front. You can see he's been working out. You saw him yesterday on the long run where he had the burst. He's done a nice job. He's worked hard to get to this spot.' Kelce, who is entering his 13th NFL season and quite possibly his last, previously said he lost some weight in the offseason. 4 Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to media after training camp at Missouri Western State University on July 22, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 4 Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks down the hill to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University on July 22, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'Each year is different man, you gotta rebuild it,' Kelce told reporters last month. 'This year, I got some time to really focus on some things in the offseason that I just didn't have time for last year. I'm certainly feeling good and I think it will pay off man.' When asked about rumors that he lost 25 pounds, Kelce said, 'Don't believe everything you read on the internet, guys.' Kelce, who will turn 36 in October, posted a career-low 823 yards and 97 receptions in 2024. 4 Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) stretches out during training camp at Missouri Western State University on July 22, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The future Hall of Famer still finds ways to be productive in the Chiefs' offense, but he's at the end of his career and not as quick as he once was. 'You hope he plays forever, but that's probably not gonna happen to any of us,' Reid said. 'So whenever he decides to hang it up, he's built a great legacy here. And if he decides this is it, it's it. If not, more power to him.' 4 Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) walk down the hill to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University on July 22, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Kelce trained in Florida this offseason after confirming his NFL return in the wake of the Chiefs' Super Bowl defeat to the Eagles in February. The 10-time Pro Bowler was a non-factor in the 40-22 blowout loss with four catches for 39 yards. Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champ, has 1,004 career receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns. The Chiefs open the 2025 campaign against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in São Paulo, Brazil.
