Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt Quotes
July 28, 2025
OPENING STATEMENT: “It's great to see everybody. We're excited to be in week two of our training camp here at Missouri Western. I want to say thank you to the staff of Missouri Western – Dr. (Elizabeth) Kennedy and the entire staff doing such a great job of hosting this every year. We love being up here in St. Joe and appreciate the community and opportunity that we have to come together and lay the foundation for the season. Certainly, with the season not finishing like we wanted to last year, I sense an urgency on behalf of everybody associated with the team, on getting here, getting on the field, and getting prepared for the upcoming season. With that, I'll open it up.”
Q: You guys have done a lot of big deals this off season. Is Trent McDuffie a priority to get an extension done. Is it something you guys would like to do before the season or afterward?
HUNT: “Yeah, well, we were excited to get the guys done that we did this offseason. I think one of the themes you saw was rewarding players that we drafted. I'm a big believer that you build football teams through the draft, and we're lucky that (Chiefs General Manager) Brett (Veach) and his team have done such a great job, and we have so many players who have played at a high level and that we would like to keep long term. I don't want to speak specifically about any one player, but it is a priority for us to keep the nucleus of the team together.”
Q: How close are you to making a decision on the future of the stadium, and what obstacles still potentially remain?
HUNT: “I know (Chiefs President) Mark Donovan spoke to you all a week ago and shared that we've made a lot of progress, and that's absolutely true, and that progress is on both sides of the state line. We're grateful to have two really good options. I don't want to get into how close we're making a decision, because we've found over time with stadium situations, that until they're done, they're not done. There's a lot of work, a lot of moving parts, and we're working through those. Certainly, I would say we feel an urgency to bring the process to a conclusion. But that doesn't mean I can will it to happen in any specified period of time.”
Q: On the two good options for the future stadium.
HUNT: “Well, I think if we were to move to Kansas, it would obviously involve a new stadium, and our priority on Missouri side has been a renovation of GEHA Field at Arrowhead. So, those are the two primary options.”
Q: The two projects would cost different amounts of money, and the two states have structured things differently. How big of a factor is getting a vote done, and how much is the cost to you and your family?
HUNT: “The two projects obviously cost different amounts, that's absolutely true. And you know, from a family standpoint, we're not really focused on our financial commitment. We're more focused on getting it right, picking the option that's best for our fans, one that's best for the community, and best for the organization for the next several decades.”
Q: This is the most momentous decision for the organization since your dad moved the team here. Can you describe the family dynamics when you and your siblings are ready to break it all down and make a decision?
HUNT: “Yeah, Vahe (Gregorian), you're exactly right that it's a very big decision, and it's one I certainly want my family's input on. It's something that will affect our family for multiple decades and maybe several generations. So, having broad input is really important. I'm hopeful that the decision will be clear cut for us. I don't know that it will be when we get to that point, but certainly having a collaborative process is important.”
Q: On balancing emotion and sentimentality when making this decision.
HUNT: “Well, I think anybody who has been coming to Chiefs games for decades understands what a special stadium GEHA Field at Arrowhead is. And you know, it's fun being here at training camp and getting to interact with our fans. And I certainly hear from them in terms of their thoughts. And many of them have grown up going to games with their dad, their mother, their family, and so it's a very special place for them. So that'll be part of the calculus for sure.”
Q: On how progress is going for World Cup modifications and how those might impact the stadium for the start of football season.
HUNT: “So that process has been going on for a couple of years now. This summer was really the bulk of the work where we had to take out a number of rows of seats on the north side of the stadium so that we can have the proper width for a World Cup pitch. And we pretty much have that complete, and the stadium will be back in its normal configuration come late August, when we host our preseason game here.”
Q: We heard there were new beds in the dorms this year at training camp. How did that come about?
HUNT: “Yeah, we’re always looking for ways improve the amenities for our players. Certainly, sleep is really important, particularly at training camp. Something you've probably heard the players talk about over the years is how challenging it is to sleep in a dorm room. And I'll second that, because when I'm here, I sleep in the dorm room with them. A number of our veteran players in the past have brought in their own mattresses. We were able to partner with a local furniture store this year to provide mattresses for all the players and the staff. Having spent a few nights here, I'll say the sleeping is definitely better.”
Q: On it being the 15th year of training camp at St. Joe.
HUNT: “This is our 15th year hosting training camp here out of the last 16 years. The experience has been fantastic for the organization. First of all, starting with the football team, I know you've heard Coach Reid talk about how important he thinks it is in terms of bringing the team together to be up here in this environment. The facilities are outstanding. The folks in the cafeteria do a great job with the food. So, it's been an all-round win for the football team. But, I also really like it in terms of the opportunity it provides our fan base to attend practices. It was great to see so many fans out here the last couple of days. Many of them are local. Some have driven up from Kansas City or really across the bi-state region. And having the fans here helps the players from an intensity level at practice, and then also creates a very special environment where the fans and players are able to interact, like we saw here just a few minutes ago with our players signing autographs. So, it's really been great for the organization. We were glad to be able to extend our relationship going forward. We do believe it's been a key part of helping us win a few championships.”
Q: On overall feelings on how the Draft went.
HUNT: “Following the Draft, Brett Veach and his team felt like they had knocked it out of the park again. And we've seen some draft classes here recently where we've been able to bring a number of new starters to the franchise. And I think he feels the same way about this Draft class. We've only been out there for a week, a lot of it was without pads, but the early returns are really positive. I think it's going to be a special Draft class. Part of that was shoring up the offensive line that you mentioned, I would also say the defensive line as well. Both sides in the trenches, we think we’ve added some players that are really going to be able to help us, but they're rookies and they’ve got a lot to learn, and there's a learning curve that they'll have to go through.”
Q: On the urgency of making a stadium decision.
HUNT: “The urgency for us really comes from the timeframe of our existing lease, which expires in the spring of 2031. So, we're coming up on five and a half years left on the lease, and stadium projects generally are four and a half to five years from the time you start designing, getting the entitlements and then building whatever you're building. They're not short-term projects. So, it's important for us to be able to make a decision somewhat in the in the near term to be able to be on schedule to have the renovated or new building open in ’31.”
Q: On potential development around a stadium.
Chiefs Coordinator Quotes
July 28, 2025
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGY
Q: Thoughts on Jalen Royals.
NAGY: “Yeah, he (Jalen Royals) is doing a good job. He got to OTAs, again like a lot of these rookie wide receivers, we put a lot on them, and I think that he has grown from OTAs till now in the summertime. He has been able to – there is some little things that he is doing within his routes, whether it is in zone or winning versus man. So, he is doing some good things, and we want to keep making him grow, leading through what he sees. I think he is a visualizer, so when he sees it, it takes him one time, then the next time he comes back and does a good job.”
Q: Thoughts on deep passing in general.
NAGY: “That has been a focus for us. That’s – I think we all talk about last year and how it went as far as the lack of explosives. Being able to figure out where does that start at? What are we doing, making sure we’re doing our jobs as coaches. What are the players doing, putting it all together? Without a doubt that has been an emphasis and we want to speak it into existence, and it starts with teaching it. Making sure the guys understand it and then when we get out there in practice, we execute it.”
Q: What impresses you most about Josh Simmons?
NAGY: “His (Josh Simmons), yeah, the glimpse of athleticism is rare, it is special. I like his mental right now, where he is at mentally. You know, we all see what goes on out here in practice but then we take it to walk through inside (and) he is, so laser focused and understanding from (Offensive Line Coach Andy) Heck on maybe there’s a mistake or a mental where his assignment wise, he doesn’t go to the right spot. So, we repeat it and go through it. He cannot have enough of those. Physically, he is super talented. It’s the mental side, and it is the communication part with the left guard and the rest of the O-line, but I really like where he is at, and he is a true pro right now and this is just the beginning.”
Q: Is this wide receiver group as good as any group you’ve had?
NAGY: “Yeah, for me – and not to take anything away from any receivers that we’ve been with here or anywhere else for me, this collective group of wide receivers from top to bottom is very, extremely competitive and talented, and they’re competing, they’re pushing each other. I’ll bring up a guy that right now isn’t – I don’t want to take for granted, is JuJu Smith-Schuster. Unbelievable right now with what he is doing, as far as a leader in that room. Watching guys out here in walkthroughs, he is taking these young guys and using his experience and giving his knowledge to them, and it is exciting because he is a great player. So, from top down we have a lot of speed. The guys have knowledge, they’re smart, they play fast and tough. Now, it is just the timing of Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and we’re excited to take this aggressive mentality every day into practice and then take it into the season. We are ready and we are locked in.”
Chiefs Player Quotes
July 28, 2025
WR HOLLYWOOD BROWN
Q: On his chemistry with the other receivers.
BROWN: “I feel like we mesh together really well, on and off the field. We’re like brothers, so when we’re out there playing with each other, it’s a lot of fun.”
Q: As a veteran, what are you trying to instill in the younger receivers?
BROWN: “I think just taking it day by day, (and) enjoying the process. Enjoying the guys, enjoying the teammates, because it moves fast. So that’s what I’ve been preaching – let’s enjoy it every day, let’s win every day, (let’s) attack every day and get better at something.”
Q: What is your impression of Jalen Royals?
BROWN: “Jalen (Royals) is a quick learner. He’s taken advantage of his opportunities, making plays – I think he’s going to make some plays for us.”
CB TRENT MCDUFFIE
Q: What is your interpretation of Defensive Coordinator Spagnuolo’s message, “be bold, be courageous,” to the players at the start of training camp?
MCDUFFIE: “Yeah, for me really, it was, be confident because you understand the basics. You know, be the best you can be at the basics, and all the rest will kind of fall in line. I feel like some, for me, my rookie year was, you come into this, you try to think you gotta do all these crazy things, you know, but when you just sit back and realize that it’s just football, you know, we’re coming out here, (and) it’s still 53 yards; you know what I mean? It’s still a 100-yard field, it’s still first and ten, second and seven; you kind of (have to) sit back and kind of slow your heart rate down and realize that you can do this, you know? You prepared for this, and having a DC like Spags (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo), a Hall of Famer, it just makes you that much more confident, that much more excited to go out here and prove to him that we can be this defense.”
Q: How much are you embracing being a leader in the defensive room?
MCDUFFIE: “Well, my horoscope said this morning, I needed to be more vocal actually, so it’s funny that you asked this question. Not only on the field, but off the field. I think for me personally, I think that’s where my leadership kind of takes a hold of things, because I feel like when you’re on the field, things are going so fast, you know, not a lot of guys want to hear a lot of things; but when you come to the sideline, when your heart rate slows down, when you can kind of sit back and realize what you did. I feel like I can come in there and be that second eye, you know? That person that is out there with you, the person that’s seen that before, and coaches do a really good job at coaching, but sometimes you kind of just want that person who’s been out there, that has been through it, to kind of come over and kind of just let you know that you’re doing the right things or where you messed up. So, for me this year, just being someone that can be personable and approachable. I think that’s what my leadership’s going to be, and someone that is just going to be consistently doing the right thing. And hopefully you follow that.”
Q: Most would consider you the best cornerback in the league when it comes to nickel, is there still something you want to prove when you know that you’re eligible for a contract extension?
MCDUFFIE: “I think every year is a new year, and you kind of want to prove that you still have it. You know what I mean? Even in nickel, I feel like I still have (something) to prove. Even when I’m outside first, anytime you step on this field, I think the whole team feels like they still have something to prove. I think that just makes it a little bit easier when you go out there and see the guys to your left, the guy to your right, all giving 100% effort. And this year for me, it’s really just about how well I can consistently be doing my job, you know, week in, week out. I know things happen, you know, throughout the season, but not letting those small bumps affect me mentally. Not letting those small bumps knock me off what I was originally doing and continue to just push through, keep thriving. That’s what we do here at St. Joe. You got to push through these hot days, you got to push through these long drive drills, and that’s something that I really respect about (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and how he does this, and I think it really helps us through the season.”
NT MIKE PENNEL
Q: How has it been working with Omarr Norman-Lott?
PENNEL: “It’s really good. You know, he is going to progress as he is coming in – he attacks it (practice) everyday like a pro. He has great explosiveness, good hands, he’s a natural rusher. So now it’s just you know, learning that first year about everything coming at you, learning what the offense’s tendencies are and him and Ashton (Gillotte), they’re absorbing it real well, so I’m excited.”
Q: On turnovers on the defensive line and the position battle.
PENNEL: “Yeah, you know, it’s great competition in our room every year. We lost some major pieces with (Derrick) Nnadi and with Turk (Tershawn Wharton), those guys have been here for a while, they both helped us get to Super Bowls, both helped us win Super Bowls. So now it’s time for the younger guys to come up, the next generation, so me, Chris (Jones), George (Karlaftis), Mike Danna are taking that seriously trying to get these guys prepared for the next wave.”
Q: On who his mentors were when he was in the early stages of his NFL career.
PENNEL: “I mean, I had great vets in Green Bay. (former LB) Clay Matthews, (former DE) Julius Peppers, (former DT) B.J. Raji, but as you know, being a big help to my career and (former DE) Nick Perry. Those guys, you know they were at the top of their game. Clay Matthews in commercials. A lot of those guys were Hall of Fame type guys with Julius Peppers and Clay. They really took me under their wing. They didn’t really take me as an undrafted free agent; they would let me work with them outside of the facility. Tell me how to win, how not to do things and it was just easy. I really appreciate those guys. I stay in contact with those guys now so it’s awesome.”