OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Appreciate you guys for hopping on the Zoom. First want to start off by congratulating Travis Kelce on his contract adjustment. We just signed it here a few minutes ago. It’s hard to put into words what Travis means to this organization, this city. It was certainly a priority to adjust his contract for us, and it was something that was important for (Chairman and CEO) Clark (Hunt). (It’s) very fitting that Travis is now the highest paid tight end (in the NFL) in these two years. I want to thank his agents Michael (Simon) and Greg (Diulus) for all their hard work. Chris Shea (Vice President of Football Operations/Team Counsel) and (Football Administration Coordinator) Jack Wolov on our side, appreciate them for all their hard work. Again, just a really special day and moment for this organization to once again recognize arguably one of the greatest tight ends to ever do it. Additionally, we certainly have a lot of draft stuff to talk about, really proud of the work that my staff did this weekend in conjunction with our coaching staff to bring seven new additions to this organization. We have some verbals (agreements) with some (college) free agents we’re really excited about, those won’t be official until Friday. Certainly, a lot to talk about, and with that I’ll take your questions.”

Q:&nbsp;You have some other players that will be up for contracts in the near future, so what went into getting Travis Kelce’s deal done now?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We do have some younger guys coming up. Like always, once the draft settles down, we’ll have a chance to address all those players and work through that. Travis (Kelce) is an outlier here. I think we all know that. When you talk about Travis and his career and his legacy here, this is something we wanted to knock right out of the park early on. Then, like you mentioned, shift our focus to some of the guys coming up. We’ll have a long runway now until the preseason starts – I know the OTAs have started now – but we’ll have a little runway here until we get to St. Joe (for training camp), and we’ll spend our time working – I’ll work with (Vice President of Football Operations/Team Counsel) Chris (Shea) and (Football Administration Coordinator) Jack (Wolov) on our side and work with these guys and their agents.”

Q:&nbsp;How long do you see Travis Kelce being able to play at this level for the Chiefs?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Every now and then you have one of these guys that are outliers – and certainly Travis (Kelce) is one of those players. It’s funny, it’s not even May yet and today we had a chance to get out there in phase two and guys were out there running around. Travis was the first guy in line, and he looked like he was 28 years old. Again, the odds of someone playing this far into their 30s is very low, but it does happen, and it happens with unicorns in the profession and Travis is one of those. We’ll certainly celebrate this with him and hopefully we can ride this thing even longer. We’ll just have to wait and see, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Everyone notices the kind of postseason he had; he just found an extra gear. These special players are always able to find that extra gear and again if anybody can do it, Travis can.”

Q:&nbsp;Now that the draft is over what needs, if any, do you feel like you still need to address in free agency?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We accomplished a lot between the free agency period and the draft. Now, I think we’ll have a chance to really evaluate these young guys and evaluate these new players we brought in on our 90-man (roster) signings right after the season and the undrafted free agent guys we got. We’ll have a chance to evaluate this team– I think we spoke about this over the weekend, I don’t think you’re ever satisfied with what you have as a roster, there’s always ways to improve. The important thing is just to make sure we have competition and battles at every position group going into St. Joe (for training camp). Now we get to spend the few weeks watching these guys and seeing how they move out there. It’s a good gage to predict how these competitions will go. Once we get through the next few phases of these OTAs, we’ll huddle up as a staff both personnel and coaches and see if we have enough competition at all the positions. If we need to go in a different direction before training camp, we will, but I think we’re excited with where the roster is and look forward to the final OTA periods.”

Q:&nbsp;What intrigued you most about Jared Wiley?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Every now and then, especially with where we pick in the draft, the tight ends – it just seems to me the last few years it’s harder to find tight ends in the draft than it had been in the past. I think you do get a chance – depending on where you pick – to select a receiving tight end or a blocking tight end, but these combo tight ends are hard to find. I think the thing that intrigued us about (Jared) Wiley is the fact that he is a big kid, a former quarterback, is athletic, can run, a guy that can certainly hold up in line and will get better as a blocker, can block, will block and then that receiving skillset he has. I think it’s unique to add a true combo tight end on this roster so certainly excited about that prospect there. We had guys in the past like Blake Bell and some other guys down the line. I just think Travis (Kelce) is the best at what he does, and Noah Gray has done some really outstanding stuff for us the last few years. Noah plays a ton of reps on special teams. Having another big body, (to) be interchangeable with those two players is really important for us.”

Q:&nbsp;Where did you have Kingsley Suamataia on your board and which side will he play on?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We had him up there obviously really high. (You) have to be prepared for all types of scenarios. Depending on how the draft unfolded, you never know. I think we had a pretty good indication with the number or quarterbacks this year and the number of other offensive linemen that there would be a chance that a player like Xavier (Worthy) might slide to where we picked. But he (Kingsley Suamataia) was certainly in one of those top 25-40 considerations. He was potentially a consideration at number 32, and he was potentially a consideration had we traded down. To have the draft unfold like it did and be able to select him at 63, we feel very fortunate and lucky. As far as position, he’s played both left and right tackle. I think plans are to throw him right there at left tackle and let him compete and battle with Wanya (Morris). We’ll see how it goes. I mentioned before the draft that we certainly like some of the things we saw out of Wanya last year, and it was our job to bring in competition. I think those guys will be excited to compete with each other. We look forward to that battle at training camp. We also know that Kingsley has played on the right side too, so I think there is a lot of versatility and value there.”

Q:&nbsp;Where do you see Hunter Nourzad fitting in?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Well really when you lose a guy like (Commanders G) Nick Allegretti, I mean those guys are hard to replace and we like some of the things Mike Caliendo did last year. These are long seasons and week in, and week out there is a physical toll these guys have to undertake. It’s one of those things where it’s always comforting to know you have a guy like Nick Allegretti who, if needed, or pressed into service like he was last year in the playoffs can come in, can play center, can play guard and can get you out of a game there. When you look at Hunter (Nourzad) and his career the kid started out playing tackle. Then he transferred to Penn State, played guard, played center. Extremely smart kid, I think he had a mechanical engineering degree. One of those guys that we feel has a tremendous amount of upside but also almost see in that Nick Allegretti role where we think he can come and certainly will compete like the rest of the guys do. I think we have a high amount of confidence in him, knowing his background, knowing how smart he is, that he can come in and play quality reps and provide quality starts if needed.”

Q: You drafted three offensive linemen, was this a priority or were there just good opportunities presented? What do you expect your offensive line to look like this season?

VEACH: “We lost a few guys in the offseason. Donovan Smith was a free agent, we lost (Nick) Allegretti. Just depth wise it’s one of those things, I think every GM would say the same – when you go to training camp, you’re always looking at your backup line and you’re looking to make sure you have eight, nine, 10 that you feel really good about. Certainly, mentioning Wanya (Morris) and his development last year, I mean there were five guys, and (Mike) Caliendo played a little bit, six. We still have Lucas (Niang) who has every year come back better with that injury. Again, there’s been many years where we carry 10 offensive linemen, I think the last couple of years it may have been nine. (We) always want to shoot for that number there, and I thought just looking at our roster not only are we wanting to provide competitions at that left tackle position, swing type of position – but we also needed some depth in that interior offensive line, players that had experience both at center and guard. You can’t have enough of those, and every team carries around 10. I think for the most part of my GM tenure, I believe we were close to 10 and some years I think we even had 11 when we had guys that weren’t counting against the 53, I think we snuck in 11 one year. We’re always trying to look for 10 linemen, some years it’s nine, just wanted to make sure that we had enough competition to compete for those eight, nine, 10, 11 spots.”

Q: Are the wide receiver and tackle position still in high demand for your roster?

VEACH: “We’ll use this OTA period to assess that. I think we feel good right now, a lot of these guys were playing college football last year. I think how they do it here in the meetings and how they do with just kind of absorbing the information and can they translate it out on the field is a big deal. We don’t have pads on, so some of it may tail into St. Joe, into training camp but I think for right now we’re going to let these young guys go out there and see what they can do and how much they can absorb. If we feel good about it, this will be kind of where we go from St. Joe and then we’ll be able to adapt and adjust if needed, but I don’t think anything would be imminent.”

Q: Of your seven draft picks, is there a specific trait that made you like them more than other prospects?

VEACH: “Many of them were captains of their team but I would just say the intelligence. We’re always looking for athletic players, versatility, and intelligence right after athleticism is always a priority for us and I think all these guys really from Xavier (Worthy) all the way down to C.J. (Hanson). These are guys that are really smart and can adapt and adjust, we feel, to the pro game very quickly. Height, weight, speed and athletic ability will be number one but a close second will be versatility and intelligence and we feel like all of these guys fit that bill.”

Q: How do you feel about the running back position after your all of the new additions you added in this offseason?

VEACH: “Keaontay Ingram is a guy we like too, we got him late last year and it’s hard when guys come in into the middle of the season, we added him into our practice squad late, but I think we were a fan of his when he was at USC. I think that’s going to be one of those positions just like the left tackle, starting position, just like the tail end positions at corner, that running back position will be a battle and usually it comes down to special teams and pass protector as a number three here, so I think all these guys have traits we like and now it’s just a matter of a couple of those guys putting together a solid training camp. That’s from the mental side of things and from a special teams side of things. I do think though we have some guys that all have ability and now it’s just a matter of those guys going out there and earning a position. From a talent perspective, as you mentioned with (Emani) Bailey and (Carson) Steele we brought in and then last year (Deneric) Prince and Keaontay Ingram, all of those guys have talent and ability to play in this league, now it’s just a matter of who can put together a solid training camp and earn the position.”

Q: What do you like about Jaden Hicks, Kamal Hadden and C.J. Hanson and how do you see them fitting in?

VEACH: “(Jaden) Hicks, just the value was too great there, this is where you just want to stay true to your board and just take the best player available, and he’s one of those players that you look left to right on your board and you have needs at receiver and o-line, d-line and corner and then all of a sudden you get to your pick and you have a player that is at the safety position and we have some really good safeties here on this team but just from a talent perspective and long-term planning perspective it was just too good of a player to pass up. He’s a guy that you can do a lot of different things with. He’s a big kid. He has good range. He’s physical. He can play down low in the box. He can play in the back end and another really smart, intense player and with the special teams roles. Imagining him on special teams, I’m sure (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub is going to have a blast with him. It was just one of those situations where when we got to our pick, we just wanted to stay true to our board and take the best player available, and he was by far the best player available. (Kamal) Hadden was a guy that we kind of targeted there day three, tough physical kid, think he has a good press skillset and just like the way he plays and again. The one thing that we prioritize in the defensive back field is not just the size but physicality and (we) think he’ll certainly bring that. (C.J.) Hanson, he was a kid that (we) really heard a lot of things about him during the fall. He showed up at the East-West (Shrine Bowl) game and kind of took us by surprise, super athletic kid. He has a high ceiling and one of those guys that (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck was excited to work with and was surprised that he was still there in the seventh (round). Usually those guys that have success at smaller levels but go to an all-star game and excel and show out, usually those guys get nabbed up there in the fifth or sixth round so when we were sitting there in the seventh round, we did have some other needs but again, like Hicks, was just a player and at a position that those guys are hard to find. They’re hard to bring in as free agents. There’s usually bidding wars and every team is after them. Just think he’s another guy like Hunter (Nourzad) that has guard/center flexibility, played tackle at Holy Cross there but showed up and played well at guard at the East-West game but also think he has center flexibility too. Coach Heck will do a great job with both Hunter and Hanson in regards to getting both those guys reps at guard and center and the more versatility we have, the more important you become. I think both of those guys can handle – and mentally both of those guys are smart, so don’t think that will be an issue for either of those players.”

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Appreciate you guys for hopping on the Zoom. First want to start off by congratulating Travis Kelce on his contract adjustment. We just signed it here a few minutes ago. It’s hard to put into words what Travis means to this organization, this city. It was certainly a priority to adjust his contract for us, and it was something that was important for (Chairman and CEO) Clark (Hunt). (It’s) very fitting that Travis is now the highest paid tight end (in the NFL) in these two years. I want to thank his agents Michael (Simon) and Greg (Diulus) for all their hard work. Chris Shea (Vice President of Football Operations/Team Counsel) and (Football Administration Coordinator) Jack Wolov on our side, appreciate them for all their hard work. Again, just a really special day and moment for this organization to once again recognize arguably one of the greatest tight ends to ever do it. Additionally, we certainly have a lot of draft stuff to talk about, really proud of the work that my staff did this weekend in conjunction with our coaching staff to bring seven new additions to this organization. We have some verbals (agreements) with some (college) free agents we’re really excited about, those won’t be official until Friday. Certainly, a lot to talk about, and with that I’ll take your questions.”Q:&nbsp;You have some other players that will be up for contracts in the near future, so what went into getting Travis Kelce’s deal done now?VEACH:&nbsp;“We do have some younger guys coming up. Like always, once the draft settles down, we’ll have a chance to address all those players and work through that. Travis (Kelce) is an outlier here. I think we all know that. When you talk about Travis and his career and his legacy here, this is something we wanted to knock right out of the park early on. Then, like you mentioned, shift our focus to some of the guys coming up. We’ll have a long runway now until the preseason starts – I know the OTAs have started now – but we’ll have a little runway here until we get to St. Joe (for training camp), and we’ll spend our time working – I’ll work with (Vice President of Football Operations/Team Counsel) Chris (Shea) and (Football Administration Coordinator) Jack (Wolov) on our side and work with these guys and their agents.”Q:&nbsp;How long do you see Travis Kelce being able to play at this level for the Chiefs?VEACH:&nbsp;“Every now and then you have one of these guys that are outliers – and certainly Travis (Kelce) is one of those players. It’s funny, it’s not even May yet and today we had a chance to get out there in phase two and guys were out there running around. Travis was the first guy in line, and he looked like he was 28 years old. Again, the odds of someone playing this far into their 30s is very low, but it does happen, and it happens with unicorns in the profession and Travis is one of those. We’ll certainly celebrate this with him and hopefully we can ride this thing even longer. We’ll just have to wait and see, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Everyone notices the kind of postseason he had; he just found an extra gear. These special players are always able to find that extra gear and again if anybody can do it, Travis can.”Q:&nbsp;Now that the draft is over what needs, if any, do you feel like you still need to address in free agency?VEACH:&nbsp;“We accomplished a lot between the free agency period and the draft. Now, I think we’ll have a chance to really evaluate these young guys and evaluate these new players we brought in on our 90-man (roster) signings right after the season and the undrafted free agent guys we got. We’ll have a chance to evaluate this team– I think we spoke about this over the weekend, I don’t think you’re ever satisfied with what you have as a roster, there’s always ways to improve. The important thing is just to make sure we have competition and battles at every position group going into St. Joe (for training camp). Now we get to spend the few weeks watching these guys and seeing how they move out there. It’s a good gage to predict how these competitions will go. Once we get through the next few phases of these OTAs, we’ll huddle up as a staff both personnel and coaches and see if we have enough competition at all the positions. If we need to go in a different direction before training camp, we will, but I think we’re excited with where the roster is and look forward to the final OTA periods.”Q:&nbsp;What intrigued you most about Jared Wiley?VEACH:&nbsp;“Every now and then, especially with where we pick in the draft, the tight ends – it just seems to me the last few years it’s harder to find tight ends in the draft than it had been in the past. I think you do get a chance – depending on where you pick – to select a receiving tight end or a blocking tight end, but these combo tight ends are hard to find. I think the thing that intrigued us about (Jared) Wiley is the fact that he is a big kid, a former quarterback, is athletic, can run, a guy that can certainly hold up in line and will get better as a blocker, can block, will block and then that receiving skillset he has. I think it’s unique to add a true combo tight end on this roster so certainly excited about that prospect there. We had guys in the past like Blake Bell and some other guys down the line. I just think Travis (Kelce) is the best at what he does, and Noah Gray has done some really outstanding stuff for us the last few years. Noah plays a ton of reps on special teams. Having another big body, (to) be interchangeable with those two players is really important for us.”Q:&nbsp;Where did you have Kingsley Suamataia on your board and which side will he play on?VEACH:&nbsp;“We had him up there obviously really high. (You) have to be prepared for all types of scenarios. Depending on how the draft unfolded, you never know. I think we had a pretty good indication with the number or quarterbacks this year and the number of other offensive linemen that there would be a chance that a player like Xavier (Worthy) might slide to where we picked. But he (Kingsley Suamataia) was certainly in one of those top 25-40 considerations. He was potentially a consideration at number 32, and he was potentially a consideration had we traded down. To have the draft unfold like it did and be able to select him at 63, we feel very fortunate and lucky. As far as position, he’s played both left and right tackle. I think plans are to throw him right there at left tackle and let him compete and battle with Wanya (Morris). We’ll see how it goes. I mentioned before the draft that we certainly like some of the things we saw out of Wanya last year, and it was our job to bring in competition. I think those guys will be excited to compete with each other. We look forward to that battle at training camp. We also know that Kingsley has played on the right side too, so I think there is a lot of versatility and value there.”Q:&nbsp;Where do you see Hunter Nourzad fitting in?VEACH:&nbsp;“Well really when you lose a guy like (Commanders G) Nick Allegretti, I mean those guys are hard to replace and we like some of the things Mike Caliendo did last year. These are long seasons and week in, and week out there is a physical toll these guys have to undertake. It’s one of those things where it’s always comforting to know you have a guy like Nick Allegretti who, if needed, or pressed into service like he was last year in the playoffs can come in, can play center, can play guard and can get you out of a game there. When you look at Hunter (Nourzad) and his career the kid started out playing tackle. Then he transferred to Penn State, played guard, played center. Extremely smart kid, I think he had a mechanical engineering degree. One of those guys that we feel has a tremendous amount of upside but also almost see in that Nick Allegretti role where we think he can come and certainly will compete like the rest of the guys do. I think we have a high amount of confidence in him, knowing his background, knowing how smart he is, that he can come in and play quality reps and provide quality starts if needed.”Q: You drafted three offensive linemen, was this a priority or were there just good opportunities presented? What do you expect your offensive line to look like this season?VEACH: “We lost a few guys in the offseason. Donovan Smith was a free agent, we lost (Nick) Allegretti. Just depth wise it’s one of those things, I think every GM would say the same – when you go to training camp, you’re always looking at your backup line and you’re looking to make sure you have eight, nine, 10 that you feel really good about. Certainly, mentioning Wanya (Morris) and his development last year, I mean there were five guys, and (Mike) Caliendo played a little bit, six. We still have Lucas (Niang) who has every year come back better with that injury. Again, there’s been many years where we carry 10 offensive linemen, I think the last couple of years it may have been nine. (We) always want to shoot for that number there, and I thought just looking at our roster not only are we wanting to provide competitions at that left tackle position, swing type of position – but we also needed some depth in that interior offensive line, players that had experience both at center and guard. You can’t have enough of those, and every team carries around 10. I think for the most part of my GM tenure, I believe we were close to 10 and some years I think we even had 11 when we had guys that weren’t counting against the 53, I think we snuck in 11 one year. We’re always trying to look for 10 linemen, some years it’s nine, just wanted to make sure that we had enough competition to compete for those eight, nine, 10, 11 spots.”Q: Are the wide receiver and tackle position still in high demand for your roster?VEACH: “We’ll use this OTA period to assess that. I think we feel good right now, a lot of these guys were playing college football last year. I think how they do it here in the meetings and how they do with just kind of absorbing the information and can they translate it out on the field is a big deal. We don’t have pads on, so some of it may tail into St. Joe, into training camp but I think for right now we’re going to let these young guys go out there and see what they can do and how much they can absorb. If we feel good about it, this will be kind of where we go from St. Joe and then we’ll be able to adapt and adjust if needed, but I don’t think anything would be imminent.”Q: Of your seven draft picks, is there a specific trait that made you like them more than other prospects?VEACH: “Many of them were captains of their team but I would just say the intelligence. We’re always looking for athletic players, versatility, and intelligence right after athleticism is always a priority for us and I think all these guys really from Xavier (Worthy) all the way down to C.J. (Hanson). These are guys that are really smart and can adapt and adjust, we feel, to the pro game very quickly. Height, weight, speed and athletic ability will be number one but a close second will be versatility and intelligence and we feel like all of these guys fit that bill.”Q: How do you feel about the running back position after your all of the new additions you added in this offseason?VEACH: “Keaontay Ingram is a guy we like too, we got him late last year and it’s hard when guys come in into the middle of the season, we added him into our practice squad late, but I think we were a fan of his when he was at USC. I think that’s going to be one of those positions just like the left tackle, starting position, just like the tail end positions at corner, that running back position will be a battle and usually it comes down to special teams and pass protector as a number three here, so I think all these guys have traits we like and now it’s just a matter of a couple of those guys putting together a solid training camp. That’s from the mental side of things and from a special teams side of things. I do think though we have some guys that all have ability and now it’s just a matter of those guys going out there and earning a position. From a talent perspective, as you mentioned with (Emani) Bailey and (Carson) Steele we brought in and then last year (Deneric) Prince and Keaontay Ingram, all of those guys have talent and ability to play in this league, now it’s just a matter of who can put together a solid training camp and earn the position.”Q: What do you like about Jaden Hicks, Kamal Hadden and C.J. Hanson and how do you see them fitting in?VEACH: “(Jaden) Hicks, just the value was too great there, this is where you just want to stay true to your board and just take the best player available, and he’s one of those players that you look left to right on your board and you have needs at receiver and o-line, d-line and corner and then all of a sudden you get to your pick and you have a player that is at the safety position and we have some really good safeties here on this team but just from a talent perspective and long-term planning perspective it was just too good of a player to pass up. He’s a guy that you can do a lot of different things with. He’s a big kid. He has good range. He’s physical. He can play down low in the box. He can play in the back end and another really smart, intense player and with the special teams roles. Imagining him on special teams, I’m sure (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub is going to have a blast with him. It was just one of those situations where when we got to our pick, we just wanted to stay true to our board and take the best player available, and he was by far the best player available. (Kamal) Hadden was a guy that we kind of targeted there day three, tough physical kid, think he has a good press skillset and just like the way he plays and again. The one thing that we prioritize in the defensive back field is not just the size but physicality and (we) think he’ll certainly bring that. (C.J.) Hanson, he was a kid that (we) really heard a lot of things about him during the fall. He showed up at the East-West (Shrine Bowl) game and kind of took us by surprise, super athletic kid. He has a high ceiling and one of those guys that (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck was excited to work with and was surprised that he was still there in the seventh (round). Usually those guys that have success at smaller levels but go to an all-star game and excel and show out, usually those guys get nabbed up there in the fifth or sixth round so when we were sitting there in the seventh round, we did have some other needs but again, like Hicks, was just a player and at a position that those guys are hard to find. They’re hard to bring in as free agents. There’s usually bidding wars and every team is after them. Just think he’s another guy like Hunter (Nourzad) that has guard/center flexibility, played tackle at Holy Cross there but showed up and played well at guard at the East-West game but also think he has center flexibility too. Coach Heck will do a great job with both Hunter and Hanson in regards to getting both those guys reps at guard and center and the more versatility we have, the more important you become. I think both of those guys can handle – and mentally both of those guys are smart, so don’t think that will be an issue for either of those players.”

Chiefs Quotes: GM Brett Veach (4-29-24)

Kansas Wesleyan Softball is the No. 7 seed in the 2024 KCAC Tournament and will open the tournament against the No. 2 seed Ottawa University at Noon on Wednesday at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend.

KWU reached the tournament thanks to a sweep of the Bethany Swedes in the final series of the regular season last week. KWU went 11-3 over its last 14 conference games after starting the season 2-10 in KCAC play to reach the conference tournament.

The Coyotes are 24-18 overall and finished KCAC play with a 13-13 record this season.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fdb2ab5-537e-46b3-baef-8043ad38fb5f?elinkdata=9734">Sydnee Fordham</a> paces the Coyotes with a .377 average for the season, leading the team with 49 hits and 21 doubles which leads the KCAC. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fef1eadd-cc21-4f38-9c35-59ce89184799?elinkdata=9734">Josie Buhr</a> is hitting .360 on the season with 31 hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/36c1ff11-bab1-4a9b-9a1a-5bc79a0c5e2a?elinkdata=9734">Trenity Miller</a> has 42 hits and leads the team with 30 RBI.

In conference play this season, Fordham has excelled with a .435 average and a 1.115 OPS with 37 hits and 15 doubles, leading the KCAC in conference play, along with a .647 slugging average. Buhr is hitting .409 with 18 hits, but missed nine conference games with an injury.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4c16a498-14c2-42ae-90f3-3e050d1f384b?elinkdata=9734">Caitlyn Collier</a> leads the Coyotes with a 1.43 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in the circle with a 7-4 record in 19 appearances with nine complete games in 93 innings. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca7a22f9-ccbb-4f85-b89e-1a9d2195339c?elinkdata=9734">Miranda Fogal</a> is 7-7 with a 2.62 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 666 and two-thirds and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a20ef06-2e39-4973-8416-1eb54bcbd2a3?elinkdata=9734">Jewell Henry</a> is 7-5 with a 1.52 WHIP and a 3.21 ETA in 76 and a third innings.

Ottawa is 36-14 overall and finished KCAC play with a 20-6 record in the KCAC.

Addison Spencer leads the Braves with a .375 average in 50 games for the Braves and leads the team with 63 hits.

The Braves have a three-pitcher rotation led by Ashlyn Mercer with a 15-7 record in 25 appearances and 148 innings with a 2.31 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Madison Carney is 9-1 in 11 appearances with a 2.61 ERA and 1.23 WHIP and Takiya Hill is 11-4 in 21 appearances with a 1.14 WHIP and a 4.14 ERA in 95 and two-thirds innings.

Ottawa swept KWU in the regular season meetings winning 4-3 and 9-0 on March 23 in Salina.

The winner of the Ottawa / KWU match up will play the winner between Friends and Oklahoma Wesleyan at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The loser plays an elimination game against the loser between top-seeded Evangel and 8-seed Tabor at 7:30 on Wednesday.

Evangel is the No. 1 seed in the tournament, Ottawa is the No. 2 seed, Friends is the No. 3 seed, Saint Mary is seeded fourth, Avila fifth, Oklahoma Wesleyan sixth, KWU seventh, Tabor eighth.

The KCAC tournament runs through May 3. The tournament champion will receive one of two automatic berths to the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round May 13-16 at campus sites around the country. The NAIA Softball World Series is May 23-29 in Columbus, Ga.

Kansas Wesleyan Softball is the No. 7 seed in the 2024 KCAC Tournament and will open the tournament against the No. 2 seed Ottawa University at Noon on Wednesday at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend.KWU reached the tournament thanks to a sweep of the Bethany Swedes in the final series of the regular season last week. KWU went 11-3 over its last 14 conference games after starting the season 2-10 in KCAC play to reach the conference tournament.The Coyotes are 24-18 overall and finished KCAC play with a 13-13 record this season.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fdb2ab5-537e-46b3-baef-8043ad38fb5f?elinkdata=9734">Sydnee Fordham</a> paces the Coyotes with a .377 average for the season, leading the team with 49 hits and 21 doubles which leads the KCAC. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fef1eadd-cc21-4f38-9c35-59ce89184799?elinkdata=9734">Josie Buhr</a> is hitting .360 on the season with 31 hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/36c1ff11-bab1-4a9b-9a1a-5bc79a0c5e2a?elinkdata=9734">Trenity Miller</a> has 42 hits and leads the team with 30 RBI.In conference play this season, Fordham has excelled with a .435 average and a 1.115 OPS with 37 hits and 15 doubles, leading the KCAC in conference play, along with a .647 slugging average. Buhr is hitting .409 with 18 hits, but missed nine conference games with an injury.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4c16a498-14c2-42ae-90f3-3e050d1f384b?elinkdata=9734">Caitlyn Collier</a> leads the Coyotes with a 1.43 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in the circle with a 7-4 record in 19 appearances with nine complete games in 93 innings. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca7a22f9-ccbb-4f85-b89e-1a9d2195339c?elinkdata=9734">Miranda Fogal</a> is 7-7 with a 2.62 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 666 and two-thirds and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a20ef06-2e39-4973-8416-1eb54bcbd2a3?elinkdata=9734">Jewell Henry</a> is 7-5 with a 1.52 WHIP and a 3.21 ETA in 76 and a third innings.Ottawa is 36-14 overall and finished KCAC play with a 20-6 record in the KCAC.Addison Spencer leads the Braves with a .375 average in 50 games for the Braves and leads the team with 63 hits.The Braves have a three-pitcher rotation led by Ashlyn Mercer with a 15-7 record in 25 appearances and 148 innings with a 2.31 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Madison Carney is 9-1 in 11 appearances with a 2.61 ERA and 1.23 WHIP and Takiya Hill is 11-4 in 21 appearances with a 1.14 WHIP and a 4.14 ERA in 95 and two-thirds innings.Ottawa swept KWU in the regular season meetings winning 4-3 and 9-0 on March 23 in Salina.The winner of the Ottawa / KWU match up will play the winner between Friends and Oklahoma Wesleyan at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The loser plays an elimination game against the loser between top-seeded Evangel and 8-seed Tabor at 7:30 on Wednesday.Evangel is the No. 1 seed in the tournament, Ottawa is the No. 2 seed, Friends is the No. 3 seed, Saint Mary is seeded fourth, Avila fifth, Oklahoma Wesleyan sixth, KWU seventh, Tabor eighth.The KCAC tournament runs through May 3. The tournament champion will receive one of two automatic berths to the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round May 13-16 at campus sites around the country. The NAIA Softball World Series is May 23-29 in Columbus, Ga.

Softball earns 7-seed in KCAC Tournament, faces No. 2 seed Ottawa on Wednesday

Kansas Conference champion Kansas Wesleyan is the top seed in the 2024 KCAC Baseball Tournament that starts on Wednesday with a new 8-team format at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend.

KWU will face the No. 8 seed Evangel at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday in the first round of the Top Bracket of the tournament.

The tournament field expanded this season to eight teams, with two four-team, double-elimination brackets that will then meet on the final day of the tournament to determine the KCAC Champion.

With a first round victory, the Coyotes will play the winner between Ottawa and McPherson at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday. A loss will send KWU into an elimination game on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

KWU swept the season series with Evangel on February 23 and 24 in Salina.

KWU is 41-8 on the season and set new conference and school records for KCAC wins in a season with a 32-4 KCAC record. The Coyotes won 27 straight KCAC games to close out the regular season, not suffering a KCAC loss since the beginning of March. KWU has won 30 of its last 31 games overall and vaulted to No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fcd7875-d69d-4901-916f-6cd10d9b7d7e?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Gable</a>, the reigning KCAC Player of the Year leads the Coyotes in batting average at .415, hits with 83, and RBI with 70. He has a 1.268 OPS and has added 18 homers on the season. He leads the KCAC in hits, and ranks fourth in the KCAC in average, second in RBI and third in homers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07eb6496-4bcc-44b3-80be-068e7a6f05f4?elinkdata=9712">Kendall Foster</a> hits .377 for the Coyotes with a KCAC best 21 homers with a 1.393 OPS and a .931 slugging average with 55 RBI.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/248ff5c7-7767-4545-acd5-c196ccdb21c7?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Brannen</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/370a504a-2f8f-4881-a92c-e1f648da1f2f?elinkdata=9712">Brett Maddock</a> anchor the Coyote pitching staff. Brannen is 10-1 on the season in 12 starts, tossing 64 and a third innings, with 67 strikeouts and 23 walks, featuring a 1.37 WHIP and a 3.78 ERA. Maddock is 8-1 on the season in 14 starts, tossing 67 and a third innings with 69 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP and a 5.08 ERA.

Evangel is 23-24 on the season and finished 16-20 in the KCAC this season, their first in the conference.

Riley Mitchell leads the Valor offensively, hitting .400 on the season with a team best 62 hits, including 13 doubles and seven triples. He has also stolen 31 bases on the season. Levi Loughridge hits .342 for the Valor and has a team best 47 RBI.

Evangel's pitching staff seven players that have over 20 innings pitched on the season. Wyatt Keplar leads the Valor in ERA at 4.31, with a 1.58 WHIP, and has a 2-3 record on the season in 13 starts and 54 and a third innings pitched with 78 strikeouts. Colby Vavruska is 6-5 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 69 and a third innings. Isaac Daley has 12 starts on the season and is 4-5 with a 6.55 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP.

Wednesday's winner will face either McPherson or Ottawa in the top bracket semifinal on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. The loser will play the loser between McPherson and Ottawa at 3:30 on Thursday in an elimination game.

The KCAC Championship Game is on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. featuring the winners of each four-team bracket.

KWU, 8-seed Evangel, 4-seed Ottawa and 5-seed McPherson are in the top bracket.

2-seed Tabor, 3-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan, 6-seed Friends and 7-seed Avila are in the lower bracket.

The winner of the KCAC Tournament will receive one of two automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round held at campus sites around the country May 13-16. The 67th AVISTA NAIA World Series is May 24-31 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Kansas Conference champion Kansas Wesleyan is the top seed in the 2024 KCAC Baseball Tournament that starts on Wednesday with a new 8-team format at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend.KWU will face the No. 8 seed Evangel at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday in the first round of the Top Bracket of the tournament.The tournament field expanded this season to eight teams, with two four-team, double-elimination brackets that will then meet on the final day of the tournament to determine the KCAC Champion.With a first round victory, the Coyotes will play the winner between Ottawa and McPherson at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday. A loss will send KWU into an elimination game on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.KWU swept the season series with Evangel on February 23 and 24 in Salina.KWU is 41-8 on the season and set new conference and school records for KCAC wins in a season with a 32-4 KCAC record. The Coyotes won 27 straight KCAC games to close out the regular season, not suffering a KCAC loss since the beginning of March. KWU has won 30 of its last 31 games overall and vaulted to No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fcd7875-d69d-4901-916f-6cd10d9b7d7e?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Gable</a>, the reigning KCAC Player of the Year leads the Coyotes in batting average at .415, hits with 83, and RBI with 70. He has a 1.268 OPS and has added 18 homers on the season. He leads the KCAC in hits, and ranks fourth in the KCAC in average, second in RBI and third in homers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07eb6496-4bcc-44b3-80be-068e7a6f05f4?elinkdata=9712">Kendall Foster</a> hits .377 for the Coyotes with a KCAC best 21 homers with a 1.393 OPS and a .931 slugging average with 55 RBI.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/248ff5c7-7767-4545-acd5-c196ccdb21c7?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Brannen</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/370a504a-2f8f-4881-a92c-e1f648da1f2f?elinkdata=9712">Brett Maddock</a> anchor the Coyote pitching staff. Brannen is 10-1 on the season in 12 starts, tossing 64 and a third innings, with 67 strikeouts and 23 walks, featuring a 1.37 WHIP and a 3.78 ERA. Maddock is 8-1 on the season in 14 starts, tossing 67 and a third innings with 69 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP and a 5.08 ERA.Evangel is 23-24 on the season and finished 16-20 in the KCAC this season, their first in the conference.Riley Mitchell leads the Valor offensively, hitting .400 on the season with a team best 62 hits, including 13 doubles and seven triples. He has also stolen 31 bases on the season. Levi Loughridge hits .342 for the Valor and has a team best 47 RBI.Evangel's pitching staff seven players that have over 20 innings pitched on the season. Wyatt Keplar leads the Valor in ERA at 4.31, with a 1.58 WHIP, and has a 2-3 record on the season in 13 starts and 54 and a third innings pitched with 78 strikeouts. Colby Vavruska is 6-5 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 69 and a third innings. Isaac Daley has 12 starts on the season and is 4-5 with a 6.55 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP.Wednesday's winner will face either McPherson or Ottawa in the top bracket semifinal on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. The loser will play the loser between McPherson and Ottawa at 3:30 on Thursday in an elimination game.The KCAC Championship Game is on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. featuring the winners of each four-team bracket.KWU, 8-seed Evangel, 4-seed Ottawa and 5-seed McPherson are in the top bracket.2-seed Tabor, 3-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan, 6-seed Friends and 7-seed Avila are in the lower bracket.The winner of the KCAC Tournament will receive one of two automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round held at campus sites around the country May 13-16. The 67th AVISTA NAIA World Series is May 24-31 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Baseball is top seed in KCAC Tournament, faces Evangel on Wednesday

TORONTO (AP) — Justin Turner hit two home runs, Danny Jansen added a solo homer and the Toronto Blue Jays held on to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Monday night.

Turner hit a two-run home run in the first inning and had a leadoff homer in the third. It was the 16th multihomer game of his career.

Jansen also connected in the third, his second.

The Blue Jays scored more than five runs for the first time in 21 games, ending a streak that dated back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-blue-jays-score-26df01230f38e755b29c9e6488414d3f">a 9-8 loss at Yankee Stadium</a>&nbsp;on April 6.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Davis Schneider each drove in a run as Toronto won back-to-back games after losing the previous five.

Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salvador-perez-tight-back-royals-f7d1c7ab666f89964c5d1ab2742bc41f">catcher Salvador Perez was scratched</a>&nbsp;from the starting lineup because of a tight back but delivered a pinch-hit single with two out in the ninth. Dairon Blanco ran for Perez, who hit for DH Nelson Velázquez

Toronto’s Nate Pearson struck out Kansas City’s Michael Massey to end it, stranding the tying run at third base. The save was Pearson’s first of the season.

Kyle Isbel homered and drove in two runs but the Royals lost their third straight. Freddy Fermin also homered for Kansas City, his first.

Recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make his second career start, Royals right-hander Jonathan Bowlan (0-1) allowed four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings, including three home runs.

Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodríguez allowed three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings but left with the bases loaded. Génesis Cabrera came on and retired Vinnie Pasquantino to escape the jam.

Cabrera (1-0) got four outs for the victory.

Isbel’s homer, his third, came off right-hander Trevor Richards in the sixth.

Fermin made it 6-5 with a leadoff homer off righty Erik Swanson in the eighth.

Kansas City optioned RHP Will Klein to Triple-A to make room for Bowlan.

RHP José Berríos (4-1, 1.23 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays on Tuesday night against Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (1-2, 3.90).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714473635441.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Justin Turner, right, celebrates after his solo home run with third base coach Carlos Febles (51) while playing against the Kansas City Royals during third-inning baseball game action in Toronto, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Justin Turner, right, celebrates after his solo home run with third base coach Carlos Febles (51) while playing against the Kansas City Royals during third-inning baseball game action in Toronto, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO (AP) — Justin Turner hit two home runs, Danny Jansen added a solo homer and the Toronto Blue Jays held on to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Monday night.Turner hit a two-run home run in the first inning and had a leadoff homer in the third. It was the 16th multihomer game of his career.Jansen also connected in the third, his second.The Blue Jays scored more than five runs for the first time in 21 games, ending a streak that dated back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-blue-jays-score-26df01230f38e755b29c9e6488414d3f">a 9-8 loss at Yankee Stadium</a>&nbsp;on April 6.Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Davis Schneider each drove in a run as Toronto won back-to-back games after losing the previous five.Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salvador-perez-tight-back-royals-f7d1c7ab666f89964c5d1ab2742bc41f">catcher Salvador Perez was scratched</a>&nbsp;from the starting lineup because of a tight back but delivered a pinch-hit single with two out in the ninth. Dairon Blanco ran for Perez, who hit for DH Nelson VelázquezToronto’s Nate Pearson struck out Kansas City’s Michael Massey to end it, stranding the tying run at third base. The save was Pearson’s first of the season.Kyle Isbel homered and drove in two runs but the Royals lost their third straight. Freddy Fermin also homered for Kansas City, his first.Recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make his second career start, Royals right-hander Jonathan Bowlan (0-1) allowed four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings, including three home runs.Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodríguez allowed three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings but left with the bases loaded. Génesis Cabrera came on and retired Vinnie Pasquantino to escape the jam.Cabrera (1-0) got four outs for the victory.Isbel’s homer, his third, came off right-hander Trevor Richards in the sixth.Fermin made it 6-5 with a leadoff homer off righty Erik Swanson in the eighth.ROSTER MOVESKansas City optioned RHP Will Klein to Triple-A to make room for Bowlan.UP NEXTRHP José Berríos (4-1, 1.23 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays on Tuesday night against Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (1-2, 3.90).

⚾ Turner hits 2 home runs as Blue Jays beat Royals

Click the play icon above to hear the 910 KINA Sports Headlines for April 29.&nbsp; By SALINA POST

Following a pair of selections on Friday with Ben Sinnott selected by the Washington Commanders,&nbsp;and&nbsp;interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe going to the Dallas Cowboys&nbsp;, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams.&nbsp;

Also out of Manhattan, Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement. Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.&nbsp;

Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144. Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft.&nbsp;

Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former Chiefs Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali will be the 2024 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hali is the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.&nbsp;

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/HzIyVN7q-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sports Update Mon" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>Click the play icon above to hear the 910 KINA Sports Headlines for April 29.&nbsp; By SALINA POST Following a pair of selections on Friday with Ben Sinnott selected by the Washington Commanders,&nbsp;and&nbsp;interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe going to the Dallas Cowboys&nbsp;, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams.&nbsp;Also out of Manhattan, Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement. Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.&nbsp;Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144. Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft.&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former Chiefs Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali will be the 2024 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hali is the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.&nbsp;

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 29

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement.

Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.

During his lone season in Boulder, Edwards played in all 12 games with six starts and rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown while also serving as a receiving weapon out of the backfield by hauling in 36 receptions for 299 yards and another four scores. He became the first true freshman in Colorado history with at least 250 rushing yards and receiving yards in the same season and just the ninth Buffalo all-time to accomplish the feat.

Edwards began his collegiate career on a high note, accounting for 177 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns as the Buffaloes won at No. 17 TCU, 45-42. He became the first FBS freshman over the past 20 seasons with three receiving touchdowns and a rushing score in his collegiate debut en route to Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors.

Coming out of Derby High School, Edwards was regarded as one of the top 200 players in the Class of 2023 by Rivals (No. 100) and ESPN (No. 140), while he was rated one of the top 25 running backs in the class by all four major recruiting services.

Prepping under former Wildcat Brandon Clark at Derby, Edwards helped the Panthers to a combined 42-7 record over his four seasons, including state championships as a freshman and sophomore and a runner-up finish as a junior.

In his high school career, Edwards rushed for 6,426 yards and 95 touchdowns on 622 carries as he produced 32 100-yard rushing games out of 36 total games played. He also recorded 556 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, 521 kickoff-return yards and three touchdowns, and he added 441 punt-return yards and three touchdowns.

Kansas State enters the 2024 season – the sixth season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;– after 9-4 campaign and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory in 2023 as the Wildcats finished the year ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 (No. 18), AFCA Coaches Poll (No. 19) and College Football Playoff Top 25 (No. 25). The Wildcats are the only Big 12 program – and one of only 11 Power 4 teams – currently riding a streak of three eight-plus win seasons.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement.Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.During his lone season in Boulder, Edwards played in all 12 games with six starts and rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown while also serving as a receiving weapon out of the backfield by hauling in 36 receptions for 299 yards and another four scores. He became the first true freshman in Colorado history with at least 250 rushing yards and receiving yards in the same season and just the ninth Buffalo all-time to accomplish the feat.Edwards began his collegiate career on a high note, accounting for 177 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns as the Buffaloes won at No. 17 TCU, 45-42. He became the first FBS freshman over the past 20 seasons with three receiving touchdowns and a rushing score in his collegiate debut en route to Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors.Coming out of Derby High School, Edwards was regarded as one of the top 200 players in the Class of 2023 by Rivals (No. 100) and ESPN (No. 140), while he was rated one of the top 25 running backs in the class by all four major recruiting services.Prepping under former Wildcat Brandon Clark at Derby, Edwards helped the Panthers to a combined 42-7 record over his four seasons, including state championships as a freshman and sophomore and a runner-up finish as a junior.In his high school career, Edwards rushed for 6,426 yards and 95 touchdowns on 622 carries as he produced 32 100-yard rushing games out of 36 total games played. He also recorded 556 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, 521 kickoff-return yards and three touchdowns, and he added 441 punt-return yards and three touchdowns.Kansas State enters the 2024 season – the sixth season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;– after 9-4 campaign and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory in 2023 as the Wildcats finished the year ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 (No. 18), AFCA Coaches Poll (No. 19) and College Football Playoff Top 25 (No. 25). The Wildcats are the only Big 12 program – and one of only 11 Power 4 teams – currently riding a streak of three eight-plus win seasons.

K-State Signs Transfer Running Back Dylan Edwards

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez hit a two-run drive for his first major league homer, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Sunday.

“He hit one to the track last night,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I guess he did a couple extra pushups this morning.”

Jake Rogers also homered for the Tigers, who have won five of seven. It was Detroit's 10th come-from-behind win of the season.

The Royals have lost two in a row after a four-game winning streak.

“I don't think we drove a ball after the first inning until maybe the seventh,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We couldn't square them up.”

Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal (4-0) pitched seven innings of one-run ball.

“He gave up a seeing-eye double and a two-strike base hit in the first, but he got another gear after that,” Hinch said. “That's what you expect from a guy who is going to anchor your rotation.”

Skubal struck out six while improving to 2-7 with a 4.65 ERA in 12 career games against the Royals.

“We knew coming in it was going to be a challenge. He's one of the best pitchers in the league,” Quatraro said. “Upper-90s velocity, location, plus changeup, curveball — you name it.”

Jason Foley pitched the ninth for his ninth save.

Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3) permitted four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Kansas City took a 1-0 lead on Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single in the first, but Pérez put Detroit in front with a drive to right in the bottom half.

“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was gone,” said Pérez, who is hitting .286 since making his major league debut on April 8. “And when we give (Skubal) a lead, the game is done. We know he's going to do the job.”

The Tigers made it 3-1 in the second when Rogers singled, took third on Parker Meadows' double and scored on Riley Greene's sacrifice fly.

Rogers added his second homer of the season in the sixth, and Skubal stranded runners on first and third in the seventh.

“We were probably a little fastball heavy early in the game, but then he was really dominant with the changeup,” said Rogers, who has caught all of Skubal's starts this season.

Kansas City's Salvador Perez walked in the ninth, extending his on-base streak to 18 games.

Royals: Start a three-game series Monday in Toronto. Kansas City is expected to call up RHP Jonathan Bowlan (2024 debut) from Triple-A Omaha to face RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-1, 3.86 ERA).

Tigers: Start a three-game series Monday against St. Louis. RHP Kenta Maeda (0-1, 5.96 ERA) is scheduled to start against Cardinals LHP Steven Matz (1-2, 5.55 ERA).

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez hit a two-run drive for his first major league homer, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Sunday.“He hit one to the track last night,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I guess he did a couple extra pushups this morning.”Jake Rogers also homered for the Tigers, who have won five of seven. It was Detroit's 10th come-from-behind win of the season.The Royals have lost two in a row after a four-game winning streak.“I don't think we drove a ball after the first inning until maybe the seventh,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We couldn't square them up.”Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal (4-0) pitched seven innings of one-run ball.“He gave up a seeing-eye double and a two-strike base hit in the first, but he got another gear after that,” Hinch said. “That's what you expect from a guy who is going to anchor your rotation.”Skubal struck out six while improving to 2-7 with a 4.65 ERA in 12 career games against the Royals.“We knew coming in it was going to be a challenge. He's one of the best pitchers in the league,” Quatraro said. “Upper-90s velocity, location, plus changeup, curveball — you name it.”Jason Foley pitched the ninth for his ninth save.Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3) permitted four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.Kansas City took a 1-0 lead on Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single in the first, but Pérez put Detroit in front with a drive to right in the bottom half.“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was gone,” said Pérez, who is hitting .286 since making his major league debut on April 8. “And when we give (Skubal) a lead, the game is done. We know he's going to do the job.”The Tigers made it 3-1 in the second when Rogers singled, took third on Parker Meadows' double and scored on Riley Greene's sacrifice fly.Rogers added his second homer of the season in the sixth, and Skubal stranded runners on first and third in the seventh.“We were probably a little fastball heavy early in the game, but then he was really dominant with the changeup,” said Rogers, who has caught all of Skubal's starts this season.Kansas City's Salvador Perez walked in the ninth, extending his on-base streak to 18 games.UP NEXTRoyals: Start a three-game series Monday in Toronto. Kansas City is expected to call up RHP Jonathan Bowlan (2024 debut) from Triple-A Omaha to face RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-1, 3.86 ERA).Tigers: Start a three-game series Monday against St. Louis. RHP Kenta Maeda (0-1, 5.96 ERA) is scheduled to start against Cardinals LHP Steven Matz (1-2, 5.55 ERA).

⚾Wenceel Pérez hits 1st big league homer as the Tigers beat the Royals

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144.

Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft. Booker becomes the first Kansas defensive end drafted since Dorance Armstrong Jr. was a fourth-round pick, No. 116, by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.

Booker made an immediate impact in his first season at KU, ranking second in the Big 12 with 8.0 sacks and sixth with 12.0 tackles for loss. In total, he had 56 tackles, including 40 solo and 16 assists, while forcing two fumbles and recording one pass defended. Booker had a season-high nine tackles at Oklahoma State and a season-high 2.0 sacks in KU’s home win over Illinois.

“I had an amazing visit [to Chicago]…I know I will be in good hands going forward,” Booker said after being selected. “I’m 21, so I know that I have a lot of years ahead of me to get stronger and get faster, so I’m just looking to keep growing in the NFL.”

From Greenwood, Indiana, Booker was named an All-Big 12 First Team selection and the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year following the season. He was then invited to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Booker developed into an NFL Draft pick after transferring to Kansas from Minnesota.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144.Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft. Booker becomes the first Kansas defensive end drafted since Dorance Armstrong Jr. was a fourth-round pick, No. 116, by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.Booker made an immediate impact in his first season at KU, ranking second in the Big 12 with 8.0 sacks and sixth with 12.0 tackles for loss. In total, he had 56 tackles, including 40 solo and 16 assists, while forcing two fumbles and recording one pass defended. Booker had a season-high nine tackles at Oklahoma State and a season-high 2.0 sacks in KU’s home win over Illinois.“I had an amazing visit [to Chicago]…I know I will be in good hands going forward,” Booker said after being selected. “I’m 21, so I know that I have a lot of years ahead of me to get stronger and get faster, so I’m just looking to keep growing in the NFL.”From Greenwood, Indiana, Booker was named an All-Big 12 First Team selection and the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year following the season. He was then invited to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Booker developed into an NFL Draft pick after transferring to Kansas from Minnesota.

Austin Booker Goes to Chicago Bears in Fifth Round of 2024 NFL Draft

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following a pair of selections on Friday, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams, including the second in the last three years as current Los Angeles safety Russ Yeast was taken with the 253rd&nbsp;overall pick in 2021.

Earlier in the 2024 NFL Draft,&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round and&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round. Last season, the Wildcats had four NFL Draft picks – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Julius Brents, Josh Hayes and Deuce Vaughn – as it marks the first time since 2002 and 2003 that the Wildcats had at least three players selected in consecutive years.

A product of Waco, Texas, Leveston saw action in 50 career games with starts in 32 games, including a streak of 27 starts to close out his career. An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick each of his final two seasons, Leveston was only flagged for one in-play penalty over his final two campaigns, which spanned 1,842 offensive snaps.

Last season, Leveston helped the Wildcats rank in the top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories, including a school-record 30 passing touchdowns, No. 2 rankings in offensive yards per game (445.2) and first downs (310), and a No. 3 showing in total yards (5,788). K-State also finished the season in the top 30 nationally in 11 offensive categories, including scoring (10th – 37.1 points per game), rushing (11th – 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th – 47.9%), rushing touchdowns (12th – 32) and first downs (12th – 310).

More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following a pair of selections on Friday, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft.Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams, including the second in the last three years as current Los Angeles safety Russ Yeast was taken with the 253rd&nbsp;overall pick in 2021.Earlier in the 2024 NFL Draft,&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round and&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round. Last season, the Wildcats had four NFL Draft picks – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Julius Brents, Josh Hayes and Deuce Vaughn – as it marks the first time since 2002 and 2003 that the Wildcats had at least three players selected in consecutive years.A product of Waco, Texas, Leveston saw action in 50 career games with starts in 32 games, including a streak of 27 starts to close out his career. An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick each of his final two seasons, Leveston was only flagged for one in-play penalty over his final two campaigns, which spanned 1,842 offensive snaps.Last season, Leveston helped the Wildcats rank in the top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories, including a school-record 30 passing touchdowns, No. 2 rankings in offensive yards per game (445.2) and first downs (310), and a No. 3 showing in total yards (5,788). K-State also finished the season in the top 30 nationally in 11 offensive categories, including scoring (10th – 37.1 points per game), rushing (11th – 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th – 47.9%), rushing touchdowns (12th – 32) and first downs (12th – 310).More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.

K-State’s Leveston Taken on Final Day of NFL Draft

DETROIT (AP) — Matt Vierling hit a three-run homer to highlight Detroit's five-run seventh inning and the Tigers beat Kansas City 6-5 Saturday night, ending the Royals' four-game winning streak.

“When I hit it, I didn't think it was going out,” said Vierling, whose 111-mph line drive had a 14-degree launch angle. “That's a big comeback win, so I was fired up.”

Trailing 3-1, Detroit rallied against Chris Stratton (2-2) in the seventh. After Jake Rogers walked, Riley Greene and Mark Canha singled, driving in Rogers.

Wenceel Perez flew out to the wall in right, allowing Greene to take third, and Kerry Carpenter tied the game with a base hit. After Spencer Torkelson popped out, Vierling lined Stratton's 1-2 sinker over the left-field fence to put the Tigers up 6-3.

“I left pitches over the middle,” Stratton said. “They are big league hitters and they did exactly what they are supposed to do.”

The Royals bullpen came into the game with a 2.12 ERA in its last 21 innings.

“Stratton's going to pitch big innings for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Sometimes during those high-leverage situations, it doesn't go your way, but he's done this before and he'll bounce back.”

The Royals scored twice in the ninth off Tigers closer Jason Foley, but Vinnie Pasquatino flew out to deep center to end the game.

“I threw a four-seamer up and got him,” Foley said. “He's a really good hitter, so it felt great to get him out.”

The Tigers won despite four infield errors, two by Javier Báez.

“We can't keep winning games like that,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “The fight in this team is really good, but this is unsustainable. You give them extra outs, and then Foley is looking at (Bobby) Witt Jr. and Pasquatino in the ninth inning.”

Alex Faedo (2-1) got the win with two innings of relief of starter Casey Mize, who allowed three runs, two earned, in five innings.

Royals starter Brady Singer allowed one run in five innings.

The Royals only needed four batters to take a two-run lead. Maikel Garcia and Witt Jr. started the game with singles, with Garcia moving to third. After Witt stole second, Pasquatino made it 1-0 with a RBI groundout, and Salvador Perez followed with an RBI single. The base hit extended Perez's on-base streak to 17 games, matching his career high.

Kansas City made it 3-0 in the second with a pair of errors setting up Garcia's RBI single.

The Tigers got a run back in the bottom of the inning, and could have had more. Colt Keith walked and scored on Zach McKinstry's triple, but Singer got Báez and Rogers to ground out before striking out Greene to strand the runner.

The teams finish the weekend series on Sunday with Tigers' ace LHP Tarik Skubal (3-0, 1.82 ERA) facing RHP Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.81).

DETROIT (AP) — Matt Vierling hit a three-run homer to highlight Detroit's five-run seventh inning and the Tigers beat Kansas City 6-5 Saturday night, ending the Royals' four-game winning streak.“When I hit it, I didn't think it was going out,” said Vierling, whose 111-mph line drive had a 14-degree launch angle. “That's a big comeback win, so I was fired up.”Trailing 3-1, Detroit rallied against Chris Stratton (2-2) in the seventh. After Jake Rogers walked, Riley Greene and Mark Canha singled, driving in Rogers.Wenceel Perez flew out to the wall in right, allowing Greene to take third, and Kerry Carpenter tied the game with a base hit. After Spencer Torkelson popped out, Vierling lined Stratton's 1-2 sinker over the left-field fence to put the Tigers up 6-3.“I left pitches over the middle,” Stratton said. “They are big league hitters and they did exactly what they are supposed to do.”The Royals bullpen came into the game with a 2.12 ERA in its last 21 innings.“Stratton's going to pitch big innings for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Sometimes during those high-leverage situations, it doesn't go your way, but he's done this before and he'll bounce back.”The Royals scored twice in the ninth off Tigers closer Jason Foley, but Vinnie Pasquatino flew out to deep center to end the game.“I threw a four-seamer up and got him,” Foley said. “He's a really good hitter, so it felt great to get him out.”The Tigers won despite four infield errors, two by Javier Báez.“We can't keep winning games like that,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “The fight in this team is really good, but this is unsustainable. You give them extra outs, and then Foley is looking at (Bobby) Witt Jr. and Pasquatino in the ninth inning.”Alex Faedo (2-1) got the win with two innings of relief of starter Casey Mize, who allowed three runs, two earned, in five innings.Royals starter Brady Singer allowed one run in five innings.The Royals only needed four batters to take a two-run lead. Maikel Garcia and Witt Jr. started the game with singles, with Garcia moving to third. After Witt stole second, Pasquatino made it 1-0 with a RBI groundout, and Salvador Perez followed with an RBI single. The base hit extended Perez's on-base streak to 17 games, matching his career high.Kansas City made it 3-0 in the second with a pair of errors setting up Garcia's RBI single.The Tigers got a run back in the bottom of the inning, and could have had more. Colt Keith walked and scored on Zach McKinstry's triple, but Singer got Báez and Rogers to ground out before striking out Greene to strand the runner.UP NEXTThe teams finish the weekend series on Sunday with Tigers' ace LHP Tarik Skubal (3-0, 1.82 ERA) facing RHP Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.81).

⚾ Vierling's 3-run homer highlights 5-run 7th as Tigers beat Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former Chiefs Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali will be the 2024 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hali is the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.

“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. “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 entire 12-year career in Kansas City (2006-17), appearing in 177 games, the fourth most by any Chiefs defender in franchise history. He made 157 starts, tied for the sixth-most by any player in Chiefs history. Hali was named to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team, was selected to the Pro Bowl five straight seasons from 2011-15 and was named to the AP All-Pro second-team twice (2011 and 2013). Hali was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week four times in his career, tied for the second most by any Chiefs defender.

He stands as one of the most prolific pass rushers in Chiefs history. His 89.5 sacks for -591.5 yards are both second only to PFHOF LB Derrick Thomas in Chiefs history. The total includes 8.0 sacks his rookie season, the third most for a rookie in franchise history. He was also relentless when it came to punching the ball out of the opponent’s grasp. With 33 career forced fumbles he is second, again to only Thomas, for the most in forced fumbles Chiefs history. His six forced fumbles in his rookie season were a franchise rookie record and are tied for fourth-most in a season in Chiefs history.

After recording 8.0 sacks his rookie year, he would go on to match or exceed that total six times in his career, tied for the second-most seasons with 8.0 or more sacks in franchise history. He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2010 and reached double-digit sacks three times in his career (2010, 2011 and 2013), a mark only Thomas and Chiefs Hall of Fame DE Neil Smith have reached more times. He recorded 3.0 sacks in a game on three separate occasions, one of just five Chiefs to reach that mark three or more times.

Hali entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Chiefs (20th overall) in 2006. He played collegiately at Penn State University from 2002-05. He played in 47 total games during his four seasons in State College, Pennsylvania, totaling 179 tackles (84 solo) and 14.0 sacks. His college career was highlighted by his senior campaign when he recorded 65 tackles (27 solo) which included 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, both of which were the top mark in the Big Ten for the season. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman and became the 13th consensus All-American in Nittany Lions history.

As impactful as Hali was on the field, his influence reached even further in his off-the-field efforts. Hali, the Chiefs 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, was born in Liberia in 1983, a country that was thrown into civil war while he was a child. He fled the country and came to the United States when he was 10 years old but has never forgotten his roots. Throughout the years he has used his position and platform to spread awareness of the needs in West Africa. His dedication to the area has not stopped at words alone as he has donated tens-of-thousands of dollars to causes in the region. In 2014 he donated $50,000 to construct a 70-bed Ebola treatment unit as the disease devastated communities in the region.

Along with his work abroad, Hali has given back to the communities that have supported him along his football journey. In Kansas City he partnered with the Bishop Sullivan Center to purchase and serve meals, focusing on sustainable food made with healthy ingredients. He went above and beyond for the families affiliated with the service organizations helping provide furniture, clothing and other necessities to those in need. Hali has also given back generously to his alma mater, Teaneck High School, in New Jersey. Among other initiatives, he has donated shoes for the entire football program, financed the school’s freshman football team with a $15,000 gift and gave $40,000 to complete upgrades to facilities and build the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

Hali’s contributions to the community didn’t stop with his retirement, he continues to reach out a hand of service today. He serves on the board of directors at Literacy KC, an organization aimed at advancing literacy within the Kansas City metropolitan area through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. He is also an active member of the Kansas City Ambassadors, a group which focuses on and participates in a wide variety of philanthropic endeavors.

From his time as a dominant force rushing the quarterback to his current role spreading the message of the Kingdom with a heart of service, Hali – still a resident of the Kansas City metro – exemplifies what it means to be a Chiefs Hall of Famer through and through.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former Chiefs Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali will be the 2024 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hali is the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.“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. “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 entire 12-year career in Kansas City (2006-17), appearing in 177 games, the fourth most by any Chiefs defender in franchise history. He made 157 starts, tied for the sixth-most by any player in Chiefs history. Hali was named to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team, was selected to the Pro Bowl five straight seasons from 2011-15 and was named to the AP All-Pro second-team twice (2011 and 2013). Hali was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week four times in his career, tied for the second most by any Chiefs defender.He stands as one of the most prolific pass rushers in Chiefs history. His 89.5 sacks for -591.5 yards are both second only to PFHOF LB Derrick Thomas in Chiefs history. The total includes 8.0 sacks his rookie season, the third most for a rookie in franchise history. He was also relentless when it came to punching the ball out of the opponent’s grasp. With 33 career forced fumbles he is second, again to only Thomas, for the most in forced fumbles Chiefs history. His six forced fumbles in his rookie season were a franchise rookie record and are tied for fourth-most in a season in Chiefs history.After recording 8.0 sacks his rookie year, he would go on to match or exceed that total six times in his career, tied for the second-most seasons with 8.0 or more sacks in franchise history. He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2010 and reached double-digit sacks three times in his career (2010, 2011 and 2013), a mark only Thomas and Chiefs Hall of Fame DE Neil Smith have reached more times. He recorded 3.0 sacks in a game on three separate occasions, one of just five Chiefs to reach that mark three or more times.Hali entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Chiefs (20th overall) in 2006. He played collegiately at Penn State University from 2002-05. He played in 47 total games during his four seasons in State College, Pennsylvania, totaling 179 tackles (84 solo) and 14.0 sacks. His college career was highlighted by his senior campaign when he recorded 65 tackles (27 solo) which included 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, both of which were the top mark in the Big Ten for the season. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman and became the 13th consensus All-American in Nittany Lions history.As impactful as Hali was on the field, his influence reached even further in his off-the-field efforts. Hali, the Chiefs 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, was born in Liberia in 1983, a country that was thrown into civil war while he was a child. He fled the country and came to the United States when he was 10 years old but has never forgotten his roots. Throughout the years he has used his position and platform to spread awareness of the needs in West Africa. His dedication to the area has not stopped at words alone as he has donated tens-of-thousands of dollars to causes in the region. In 2014 he donated $50,000 to construct a 70-bed Ebola treatment unit as the disease devastated communities in the region.Along with his work abroad, Hali has given back to the communities that have supported him along his football journey. In Kansas City he partnered with the Bishop Sullivan Center to purchase and serve meals, focusing on sustainable food made with healthy ingredients. He went above and beyond for the families affiliated with the service organizations helping provide furniture, clothing and other necessities to those in need. Hali has also given back generously to his alma mater, Teaneck High School, in New Jersey. Among other initiatives, he has donated shoes for the entire football program, financed the school’s freshman football team with a $15,000 gift and gave $40,000 to complete upgrades to facilities and build the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.Hali’s contributions to the community didn’t stop with his retirement, he continues to reach out a hand of service today. He serves on the board of directors at Literacy KC, an organization aimed at advancing literacy within the Kansas City metropolitan area through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. He is also an active member of the Kansas City Ambassadors, a group which focuses on and participates in a wide variety of philanthropic endeavors.From his time as a dominant force rushing the quarterback to his current role spreading the message of the Kingdom with a heart of service, Hali – still a resident of the Kansas City metro – exemplifies what it means to be a Chiefs Hall of Famer through and through.

Tamba Hali to be Inducted Into Chiefs Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs had two distinct holes on their roster as they headed into the offseason.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions filled them with their first two picks in the NFL draft.

While every general manager talks about taking “the best player available,” and some make a surprising pick that goes against the grain, Brett Veach did exactly what was expected. The Chiefs' GM moved up modestly in the first round to take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-draft-281f23c4474ec86771102ddb941bcd45#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Kansas%20City,Hill%20was%20on%20the%20roster.">Texas burner Xavier Worthy</a>, instantly upgrading what was one of the league's worst wide receiving corps last year, then made another minor trade-up in Round 2 to take BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, potentially filling a glaring hole at left tackle.

“We just let the board play out and saw the value there,” Veach said.

Indeed, the Chiefs' draft board played out perfectly.

Worthy set the NFL combine record by running the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, giving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes a legitimate deep threat for the first time since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. Worthy is also an underrated route-runner with sure hands, something the Chiefs lacked while leading the league in dropped passes.

The Chiefs hope Worthy can pair well with Marquise Brown, whom they signed in free agency, and Rashee Rice, whose future is up in the air while dealing with legal trouble stemming from a street racing crash in Texas.

“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, (but) if you have an opportunity to get somebody that you think is a good player — just not a speed guy but a good football player — I think you probably need to take advantage of that.”

The issue then becomes giving Mahomes time to get the ball to those guys, and that's where Suamataia comes into the picture.

Many scouts gave him a first-round grade, yet the 6-foot-5, 328-pound offensive tackle fell to Kansas City late in the second round, and he could start from Day 1. The Chiefs allowed Donovan Smith to reach free agency, so Suamataia will likely compete with Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang for the opportunity to protect Mahomes' blind side.

“If I do get the opportunity to be his blindside, shoot, that would mean the world to me,” Suamataia said. “I’m just ready to come in wherever I best fit on the team and just get it rolling from there.”

The Chiefs did not have a third-round selection, so they used their two fourth-rounders on less pressing holes at tight end and safety. Jared Wiley of TCU can be groomed for the day when Travis Kelce decides to hang up the cleats, while Jaden Hicks — ranked by some draft pundits as the No. 1 safety in the class — can provide immediate help in the secondary.

The Chiefs spent a fifth-rounder on Penn State's Hunter Nourzad, who played right tackle at Cornell before starting at center the past two seasons at Penn State. Creed Humphrey, a two-time Pro Bowl pick at center for Kansas City, had some problems with his snaps last season. Nourzad could push him or perhaps slide to guard, where Joe Thuney is coming off pectoral surgery.

The Chiefs chose Tennessee cornerback Kamal Hadden in the sixth round and hope he can follow a string of successful late-round picks at the position. Two years ago, they took regular contributors Josh Williams in the fourth round and Jaylen Watson in the seventh. Last year, fourth-rounder Chamarri Conner played a big role in their success.

Kansas City built one of the league's best defenses through the draft, using several high picks in recent years. But it used its first three selections this year to prop up the offense, then hit the defense in the later rounds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs had two distinct holes on their roster as they headed into the offseason.The two-time defending Super Bowl champions filled them with their first two picks in the NFL draft.While every general manager talks about taking “the best player available,” and some make a surprising pick that goes against the grain, Brett Veach did exactly what was expected. The Chiefs' GM moved up modestly in the first round to take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-draft-281f23c4474ec86771102ddb941bcd45#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Kansas%20City,Hill%20was%20on%20the%20roster.">Texas burner Xavier Worthy</a>, instantly upgrading what was one of the league's worst wide receiving corps last year, then made another minor trade-up in Round 2 to take BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, potentially filling a glaring hole at left tackle.“We just let the board play out and saw the value there,” Veach said.Indeed, the Chiefs' draft board played out perfectly.Worthy set the NFL combine record by running the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, giving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes a legitimate deep threat for the first time since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. Worthy is also an underrated route-runner with sure hands, something the Chiefs lacked while leading the league in dropped passes.The Chiefs hope Worthy can pair well with Marquise Brown, whom they signed in free agency, and Rashee Rice, whose future is up in the air while dealing with legal trouble stemming from a street racing crash in Texas.“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, (but) if you have an opportunity to get somebody that you think is a good player — just not a speed guy but a good football player — I think you probably need to take advantage of that.”The issue then becomes giving Mahomes time to get the ball to those guys, and that's where Suamataia comes into the picture.Many scouts gave him a first-round grade, yet the 6-foot-5, 328-pound offensive tackle fell to Kansas City late in the second round, and he could start from Day 1. The Chiefs allowed Donovan Smith to reach free agency, so Suamataia will likely compete with Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang for the opportunity to protect Mahomes' blind side.“If I do get the opportunity to be his blindside, shoot, that would mean the world to me,” Suamataia said. “I’m just ready to come in wherever I best fit on the team and just get it rolling from there.”FOURTH-ROUND FINDSThe Chiefs did not have a third-round selection, so they used their two fourth-rounders on less pressing holes at tight end and safety. Jared Wiley of TCU can be groomed for the day when Travis Kelce decides to hang up the cleats, while Jaden Hicks — ranked by some draft pundits as the No. 1 safety in the class — can provide immediate help in the secondary.THE CENTER OF IT ALLThe Chiefs spent a fifth-rounder on Penn State's Hunter Nourzad, who played right tackle at Cornell before starting at center the past two seasons at Penn State. Creed Humphrey, a two-time Pro Bowl pick at center for Kansas City, had some problems with his snaps last season. Nourzad could push him or perhaps slide to guard, where Joe Thuney is coming off pectoral surgery.LATE-ROUND CORNERSThe Chiefs chose Tennessee cornerback Kamal Hadden in the sixth round and hope he can follow a string of successful late-round picks at the position. Two years ago, they took regular contributors Josh Williams in the fourth round and Jaylen Watson in the seventh. Last year, fourth-rounder Chamarri Conner played a big role in their success.GETTING DEFENSIVEKansas City built one of the league's best defenses through the draft, using several high picks in recent years. But it used its first three selections this year to prop up the offense, then hit the defense in the later rounds.WORK TO DO

Chiefs address biggest concerns in NFL draft with selections of wide receiver and offensive tackle

The San Francisco 49ers traded up the 86th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the 86th pick, the 49ers have drafted offensive lineman Dominick Puni from the University of Kansas. The offensive lineman is San Francisco's third pick in this year's draft.

Puni's stats from his collegiate career across Central Missouri (2018-21) and Kansas (2022-23):

The San Francisco 49ers traded up the 86th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the 86th pick, the 49ers have drafted offensive lineman Dominick Puni from the University of Kansas. The offensive lineman is San Francisco's third pick in this year's draft.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earned it. Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49er. <a href="https://t.co/IgEQfoAuSO">pic.twitter.com/IgEQfoAuSO</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1784053655345185187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Puni's stats from his collegiate career across Central Missouri (2018-21) and Kansas (2022-23):<ul>
 <li>In 2018, Puni played in seven games with starts in the final three games at right tackle.</li><li>In 2019, he earned an honorable mention for the All-Midwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association Award (MIAA), starting all 13 games at left tackle.</li><li>In 2022, started all 13 games at left guard, earning an All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention.</li><li>In 2023, Puni was a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. He was also named to the First-team All-Big 12 Conference and was the starting left tackle at Kansas.</li>
 </ul>

NFL Draft: 49ers select KU's Dominick Puni with the No. 86 pick 

FRISCO, Texas —&nbsp;Knowing they were on the hunt to add picks to their eventual 2024 NFL Draft haul, the Dallas Cowboys went to work in the first round and struck a deal when the Detroit Lions gave them a call for the 24th-overall pick. The deal gave the Cowboys the 29th-overall pick — selecting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton — but also an extra third-round pick.

And at the 73rd-overall pick, by way of the Motor City in the Motor City, the Cowboys select interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe out of Kansas State.

FRISCO, Texas —&nbsp;Knowing they were on the hunt to add picks to their eventual 2024 NFL Draft haul, the Dallas Cowboys went to work in the first round and struck a deal when the Detroit Lions gave them a call for the 24th-overall pick. The deal gave the Cowboys the 29th-overall pick — selecting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton — but also an extra third-round pick.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/cooper_beebe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cooper_beebe</a> is a Dallas Cowboy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KStateFB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KStateFB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a> <a href="https://t.co/uGiw8bIbAu">pic.twitter.com/uGiw8bIbAu</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1784040021734867029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>And at the 73rd-overall pick, by way of the Motor City in the Motor City, the Cowboys select interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe out of Kansas State.

NFL Draft: K-State's Cooper Beebe to Cowboys as 3rd-Round Pick

DETROIT (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven scoreless innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth straight game, beating the Detroit Tigers 8-0 on Friday.

Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts in a game played at 1:10 pm due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-caleb-williams-first-round-picks-36120e9df01c0cdaebf0e621cfbd2a8e">NFL draft</a>&nbsp;festivities in downtown Detroit on Friday evening.

Tigers starter Reese Olson (0-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks in seven innings, striking out eight.

Kansas City led 1-0 before scoring seven runs in the ninth inning.

With one out in the third, Adam Frazier and Kyle Isbel singled before Maikel Garcia walked to load the bases for the Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to center.

The Tigers thought they had the lead in the bottom of the third, but Frazier reached over the right-field fence to rob Parker Meadows of a home run before doubling Javier Báez off first.

Detroit got a pair of two-out hits against former teammate John Schreiber in the eighth, but he struck out Spencer Torkelson to end the inning.

The Royals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, thanks to two singles and a walk off Tyler Holton. Holton, usually one of Detroit's best control pitchers, then hit Frazier and Isbel with consecutive pitches to make it 3-0.

Garcia greeted Will Vest with a two-run single to put the Royals up by five, and Witt tripled before Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly made it 8-0.

Tigers utilityman Andy Ibáñez (hamstring) started a rehab assignment on Thursday, going 2-3 with a double for Triple-A Toledo.

The teams play the second game of the series on Saturday evening. RHP Casey Mize (1-0, 2.95) is scheduled to start for Detroit against RHP Brady Singer (3-0, 1.82).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714161176264.png" alt="Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts -Photo courtesy KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts -Photo courtesy KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven scoreless innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth straight game, beating the Detroit Tigers 8-0 on Friday.Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts in a game played at 1:10 pm due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-caleb-williams-first-round-picks-36120e9df01c0cdaebf0e621cfbd2a8e">NFL draft</a>&nbsp;festivities in downtown Detroit on Friday evening.Tigers starter Reese Olson (0-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks in seven innings, striking out eight.Kansas City led 1-0 before scoring seven runs in the ninth inning.With one out in the third, Adam Frazier and Kyle Isbel singled before Maikel Garcia walked to load the bases for the Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to center.The Tigers thought they had the lead in the bottom of the third, but Frazier reached over the right-field fence to rob Parker Meadows of a home run before doubling Javier Báez off first.Detroit got a pair of two-out hits against former teammate John Schreiber in the eighth, but he struck out Spencer Torkelson to end the inning.The Royals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, thanks to two singles and a walk off Tyler Holton. Holton, usually one of Detroit's best control pitchers, then hit Frazier and Isbel with consecutive pitches to make it 3-0.Garcia greeted Will Vest with a two-run single to put the Royals up by five, and Witt tripled before Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly made it 8-0.TRAINER'S ROOMTigers utilityman Andy Ibáñez (hamstring) started a rehab assignment on Thursday, going 2-3 with a double for Triple-A Toledo.UP NEXTThe teams play the second game of the series on Saturday evening. RHP Casey Mize (1-0, 2.95) is scheduled to start for Detroit against RHP Brady Singer (3-0, 1.82).

⚾ Seth Lugo throws 7 scoreless innings, leads Royals past Tigers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving Patrick Mahomes the kind of speedy deep threat they have not enjoyed since Tyreek Hill was on the roster.

The Chiefs were supposed to pick last in the first round after winning their second consecutive Super Bowl and third in five years, but they managed to trade up with one of their biggest AFC rivals in Buffalo. The Chiefs sent the 32nd pick along with a fourth-rounder and seventh-rounder to the Bills for No. 28, a fourth-rounder and a seventh-rounder.

“Listen, I like the wide receivers we've got,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “but to go add somebody of this quality is important, or a good move to strengthen it. I don't want to slight the guys we have but he's a nice addition.”

So nice that Mahomes, who was attending a gala in New York, instantly took to social media to approve of it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714126161248.jpeg" alt="FILE - Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch while covered by Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson, left, during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. While Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. will most assuredly be gone the Buffalo Bills' scheduled NFL draft pick at No. 28, the Texas junior tandem of Adonai Mitchell and Worthy, or perhaps Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, could be available. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch while covered by Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson, left, during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. While Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. will most assuredly be gone the Buffalo Bills' scheduled NFL draft pick at No. 28, the Texas junior tandem of Adonai Mitchell and Worthy, or perhaps Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, could be available. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving Patrick Mahomes the kind of speedy deep threat they have not enjoyed since Tyreek Hill was on the roster.The Chiefs were supposed to pick last in the first round after winning their second consecutive Super Bowl and third in five years, but they managed to trade up with one of their biggest AFC rivals in Buffalo. The Chiefs sent the 32nd pick along with a fourth-rounder and seventh-rounder to the Bills for No. 28, a fourth-rounder and a seventh-rounder.“Listen, I like the wide receivers we've got,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “but to go add somebody of this quality is important, or a good move to strengthen it. I don't want to slight the guys we have but he's a nice addition.”So nice that Mahomes, who was attending a gala in New York, instantly took to social media to approve of it.“We told Patrick," Reid said with a smile. “Patrick is curious. He loves this stuff. It doesn't matter if it's offense or defense. He just loves the draft. He's texting away at us and we get back to him. He's great with it.”Worthy broke the NFL combine record when he ran a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, exhibiting the kind of raw speed that Kansas City last enjoyed when Hill was on the team. But Worthy is more than just a deep threat, showing promise as a route runner and cutting down on the number of drops last season, when he caught 75 passes for 1,014 yards and five TDs.“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Reid said. “We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, but if you have an opportunity to get somebody you think is a good player, you probably need to take advantage of that.”The Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year with a patchwork wide receiver corps, and they were in the market for help even before second-year pro Rashee Rice — their biggest breakout star of last season — got embroiled in legal trouble in Texas.Dallas police allege that Rice was driving a Lamborghini well over 100 mph when he and a friend, who was driving a Corvette, lost control and began a chain-reaction crash that resulted in injuries to several people. Rice left the scene without seeing if anyone was injured, but turned himself in when police issued warrants for his arrest.Rice has been released on bond, and Reid has said he would continue to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program as the legal situation plays out. But the Chiefs must prepare for the possibility they will be without him for at least the first part of the season — if not the entire season — as they try to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.“It's a quarterback league and a speed game,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “and the more speed you have on the field, the harder it is for defenses to take away different elements of the game. We have a couple of guys now that can keep a defense guessing, and we're excited about what this will do.”The Chiefs signed Hollywood Brown in free agency, and tight end Travis Kelce has been every bit as productive as any wide receiver. But otherwise, the Chiefs were faced with heading into the summer with Justin Watson, drop-prone Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, and journeymen such as Montrell Washington filling out the receiver corps.So the trade to get Worthy wasn't a surprise. But the fact that the Bills picked up the phone raised some eyebrows.Along with the fact that Kansas City has frequently ended their season in the playoffs, the Chiefs also swung a memorable first-round trade with them in 2017: They sent Buffalo their first- and third-round picks that year and a first-round pick the next year to move up to No. 10 and select Mahomes, which ultimately altered the trajectory of the entire franchise.“Everyone goes into the process with their own list of priorities of what they want to do and what they want to accomplish,” Veach said. “I think they had a mindset of what they wanted to do. They've done a great job over the years. I'm sure it made sense to them. We were on our own agenda. We saw value there.”