Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, no injuries to give you here. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Eagles, (they’re) a heck of a football team. (They’re) very well run from ownership on down through. (Eagles Head Coach) Nick’s (Sirianni) done a heck of a job there with the football team (and Eagles Executive Vice President/General Manager) Howie Roseman bringing the players in that they have and they’re very talented – well coached and very talented. Anyways, with that, time’s yours.”

Q: You’ve faced the Eagles in back-to-back seasons. How has Eagles RB Saquon Barkley helped the Eagles improve this season?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Eagles RB Saquon Barkley) a great player and a potential future hall of famer. He’s been – he was tremendous at New York and he had a great year this year with the Eagles. So, he’s helped them – he’s helped them, especially in the rush game but he can catch the ball. They have a quarterback that can throw the ball and two wide receivers out there that are tremendous and a couple tight ends, too. They’re fully loaded on the offensive side of the ball but to answer your question he’s been a great addition for them.”

Q: Did you watch Super Bowl IV when it happened as a kid?

REID:&nbsp;“Nope (laughs). Yeah, I remember. I watched all of them.”

Q: That goes back even before your punt, pass and kick episode, I guess?

Q: Would you ever consent to being mic’d up during a game?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m not big on that.”

Q: Have you ever run 65 Toss Power Trap?

REID:&nbsp;“We did last week, yeah. We ran it last week. The one that (Isiah) Pacheco caught. (We) tried to score – we didn’t quite score though. It wasn’t as good as the one they ran.”

Q: You’ve done the Super Bowl in New Orleans before. What do you remember about that?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s a great city and the hospitality was unreal back then – as I’m sure it will be now. They know how to put on a show but as coaches and players, you don’t get into too much of that, but it’s a great city. For the fans, I think it’s great.”

Q: Former NFL Coach Mike Holmgren is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In what ways did he influence you as a head coach?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, (former NFL Coach) Mike Holmgren, yeah. I felt like when I worked for him nobody did it better. I still feel that way after being a head coach for all these years. He’s a tremendous teacher – I mean, (a) great teacher so (I) took a ton from him in all areas. How he dealt with the players and also the football part, he’s got a great mind.”

Q: You’ve had great success in your 60’s and so did former NFL Coach Bill Belichick. Is that the new sweet spot for coaches?

REID:&nbsp;“I think they put something in the Geritol. Listen, it’s – I don’t know. It’s probably the experience, I guess if you had to – and you have good players, which helps and good coaches – good organization. We’re fortunate to have all of those things if there’s something in common with that.”

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think you’re probably more patient. You’ve seen a lot to get to that point, so I know I’m more patient than when I was a younger head coach.”

Q: You’re a finalist for AP Coach of the Year. Would it be an honor to win this award?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think it’s great for everybody involved, everybody’s got a piece of that. If that happens, it’s great. I look at those (award) more of a – really a team honor because it’s not a one man show. You’re really saying that your coaches did good, your players have done well, the organization’s done well. I mean, if it happens, it happens. I wasn’t even sure that was going on, but you could’ve just made that up.”

Q: When you ran 65 Toss Power Trap last week was that the first time and is that also what it’s called in your playbook too?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, that’s what we call it. It’s a tribute to the old guys.”

REID:&nbsp;“No, that was the first time.”

Q: Have you seen Patrick Mahomes’ ability to lock in in the postseason evolve over the years that you’ve worked with him or has he always been able to maintain that consistent focus?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Patrick Mahomes) been good with that. I’d say that’s been a consistency. You can really see as the season builds up (that) he’s even more focused and more focused and then you get to this time of the year (and) he’s really locked in.”

Q: Have you heard any of the reactions calling Patrick Mahomes Michael Jordan?

REID:&nbsp;“I haven’t – listen, I haven’t heard anything, I try not to listen to anything. I had to do my media things, but I don’t tune in during the season.”

Q: On allegations of the Chiefs getting friendly whistles.

REID:&nbsp;“I mean, I think they (the refs) balance – everything balances out. You have a human element there with the officials. These guys are trying to do the best job they possibly can out there. They take a lot of heat one way or the other. Coaches take a lot of heat one way or the other. I don’t pay much attention to it.”

Q: Some people are tired of the Chiefs winning, do you use this as motivation?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I don’t care. Honestly, I don’t get into that; I don’t use that with the guys. I just want to make sure we get prepped. As coaches, our responsibility is to give them everything we can give them to be even greater than they already are and then make sure we’re digging in on plays to help them with that. Then, for them to focus in on learning it and keeping themselves physically fit and mentally fit to go play. There’s enough to do just with that where you don’t even have to pay attention to the other stuff.”

REID:&nbsp;“It’ll probably be the same. Again, we’ll rotate them (Joe Thuney and D.J. Humphries) all in there, but I think (it’ll) probably end up being the same when it’s all said and done.”

Q: What is it about Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz package that you find most compelling?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) doesn’t do it every down. Sometimes you become – you have the stigma of being a blitz guy. It’s when he does it and then how he knows the protections or the run scheme, you know for the run blitzes. How he understands the scheme and when to go ahead about using it. I think that’s what makes him so unique and why they’re successful. You can blitz, they know the blitz is coming, they pick it up and it’s one of those deals. The offensive guy calls the right play for that time. His objective is to find when that’s not happening.”

<a>Q</a>: What is your favorite meal in New Orleans?

REID:&nbsp;“I’ll tell you, there is one. Emerils, not that I turn any of them (meals) down but when I was with the Eagles, the chef there, the head chef, tremendous chef, he was a huge Eagles fan. He invited me over and he said, ‘I’m going to start at the ocean and finish in the mountains.’ He put me in the kitchen and said, ‘Have at it.’ He said, ‘I’ll stop when you’re full,’ so four hours later, we were done.”

Q: Are you worried that he would poison your food this time since he is an Eagles fan?

REID:&nbsp;“I probably won’t go there (laughter).”

Q: Did you ever foresee that Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach would eventually become the General Manager of the team you coach after he worked for you early on in your career in Philadelphia?

REID:&nbsp;“You can see right from the get-go his (Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach) energy and how smart he was. Then, his passion for the players side of it, so those guys that came in, I gave them the opportunity to either go personnel or to the football side. He was so passionate about the personnel side and just digging in with it and finding guys. You look at (former NFL WR and Delaware State University Head Coach) DeSean Jackson and (former NFL RB LeSean) McCoy and (former NFL DT Fletcher) Cox, all those guys, he’s throwing those guys on my desk saying, ‘You have to get these guys.’ He just had an eye and a knack for it and that hasn’t changed.”

Q: What is your advice to the rookies and the players who have not experienced opening night before?

REID:&nbsp;“You know what’s kind of neat about that is you get people from all over the world that show up. Now, some of the questions are a little bizarre, so (Vice President of Football Communications) Brad Gee talks to them (the players) just about how you handle those, that’s important. It might be a joke for them but what you say is what you say so you have to be careful with how you present it and present yourself. For the rookies, that’s all new. The veteran guys kind of know that but for the rookies, it’s kind of a wild event.”

Q: What’s the key to calming the nerves in the beginning of the game?

REID:&nbsp;“I think it’s – first of all, it’s (the) preparation before you get there. You have to make sure that you have everything going. You know your juices are going to be flowing so you’ve got to make sure you get in there and prep so you’re not thinking about things while your juices are going as much as you’re just going out and playing. You get excited, it’s an exciting game but you don’t want to hide that either and then you kind of settle down as you go through.”

Q: When you got your 300th&nbsp;win, did Bill Belichick reach out to you?

REID:&nbsp;“I believe he (former NFL HC Bill Belichick) did, yeah. I mean, he’s a good friend, so he’s great with all that. He’s the guy, this is all – an old hat for him. I have a ton of respect for him as a coach but he’s also a friend.”

Q: Was it like “Welcome to 300” or anything like that?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s never going to really reach the real 300 (lb.). There’s a lot of cheeseburgers that went into that (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;On the people calling the Chiefs “Villains.”

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I try not to listen to it too much. I think more than anything, I just try to embrace who we have in this locker room and the personalities and how we enjoy playing football. I believe (that) if we play football the right way and we compete and go out there and play our best football that I’ll always have my guy’s backs. We have a lot of good dudes in this locker room and all we’re going to do is compete and try to win football games.”

Q:&nbsp;How much is potentially completing the three-peat to join legends like Michael Jordan, the late Kobe Bryant or Derek Jeter a motivating factor to win this game?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, I think you always want to leave a legacy and kind of make your imprint on history but more than anything, you just want to accomplish a goal that you have with your teammates. When you start in St. Joe your goal is to win the Super Bowl. We know that’s a hard process, we know it’s a hard week-in and week-out, but I’m proud of how our guys have kind of went about that process. We know it’s not going to be easy, this team we’re playing is a really good football team, but we’re going to go out there and put our best effort out there and play as a team and hopefully that’s enough to get a win.”

Q:&nbsp;How much have athletes like the late Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan influenced you in your career?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think more than anything is you see the competitors that they are (Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan) is that they’re going to do whatever it takes to win. That’s what you have to be in order to have success in professional sports is a competitor, someone that’s going to put in the work every single week and watching them and listening to the things that they talk about, that’s helped shape my career on how I have to work. Obviously, it’s a long way still for me to go to be mentioned with those guys but I’ll try to do whatever I can to be close enough as I can be.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there something that stands out about this year that makes this year different?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think just – to me, this team’s been special because it’s been everybody. If you look at our entire season it’s like someone that makes a big play at the biggest moment to go out there and win a football game if that’s offense, defense or special teams. I think that fact that it’s been everybody – it’s not just offense, it’s not just defense, it’s everybody on the entire team (and) it’s something that I’ll remember this season by and hopefully we can do it the right way and get this final win.”

Q:&nbsp;On NFL Films capturing the moment when he said he wanted a third Super Bowl after winning Super Bowl LVIII.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I don’t know if it was just this one in particular, it’s just when you’re on that stage and you’re celebrating you start thinking about the guys that are coming back, you think about how young that football team was last year and you knew that we had a chance to be in this position. Even though you’re winning, you’re enjoying that moment, you enjoy it, but at the same time, you have a bigger picture of your entire career, and I want to have as many chances as I can to be in the Super Bowl. It’s cool to have guys like Chris (Jones) and Trav (Travis Kelce) that I’ve kind of spent my entire career with and won all these games with. There’s a few others with James Winchester and Harrison (Butker), I’m probably forgetting someone here or there but it’s cool to have these guys because we’ve built such a great friendship and almost become a family and I think that’s really cool.”

Q:&nbsp;On the fourth quarter and overtime success in the past Super Bowls.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, not just start fast but just be consistent throughout the game. I think there’s been games where we’ve started fast and we have lolls, but you have to be able to deal with adversity and whenever you have those moments, just being able to respond. We’ve played a lot of good teams in the Super Bowls (and) a lot of good defenses and we’ve done a good job of kind of figuring out, but if we can start fast, obviously, it would help out and make it to where we don’t have to necessarily have a fourth quarter comeback every time, but however you find a way to win, you find a way to get a win.”

Q:&nbsp;What was it like calling 65 Toss Power Trap in the huddle and what kind of appreciation do you have for the history of that play?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I wish we would’ve scored; it got close. The history of that play – the history of this organization, it runs through this entire team. Just like last week getting that Lamar Hunt Trophy back at home, I mean, it’s special for us. That’s one of our goals is to get that trophy and to win it at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, it’s a special moment. Being able to run that play, one that I’ve watched and one that we have a room named after, next time we’ll just try to find a way to get it into the end zone.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you know about that play?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I know what’s cool about this organization is that we always go back and look at the history of it. If you look at (PFHOF Head Coach) Hank Stram and (PFHOF QB) Len Dawson and all the Hall of Famer’s – I think there’s like six or seven Hall of Famer’s on that football team.&nbsp; We go and we have museums and we learn, and I talked to other guys and other quarterbacks whenever they come in our room like Carson (Wentz) or Chris (Oladokun) or whoever that is about the history of the Chiefs. I think that’s the cool thing about the NFL is that you can look back at these special moments in organizations and really what defines organizations. That was a huge moment for this organization.”

Q:&nbsp;Who makes you guys aware of those things?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It starts with (Chairman &amp; CEO) Clark (Hunt). We talk about it before every single training camp, then it goes down through the line. When you’re with (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid, you hear the best stories of all time. I meet with him every single Friday when we talk about the gameplan, but that becomes like a story time where I hear these stories about the great untold stories about the history of the NFL. One day, he’s going to have to write a book because there are some great ones in there.”

Q:&nbsp;What is Chairman &amp; CEO Clark Hunt like as an owner?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think (Chairman &amp; CEO) Clark (Hunt) does a great job of being there and showing his support and showing that he is invested. You can tell (that) he loves it and not only for his family but for all of us. Then, at the same time, letting (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid help run the organization – the football side of it. He has huge impact on this organization. The way that he comes to work every single day and he’s there and he’s always there. I mean, it is really cool to see. (He’s a) Texas guy so all the best are from Texas.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you think drives Head Coach Andy Reid?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what drives (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid is just the greatness and becoming better people every single day. I think that’s something that is special about this is he doesn’t care if he’s playing Week 18 or Week 1 or Super Bowl or a preseason game, he’s the same. He’s the same (and) he’s going to expect greatness out of you and when you leave the building, he wants you to be a better person than when you got in the building. I think that makes you want to be better every single day that you’re in the building. When people talk about three-peat and everything like that, we’re focused on how we can be better today to prepare ourselves for the next day and it starts with him.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you ever hear him say something like “three-peat?”

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think the only time I’ve heard him (Head Coach Andy Reid) say it is like to the media whenever y’all ask him about it. He’s very locked in on just, ‘How can we be great with our cadence today at practice?’ so that’s just the stuff that Coach Reid focuses on.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you appreciate most about what Kareem Hunt has done this season and why did you choose to invite him to your wedding?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think first off – I mean, with Kareem (Hunt), obviously he made his mistakes, but I knew the person before, and I knew the person after and I knew that he had a good heart and he had to learn from his mistakes and become a better person because of it and he did that. He dealt with the consequences and he’s kind of tried to rebound and just be a better person for the community more than anything. Just knowing him and how close he was to me but also how he treated Brittany (Mahomes) and how he treated my family has always been special, so I wanted to have him at my wedding. I didn’t think anything of having any –&nbsp; all of my coaches – I was just having all the people that I love at my wedding. Obviously, I think (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid talked to him there and they were able to talk about just things. We never knew that was going to be coming back to the Chiefs, but getting him back now, you can tell that he appreciates the moment, he appreciates being out there on the practice field and being in the building and it’s been fun. For him to have the impact on this team that he’s had, and it’s been a big impact – to get to the Super Bowl with him, because as someone that was one of the first people I met when I got to Kansas City and not to be able to enjoy the Super Bowls with and finally getting to enjoy one with him will be a special moment and hopefully we can get a win and he can enjoy that too.”

Q:&nbsp;Does Head Coach Andy Reid encourage trash talking on the field and showing your personality?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Well, for me, I’m pretty good – I don’t really talk trash unless I get trash talked to me, so I’m usually pretty calm. (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid is great about showing your personality and we want you to go out there and play with fire and we want you to show how much you care about the game, but we have respect for the game as well. We respect the guys on the other side of the football because we know how hard it is to get to this point and how great of a football team and great football players you have to be. That’s why it’s just genuine. You’re just honest and you respect the guys on the other side of the football. When you’re in between the lines, you show your fire, you show your love for the game, but when you’re off the field, you show respect for the game, and I think that’s important, and I think that’s why we’re in the position that we’re in.”

Q:&nbsp;On playing against former Kansas State Head Coach Bill Snyder.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“First off, playing against him (former Kansas State Head Coach Bill Snyder) and then getting those letters after the game, I’ve kept those letters. Just a true, great person and iconic coach and iconic leader and just made his imprint in football forever, especially at K-State (Kansas State), but just throughout the Big 12 and football in general. (I) played a lot of games, I think I only won one of them, I came into the fourth quarter I believe of one of them. Then, (I) played at Texas Tech (and) we lost – I mean, we won at Texas Tech in Lubbock, (Texas). Then, (we) went to K-State and I came off and injury and we ended up losing that game. I tried to do a Hail Mary at the end of the game and got hit. I think I threw a pick to (New York Jets CB) D.J. Reed who’s in the NFL. It’s always cool when you play against the greats and you get to see their impact and why they’re so great. It was some fun moments for me in college.”

Q:&nbsp;Did you get a letter after every game?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I got two of them. The first one, I didn’t get one because I came in at the fourth quarter probably, but then the second one and the third one, I got one.”

Q:&nbsp;How did Alex Smith leave an impact on you to get you to where you are now?

Chiefs Quotes: 1-30-25

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned the actions of the army helicopter pilot and air traffic controller ahead of a deadly midair collision in Washington and quickly veered into politics to speculate that Democrats and diversity initiatives shared blame for the deaths of 67 people.

As Trump spoke, a federal investigation into the crash was just getting started and first responders were still working to recover bodies from the wreckage of the commercial jet and army helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night.

Speaking from the White House — just over three miles from the scene — Trump at points acknowledged that it was too soon to draw conclusions as he encouraged the nation to pray for the victims. But he moved nonetheless to assign blame.

Trump said “we are one family” as he expressed condolences for the crash. He then proceeded to attack political opponents and unleash grievances about diversity initiatives.

“The FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agency’s website,” Trump said. He added that the program allowed for the hiring of people with hearing and vision issues as well as paralysis, epilepsy and “dwarfism.”

Trump said air traffic controllers needed to be geniuses. “They have to be talented, naturally talented geniuses,” he said. “You can’t have regular people doing their job.”

Trump said he had no evidence to support his claims that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and hiring preferences played a role in the crash, allowing that "it just could have been.” He defended doing so “because I have common sense.”

The plane crash marked the first major disaster of Trump's new term, and his response evoked his frequent — and controversial — briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of the pandemic helped sour voters on him as he failed to win reelection in 2020.

Trump said “we do not know what led to this crash but we have some very strong opinions.” Then he proceeded to hold forth at length about what happened, at one point wondering if the helicopter pilot was wearing night vision goggles.

Trump declared that “you had a pilot problem” and the helicopter was “going at an angle that was unbelievably bad.” And he questioned why the Army pilot didn’t change course, saying that “you can stop a helicopter very quickly.” He also mused about the air traffic controller, saying of the two aircraft, “for whatever reason they were at the same elevation," adding "they should have been at a different height.”

Vice President JD Vance, new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-duffy-transportation-crash-dca-5d372d1945929293f10c1f0de58df3cc">Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy</a>&nbsp;and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth all lined up behind Trump to praise his leadership and echo his concerns about DEI programs and hiring.

“When you don’t have the best standards in who you’re hiring, it means on the one hand, you’re not getting the best people in government," Vance said, “But on the other hand, it puts stresses on the people who are already there.”

Trump complained specifically about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-democrats-buttigieg-governor-dcce1f0fbe78f900136bc1b0fefc4e9d">Pete Buttigieg</a>, who served as transportation secretary under former President Joe Biden, calling him “a disaster.”

“He’s run it right into the ground with his diversity,” Trump said.

Complaining about the previous administration, Trump continued, “their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse.”

Buttigieg responded in a post on X, calling Trump's comments “despicable.” He added: “As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying."

Trump made a point to tell Duffy, who was sworn in on Tuesday as Buttigieg's replacement, “It’s not your fault.” Duffy took the White House podium alongside Trump and declared, “When Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land at their destination.” Duffy added, “We will not accept excuses.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738257732728.png" alt="View of the Thursday morning President Trump press confernce-Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>View of the Thursday morning President Trump press confernce-Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned the actions of the army helicopter pilot and air traffic controller ahead of a deadly midair collision in Washington and quickly veered into politics to speculate that Democrats and diversity initiatives shared blame for the deaths of 67 people.As Trump spoke, a federal investigation into the crash was just getting started and first responders were still working to recover bodies from the wreckage of the commercial jet and army helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night.Speaking from the White House — just over three miles from the scene — Trump at points acknowledged that it was too soon to draw conclusions as he encouraged the nation to pray for the victims. But he moved nonetheless to assign blame.Trump said “we are one family” as he expressed condolences for the crash. He then proceeded to attack political opponents and unleash grievances about diversity initiatives.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Holds Press Briefing on Aviation Disaster <a href="https://t.co/uyYbkQJ9mp">https://t.co/uyYbkQJ9mp</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1884997692281020745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on DCA helicopter-plane crash: &quot;Sadly, there are no survivors. This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation&#39;s capitol and in our nation&#39;s history and a tragedy of terrible proportions.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZzeXygwpAr">pic.twitter.com/ZzeXygwpAr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885002717858263358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on NTSB investigation and safety: &quot;I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first...my administration will set the highest possible bar for aviation safety.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/F557NDQ4iM">pic.twitter.com/F557NDQ4iM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885004789492175047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on helicopter in crash: &quot;The turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously...For some reason it just kept going...They shouldn&#39;t have been at the same height.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/scHGNIp9Iu">pic.twitter.com/scHGNIp9Iu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885008528877719839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Hegseth: &quot;Tragically last night a mistake was made. I think the president is right. There was some sort of an elevation issue that we have immediately begun investigating.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/9udIM2o7Lc">pic.twitter.com/9udIM2o7Lc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885008961146929508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: Should people be hesitant to fly right now? President Trump: No...this collision is something we don&#39;t expect to ever happen again...I&#39;m not blaming the controller. I&#39;m saying there are things that you can question, like the height of the helicopter, the height of the plane. <a href="https://t.co/QpIDeeT3FG">pic.twitter.com/QpIDeeT3FG</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885012440695423113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: Are you saying this crash was somehow caused and the result of diversity hiring? Pres. Trump: It just could have been...you have to go by brain power. You have to go by psychological quality...these are very powerful tests that we put to use and they were terminated by Biden. <a href="https://t.co/IpaxJ12IBm">pic.twitter.com/IpaxJ12IBm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885009901354631399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>: &quot;I just watched President Trump&#39;s news conference. Listen, it&#39;s one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracies, it&#39;s another for the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6kwuyRAOPq">pic.twitter.com/6kwuyRAOPq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1885021113874301270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agency’s website,” Trump said. He added that the program allowed for the hiring of people with hearing and vision issues as well as paralysis, epilepsy and “dwarfism.”Trump said air traffic controllers needed to be geniuses. “They have to be talented, naturally talented geniuses,” he said. “You can’t have regular people doing their job.”Trump said he had no evidence to support his claims that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and hiring preferences played a role in the crash, allowing that "it just could have been.” He defended doing so “because I have common sense.”The plane crash marked the first major disaster of Trump's new term, and his response evoked his frequent — and controversial — briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of the pandemic helped sour voters on him as he failed to win reelection in 2020.Trump said “we do not know what led to this crash but we have some very strong opinions.” Then he proceeded to hold forth at length about what happened, at one point wondering if the helicopter pilot was wearing night vision goggles.Trump declared that “you had a pilot problem” and the helicopter was “going at an angle that was unbelievably bad.” And he questioned why the Army pilot didn’t change course, saying that “you can stop a helicopter very quickly.” He also mused about the air traffic controller, saying of the two aircraft, “for whatever reason they were at the same elevation," adding "they should have been at a different height.”Vice President JD Vance, new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-duffy-transportation-crash-dca-5d372d1945929293f10c1f0de58df3cc">Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy</a>&nbsp;and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth all lined up behind Trump to praise his leadership and echo his concerns about DEI programs and hiring.“When you don’t have the best standards in who you’re hiring, it means on the one hand, you’re not getting the best people in government," Vance said, “But on the other hand, it puts stresses on the people who are already there.”Trump complained specifically about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-democrats-buttigieg-governor-dcce1f0fbe78f900136bc1b0fefc4e9d">Pete Buttigieg</a>, who served as transportation secretary under former President Joe Biden, calling him “a disaster.”“He’s run it right into the ground with his diversity,” Trump said.Complaining about the previous administration, Trump continued, “their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse.”Buttigieg responded in a post on X, calling Trump's comments “despicable.” He added: “As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying."Trump made a point to tell Duffy, who was sworn in on Tuesday as Buttigieg's replacement, “It’s not your fault.” Duffy took the White House podium alongside Trump and declared, “When Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land at their destination.” Duffy added, “We will not accept excuses.”

🎥 President Trump takes question on airplane, helicopter crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday after cutting it three times in a row last year, a sign of a more cautious approach as the Fed seeks to gauge where inflation is headed and what policies President Donald Trump may pursue.

The Fed reduced its rate last year to 4.3% from 5.3%, in part out of concern that the job market was weakening. Hiring had slowed in the summer and the unemployment rate ticked up, leading Fed officials to approve an outsized half-point cut in September. Yet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-federal-reserve-wages-398073325c467fb2c676042854f6309b">hiring rebounded last month</a>&nbsp;and the unemployment rate declined slightly, to a low 4.1%.

In its statement Wednesday, the Fed upgraded its assessment of the job market, calling it “solid,” and noting that the unemployment rate “has stabilized at a low level in recent months.” The Fed also appeared to toughen its assessment of inflation, saying that it “remains somewhat elevated.” Both a healthier job market and more stubborn inflation typically would imply fewer Fed rate cuts in the coming months.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell conveyed a more deliberate approach to interest rate decisions at a press conference with reporters.

"With our policy stance significantly less restrictive than it had been and the economy remaining strong we did not need to be in a hurry we do not need to be in a hurry to adjust our policy stance.”

Powell has said it is harder to gauge where inflation is headed, in part because of increased uncertainty around what policies Trump will adopt and how quickly they will affect the economy. Trump has promised widespread tariffs, tax cuts, and mass deportation of immigrants, all of which could push prices higher. The Fed typically keeps interest rates high to slow borrowing and spending and cool inflation.

In December, Fed officials signaled they may reduce their rate just twice more this year. Goldman Sachs economists believes those cuts won’t happen until June and December.

In November, inflation was just 2.4%, according to the Fed’s preferred measure, not far from its 2% target. But excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose a more painful 2.8% from a year earlier. The Fed pays close attention to core prices because they are often a better guide to inflation’s future path.

Lindsay Rosner, head of multi sector fixed income investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said “while we continue to think the Fed’s easing cycle has not yet run its course, the (Fed) will want to see further progress in the inflation data to deliver the next rate cut.”

It's unclear how of if Trump will respond to the Fed's decision to stand pat. Last week in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said that he would bring down energy prices, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-inflation-interest-rates-borrowing-6ef86392b080ca963ec633546009409b">“demand”</a>&nbsp;that the Fed lower borrowing costs.

Later, when asked by reporters if he expected the Fed to listen to him, he said, “yes.” Presidents in recent decades have avoided publicly pressuring the Fed out of deference to its political independence.

Asked Wednesday if Trump had communicated his desire for lower rates directly to Powell, the Fed chair said he had “no contact.”

Most other central banks in developed countries are cutting their interest rates. The European Central Bank, for example, is widely expected to reduce borrowing costs at its next meeting on Thursday. The Bank of Canada said Wednesday it has also cut its rate, and the Bank of England is also expected to do so next month.

The Bank of Japan, however, is actually raising its rate from a rock-bottom level. Japan has finally experienced some inflation after decades of slower growth and bouts of deflation.

A Fed rate cut in March is still possible, though financial markets' futures pricing puts the odds of that happening at just one-third.

As a result, American households and businesses are unlikely to see much relief from high borrowing costs anytime soon. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-c0761e8cbd4dba18f682541a18ae0fb2">slipped to just below 7% last week</a>&nbsp;after rising for five straight weeks. The costs of borrowing money have remained high economywide even after the Fed reduced its benchmark rate.

That is because investors expect healthy economic growth and stubborn inflation will forestall future rate cuts. They recently bid up the 10-year Treasury above 4.80%,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37c91aa8d1cc4d2a09506d31e9dba99b">its highest level since 2023</a>.

Another reason for caution among Fed policymakers this year is that they will want to evaluate any changes in economic policy by the Trump administration. Trump has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-energy-economy-inflation-ev-oil-gas-00be8d3d5216a328e129666032c889e1">he could slap tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico</a>&nbsp;as early as Feb. 1. During his presidential campaign he threatened to impose taxes on all imports.

The Trump administration has also said it will carry out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-border-security-enforcement-ice-cb40a6a7e2d94582aa0774be47a8ab36">mass deportations of migrants</a>, which could push up inflation by reducing the economy's ability to produce goods and services. At the same time, some economists say Trump's promises to deregulate the economy could lower prices over time.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday after cutting it three times in a row last year, a sign of a more cautious approach as the Fed seeks to gauge where inflation is headed and what policies President Donald Trump may pursue.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Fed Chair Jerome Powell: &quot;We do not need to be in a hurry to adjust our policy stance. At today&#39;s meeting, the committee decided to maintain the target range of the federal funds rate at 4.25% to 4.5%.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FOMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FOMC</a> <a href="https://t.co/gBb9GX99ai">pic.twitter.com/gBb9GX99ai</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884690623292191079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Fed reduced its rate last year to 4.3% from 5.3%, in part out of concern that the job market was weakening. Hiring had slowed in the summer and the unemployment rate ticked up, leading Fed officials to approve an outsized half-point cut in September. Yet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-federal-reserve-wages-398073325c467fb2c676042854f6309b">hiring rebounded last month</a>&nbsp;and the unemployment rate declined slightly, to a low 4.1%.In its statement Wednesday, the Fed upgraded its assessment of the job market, calling it “solid,” and noting that the unemployment rate “has stabilized at a low level in recent months.” The Fed also appeared to toughen its assessment of inflation, saying that it “remains somewhat elevated.” Both a healthier job market and more stubborn inflation typically would imply fewer Fed rate cuts in the coming months.Fed Chair Jerome Powell conveyed a more deliberate approach to interest rate decisions at a press conference with reporters."With our policy stance significantly less restrictive than it had been and the economy remaining strong we did not need to be in a hurry we do not need to be in a hurry to adjust our policy stance.”Powell has said it is harder to gauge where inflation is headed, in part because of increased uncertainty around what policies Trump will adopt and how quickly they will affect the economy. Trump has promised widespread tariffs, tax cuts, and mass deportation of immigrants, all of which could push prices higher. The Fed typically keeps interest rates high to slow borrowing and spending and cool inflation.In December, Fed officials signaled they may reduce their rate just twice more this year. Goldman Sachs economists believes those cuts won’t happen until June and December.In November, inflation was just 2.4%, according to the Fed’s preferred measure, not far from its 2% target. But excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose a more painful 2.8% from a year earlier. The Fed pays close attention to core prices because they are often a better guide to inflation’s future path.Lindsay Rosner, head of multi sector fixed income investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said “while we continue to think the Fed’s easing cycle has not yet run its course, the (Fed) will want to see further progress in the inflation data to deliver the next rate cut.”It's unclear how of if Trump will respond to the Fed's decision to stand pat. Last week in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said that he would bring down energy prices, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-inflation-interest-rates-borrowing-6ef86392b080ca963ec633546009409b">“demand”</a>&nbsp;that the Fed lower borrowing costs.Later, when asked by reporters if he expected the Fed to listen to him, he said, “yes.” Presidents in recent decades have avoided publicly pressuring the Fed out of deference to its political independence.Asked Wednesday if Trump had communicated his desire for lower rates directly to Powell, the Fed chair said he had “no contact.”Most other central banks in developed countries are cutting their interest rates. The European Central Bank, for example, is widely expected to reduce borrowing costs at its next meeting on Thursday. The Bank of Canada said Wednesday it has also cut its rate, and the Bank of England is also expected to do so next month.The Bank of Japan, however, is actually raising its rate from a rock-bottom level. Japan has finally experienced some inflation after decades of slower growth and bouts of deflation.A Fed rate cut in March is still possible, though financial markets' futures pricing puts the odds of that happening at just one-third.As a result, American households and businesses are unlikely to see much relief from high borrowing costs anytime soon. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-c0761e8cbd4dba18f682541a18ae0fb2">slipped to just below 7% last week</a>&nbsp;after rising for five straight weeks. The costs of borrowing money have remained high economywide even after the Fed reduced its benchmark rate.That is because investors expect healthy economic growth and stubborn inflation will forestall future rate cuts. They recently bid up the 10-year Treasury above 4.80%,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37c91aa8d1cc4d2a09506d31e9dba99b">its highest level since 2023</a>.Another reason for caution among Fed policymakers this year is that they will want to evaluate any changes in economic policy by the Trump administration. Trump has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-energy-economy-inflation-ev-oil-gas-00be8d3d5216a328e129666032c889e1">he could slap tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico</a>&nbsp;as early as Feb. 1. During his presidential campaign he threatened to impose taxes on all imports.The Trump administration has also said it will carry out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-border-security-enforcement-ice-cb40a6a7e2d94582aa0774be47a8ab36">mass deportations of migrants</a>, which could push up inflation by reducing the economy's ability to produce goods and services. At the same time, some economists say Trump's promises to deregulate the economy could lower prices over time.

🎥Bad news for borrowers: Fed hits pause on interest rate cuts

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Iowa attorney General Brenna Bird today led a coalition of 19 state attorneys general in a letter to Costo urging the retail giant to cease its unlawful DEI policies, according to a media release from Kobach's office.

The state attorneys general are working to stop discriminatory practices."Racial discrimination is both immoral and illegal," Kobach said. 

"Race-based employment hiring violates state and federal law, and as the chief enforcement officer of Kansas, I intend to enforce the law vigorously."The letter notes that some companies face lawsuits related to their DEI practices and policies, and the attorneys general warn that its DEI policies expose Costco to potential legal liability. 

The letter suggests that Costco deal with more important matters like questions about its alleged connection between company products and child slave labor in China.“The Supreme Court has repeatedly warned against using race-based preferences and classifications… Race neutral practices, on the other hand, honor the founding ideals of this country,” the letter reads.

The letter isn’t the first time state attorneys general have issued warnings to corporate America to stop unlawful policies. Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2023 that struck down affirmative action programs in universities, a coalition of 13 attorneys general sent letters to some of the nation’s largest businesses warning of serious legal consequences if they continued to use race as a preferential qualification for hiring. Many companies listened, including Amazon, Ford, John Deere, McDonald’s, Meta and Walmart. However, Costco doubled down on DEI, according to the letter.

“Costco’s position runs contrary to the Supreme Court’s recent decisions and raises concerns about Costco’s compliance with state and federal laws,” the letter reads.The letter Gives Costco officials 30 days to notify state attorneys general that the company has&nbsp;repealed its DEI policies or explain to why Costco has failed to do so.In addition to Kobach and Bird, attorneys general from Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota&nbsp;signed onto the letter.

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Iowa attorney General Brenna Bird today led a coalition of 19 state attorneys general in a letter to Costo urging the retail giant to cease its unlawful DEI policies, according to a media release from Kobach's office.The state attorneys general are working to stop discriminatory practices."Racial discrimination is both immoral and illegal," Kobach said. "Race-based employment hiring violates state and federal law, and as the chief enforcement officer of Kansas, I intend to enforce the law vigorously."The letter notes that some companies face lawsuits related to their DEI practices and policies, and the attorneys general warn that its DEI policies expose Costco to potential legal liability. The letter suggests that Costco deal with more important matters like questions about its alleged connection between company products and child slave labor in China.“The Supreme Court has repeatedly warned against using race-based preferences and classifications… Race neutral practices, on the other hand, honor the founding ideals of this country,” the letter reads.The letter isn’t the first time state attorneys general have issued warnings to corporate America to stop unlawful policies. Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2023 that struck down affirmative action programs in universities, a coalition of 13 attorneys general sent letters to some of the nation’s largest businesses warning of serious legal consequences if they continued to use race as a preferential qualification for hiring. Many companies listened, including Amazon, Ford, John Deere, McDonald’s, Meta and Walmart. However, Costco doubled down on DEI, according to the letter.“Costco’s position runs contrary to the Supreme Court’s recent decisions and raises concerns about Costco’s compliance with state and federal laws,” the letter reads.The letter Gives Costco officials 30 days to notify state attorneys general that the company has&nbsp;repealed its DEI policies or explain to why Costco has failed to do so.In addition to Kobach and Bird, attorneys general from Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota&nbsp;signed onto the letter.

Kan. AG leads coalition urging Costco to cease unlawful DEI practices

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, I have no injuries to mention to you. I think we came out of the game pretty clean as far as those go – unless something pops up here, which we’ll let you know down the road. Listen, we sure appreciate the support that we had yesterday and throughout the night there and really even to the celebration after the game, everybody stayed and – that was obviously a Chiefs fan, so it was a great event. When I say all of this, we understand that we have a big challenge ahead of us coming up with the Eagles, but we sure appreciate everybody involved in helping us get to that point. It always starts with the Hunt family and the great job in which they do of supporting and giving us opportunities to be successful. (President) Mark Donovan who doesn’t get a whole lot of credit from anybody, but he’s the President of the organization and really does a ton for the organization in so many different ways and helps bring this community in to be a part of what we do. Then, (General Manager) Brett Veach for the great job that he and his crew do with bringing players in and then the coaches and players. I mentioned this last night and it takes everybody to get to this point. I say this because we’re 19 games into this thing (the season) and it’s not about one person or one player or one coach, it’s about everybody. It’s everybody coming together and there’s no more important game than the one we’re going to play in that we need that joint effort. Then, the other team that we’re playing, the Eagles, they’re there for a reason, and it’s because they’re a good football team, so we’ve got to make sure that we keep everything together and work and get a nice plan together for this group. Anyways, with that, time’s yours.”

Q: You run a lot of different plays out of the same formation. Are those plays usually worked on in training camp or is it a week-to-week install?

REID:&nbsp;“Some of them (plays) we’ve worked on before (but) you always add a little wrinkle here and there to them as you go, and you feel the comfort of how the play’s being executed in practice. We’ve experimented with those all the way back to the offseason and into (training) camp. I would tell you that (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck does a great job with the run game and putting that together. I’ve always mentioned that he gets everybody involved, but he also comes up with some pretty good things there so my hat goes off to him.”

Q: On the thought process during the time out before the third-and-nine play call.

REID:&nbsp;“On that, Jesse (Newell), we go through, and we look at this before the game, like if it comes down to a third down or fourth down and the game’s on the line. We talk to quarterbacks about it, the coaches talk about it and that was kind of our number one option there as a go-to play for this game and it was just a matter of hoping that they’d be in the right coverage for that play, so it worked out okay that way. (Offensive Coordinator) Matt (Nagy) spends endless time going through all of that with the guys. You start on Tuesdays and you kind of refine it down until you get to the game. We just brought the guys over (to) calm the storm just a little bit and talk to them about – make sure (that) everybody was right on their assignments.”

Q:&nbsp;A lot of competitors seem to need extra stuff to motivate them, but you seem to focus on the moment in process. Is that true? How does that motivate you?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think all the guys want to do well. I take that for – maybe for granted. Guys don’t want to be embarrassed out there, so as coaches it’s our responsibility to teach them and put them in the best positions for them to be successful. This is their living that their working at and so you hope they can hang on for awhile and take advantage of that part. Then, (General Manager) Brett Veach does a great job at bringing guys in that kind of have that attitude – that ‘want to’ attitude – and I think that’s very important. It’s an important part of the process. We’re fortunate to have a bunch of guys that feel that way and at the same time, they feed off of each other, which is also important.”

Q:&nbsp;Does the journey and the process fulfill you as much as anything else about the job?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, I like to teach. I think if you’re going to be a coach, you have to be a teacher first. There is a lot that goes into that, it’s not just knowing your stuff, but how it’s presented and the trust that you have in the guys and then the work that goes into each play. I mean, the detail and work that these coaches put in, I think, is important. When we see success, we enjoy that – I enjoy that. I enjoy seeing the guys go out and do something good. I’m happy for them because I know the time and the effort that went into it. There’s an aptitude part of that, you know?”

Q:&nbsp;What do you feel Xavier Worthy has improved at the most in the second half of the season?

REID:&nbsp;“I was actually talking to his (Xavier Worthy’s) mom about that after the game. I mean, the kid every week has just gotten better and better and better, and he’s really put together a nice half of the season (in) the second half here. Not that he didn’t have good plays in the first half, but you can see he was learning in the first half and that the quarterback (Patrick Mahomes) was kind of learning where he was going to be and how he was going to get there and then against all these different coverages that teams throw at you. It looks like they’re on the same page and they’ll have a big challenge this week or this next – in two weeks with the Eagles. Their secondary – they have a real good secondary there too.”

Q:&nbsp;What makes Patrick Mahomes different in close games and what allows him to have success in the fourth quarter?

REID:&nbsp;“Phenomenal player, had a phenomenal night last night. There’s no change in him (Patrick Mahomes) as you go. He comes in competitive; he’s going to finish competitive right down to the end. The pressure part of it when things can dilate you a little bit when things are tight, don’t do that to him. He kind of flourishes in those moments when they’re the toughest and he’s just – he’s wired that way. I’m sure growing up in a locker room with his dad (Patrick Mahomes Sr.) was a big part of that or at least a part of it, but some if it is just innate that’s given to you. He’s one of those guys, the tighter the situation, the looser he plays.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you explain the parity in the league after winning so many close games?

REID:&nbsp;“I think it’s a little bit of what I was saying there just with Pat (Mahomes) that, I think the guys, they kind of thrive on that. I look at (Leo) Chenal and he goes out (in) the Texans game and goes, ‘I’m going to block the field goal.’ He tells (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub that. Toub goes, ‘Let’s go, let’s go. We can get the’ – he (Leo Chenal) goes, ‘No, it’s done.’ I mean, that’s kind of the attitude that these guys have and it’s not just him, it’s all these guys. When given an opportunity, they’ve stepped up in those situations and as a coach, you love that part, and you know that’s a rare thing. These games could’ve gone either way and no different than last night and guys, they take so much pride in stepping up and they don’t shrink in those situations.”

Q:&nbsp;In what other ways are the Eagles different than when you saw them in the Super Bowl two years ago?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, those receivers are – been in the offense now for a while and they have good tight ends, they have good receivers, I mean real good receivers and they have a running back (Eagles RB Saquon Barkley) that arguably is one of the best in the history of the game. Their offensive line, for all those guys to work, their offensive line has to be good, too. Then, their quarterback (Eagles QB Jalen Hurts) is dialing it up right now so whatever injuries he had early in the season, I mean, he’s playing like crazy right now. That’s a heck of an offense and another huge challenge for us.”

Q:&nbsp;How does the trust in the defense build and how important is it in big moments?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave (Merritt), (Safeties Coach) Donald (D’Alesio), (Defensive Line Coach) Joe (Cullen) – I mean, all of these coaches – (Linebackers Coach) Brendan (Daly), I mean, they’re all in with (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags. They know the scheme like the back of their hand. Spags has confidence in them and then the players have confidence in their coaches and Spags. That and they want to learn the system, that’s a tough system, Matt (Derrick). You have to really – you have to stay focused during the meetings, you have to detail it at practice, you have to detail the walkthroughs that you do (and) meetings on the field. Then, most of all, you have to execute it on game day, but there’s that trust, that whole foundation that you’ve built with the trust and these guys, they’ve got that. Then, likewise, I have the confidence in Spags and in certain situations, I just know he’s going to – I don’t even run over to him and go, ‘Hey, let’s not do that or this.’ I have enough confidence in him and been around him long enough to know he’s going to make the right call for the right time.”

Q: How quickly did you turn the page from the game last night to the Eagles?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Chris Jones) was off by a couple hours, but I’ve been watching it for a while here. I try to get back on it – listen, it’s about the game, right? It’s about how you perform in the game and the Eagles didn’t get there because they’re not a good team, the Eagles got there because they’re the best team in the NFC. They’re a great football team. As coaches, we’ve got to dig in and get going and make sure that we can feed the players a good gameplan for them. Most of that work, Matt (Derrick) gets done this week. I know it's a two-week period before the game but once you get down to New Orleans it’s a bit chaotic, so you want to make sure you take care of business now.”

Q: What kind of energy do you get from the new guys who haven’t been through this before?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s a great question Todd (Leabo). I mean I love that part; I went around all those guys, man. I was so happy for them. Just seeing Kareem (Hunt) standing there going, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable,’ or D.J. (Humphries) jumping up and down, who’s been in this league a while and been through a few things or DeAndre (Hopkins), he had a smile on his face, it was a mile wide. I mean all those things, (Samaje) Perine goes and helps seals the game for us – a new addition. All that stuff is great, that’s why you do this, that’s why you do this as a coach. To get to see those guys that have achieved like they’ve achieved here.”

Q: Did getting guys healthy and opening up the playbook lead to you guys scoring the most points you’ve scored all season?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, sure. It was a good day to get over 30 (points). You knew you were going to somewhere do that and there was no better time than against that team because they’ve got an explosive offense. You knew you were going to have to go for it for – whatever term you want to use but there’s certain situations where you just have to cut it loose a little bit. I think we’re at that point where guys are back healthy and they’ve been able to practice fast with Pat (Mahomes) and then you cut it loose a little bit, yes.”

Q: On Kareem Hunt coming back this season.

REID:&nbsp;“He (Kareem Hunt) called me, Vahe (Gregorian). I mean, he just said he wanted to be there, I knew he had changed. I had spent some time with him at Pat’s (Mahomes) wedding. He’s got a good heart, even when he went through his deal, he’s got a good heart. I had confidence that he could jump in and help us. I knew he wanted to redeem himself amongst the community and kind of get that part that people can change and ‘I’m changed’ is what he’s saying, so I think that’s been a positive.”

Q: On the long review on fourth down.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesJanuary 27, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, I have no injuries to mention to you. I think we came out of the game pretty clean as far as those go – unless something pops up here, which we’ll let you know down the road. Listen, we sure appreciate the support that we had yesterday and throughout the night there and really even to the celebration after the game, everybody stayed and – that was obviously a Chiefs fan, so it was a great event. When I say all of this, we understand that we have a big challenge ahead of us coming up with the Eagles, but we sure appreciate everybody involved in helping us get to that point. It always starts with the Hunt family and the great job in which they do of supporting and giving us opportunities to be successful. (President) Mark Donovan who doesn’t get a whole lot of credit from anybody, but he’s the President of the organization and really does a ton for the organization in so many different ways and helps bring this community in to be a part of what we do. Then, (General Manager) Brett Veach for the great job that he and his crew do with bringing players in and then the coaches and players. I mentioned this last night and it takes everybody to get to this point. I say this because we’re 19 games into this thing (the season) and it’s not about one person or one player or one coach, it’s about everybody. It’s everybody coming together and there’s no more important game than the one we’re going to play in that we need that joint effort. Then, the other team that we’re playing, the Eagles, they’re there for a reason, and it’s because they’re a good football team, so we’ve got to make sure that we keep everything together and work and get a nice plan together for this group. Anyways, with that, time’s yours.”Q: You run a lot of different plays out of the same formation. Are those plays usually worked on in training camp or is it a week-to-week install?REID:&nbsp;“Some of them (plays) we’ve worked on before (but) you always add a little wrinkle here and there to them as you go, and you feel the comfort of how the play’s being executed in practice. We’ve experimented with those all the way back to the offseason and into (training) camp. I would tell you that (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck does a great job with the run game and putting that together. I’ve always mentioned that he gets everybody involved, but he also comes up with some pretty good things there so my hat goes off to him.”Q: On the thought process during the time out before the third-and-nine play call.REID:&nbsp;“On that, Jesse (Newell), we go through, and we look at this before the game, like if it comes down to a third down or fourth down and the game’s on the line. We talk to quarterbacks about it, the coaches talk about it and that was kind of our number one option there as a go-to play for this game and it was just a matter of hoping that they’d be in the right coverage for that play, so it worked out okay that way. (Offensive Coordinator) Matt (Nagy) spends endless time going through all of that with the guys. You start on Tuesdays and you kind of refine it down until you get to the game. We just brought the guys over (to) calm the storm just a little bit and talk to them about – make sure (that) everybody was right on their assignments.”Q:&nbsp;A lot of competitors seem to need extra stuff to motivate them, but you seem to focus on the moment in process. Is that true? How does that motivate you?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think all the guys want to do well. I take that for – maybe for granted. Guys don’t want to be embarrassed out there, so as coaches it’s our responsibility to teach them and put them in the best positions for them to be successful. This is their living that their working at and so you hope they can hang on for awhile and take advantage of that part. Then, (General Manager) Brett Veach does a great job at bringing guys in that kind of have that attitude – that ‘want to’ attitude – and I think that’s very important. It’s an important part of the process. We’re fortunate to have a bunch of guys that feel that way and at the same time, they feed off of each other, which is also important.”Q:&nbsp;Does the journey and the process fulfill you as much as anything else about the job?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, I like to teach. I think if you’re going to be a coach, you have to be a teacher first. There is a lot that goes into that, it’s not just knowing your stuff, but how it’s presented and the trust that you have in the guys and then the work that goes into each play. I mean, the detail and work that these coaches put in, I think, is important. When we see success, we enjoy that – I enjoy that. I enjoy seeing the guys go out and do something good. I’m happy for them because I know the time and the effort that went into it. There’s an aptitude part of that, you know?”Q:&nbsp;What do you feel Xavier Worthy has improved at the most in the second half of the season?REID:&nbsp;“I was actually talking to his (Xavier Worthy’s) mom about that after the game. I mean, the kid every week has just gotten better and better and better, and he’s really put together a nice half of the season (in) the second half here. Not that he didn’t have good plays in the first half, but you can see he was learning in the first half and that the quarterback (Patrick Mahomes) was kind of learning where he was going to be and how he was going to get there and then against all these different coverages that teams throw at you. It looks like they’re on the same page and they’ll have a big challenge this week or this next – in two weeks with the Eagles. Their secondary – they have a real good secondary there too.”Q:&nbsp;What makes Patrick Mahomes different in close games and what allows him to have success in the fourth quarter?REID:&nbsp;“Phenomenal player, had a phenomenal night last night. There’s no change in him (Patrick Mahomes) as you go. He comes in competitive; he’s going to finish competitive right down to the end. The pressure part of it when things can dilate you a little bit when things are tight, don’t do that to him. He kind of flourishes in those moments when they’re the toughest and he’s just – he’s wired that way. I’m sure growing up in a locker room with his dad (Patrick Mahomes Sr.) was a big part of that or at least a part of it, but some if it is just innate that’s given to you. He’s one of those guys, the tighter the situation, the looser he plays.”Q:&nbsp;How do you explain the parity in the league after winning so many close games?REID:&nbsp;“I think it’s a little bit of what I was saying there just with Pat (Mahomes) that, I think the guys, they kind of thrive on that. I look at (Leo) Chenal and he goes out (in) the Texans game and goes, ‘I’m going to block the field goal.’ He tells (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub that. Toub goes, ‘Let’s go, let’s go. We can get the’ – he (Leo Chenal) goes, ‘No, it’s done.’ I mean, that’s kind of the attitude that these guys have and it’s not just him, it’s all these guys. When given an opportunity, they’ve stepped up in those situations and as a coach, you love that part, and you know that’s a rare thing. These games could’ve gone either way and no different than last night and guys, they take so much pride in stepping up and they don’t shrink in those situations.”Q:&nbsp;In what other ways are the Eagles different than when you saw them in the Super Bowl two years ago?REID:&nbsp;“Well, those receivers are – been in the offense now for a while and they have good tight ends, they have good receivers, I mean real good receivers and they have a running back (Eagles RB Saquon Barkley) that arguably is one of the best in the history of the game. Their offensive line, for all those guys to work, their offensive line has to be good, too. Then, their quarterback (Eagles QB Jalen Hurts) is dialing it up right now so whatever injuries he had early in the season, I mean, he’s playing like crazy right now. That’s a heck of an offense and another huge challenge for us.”Q:&nbsp;How does the trust in the defense build and how important is it in big moments?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave (Merritt), (Safeties Coach) Donald (D’Alesio), (Defensive Line Coach) Joe (Cullen) – I mean, all of these coaches – (Linebackers Coach) Brendan (Daly), I mean, they’re all in with (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags. They know the scheme like the back of their hand. Spags has confidence in them and then the players have confidence in their coaches and Spags. That and they want to learn the system, that’s a tough system, Matt (Derrick). You have to really – you have to stay focused during the meetings, you have to detail it at practice, you have to detail the walkthroughs that you do (and) meetings on the field. Then, most of all, you have to execute it on game day, but there’s that trust, that whole foundation that you’ve built with the trust and these guys, they’ve got that. Then, likewise, I have the confidence in Spags and in certain situations, I just know he’s going to – I don’t even run over to him and go, ‘Hey, let’s not do that or this.’ I have enough confidence in him and been around him long enough to know he’s going to make the right call for the right time.”Q: How quickly did you turn the page from the game last night to the Eagles?REID:&nbsp;“He (Chris Jones) was off by a couple hours, but I’ve been watching it for a while here. I try to get back on it – listen, it’s about the game, right? It’s about how you perform in the game and the Eagles didn’t get there because they’re not a good team, the Eagles got there because they’re the best team in the NFC. They’re a great football team. As coaches, we’ve got to dig in and get going and make sure that we can feed the players a good gameplan for them. Most of that work, Matt (Derrick) gets done this week. I know it's a two-week period before the game but once you get down to New Orleans it’s a bit chaotic, so you want to make sure you take care of business now.”Q: What kind of energy do you get from the new guys who haven’t been through this before?REID:&nbsp;“That’s a great question Todd (Leabo). I mean I love that part; I went around all those guys, man. I was so happy for them. Just seeing Kareem (Hunt) standing there going, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable,’ or D.J. (Humphries) jumping up and down, who’s been in this league a while and been through a few things or DeAndre (Hopkins), he had a smile on his face, it was a mile wide. I mean all those things, (Samaje) Perine goes and helps seals the game for us – a new addition. All that stuff is great, that’s why you do this, that’s why you do this as a coach. To get to see those guys that have achieved like they’ve achieved here.”Q: Did getting guys healthy and opening up the playbook lead to you guys scoring the most points you’ve scored all season?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, sure. It was a good day to get over 30 (points). You knew you were going to somewhere do that and there was no better time than against that team because they’ve got an explosive offense. You knew you were going to have to go for it for – whatever term you want to use but there’s certain situations where you just have to cut it loose a little bit. I think we’re at that point where guys are back healthy and they’ve been able to practice fast with Pat (Mahomes) and then you cut it loose a little bit, yes.”Q: On Kareem Hunt coming back this season.REID:&nbsp;“He (Kareem Hunt) called me, Vahe (Gregorian). I mean, he just said he wanted to be there, I knew he had changed. I had spent some time with him at Pat’s (Mahomes) wedding. He’s got a good heart, even when he went through his deal, he’s got a good heart. I had confidence that he could jump in and help us. I knew he wanted to redeem himself amongst the community and kind of get that part that people can change and ‘I’m changed’ is what he’s saying, so I think that’s been a positive.”Q: On the long review on fourth down.

Chiefs Quotes: 1-27-25

Jennifer Marie Fisher, passed away on January 22, 2025 at the age of 52. She was a long time resident of Cawker City, KS.&nbsp;

Jennifer truly knew it meant so much more to give, than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds and her heart was always so full of love. Jennifer was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a beautiful soul who was willing to help anyone. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed traveling and listening to music. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Milo and Sarge.&nbsp;

Allen and Jennifer were married, March 14, 2009 and spent 17 years happily married together. Truly living their lives, every single day, for one another and their beloved grandchildren.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

Jennifer is survived by her beloved husband Allen Fisher; Her children, Jered and his wife Kim (Underwood); Jordan and his wife Nichole (Underwood); Janae and her husband Preston (Stebens); Justin and his wife Ashley (Underwood); Jennifer has 3 wonderful step daughters; Regan and her fiancé Xavier; Haley and her husband Tyler (Sutton); Hannah and her husband Brady (Firley). Jennifer and Allen also adopted two children together; Ariel Fisher and Simon Fisher. Jennifer is also survived by her mother, Debbie Barnes , her brother Tim Barnes , her sister April Morgan, and sister Kari Blair. Jennifer’s pride and joy were her 11 grandchildren. Every single one of them meant the world to her and they were all very spoiled!&nbsp;

Graveside services will be&nbsp;at 2 P.M., Friday, January 31st&nbsp;at Glenwood Cemetery, Glen Elder, KS. Following a meal will be provided at the Methodist Church in Downs, KS. Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments in care of arrangements. Online condolences to&nbsp;<a href="http://schoenfhm.com/">schoenfhm.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737980378829.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Fisher" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Fisher</figcaption>
 </figure><h2></h2>Jennifer Marie Fisher, passed away on January 22, 2025 at the age of 52. She was a long time resident of Cawker City, KS.&nbsp;Jennifer truly knew it meant so much more to give, than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds and her heart was always so full of love. Jennifer was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a beautiful soul who was willing to help anyone. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed traveling and listening to music. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Milo and Sarge.&nbsp;Allen and Jennifer were married, March 14, 2009 and spent 17 years happily married together. Truly living their lives, every single day, for one another and their beloved grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.”Jennifer is survived by her beloved husband Allen Fisher; Her children, Jered and his wife Kim (Underwood); Jordan and his wife Nichole (Underwood); Janae and her husband Preston (Stebens); Justin and his wife Ashley (Underwood); Jennifer has 3 wonderful step daughters; Regan and her fiancé Xavier; Haley and her husband Tyler (Sutton); Hannah and her husband Brady (Firley). Jennifer and Allen also adopted two children together; Ariel Fisher and Simon Fisher. Jennifer is also survived by her mother, Debbie Barnes , her brother Tim Barnes , her sister April Morgan, and sister Kari Blair. Jennifer’s pride and joy were her 11 grandchildren. Every single one of them meant the world to her and they were all very spoiled!&nbsp;Graveside services will be&nbsp;at 2 P.M., Friday, January 31st&nbsp;at Glenwood Cemetery, Glen Elder, KS. Following a meal will be provided at the Methodist Church in Downs, KS. Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments in care of arrangements. Online condolences to&nbsp;<a href="http://schoenfhm.com/">schoenfhm.com</a>

Jennifer Fisher 

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.

NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.

The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”

At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.

The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.

“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.

Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.

In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.

Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.

Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737927645951.png" alt=" NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)" />
 <figcaption> NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

Kansas mental health professionals prepare listening session while working to enhance services

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, no injuries to report. Again, (we) look forward to the challenge of playing the Bills. (They’re a) heck of a football team, well-coached and (they have) great players. (The) time’s yours.”

Q:&nbsp;What is your final message to the players before kickoff?

REID:&nbsp;“Just be themselves. Go play (and) be themselves.”

Q:&nbsp;Will we see Joe Thuney again at left tackle or is it possible that D.J. Humphries plays?

REID:&nbsp;“Look, we’ve been rotating them (Joe Thuney and D.J. Humphries) again, which we do at practice, but it’ll probably end up being the same, yeah.”

Q:&nbsp;Does this game feel any different for you?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s a loaded question because it feels different than a regular game because of you know you’re in the (AFC) Championship Game, but at the same time, we try to keep things as consistent as you can with all the extra this (the media). No, you understand that there are two teams in the AFC and two teams in the NFC playing and that’s it.”

Q:&nbsp;Has it been a normal week for the players?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, normal week.”

Q:&nbsp;How different is the mood in the locker room from 2018?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, they (the players) – you’d have to ask them. It’s all – they’ve all reacted the same way. They’ve come out and they’ve practiced hard and tried to get themselves ready the best they can. I haven’t noticed a big difference other than they know what the schedule is and they go with it.”

Q:&nbsp;Were there more nerves six years ago?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well I guess I’m not sure how to quantify that. I didn’t get in there and look at that part of it. I mean, the guys, they’d probably all be different on how you’d weigh that out.”

Q:&nbsp;Do the other coaches feel the pressure at this point?

REID:&nbsp;“I don’t know if it’s the pressure, I think it’s just you’re excited to get going, just like the players will be excited to get going, you’re excited to get going. It’s great competition when you get to this level and that’s why you’re in the business. You know, best against the best.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you think is the biggest thing that Mike Caliendo gathered from his first playoff start?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesJanuary 24, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, no injuries to report. Again, (we) look forward to the challenge of playing the Bills. (They’re a) heck of a football team, well-coached and (they have) great players. (The) time’s yours.”Q:&nbsp;What is your final message to the players before kickoff?REID:&nbsp;“Just be themselves. Go play (and) be themselves.”Q:&nbsp;Will we see Joe Thuney again at left tackle or is it possible that D.J. Humphries plays?REID:&nbsp;“Look, we’ve been rotating them (Joe Thuney and D.J. Humphries) again, which we do at practice, but it’ll probably end up being the same, yeah.”Q:&nbsp;Does this game feel any different for you?REID:&nbsp;“That’s a loaded question because it feels different than a regular game because of you know you’re in the (AFC) Championship Game, but at the same time, we try to keep things as consistent as you can with all the extra this (the media). No, you understand that there are two teams in the AFC and two teams in the NFC playing and that’s it.”Q:&nbsp;Has it been a normal week for the players?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, normal week.”Q:&nbsp;How different is the mood in the locker room from 2018?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, they (the players) – you’d have to ask them. It’s all – they’ve all reacted the same way. They’ve come out and they’ve practiced hard and tried to get themselves ready the best they can. I haven’t noticed a big difference other than they know what the schedule is and they go with it.”Q:&nbsp;Were there more nerves six years ago?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well I guess I’m not sure how to quantify that. I didn’t get in there and look at that part of it. I mean, the guys, they’d probably all be different on how you’d weigh that out.”Q:&nbsp;Do the other coaches feel the pressure at this point?REID:&nbsp;“I don’t know if it’s the pressure, I think it’s just you’re excited to get going, just like the players will be excited to get going, you’re excited to get going. It’s great competition when you get to this level and that’s why you’re in the business. You know, best against the best.”Q:&nbsp;What do you think is the biggest thing that Mike Caliendo gathered from his first playoff start?

Chiefs Quotes: 1-24-25

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, no injuries to mention so I’ll turn it over to you guys.”

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesJanuary 23, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, no injuries to mention so I’ll turn it over to you guys.”Q: Do you have a sense of how hard it is to keep doing what you’re doing against so many good teams?REID:&nbsp;“I have a lot of respect for the teams that we’ve had a chance to play so we’ve been fortunate to be able to get to this level. There’s a small margin between winning and losing in the National Football League so again, we’re fortunate to be here although a lot of hard work has gone into it from all of our guys.”Q: On the Bills rushing attack.REID:&nbsp;“They’ve been running the ball very well. They have two good running backs, and they have a quarterback that can run. They ran it, I want to say 35 times last week, so I’m sure they’re going to continue to utilize that, they’ve been doing that this year. Then, at the same time, he (Bills QB Josh Allen) can throw the ball, too and he throws it well.&nbsp; So, as far as our gameplan goes, we’re going to play what we do and go with it. Sometimes Pat (Patrick Mahomes) takes off and runs and sometimes he doesn’t need to.”Q: Patrick Mahomes didn’t have many rushing attempts last time you played the Bills. Was that something unique that they did last time compared to other games?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, they spied him last time. They did a good job of that – although we didn’t have runs called at that time, we just had throws. I thought you were comparing the two (quarterbacks). They have called runs for their quarterback, that’s not what we (do).”Q: Buffalo is really good at forcing turnovers. What makes them so good at taking the ball from the offense?REID:&nbsp;“They’re (the Bills) one of the best in the league, if not the best (at forcing turnovers). Their turnover ratio is right at the top, so they do a good job of – whether it’s stripping the ball and/or intercepting the ball, the guys have good skill on the back end, along with the linebackers. They have a good scheme that gives them the opportunity to do that.”Q: What are the keys to getting to Bills QB Josh Allen and getting him on the ground?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) tough to get down. I’d tell you what I’d probably tell you every week is that you have to stay disciplined and stay in your (rush) lanes and then you go from there. Once you have ahold of him, you better know he’s tough to bring down so you better finish it (the tackle).”Q: On teams differing during the coin toss.REID:&nbsp;“I don’t know – I know what it is over the last 10 years or so, so it’s been very consistent. If you’re going to take me back 25 years, I might not have that stat for you, but I know teams are fairly consistent with that – with differing. Then, having that opportunity to work to drive (down the field) that second half and get the ball.”Q: Is it a part of the game calling and not just scoring, but also draining the clock?REID:&nbsp;“You hope you finish (the half) with the ball, and then you hope to get to start it (the half with the ball) and get you an extra series in there. It’s about 50/50 right there on the good and the bad of it so it’s not a huge thing if you don’t get it.”Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes QuotesJanuary 23, 2025QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ:&nbsp;On the end of halftime in the Divisional Round against the Texans.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“For me, it’s just you stay calm and you just kind of keep yourself warm. I think it affected me in my first AFC Championship Game with – we played the Patriots and the first drive, they had one of those super long drives and you give them the field and you want to make – you want to score two touchdowns with one play but all can you do is just go about your process, stay warm, stay patient and when you get on the field, just maximize the opportunity.”Q:&nbsp;What is the attitude of the team right now?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think guys are ready to go. We had a good day at practice yesterday and you get the base install in, guys get a feel of the game plan. You go out there and execute fast and you have third down today. It’s just about getting everybody in the right positions to succeed and going out there and playing fast and I don’t think anyone’s making this too big of a moment. Everybody knows how big it is, but at the same time we go about our process.”Q:&nbsp;Do you think that you may take some chances running the football if you need to?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just – you just play to win. I mean, there’ll be opportunities to run the football. They (the Bills) do a good job of spying the quarterback in certain situations, so you want to be able to use your feet, but at the same time, work within the pocket (and) find guys down the field. It’s the AFC Championship Game. You have to put it all on the line in order to win and try to get to the Super Bowl and this is a great football team we’re going up against, so I think all of us are going to go out there and give everything we have.”Q:&nbsp;How do you guys talk about ball security internally and how do you prepare so that it doesn’t happen?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, if you look at the NFL in general, I think it’s every team that’s won the ball security, won the turnover battle, has won the football game in the playoffs so far this year. That’s super important for us. Buffalo does a great job of it; I don’t think they’ve lost one (a turnover battle) the entire season so just trying to protect the football. When the defense gets opportunities, try to take the football away and then, just let the game come to you, don’t press and don’t try to do too much. It’s extremely important especially in the playoffs and especially when you go up against some of the best teams.”Q:&nbsp;As you were watching the Bills and Ravens Divisional Round game, what are you thinking as a quarterback when Bills QB Josh Allen almost pitched the ball back on the goal line?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think I saw it just as he (Bills QB Josh Allen) saw it, so it was probably the smart decision not to pitch it in that moment, but you didn’t want to take that creativity away from guys and that’s why we never said anything to Travis (Kelce). When you do it and it works, it works and it’s a good thing but if it’s not there, don’t do it.”Q:&nbsp;Do you have any appreciation for the other really good AFC teams who don’t get to go to the AFC Championship every year?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I have extreme appreciation just for the process of getting here. I talk about that with some of the younger guys. I mean, some of these guys, all they’ve known is Super Bowls. I mean, obviously that’s a good problem to have but I like to – I make sure that they know and appreciate this moment and having this opportunity because it doesn’t happen every year. It seems like it’s happened every year here, but you don’t get this opportunity to play in these games and you never know when it’s going to be your last one. You have to go out there and maximize it and you do have appreciation because even though – even if when you win the Super Bowl, you start back at the bottom, you start back level with everybody and you have to go about your process and put in that work. It definitely is a battle every single year. Every season’s different and you just appreciate being in this game and you just try to find a way to maximize it and try to get to that next one.”Q:&nbsp;On the experience in winning and losing the AFC Championship Game.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You just – it sucks losing, just as much as it’s awesome winning, it sucks losing. I mean, you just try to go out there and put your best foot forward. You try to do whatever you can to give everything you have on the football field and then you live with the results. At the same time, you just – you prepare through the week, you sacrifice things, you sacrifice time away from family to go out there and just be the best player and best teammate that you can be and then hope that that turns out into a win.”Q:&nbsp;What message would you give Chiefs Kingdom?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, Chiefs Kingdom is always – they’re always passionate, they’re always loud. I would just say let’s see if we can take it up a notch, let’s see how loud this place can really get. I always appreciate the support and the love that they show for us and so I’m just excited for another AFC Championship back at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.”Q:&nbsp;How grateful are you for your off-the-field relationship with Josh Allen?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, he’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) a good dude. I understand why his team plays so hard and how they leave everything on the line because they have a leader over there that goes out there and does that every single week. Whenever you go up against the best, it brings the best out of you. To go up against someone that you have a friendship with off the field as well, just like a brother or anything else, when you compete, you’re going to compete but when you’re off the field, you’re going to joke around and have fun, too. It’s a competition that both of us want to win but to know it’s another good dude on the other side of the field is always fun.”Q:&nbsp;Did losing to the Bills in the regular season help you guys focus in and learn any lessons?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I always believe losing can be either a positive or a negative. Obviously, (when) you lose a football game and that sucks, and you don’t have the undefeated season, but you learn from those mistakes, you learn where you can get better, and you use that to make yourself a better football team and a better player. Just learning from that game, going up against one of the best football teams in the NFL and losing, you find some of your weaknesses (and) you try to make those things better. Then, I think the most positive (thing is) I didn’t have to play Week 18, so that was probably the best for me.”Chiefs Coordinator QuotesJanuary 23, 2025ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: On Justin Reid.TOUB: “He (Justin Reid) studies a lot of tape. He’s the main reason why we’re getting these blocks because he gets off – such a great get off on the edge and it makes everybody respond to that and it opens up gaps for Leo (Chenal) who is like a couple men down – a couple spots down from him. He studies tape, he watches the snapper’s movements. Could be a squeezing of the hand, it could be a dip of the hips, whatever it is to indicate that the snap is imminent. He has a great get off, I mean he was tied to the football just about, in that game – on two of them. It made a difference.”Q: On Nikko Remigio.TOUB: “He’s (Nikko Remigio) doing a really good job. I mean it’s been six weeks now he’s been up (on the active roster). Every week we’re getting more and more confident in him, punt return and kick return. He’s just been a pleasant – pleasant to have him do so well, it’s good to see it.”Q: On Harrison Butker kicking with tough weather conditions.TOUB: “He’s (Harrison Butker) a great manager of the wind. He understands the wind and how much – and (in) his pregame warmup he’ll try different stuff and figure that out. He kicks a lot of kicks pregame and by the time he gets to the game, he’s dialed in. Now sometimes the wind changes during the game that’s why you’ll see him periodically walk out on the field and check things. He’s always doing that. Total confidence in him, especially during the playoffs.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Real quick, real proud of the way the guys played last week to get us to this point. (I) feel really blessed to be in this game, really honored to be in it. (I) thank God every day to be able to be working again this week. With that, I’ll open it up.”Q: What is the biggest difference between playing the Bills in the regular season versus the postseason?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, I don’t know we're not banking on that. I know one thing, when we went up there to play them this past year it felt like a playoff game. I think both teams approached it that way. We all know – we all talk about how the speed of the game goes up in these games (and) everyone’s focus goes laser focus. He’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) a premier threat in this league. We all know that, right? Not just with his arm but with his legs and how big he is. I mean I’m amazed every time I put the tape on. I was shaking my head this morning talking to the guys going, ‘How do you stop this guy?’ I made one comment to one of the coaches and said, ‘Now I know how other defenses feel that we play when they’re going against Patrick (Mahomes). They just do things that are uncanny (and) so talented.”Q:&nbsp;What is the difficulty in stopping a team that doesn’t make a lot of negative plays?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean if you’re not going to get those kinds of plays to set things back, then to me it’s about not allowing the explosive plays. We had a couple of those last time we played them and that kind of gets things going when you know it’s going to be really tough to set them (Bills) back. Listen, not coach speak, but it is going to come down to the situational football. We need to be better in third down, we need to win in (the) red zone. We played good (in the) red zone last week and that made a big difference because they are going to move the football, we recognize that. They run the ball real well (and) they have an elite quarterback. So, some of that, you’re not going to stop everything, we’re not going to shut somebody down. We need to slow them down and try to win the situational downs.”Q:&nbsp;What are the defensive rules for maintaining Bills QB Josh Allen?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I wish I had a secret to that (laughter). Listen, in the course of the game – the best thing that can happen for us is that all eleven function as eleven. He’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) one of those guys – especially up front and if you’re talking about the four or five guys that we bring – they need to function as one because (if) he finds one little seam and if we have guys in man with their back turned I mean that’s where he – I’ll tell you he’s one of those guys, and you know, you have all seen it – he sees everything. I watched him this morning, a defensive play – I forget who they were playing, it looked like they put their leg out to trip the running back. He immediately was turning to the official, he saw everything. He’s just like Patrick (Mahomes). Their vision is just uncanny. I think he can sense and feel when there is an opening there and that’s what gets really challenging.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: Going into the game regarding your running backs, are you looking to find a hot hand or do you like to switch it up no matter what?NAGY:&nbsp;“There’s probably a little bit of that. As you get going, I think that’s probably real. I mean It’s a benefit that both of those guys – the thing that I love about both of those (guys), with (Isiah) Pacheco and Kareem (Hunt) is the fact that they are so competitive, both of them. They both also understand that this element of the game is critical so if a guy has a hot hand and has some great carries early on, maybe you stick with him, get the next guy in. The good part about that too is conserving energy (and) letting a guy go out there that is 100% every time he’s out there so there’s a nice balance to that.”Q: What is it like game planning and going against Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s not easy, I can tell you that. We get to go against him (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) in training camp and he presents a lot of different challenges. Schematically, it’s not easy. Like you just said Adam (Teicher), it’s something where the Bills and Chiefs have been going against each other for a while. So, player to player, coach to coach, there’s a little bit of that so the tendency part of it, you want to make sure that you’re good with your tendencies, unscouted looks, how do you handle that. Then, when you get out there too, it’s controlling the emotions. Not just as players but as coaches too, you have to be able to control your emotions and just stay within the game and understand that it’s two really good football teams going at it.”Q: On Bills LB Von Miller.