Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, (Nick) Bolton, (Jaaron) Hayek, (Chris) Jones, (Kelvin) Joseph, (Justin) Reid (and Kadarius) Toney were out. Toney’s back is just stiffening up on him. Other than that, everybody practiced (and) had a good day. (Swayze) Bozeman hyperextended his knee today and we’ll just see where it goes from there. As far as the play time, for this game, we’ll go ones for a quarter, twos for the second quarter, threes the third quarter and fours for the fourth quarter and we’ll just keep it at that. Alright, the time’s yours.”

Q: Wanya Morris left for a minute and came back?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Wanya Morris) came back. Yeah, he just tweaked his knee a little bit. I think he’s going to be alright.”

Q: You have a long history for former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and he’s been here a couple of days. Is there any consideration for an advisor role?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, he advises a lot of people, so he’s staying busy. The grass isn’t growing under his feet, man, he’s rolling. I think he’s just going to keep doing that (advising) and hopefully he’s able to get back in (into the NFL) and get a head coaching job. (He’s) a phenomenal football coach, he’s touched everybody here. Both sides of the ball – special teams, he got to sit down in those meetings. (He’s) just a heck of a coach.”

Q: What are your thought on the new kickoff rule? How do you prepare?

REID:&nbsp;“(Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Toub, our special teams coach, he’s been practicing it since OTAs. He’s trying to find the things that you can do and that you can’t do. It’ll be a bit of a learning process as we go but we think we have a decent plan for it.”

Q:&nbsp; Are there any the young players in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing play on Saturday night?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m going to play everybody, Adam (Teicher). So, all those young guys, I’d love to see how they compete. The higher draft picks are going to be in there (against) a little bit better competition, so (I) want to see how they handle that.”

REID:&nbsp;“Kingsley (Suamataia) being one of them. Yeah, so Kingsley being one of them that’ll be in there working. We’ll just see how he does in there but I’m anticipating good things.”

Q: The initial roster showed the fullback spot coming back. What does that offer you flexibility-wise on offense?

REID:&nbsp;“(Carson) Steele, he’s kind of a tweener guy – he’s a heck of a running back. You see him out here running the football and he does a pretty good job. What he did at Ball State was unbelievable (and at) UCLA - unbelievable. We’re kind of maneuvering around and seeing if he can do the fullback stuff and it looks like, so far, he can, and then we’ll just see. We’ll see how the numbers work out. You’ve got to have the special teams numbers and all that stuff, so we’ll just see how the numbers work out as we go down the stretch.”

Q: Harrison Butker just resigned his contract, what has he meant to this team?

REID:&nbsp;“I mean obviously a lot. He’s (Harrison Butker) been in huge situations for us and (has) really come through. His consistency has been great. This won’t bother him because he’s got that work ethic and he just sticks to it. It won’t be a distraction at all. Listen, I’m happy for him, happy for the organization and he’s a heck of a football player – great kicker.”

Q: How important was it for you to have a veteran in the kicker spot, like Harrison Butker?

REID:&nbsp;“I like that. I mean I like – the field goal kicker – I like to have a little time under his belt although we’ve done it both ways. It’s great to have the experience and then at the level of experience that he’s (Harrison Butker) had is like crazy. He’s done it in huge games for us.”

Q: You just resigned Harrison Butker which brings attention to Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey and Nick Bolton because they’re next up regarding contracts. How important have those three been? How do you go about their future and contracts?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s the trick – how you do keep them. That’s (General Manager) Brett’s (Veach) – he’s the magician in that. I’m just a spectator there. They’ve played so well for us (so) you got to see what you can do with the contracts as they come up.”

Q: Will Joe Thuney play in this upcoming preseason game?

REID:&nbsp;“Joe (Thuney) will not.”

Q: Will any of the guys who sat out of practice today play in the game on Saturday?

REID:&nbsp;“I would probably say no. We’ll see. I mean we’ll get it to you. We have a few days.”

Q: You usually play Patrick Mahomes in the first preseason game. What is your philosophy on that as other teams don’t play their starting quarterback in these games?

REID:&nbsp;“I allow him (Patrick Mahomes) to get in the swing of things. The ones know how to do that, both sides of the ball, they know how to go about doing that. Somewhere you got to get on there and shoot and this gives him an opportunity to do that.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;How excited are you to get in this preseason game and finally see your wide receivers in a game-like setting?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’m extremely excited. I mean, obviously for me to go out there and play with these guys and showcase what we’re – we have the ability to do, but then learn from our mistakes too. I mean you want to go out there and play for real and play against someone else. I’m tired of going against (Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire and have to make those right decisions and learn from the mistakes after.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you seen some things that let you know things will be different once the season starts as far as passing game?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously with the speed we’re going to be able to hit guys over the top, but I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both. I think that’s something we’ve worked on all camp – is you got to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defenses play deep, you got to be able to hit the medium – type things and then we need to be able to run the football and that’s what makes great offenses great is just having the ability to do all of that. So as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you assessed from the wide receiver battle?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what I’ve loved the most is how much they root for each other. I mean you can see it out there, when guys make plays, everybody is going out there to celebrate. We have a lot of good guys that are playing hard and all making plays against a great defense. It’s not always going to be perfect (and) it’s not always going to be the perfect play or whatever, but they’re all competing every single time (and) they’re rooting for each other and that’s what you want in the receiving room is a good group of guys that are talented.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel physically compared to last year? How do you see your team?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I feel great physically. I think I’m – guys have the right mindset. I mean at the end of the day all you can do is focus on today. Obviously we want to win three in a row, but we know just as much as anybody, is that you got to execute today at practice in Saint Joseph in order to do that. So, if you take it day-by-day type of process the hope is at the end of the year that you can go out there and get that ring.”

Q:&nbsp;Do having more guys that can run deep open things up for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously if we can hit the people deep, it’s going to make the safeties get back and then you – it’ll open up more space in that medium part of the field. I mean y’all have seen Rashee (Rice) has had a great camp and so has Travis (Kelce), so has guys like Noah (Gray) and Wiley (Jared Wiley) – I mean it’s – if you can open it up down the field with those speed guys, that threat opens every – the whole entire field up and so I’m excited for it. As well as just letting those speed guys just work into that intermediate range as well. It’s about being – having a diverse offense, being able to go out there and attack in different ways, and I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there and show it.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Xavier Worthy?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah no, Xavier (Worthy) he does a great job – obviously he’s fast, but it’s almost like he runs fast, but he can run with pace fast and so he’s able to track the ball really well. He runs a lot of great routes and he’s going to get as physical camp as any here so. I mean he’s done a great job trying to fight off press as best as he can, getting through there (and) making plays happen and so he’ll keep getting better and better. I mean if he can get through this camp, he’ll be able to get through a lot of stuff, so I’m excited for him and how he’s progressed throughout camp.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Isiah Pacheco after his work during the offseason? Has he improved at all?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s done a great job. He actually – he would run routes, (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid would put him out there and let him run some type of routes – some shorter routes (and) some deeper&nbsp; routes that he hadn’t ran before and some read routes that necessarily aren’t for running backs and he’s done a great job with that. He wants to be great. I mean he’s done a great job running the football for us, he’s done a great job catching out of the back field, but if he can catch it from the slot or from a receiver type position, it's just going to help him be (an) even better football player.

Q:&nbsp;What does it mean for Former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden to be out here?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s always great to hear offensive minds and obviously someone that we’ve went up against so you kind of can listen to the ways that were trying to go against us and combating stuff that we did so it did well. Then him (Jon Gruden) and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid have a long history and so just to hear them talk about old school football plays is always cool for me being a football historian. He’s been a – it’s been fun to have him out here and just listen to him talk about football.”

Q:&nbsp;On Kingsley Suamataia. Do you feel yourself thinking that you have to be a little quicker, given that he is a rookie?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah you got to just trust that he’s (Kinglsey Suamataia) going to go out there and make the plays happen. He’s doing a great job this camp, going against a lot of different types of rushers. Obviously, it’s going to be a great challenge – I don’t know how much their starters are going to play – but going against the defensive ends with (Jaguars Defensive End Travon) Walker and (Jaguars Defensive End Josh) Hines-Allen and so I think just him going up against some of the best is going to even bring out the best in him and that’s what you have to expect. And then for everybody, I mean everybody that’s going to be out there and so that’s what it’s all about. I’ve got trust in those guys in order to go out there and play the game that I want to play so I’ll let them go out there and be the football player that he’s been all camp.”

Q:&nbsp;With the newfound speed of the wide receivers, how do you think Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy will go about calling the game with a balance between the deep ball and check downs?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s just about being smart and I think more than even about (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) calling the game, it’s got to be about me making the right decisions. He’s going to call plays that have shots in them but every time he calls a play that has a shot in there, there’s plays for me to get underneath and get to the right guy. So, it’s about him – (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid, (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Matt) Nagy, me and all the other coaches talking it through throughout the week - knowing when we want to take shots, when we want to be aggressive, what the situation is in the football game and take it and be aggressive but at the same time, when it’s not there, get underneath these guys and let them make plays. That’s what I’ve learned over my time is you’ve got to be making the right decision out there at the end of the day.”

Q:&nbsp;You’re obviously always on the other end of this but what do you think are the challenges of tracking a ball as a receiver? Why are some so good at it and others not?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean it’s hard. You’re running full speed, trying to catch a football in the air and not knowing if you’re going to get hit the moment you catch the football. It’s a tough job as any, I think, in the world because you can catch the ball and get your cleats knocked off of you. I commend those guys man. It’s hard to track a football running full speed with the ball. I throw it high, throw it far but I always let them know that I’m the best at tracking the football. I grew up shagging BP (batting practice) so I’m pretty nice at it myself, but I wasn’t getting hit.”

Q:&nbsp;You always talk about getting that first hit out of the way. How excited are you for that this week potentially?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I already took my first hit. You didn’t see Chris (Jones) the other day? He just smoked me (laughter). Nah, it’s cool. I always want to get hit but not hit hard. So, if I can just throw the ball and one of those d-ends just wants to just give me a little push, that’s all I need. It’s cool, I like playing in the preseason honestly. Getting in there, trying to make sure that we’re doing stuff the right way and then getting out. Trying to keep everybody healthy and then playing the sport that I love so I’m excited of the opportunity. Hopefully we can hold off the rain a little bit and go out there and play a good football game against a good team.”

Q:&nbsp;On signing Harrison Butker.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, it’s awesome. I mean, for me it’s just getting in field goal range in some of these situations. Like at the end of the Super Bowl last year. Obviously, we want to score a touchdown in that situation but knowing that once we cross the 50 (yard line) that we’re pretty much, we’re good to at least get to over time. It’s something that – I don’t even know what the word is - it’s something that you have to just rely on and it’s something that’s just fun to have, honestly. I mean knowing that you don’t even have to worry because that guy’s (Harrison Butker) going to knock it through and so I’m glad that they were able to get that deal done and he can go out there and just kick field goals.”

Q:&nbsp;On being ranked number four on the Top 100 list. What was your reaction?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It is what it is. At the end of the day all I can do is go out there and just play the sport that I love, and the rankings are the rankings.”

Q:&nbsp;Did you ever get the helmet back that broke last year?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I haven’t gotten it back yet. I’m trying to get it back still. (Equipment Director) Allen (Wright), man, Allen just sometimes he’s kind of lazy. I wasn’t going to say it but it’s just a little bit (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;On being the highest paid kicker. How does it feel to be the highest paid kicker in the league?&nbsp;

BUTKER:&nbsp;““Exactly, at least for now (laughter). You never know. In six months from now, there’s going to be another kicker that tops it. I think it’s good to know that the kicker market is still moving forward. I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now. There’s a lot of points being scored, and kickers are a part of that – games are closer than ever. (Baltimore Ravens Kicker Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then (Philadelphia Eagles Kicker) Jake Elliott just signed and tied his. I’m grateful to be able to move it up a little bit. Like you said, I know there’s going to be a bunch of kickers after me that are going to continue to push it.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you had any discussions with anybody within the organization that may have had contrasting opinions from your speech earlier this year?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesAugust 7, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, (Nick) Bolton, (Jaaron) Hayek, (Chris) Jones, (Kelvin) Joseph, (Justin) Reid (and Kadarius) Toney were out. Toney’s back is just stiffening up on him. Other than that, everybody practiced (and) had a good day. (Swayze) Bozeman hyperextended his knee today and we’ll just see where it goes from there. As far as the play time, for this game, we’ll go ones for a quarter, twos for the second quarter, threes the third quarter and fours for the fourth quarter and we’ll just keep it at that. Alright, the time’s yours.”Q: Wanya Morris left for a minute and came back?REID:&nbsp;“He (Wanya Morris) came back. Yeah, he just tweaked his knee a little bit. I think he’s going to be alright.”Q: You have a long history for former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and he’s been here a couple of days. Is there any consideration for an advisor role?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, he advises a lot of people, so he’s staying busy. The grass isn’t growing under his feet, man, he’s rolling. I think he’s just going to keep doing that (advising) and hopefully he’s able to get back in (into the NFL) and get a head coaching job. (He’s) a phenomenal football coach, he’s touched everybody here. Both sides of the ball – special teams, he got to sit down in those meetings. (He’s) just a heck of a coach.”Q: What are your thought on the new kickoff rule? How do you prepare?REID:&nbsp;“(Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Toub, our special teams coach, he’s been practicing it since OTAs. He’s trying to find the things that you can do and that you can’t do. It’ll be a bit of a learning process as we go but we think we have a decent plan for it.”Q:&nbsp; Are there any the young players in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing play on Saturday night?REID:&nbsp;“I’m going to play everybody, Adam (Teicher). So, all those young guys, I’d love to see how they compete. The higher draft picks are going to be in there (against) a little bit better competition, so (I) want to see how they handle that.”Q: What about Kingsley Suamataia?REID:&nbsp;“Kingsley (Suamataia) being one of them. Yeah, so Kingsley being one of them that’ll be in there working. We’ll just see how he does in there but I’m anticipating good things.”Q: The initial roster showed the fullback spot coming back. What does that offer you flexibility-wise on offense?REID:&nbsp;“(Carson) Steele, he’s kind of a tweener guy – he’s a heck of a running back. You see him out here running the football and he does a pretty good job. What he did at Ball State was unbelievable (and at) UCLA - unbelievable. We’re kind of maneuvering around and seeing if he can do the fullback stuff and it looks like, so far, he can, and then we’ll just see. We’ll see how the numbers work out. You’ve got to have the special teams numbers and all that stuff, so we’ll just see how the numbers work out as we go down the stretch.”Q: Harrison Butker just resigned his contract, what has he meant to this team?REID:&nbsp;“I mean obviously a lot. He’s (Harrison Butker) been in huge situations for us and (has) really come through. His consistency has been great. This won’t bother him because he’s got that work ethic and he just sticks to it. It won’t be a distraction at all. Listen, I’m happy for him, happy for the organization and he’s a heck of a football player – great kicker.”Q: How important was it for you to have a veteran in the kicker spot, like Harrison Butker?REID:&nbsp;“I like that. I mean I like – the field goal kicker – I like to have a little time under his belt although we’ve done it both ways. It’s great to have the experience and then at the level of experience that he’s (Harrison Butker) had is like crazy. He’s done it in huge games for us.”Q: You just resigned Harrison Butker which brings attention to Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey and Nick Bolton because they’re next up regarding contracts. How important have those three been? How do you go about their future and contracts?REID:&nbsp;“That’s the trick – how you do keep them. That’s (General Manager) Brett’s (Veach) – he’s the magician in that. I’m just a spectator there. They’ve played so well for us (so) you got to see what you can do with the contracts as they come up.”Q: Will Joe Thuney play in this upcoming preseason game?REID:&nbsp;“Joe (Thuney) will not.”Q: Will any of the guys who sat out of practice today play in the game on Saturday?REID:&nbsp;“I would probably say no. We’ll see. I mean we’ll get it to you. We have a few days.”Q: You usually play Patrick Mahomes in the first preseason game. What is your philosophy on that as other teams don’t play their starting quarterback in these games?REID:&nbsp;“I allow him (Patrick Mahomes) to get in the swing of things. The ones know how to do that, both sides of the ball, they know how to go about doing that. Somewhere you got to get on there and shoot and this gives him an opportunity to do that.”&nbsp;Chiefs Player QuotesAugust 7, 2024QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ:&nbsp;How excited are you to get in this preseason game and finally see your wide receivers in a game-like setting?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’m extremely excited. I mean, obviously for me to go out there and play with these guys and showcase what we’re – we have the ability to do, but then learn from our mistakes too. I mean you want to go out there and play for real and play against someone else. I’m tired of going against (Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire and have to make those right decisions and learn from the mistakes after.”Q:&nbsp;Have you seen some things that let you know things will be different once the season starts as far as passing game?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously with the speed we’re going to be able to hit guys over the top, but I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both. I think that’s something we’ve worked on all camp – is you got to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defenses play deep, you got to be able to hit the medium – type things and then we need to be able to run the football and that’s what makes great offenses great is just having the ability to do all of that. So as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense.”Q:&nbsp;What have you assessed from the wide receiver battle?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what I’ve loved the most is how much they root for each other. I mean you can see it out there, when guys make plays, everybody is going out there to celebrate. We have a lot of good guys that are playing hard and all making plays against a great defense. It’s not always going to be perfect (and) it’s not always going to be the perfect play or whatever, but they’re all competing every single time (and) they’re rooting for each other and that’s what you want in the receiving room is a good group of guys that are talented.”Q:&nbsp;How do you feel physically compared to last year? How do you see your team?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I feel great physically. I think I’m – guys have the right mindset. I mean at the end of the day all you can do is focus on today. Obviously we want to win three in a row, but we know just as much as anybody, is that you got to execute today at practice in Saint Joseph in order to do that. So, if you take it day-by-day type of process the hope is at the end of the year that you can go out there and get that ring.”Q:&nbsp;Do having more guys that can run deep open things up for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously if we can hit the people deep, it’s going to make the safeties get back and then you – it’ll open up more space in that medium part of the field. I mean y’all have seen Rashee (Rice) has had a great camp and so has Travis (Kelce), so has guys like Noah (Gray) and Wiley (Jared Wiley) – I mean it’s – if you can open it up down the field with those speed guys, that threat opens every – the whole entire field up and so I’m excited for it. As well as just letting those speed guys just work into that intermediate range as well. It’s about being – having a diverse offense, being able to go out there and attack in different ways, and I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there and show it.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Xavier Worthy?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah no, Xavier (Worthy) he does a great job – obviously he’s fast, but it’s almost like he runs fast, but he can run with pace fast and so he’s able to track the ball really well. He runs a lot of great routes and he’s going to get as physical camp as any here so. I mean he’s done a great job trying to fight off press as best as he can, getting through there (and) making plays happen and so he’ll keep getting better and better. I mean if he can get through this camp, he’ll be able to get through a lot of stuff, so I’m excited for him and how he’s progressed throughout camp.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Isiah Pacheco after his work during the offseason? Has he improved at all?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s done a great job. He actually – he would run routes, (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid would put him out there and let him run some type of routes – some shorter routes (and) some deeper&nbsp; routes that he hadn’t ran before and some read routes that necessarily aren’t for running backs and he’s done a great job with that. He wants to be great. I mean he’s done a great job running the football for us, he’s done a great job catching out of the back field, but if he can catch it from the slot or from a receiver type position, it's just going to help him be (an) even better football player.Q:&nbsp;What does it mean for Former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden to be out here?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s always great to hear offensive minds and obviously someone that we’ve went up against so you kind of can listen to the ways that were trying to go against us and combating stuff that we did so it did well. Then him (Jon Gruden) and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid have a long history and so just to hear them talk about old school football plays is always cool for me being a football historian. He’s been a – it’s been fun to have him out here and just listen to him talk about football.”Q:&nbsp;On Kingsley Suamataia. Do you feel yourself thinking that you have to be a little quicker, given that he is a rookie?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah you got to just trust that he’s (Kinglsey Suamataia) going to go out there and make the plays happen. He’s doing a great job this camp, going against a lot of different types of rushers. Obviously, it’s going to be a great challenge – I don’t know how much their starters are going to play – but going against the defensive ends with (Jaguars Defensive End Travon) Walker and (Jaguars Defensive End Josh) Hines-Allen and so I think just him going up against some of the best is going to even bring out the best in him and that’s what you have to expect. And then for everybody, I mean everybody that’s going to be out there and so that’s what it’s all about. I’ve got trust in those guys in order to go out there and play the game that I want to play so I’ll let them go out there and be the football player that he’s been all camp.”Q:&nbsp;With the newfound speed of the wide receivers, how do you think Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy will go about calling the game with a balance between the deep ball and check downs?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s just about being smart and I think more than even about (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) calling the game, it’s got to be about me making the right decisions. He’s going to call plays that have shots in them but every time he calls a play that has a shot in there, there’s plays for me to get underneath and get to the right guy. So, it’s about him – (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid, (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Matt) Nagy, me and all the other coaches talking it through throughout the week - knowing when we want to take shots, when we want to be aggressive, what the situation is in the football game and take it and be aggressive but at the same time, when it’s not there, get underneath these guys and let them make plays. That’s what I’ve learned over my time is you’ve got to be making the right decision out there at the end of the day.”Q:&nbsp;You’re obviously always on the other end of this but what do you think are the challenges of tracking a ball as a receiver? Why are some so good at it and others not?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean it’s hard. You’re running full speed, trying to catch a football in the air and not knowing if you’re going to get hit the moment you catch the football. It’s a tough job as any, I think, in the world because you can catch the ball and get your cleats knocked off of you. I commend those guys man. It’s hard to track a football running full speed with the ball. I throw it high, throw it far but I always let them know that I’m the best at tracking the football. I grew up shagging BP (batting practice) so I’m pretty nice at it myself, but I wasn’t getting hit.”Q:&nbsp;You always talk about getting that first hit out of the way. How excited are you for that this week potentially?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I already took my first hit. You didn’t see Chris (Jones) the other day? He just smoked me (laughter). Nah, it’s cool. I always want to get hit but not hit hard. So, if I can just throw the ball and one of those d-ends just wants to just give me a little push, that’s all I need. It’s cool, I like playing in the preseason honestly. Getting in there, trying to make sure that we’re doing stuff the right way and then getting out. Trying to keep everybody healthy and then playing the sport that I love so I’m excited of the opportunity. Hopefully we can hold off the rain a little bit and go out there and play a good football game against a good team.”Q:&nbsp;On signing Harrison Butker.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, it’s awesome. I mean, for me it’s just getting in field goal range in some of these situations. Like at the end of the Super Bowl last year. Obviously, we want to score a touchdown in that situation but knowing that once we cross the 50 (yard line) that we’re pretty much, we’re good to at least get to over time. It’s something that – I don’t even know what the word is - it’s something that you have to just rely on and it’s something that’s just fun to have, honestly. I mean knowing that you don’t even have to worry because that guy’s (Harrison Butker) going to knock it through and so I’m glad that they were able to get that deal done and he can go out there and just kick field goals.”Q:&nbsp;On being ranked number four on the Top 100 list. What was your reaction?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It is what it is. At the end of the day all I can do is go out there and just play the sport that I love, and the rankings are the rankings.”Q:&nbsp;Did you ever get the helmet back that broke last year?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I haven’t gotten it back yet. I’m trying to get it back still. (Equipment Director) Allen (Wright), man, Allen just sometimes he’s kind of lazy. I wasn’t going to say it but it’s just a little bit (laughter).”K HARRISON BUTKERQ:&nbsp;On being the highest paid kicker. How does it feel to be the highest paid kicker in the league?&nbsp;BUTKER:&nbsp;““Exactly, at least for now (laughter). You never know. In six months from now, there’s going to be another kicker that tops it. I think it’s good to know that the kicker market is still moving forward. I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now. There’s a lot of points being scored, and kickers are a part of that – games are closer than ever. (Baltimore Ravens Kicker Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then (Philadelphia Eagles Kicker) Jake Elliott just signed and tied his. I’m grateful to be able to move it up a little bit. Like you said, I know there’s going to be a bunch of kickers after me that are going to continue to push it.”Q:&nbsp;Have you had any discussions with anybody within the organization that may have had contrasting opinions from your speech earlier this year?

Chiefs Quotes: 8-7-24

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Advocacy organizations affirm deep divisions on health care rights of Kansans

OVERLAND PARK — Advocacy organizations with diametrically opposing views on abortion rights Friday marked the two-year anniversary of Kansas voters’ rejection of an anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution by offering distinct perspectives on the aftermath of that landslide decision.

The Republican-led Kansas Legislature had worked with anti-abortion lobbyists to craft the proposed amendment and then decided the vote would occur during the August 2022 primary election. After it was set in stone, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that for about 50 years had provided a national foundation for protection of abortion rights.

Abandonment of that legal precedent contributed to rejection of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">Kansas constitutional amendment, which was opposed by 59% of voters</a>&nbsp;in the state, and helped spark a broader campaign to protect women’s reproductive rights and a family’s ability to make private health care decisions.

“This week marks the second anniversary of a historic vote,” said Ashley All, president of Kansas Coalition for Common Sense. “Voters made clear in August 2022 that Kansans deserve the right to privacy and to make our own personal medical decisions about contraception, fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion. Elected leaders should listen.”

Danielle Underwood, spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, reflected on defeat of the 2022 amendment that was a centerpiece of KFL’s lobbying campaign. She alleged, without evidence, that Kansas voters were “deeply misled” by individuals and organizations that said Kansas health clinics providing abortion services would remain heavily regulated if the amendment failed.

“Now the truth is unfolding,” Underwood said. “Abortion clinics are being allowed to operate without safety and sanitation standards or even medical oversight while the number of women traveling to Kansas for abortions skyrockets.”

In July, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">Kansas Supreme Court affirmed its 2019 decision</a>&nbsp;that women in the state had a fundamental constitutional right to end a pregnancy. The j<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure">ustices struck down a state law banning a second-trimester abortion method</a>. In a separate decision from the state Supreme Court in July, a collection of state regulations imposed on abortion providers and clinics were declared unconstitutional because the Kansas law exceeded requirements for medical professionals providing comparable health services.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported a record number of out-of-state abortion patients in 2022 that was attributed to enhanced restrictions on the procedure in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and other states. The number of nonresident patients doubled to nearly 8,500 from 2022 compared to 2021. The number of Kansas abortions in 2022 provided to residents of the state fell to 3,843 — a decline of nearly 100 from the previous year.

In an Overland Park coffee shop on Friday morning, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District in Kansas and six members of the Kansas Legislature who also embraced reproductive rights discussed the constitutional amendment vote and how the political landscape had shifted since then.

Davids, who is seeking reelection but doesn’t have a primary opponent, said it was ironic U.S. House members who argued it was important to return jurisdiction over abortion to the states by overturning Roe v. Wad had continued to introduce federal legislation to restrict access to abortion.

“Every single one of us knows that our state has spoken loud and clear,” Davids said. “To continue to have to push back against these things at the federal level is not only frustrating, it’s unacceptable. It flies in the face of the voters’ will. I’m always going to fight for protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care. Now, we have to talk about things like IVF, contraception and abortion.”

Davids endorsed the&nbsp;<a href="https://shariceforcongress.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2cca6f7b74e705ee1bdd4aa3c&amp;id=f6f6b084ac&amp;e=46ef3ccf75" target="_blank">Women’s Health Protection Act</a>, which would guarantee abortion access in all states across the country.

State Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a Lenexa Democrat, said she recalled celebrating the vote two years ago that protected the state Supreme Court decision that said the right of women to end a pregnancy was embedded in the state constitution’s Bill of Rights.

She said states with abortion bans had placed physicians in jeopardy while women’s lives were left to hang in the balance.

“We’ve had the two years to watch what’s happened in the states with dangerous abortion bans,” Hoye said. “We have seen husbands pleading for care for their wives. We’ve seen women having miscarriages in hospital bathrooms being denied life-saving care. Kansas women can help by continuing our big fight and setting a model to those states.”

Several of the Democrats at the coffee shop raised objections about the anniversary statement of Kansans for Life, the state’s most prominent anti-abortion group.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said the commentary from Kansans for Life incorrectly characterized the regulatory climate for abortion clinics.

“There are standards in place,” she said. “Once again, it’s the fearmongering. Obviously, the people out there — the general public — don’t know the standards. It’s very easy to make those claims.”

State Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, D-Lenexa, said she recalled the Legislature’s deliberations in 2021 about language of the proposed anti-abortion constitutional amendment. She was struck by votes of Republican legislators who rejected attempts to amend the text to provide an exemption to protect the life of a pregnant woman.

“I witnessed every single Republican, in both chambers, vote ‘no’ to exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother in the August 2nd amendment,” she said. “That’s when I knew that they did not, in fact, value women.”

Underwood, the Kansans for Life spokeswoman, said the development of 23 pregnancy resource centers in Kansas and $2 million appropriated by the Legislature to the centers showed there were people in Kansas who would “never abandon women and babies” and would serve as a counterweight to the “profit-driven abortion industry.”

In the last two state legislative sessions, about 20 bills were introduced each year that would in some way limit opportunities for families to make decisions about reproductive health.

During the 2024 legislative session, at least 110 House or Senate members voted against abortion-rights legislation. Sixty-six of those lawmakers voted against the will of voters in their districts as expressed in the 2022 amendment to the constitution.

State Sen. Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat who serves as the Senate’s minority leader, said the flood of anti-abortion legislation would continue in the upcoming 2025 session.

“I think next year they will be more emboldened,” she said. “They want to ban abortion and take away women’s rights. I think the majority of people who are bringing these bills want to eliminate contraception.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722689387032.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, left, a Kansas Democrat, discusses with members of the Kansas Legislature the 2022 rejection by Kansas voters of a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would restrict access to abortion rights. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, left, a Kansas Democrat, discusses with members of the Kansas Legislature the 2022 rejection by Kansas voters of a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would restrict access to abortion rights. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Advocacy organizations affirm deep divisions on health care rights of Kansans</h2>OVERLAND PARK — Advocacy organizations with diametrically opposing views on abortion rights Friday marked the two-year anniversary of Kansas voters’ rejection of an anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution by offering distinct perspectives on the aftermath of that landslide decision.The Republican-led Kansas Legislature had worked with anti-abortion lobbyists to craft the proposed amendment and then decided the vote would occur during the August 2022 primary election. After it was set in stone, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that for about 50 years had provided a national foundation for protection of abortion rights.Abandonment of that legal precedent contributed to rejection of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">Kansas constitutional amendment, which was opposed by 59% of voters</a>&nbsp;in the state, and helped spark a broader campaign to protect women’s reproductive rights and a family’s ability to make private health care decisions.“This week marks the second anniversary of a historic vote,” said Ashley All, president of Kansas Coalition for Common Sense. “Voters made clear in August 2022 that Kansans deserve the right to privacy and to make our own personal medical decisions about contraception, fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion. Elected leaders should listen.”Danielle Underwood, spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, reflected on defeat of the 2022 amendment that was a centerpiece of KFL’s lobbying campaign. She alleged, without evidence, that Kansas voters were “deeply misled” by individuals and organizations that said Kansas health clinics providing abortion services would remain heavily regulated if the amendment failed.“Now the truth is unfolding,” Underwood said. “Abortion clinics are being allowed to operate without safety and sanitation standards or even medical oversight while the number of women traveling to Kansas for abortions skyrockets.”In July, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">Kansas Supreme Court affirmed its 2019 decision</a>&nbsp;that women in the state had a fundamental constitutional right to end a pregnancy. The j<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure">ustices struck down a state law banning a second-trimester abortion method</a>. In a separate decision from the state Supreme Court in July, a collection of state regulations imposed on abortion providers and clinics were declared unconstitutional because the Kansas law exceeded requirements for medical professionals providing comparable health services.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported a record number of out-of-state abortion patients in 2022 that was attributed to enhanced restrictions on the procedure in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and other states. The number of nonresident patients doubled to nearly 8,500 from 2022 compared to 2021. The number of Kansas abortions in 2022 provided to residents of the state fell to 3,843 — a decline of nearly 100 from the previous year.<h2>Two years later</h2>In an Overland Park coffee shop on Friday morning, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District in Kansas and six members of the Kansas Legislature who also embraced reproductive rights discussed the constitutional amendment vote and how the political landscape had shifted since then.Davids, who is seeking reelection but doesn’t have a primary opponent, said it was ironic U.S. House members who argued it was important to return jurisdiction over abortion to the states by overturning Roe v. Wad had continued to introduce federal legislation to restrict access to abortion.“Every single one of us knows that our state has spoken loud and clear,” Davids said. “To continue to have to push back against these things at the federal level is not only frustrating, it’s unacceptable. It flies in the face of the voters’ will. I’m always going to fight for protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care. Now, we have to talk about things like IVF, contraception and abortion.”Davids endorsed the&nbsp;<a href="https://shariceforcongress.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2cca6f7b74e705ee1bdd4aa3c&amp;id=f6f6b084ac&amp;e=46ef3ccf75" target="_blank">Women’s Health Protection Act</a>, which would guarantee abortion access in all states across the country.State Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a Lenexa Democrat, said she recalled celebrating the vote two years ago that protected the state Supreme Court decision that said the right of women to end a pregnancy was embedded in the state constitution’s Bill of Rights.She said states with abortion bans had placed physicians in jeopardy while women’s lives were left to hang in the balance.“We’ve had the two years to watch what’s happened in the states with dangerous abortion bans,” Hoye said. “We have seen husbands pleading for care for their wives. We’ve seen women having miscarriages in hospital bathrooms being denied life-saving care. Kansas women can help by continuing our big fight and setting a model to those states.”Several of the Democrats at the coffee shop raised objections about the anniversary statement of Kansans for Life, the state’s most prominent anti-abortion group.Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said the commentary from Kansans for Life incorrectly characterized the regulatory climate for abortion clinics.“There are standards in place,” she said. “Once again, it’s the fearmongering. Obviously, the people out there — the general public — don’t know the standards. It’s very easy to make those claims.”<h2>Valuing women</h2>State Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, D-Lenexa, said she recalled the Legislature’s deliberations in 2021 about language of the proposed anti-abortion constitutional amendment. She was struck by votes of Republican legislators who rejected attempts to amend the text to provide an exemption to protect the life of a pregnant woman.“I witnessed every single Republican, in both chambers, vote ‘no’ to exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother in the August 2nd amendment,” she said. “That’s when I knew that they did not, in fact, value women.”Underwood, the Kansans for Life spokeswoman, said the development of 23 pregnancy resource centers in Kansas and $2 million appropriated by the Legislature to the centers showed there were people in Kansas who would “never abandon women and babies” and would serve as a counterweight to the “profit-driven abortion industry.”In the last two state legislative sessions, about 20 bills were introduced each year that would in some way limit opportunities for families to make decisions about reproductive health.During the 2024 legislative session, at least 110 House or Senate members voted against abortion-rights legislation. Sixty-six of those lawmakers voted against the will of voters in their districts as expressed in the 2022 amendment to the constitution.State Sen. Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat who serves as the Senate’s minority leader, said the flood of anti-abortion legislation would continue in the upcoming 2025 session.“I think next year they will be more emboldened,” she said. “They want to ban abortion and take away women’s rights. I think the majority of people who are bringing these bills want to eliminate contraception.”

Anniversary of historic Kansas abortion rights vote highlights lingering political gap

&nbsp;As grasses within a pasture mature, various physical changes occur, which impact the cattle grazing them. For instance, older plants dry out and lose nutritional value, but also develop coarse stems – making cattle more susceptible to injuries involving their face and eyes.

<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">On a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast</a>, Kansas State University veterinarians recommend producers watch for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue as their pastures start getting “stemmy.”

“Green, growing grass isn’t likely to cause these problems,” said K-State veterinarian Bob

Larson. “Lumpy jaw and wooden tongue happen when the tissues of the mouth are damaged on rough textured forages.”

In the case of wooden tongue, damaging incidents to the mouth allow for germs that live within the animal to cause an infection.

“It’s not really something that cattle get from other cattle. It’s caused by bacteria that are normally in the mouth and throat area,” Larson said.

K-State veterinarian Brad White adds: “Coarse feeds and grasses can damage the mucous membranes and cause lesions.”

Cattle with wooden tongue display obvious physical symptoms, according to Larson and White.

“Their tongue gets large and tends to hang out of their mouth, making eating difficult. They look like they are panting or drooling,” Larson said.

“It gets stiff, swollen and painful,” White said. “You do not very often see an animal – a cow especially – sticking their tongue out of their mouth; they’re not doing it to play. They are doing it because their tongue won't go back in.”

Like wooden tongue, cattle contract lumpy jaw through the bacteria that inhabit their mouths.

“After an injury, (bacteria) gets into some of the other tissues of the mouth,” Larson said. “What's dangerous about that one is it can invade bone. If that happens, it becomes difficult to cure.”

Larson said when producers discover lumpy jaw and wooden tongue in their earlier stages, cattle have a better chance of recovering.

“A lot of times these cases will be treated intravenously,” he said. “This is pretty effective at bringing those two syndromes back to normal but contact your local veterinarian before making any treatment decisions.”

When examining an animal’s mouth and face for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue, Larson suggests that producers monitor the eyes as well for squamous cell carcinoma, or cancer eye.

If this affliction goes untreated, cattle may face the same fate as their lumpy jaw and wooden tongue-infected counterparts.

“Cattle can get a cancer of the eye – often in their third eyelid. If you treat it early with surgical removal of that area, those animals respond well and can go ahead and have multiple years of productive life after that,” Larson said.

However, “If that cancer spreads and it involves the bones of the head, that is not going to get better, and it is time to think about euthanasia just from an animal welfare standpoint.”

To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat&nbsp;</a>on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722362402192.jpeg" alt="Wooden tongue and lumpy jaw – diseases that affect older cattle – become more prevalent as grasses and forage mature. K-State veterinarians share their causes, and treatments and discuss another facial disease: cancer eye." />
 <figcaption>Wooden tongue and lumpy jaw – diseases that affect older cattle – become more prevalent as grasses and forage mature. K-State veterinarians share their causes, and treatments and discuss another facial disease: cancer eye.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACOB KLAUDT KSRE&nbsp;As grasses within a pasture mature, various physical changes occur, which impact the cattle grazing them. For instance, older plants dry out and lose nutritional value, but also develop coarse stems – making cattle more susceptible to injuries involving their face and eyes.<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">On a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast</a>, Kansas State University veterinarians recommend producers watch for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue as their pastures start getting “stemmy.”“Green, growing grass isn’t likely to cause these problems,” said K-State veterinarian BobLarson. “Lumpy jaw and wooden tongue happen when the tissues of the mouth are damaged on rough textured forages.”In the case of wooden tongue, damaging incidents to the mouth allow for germs that live within the animal to cause an infection.“It’s not really something that cattle get from other cattle. It’s caused by bacteria that are normally in the mouth and throat area,” Larson said.K-State veterinarian Brad White adds: “Coarse feeds and grasses can damage the mucous membranes and cause lesions.”Cattle with wooden tongue display obvious physical symptoms, according to Larson and White.“Their tongue gets large and tends to hang out of their mouth, making eating difficult. They look like they are panting or drooling,” Larson said.“It gets stiff, swollen and painful,” White said. “You do not very often see an animal – a cow especially – sticking their tongue out of their mouth; they’re not doing it to play. They are doing it because their tongue won't go back in.”Like wooden tongue, cattle contract lumpy jaw through the bacteria that inhabit their mouths.“After an injury, (bacteria) gets into some of the other tissues of the mouth,” Larson said. “What's dangerous about that one is it can invade bone. If that happens, it becomes difficult to cure.”Larson said when producers discover lumpy jaw and wooden tongue in their earlier stages, cattle have a better chance of recovering.“A lot of times these cases will be treated intravenously,” he said. “This is pretty effective at bringing those two syndromes back to normal but contact your local veterinarian before making any treatment decisions.”When examining an animal’s mouth and face for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue, Larson suggests that producers monitor the eyes as well for squamous cell carcinoma, or cancer eye.If this affliction goes untreated, cattle may face the same fate as their lumpy jaw and wooden tongue-infected counterparts.“Cattle can get a cancer of the eye – often in their third eyelid. If you treat it early with surgical removal of that area, those animals respond well and can go ahead and have multiple years of productive life after that,” Larson said.However, “If that cancer spreads and it involves the bones of the head, that is not going to get better, and it is time to think about euthanasia just from an animal welfare standpoint.”To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat&nbsp;</a>on your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Cattle Chat: Look out for lumpy jaw and other facial diseases

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

I admit it, I am a political junkie, and I have not been able to stop listening to the radio, watching the TV or reading about recent events, all of which can be best described as unprecedented. They are coming fast and furious. I told someone the other day it was like coming up to a wreck on interstate and not wanting to look but not being able to stop myself from looking. All I can say is the election isn’t here yet, so you better buckle up and expect the unexpected.

Speaking of the elections the candidate endorsements by Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) own Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends, or VOTE are out. The endorsements are based off candidates’ understanding of agriculture and KFB policy, along with recommendations from members across the state who know the candidates best. The VOTE FBF board met and discussed every candidate running for state or federal legislature before endorsing candidates.

These endorsements are earned, not given. In most cases, candidates have been active in either attending county Farm Bureau events or at least reaching out and communicating with the Farm Bureaus in their district.

If you look at the list, you will also notice both Republicans and Democrats are endorsed. Kansas Farm Bureau is a bipartisan organization, and we work with legislators from both sides of the aisle, therefore party affiliation isn’t one of the metrics VOTE FBF considers when evaluating candidates.

I encourage everyone to look at the list of endorsed candidates and consider voting for them. It is important that we elect officials who understand the risks and rewards of growing food and how government actions can help or hinder our work. I am sure you have heard many, many times that we are less than 2 percent of the population, and it is important that we work to elect legislators who understand agriculture. Endorsements can be found at www.kfb.org/VOTEFBF.

Beyond that, I encourage all of you to exercise your right and vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. Our great nation depends on participation from all citizens in the process of selecting our government. I also encourage each of you to do your homework and really understand just who it is you are voting for. Also remember districts have changed, so find a map and know what district you are in.

I would hope you also take interest in the local races for county commission or bond issues for schools. Often those decisions have just as much or in some cases more sway over your everyday lives.

The bottom line is casting a ballot is not something we should take for granted. There are many places in the world that do not have that ability. So please, wade through all the rhetoric, hype and sensationalism and get out and vote for the candidates who best represent your beliefs.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690818396954.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherI admit it, I am a political junkie, and I have not been able to stop listening to the radio, watching the TV or reading about recent events, all of which can be best described as unprecedented. They are coming fast and furious. I told someone the other day it was like coming up to a wreck on interstate and not wanting to look but not being able to stop myself from looking. All I can say is the election isn’t here yet, so you better buckle up and expect the unexpected.Speaking of the elections the candidate endorsements by Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) own Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends, or VOTE are out. The endorsements are based off candidates’ understanding of agriculture and KFB policy, along with recommendations from members across the state who know the candidates best. The VOTE FBF board met and discussed every candidate running for state or federal legislature before endorsing candidates.These endorsements are earned, not given. In most cases, candidates have been active in either attending county Farm Bureau events or at least reaching out and communicating with the Farm Bureaus in their district.If you look at the list, you will also notice both Republicans and Democrats are endorsed. Kansas Farm Bureau is a bipartisan organization, and we work with legislators from both sides of the aisle, therefore party affiliation isn’t one of the metrics VOTE FBF considers when evaluating candidates.ADVERTISINGI encourage everyone to look at the list of endorsed candidates and consider voting for them. It is important that we elect officials who understand the risks and rewards of growing food and how government actions can help or hinder our work. I am sure you have heard many, many times that we are less than 2 percent of the population, and it is important that we work to elect legislators who understand agriculture. Endorsements can be found at www.kfb.org/VOTEFBF.Beyond that, I encourage all of you to exercise your right and vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. Our great nation depends on participation from all citizens in the process of selecting our government. I also encourage each of you to do your homework and really understand just who it is you are voting for. Also remember districts have changed, so find a map and know what district you are in.I would hope you also take interest in the local races for county commission or bond issues for schools. Often those decisions have just as much or in some cases more sway over your everyday lives.The bottom line is casting a ballot is not something we should take for granted. There are many places in the world that do not have that ability. So please, wade through all the rhetoric, hype and sensationalism and get out and vote for the candidates who best represent your beliefs."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight Kansas — Choosing Candidates

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE&nbsp;<a></a>SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I think the last time we talked we hadn’t been in pads yet, so we’ve had three days in pads which was good. Most of you guys were here – I didn’t think the first day in pads was very good for us or maybe it was the second day, the day we had the short yardage goal line. But I thought the guys stepped it up after that, after we challenged them in meetings. Today was a 10-10-10 (practice) so it was kind of more execution and mental. We’ve got a long way to go, we’ve got a lot of guys banged up so we’re kind of working through that but with that I’ll just open it up. Fire away.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;How do you see the dynamic&nbsp;between&nbsp;Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill&nbsp;as they share the field?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah&nbsp;they –&nbsp;listen the one thing about both those guys is they’re both&nbsp;very&nbsp;cerebral (and) very smart, so I think they feed off&nbsp;each other that way. That goes a long&nbsp;way when – I’ll bet if you ask d-linemen&nbsp;they’d tell you that they appreciate the guys that are behind them&nbsp;are really sharp. They’re ahead of things, you know watch out for this&nbsp;motion, watch out for&nbsp;that shift,&nbsp;they changed&nbsp;a d-line&nbsp;here.&nbsp;When you have two guys that can do that instead of just one, I think it makes everything go a little bit like that (interlocking all fingers together).&nbsp;I think the rest of the defense knows that about those two guys&nbsp;and&nbsp;really rely on them. I mean I watch DBs go over and ask Drue (Tranquill)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nick (Bolton) questions about&nbsp;-&nbsp;I think&nbsp;it might even be playing DB&nbsp;or&nbsp;something in&nbsp;the defense&nbsp;because they know that those two guys know exactly what’s going on.”

Q:&nbsp;Is it important to have that pecking order&nbsp;of where guys&nbsp;are&nbsp;at corner back specifically?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, we know who our number one is, right? We all know that.&nbsp;We’re just trying to find guys&nbsp;- we’re going to have to find our next two best players,&nbsp;however&nbsp;that works out. I mean we know&nbsp;NJ&nbsp;-&nbsp;Nazeeh (Johnson)&nbsp;dealing with his little injury right now.Josh&nbsp;(Joshua Williams) has been out there (and) Kelvin (Joseph)&nbsp;– it’s a lot of guys mixing in&nbsp;there, but somebody’s&nbsp;got to surface and if&nbsp;not,it gets tough. You know, you can have the best pass rush in the world, but these&nbsp;receivers&nbsp;get open quick if you’re not able to cover them so. We got some developing to do. We certainly miss LJ&nbsp;(Tennessee Titans CB&nbsp;L’Jarius Sneed), but&nbsp;somebody’s got to step up there and take that. But I’m waiting for somebody to&nbsp;you know&nbsp;assert themselves and&nbsp;say,&nbsp;‘I’m that guy that can do it.’”

Q:&nbsp;During camp&nbsp;are you&nbsp;asking&nbsp;Trent McDuffie&nbsp;to be more aggressive in terms of&nbsp;what you mentioned about takeaways and trying to get your hands on the ball as much as possible?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“He’s got a natural feel for all of&nbsp;that,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I meanlook,&nbsp;he’s waiting for his first&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;interception, right? I told him this before&nbsp;- you know he got voted- didn’t&nbsp;he get voted&nbsp;All-Pro by his peers last year? I thought that was the hugest compliment&nbsp;to a DB that did not have an interception because&nbsp;that tells you all you need to know.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to your point, he does a lot of things really&nbsp;good&nbsp;and&nbsp;I’llguarantee you he’s got his eyeballs on trying to get a couple of picks this year.&nbsp;The other thing he does a really good job&nbsp;of&nbsp;is he’s created some fumbles by having a knack for&nbsp;(pretends to hit ball underhand)getting&nbsp;it&nbsp;out, we need all of that from all those guys.”

Q:&nbsp;Your top three linebackers – Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal&nbsp;- how do you see them this year role wise?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I mean look those are our base&nbsp;linebackers,&nbsp;those are the three. Then we try to get them in (and) mix them in there sometimes and you know other downs and distances (and) possible third down. I think all three of those guys are – have certain skill sets that we would like to use. You know get them out there - now, when you got three linebackers in there somebody’s coming out. There’s one less DB or one less d-lineman, so we got to work our way through that. One of the things we do like being is multiple and when guys can play different positions – like Leo (Chenal), he’s kind of all over the place (and) Drue (Tranquill) is. Drue has got to play some mike linebacker. You get to about next week, I talked about it with the staff the other day, you got to start thinking about guys in dual roles now – because pretty soon, it’s not whatever the number is out there, 90. It’s not 90 guys anymore and all the sudden our number of guys shrank, so guys are going to have to have dual responsibilities.”

Q: How good do you think this team will be defensively?

MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“I think, again, I think&nbsp;the confidence is just become even more.&nbsp;I think that’s the biggest thing for this defense out here is just – we’ve gone through all the bumps and bruises. You know what I mean? We worked back last year losing some games and having to fight through playoffs and going to away games, and adversity. So, coming back, I think the big thing for us is just welcoming these new guys in. Showing&nbsp;them&nbsp;this is the standard, this is how we practice, this is how we do things&nbsp;– the rookies and even the new guys that we just brought in. I feel like everybody’s&nbsp;really just&nbsp;honed it in, and took it on the chin, and just rolled with the punches.”

Q:&nbsp;Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed shut down veteran receivers&nbsp;last year when with the Chiefs. How do you feel about doing that this upcoming season?

MCDUFFIE: “I mean I told&nbsp;(Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo)&nbsp;Spags&nbsp;(that)&nbsp;wherever he needs me&nbsp;–&nbsp;like I always said,‘that’s where you can put me.’&nbsp;I’m going against the best of the best,&nbsp;you know,&nbsp;that’s why we play this game, to go against the best of the best.&nbsp;Being able to compete,&nbsp;no matter who it’s against,&nbsp;I'm ready to do that.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Jaden Hicks&nbsp;as rookie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bryan Cookcoming back from injury?

MCDUFFIE: “Jaden’s&nbsp;(Hicks)&nbsp;doing great. They have him playing a few different positions,&nbsp;which I know as a safety,&nbsp;can be difficult&nbsp;inthis playbook but&nbsp;he’s asking all the right questions.&nbsp;You can tell&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;day he’s&nbsp;coming in and taking notes and focusing in and trying to do everything the&nbsp;correct&nbsp;way. Which you love to see on the back end because doing what he is doing is&nbsp;pretty difficult. Just seeinghis&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from spring to now has been huge,&nbsp;so I’m excited for him.&nbsp;You know,&nbsp;B&nbsp;(Bryan)&nbsp;Cook, (I)&nbsp;love the energy.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;you miss a guy like that out there that finishes every play. You see him&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;play,&nbsp;running down the field eighty yards to go tackle the ball carrier. (He’s)&nbsp;one of those dudes that can go sideline-to-sideline. He’s a vet,&nbsp;he came with me, you know, (he’s) one of my&nbsp;good friends, so I’m excited for him to have a full-year healthy.”

Q:&nbsp;What is it like having Joe Thuney back?&nbsp;

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s great. Getting to have him back doing some group install stuff, some&nbsp;indy&nbsp;(individual) stuff, it’s been good.&nbsp;Obviously, he’s a&nbsp;big-time&nbsp;leader for us, he has a ton of experienceand he’s a heck of a player so whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s great.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you guys doing to keep yourselves healthy and prevent injuries in this training camp heat?&nbsp;

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s a lot of recovery after practice, a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;rehydration,&nbsp;(and)&nbsp;things like that. The training staff does a great job. (The) strength (and conditioning) staff does a great job. The&nbsp;nutrition staff, everybody,&nbsp;does a great job with us and getting us back to where we need to be for practice the next day.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What have you learned about this offensive line unit&nbsp;so far&nbsp;with pads now on?&nbsp;

Chiefs&nbsp;Coordinator&nbsp;QuotesJuly&nbsp;29, 2024DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE&nbsp;<a></a>SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I think the last time we talked we hadn’t been in pads yet, so we’ve had three days in pads which was good. Most of you guys were here – I didn’t think the first day in pads was very good for us or maybe it was the second day, the day we had the short yardage goal line. But I thought the guys stepped it up after that, after we challenged them in meetings. Today was a 10-10-10 (practice) so it was kind of more execution and mental. We’ve got a long way to go, we’ve got a lot of guys banged up so we’re kind of working through that but with that I’ll just open it up. Fire away.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;How do you see the dynamic&nbsp;between&nbsp;Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill&nbsp;as they share the field?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah&nbsp;they –&nbsp;listen the one thing about both those guys is they’re both&nbsp;very&nbsp;cerebral (and) very smart, so I think they feed off&nbsp;each other that way. That goes a long&nbsp;way when – I’ll bet if you ask d-linemen&nbsp;they’d tell you that they appreciate the guys that are behind them&nbsp;are really sharp. They’re ahead of things, you know watch out for this&nbsp;motion, watch out for&nbsp;that shift,&nbsp;they changed&nbsp;a d-line&nbsp;here.&nbsp;When you have two guys that can do that instead of just one, I think it makes everything go a little bit like that (interlocking all fingers together).&nbsp;I think the rest of the defense knows that about those two guys&nbsp;and&nbsp;really rely on them. I mean I watch DBs go over and ask Drue (Tranquill)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nick (Bolton) questions about&nbsp;-&nbsp;I think&nbsp;it might even be playing DB&nbsp;or&nbsp;something in&nbsp;the defense&nbsp;because they know that those two guys know exactly what’s going on.”Q:&nbsp;Is it important to have that pecking order&nbsp;of where guys&nbsp;are&nbsp;at corner back specifically?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, we know who our number one is, right? We all know that.&nbsp;We’re just trying to find guys&nbsp;- we’re going to have to find our next two best players,&nbsp;however&nbsp;that works out. I mean we know&nbsp;NJ&nbsp;-&nbsp;Nazeeh (Johnson)&nbsp;dealing with his little injury right now.Josh&nbsp;(Joshua Williams) has been out there (and) Kelvin (Joseph)&nbsp;– it’s a lot of guys mixing in&nbsp;there, but somebody’s&nbsp;got to surface and if&nbsp;not,it gets tough. You know, you can have the best pass rush in the world, but these&nbsp;receivers&nbsp;get open quick if you’re not able to cover them so. We got some developing to do. We certainly miss LJ&nbsp;(Tennessee Titans CB&nbsp;L’Jarius Sneed), but&nbsp;somebody’s got to step up there and take that. But I’m waiting for somebody to&nbsp;you know&nbsp;assert themselves and&nbsp;say,&nbsp;‘I’m that guy that can do it.’”Q:&nbsp;During camp&nbsp;are you&nbsp;asking&nbsp;Trent McDuffie&nbsp;to be more aggressive in terms of&nbsp;what you mentioned about takeaways and trying to get your hands on the ball as much as possible?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“He’s got a natural feel for all of&nbsp;that,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I meanlook,&nbsp;he’s waiting for his first&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;interception, right? I told him this before&nbsp;- you know he got voted- didn’t&nbsp;he get voted&nbsp;All-Pro by his peers last year? I thought that was the hugest compliment&nbsp;to a DB that did not have an interception because&nbsp;that tells you all you need to know.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to your point, he does a lot of things really&nbsp;good&nbsp;and&nbsp;I’llguarantee you he’s got his eyeballs on trying to get a couple of picks this year.&nbsp;The other thing he does a really good job&nbsp;of&nbsp;is he’s created some fumbles by having a knack for&nbsp;(pretends to hit ball underhand)getting&nbsp;it&nbsp;out, we need all of that from all those guys.”Q:&nbsp;Your top three linebackers – Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal&nbsp;- how do you see them this year role wise?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I mean look those are our base&nbsp;linebackers,&nbsp;those are the three. Then we try to get them in (and) mix them in there sometimes and you know other downs and distances (and) possible third down. I think all three of those guys are – have certain skill sets that we would like to use. You know get them out there - now, when you got three linebackers in there somebody’s coming out. There’s one less DB or one less d-lineman, so we got to work our way through that. One of the things we do like being is multiple and when guys can play different positions – like Leo (Chenal), he’s kind of all over the place (and) Drue (Tranquill) is. Drue has got to play some mike linebacker. You get to about next week, I talked about it with the staff the other day, you got to start thinking about guys in dual roles now – because pretty soon, it’s not whatever the number is out there, 90. It’s not 90 guys anymore and all the sudden our number of guys shrank, so guys are going to have to have dual responsibilities.”CB TRENT MCDUFFIEQ: How good do you think this team will be defensively?MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“I think, again, I think&nbsp;the confidence is just become even more.&nbsp;I think that’s the biggest thing for this defense out here is just – we’ve gone through all the bumps and bruises. You know what I mean? We worked back last year losing some games and having to fight through playoffs and going to away games, and adversity. So, coming back, I think the big thing for us is just welcoming these new guys in. Showing&nbsp;them&nbsp;this is the standard, this is how we practice, this is how we do things&nbsp;– the rookies and even the new guys that we just brought in. I feel like everybody’s&nbsp;really just&nbsp;honed it in, and took it on the chin, and just rolled with the punches.”Q:&nbsp;Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed shut down veteran receivers&nbsp;last year when with the Chiefs. How do you feel about doing that this upcoming season?MCDUFFIE: “I mean I told&nbsp;(Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo)&nbsp;Spags&nbsp;(that)&nbsp;wherever he needs me&nbsp;–&nbsp;like I always said,‘that’s where you can put me.’&nbsp;I’m going against the best of the best,&nbsp;you know,&nbsp;that’s why we play this game, to go against the best of the best.&nbsp;Being able to compete,&nbsp;no matter who it’s against,&nbsp;I'm ready to do that.”Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Jaden Hicks&nbsp;as rookie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bryan Cookcoming back from injury?MCDUFFIE: “Jaden’s&nbsp;(Hicks)&nbsp;doing great. They have him playing a few different positions,&nbsp;which I know as a safety,&nbsp;can be difficult&nbsp;inthis playbook but&nbsp;he’s asking all the right questions.&nbsp;You can tell&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;day he’s&nbsp;coming in and taking notes and focusing in and trying to do everything the&nbsp;correct&nbsp;way. Which you love to see on the back end because doing what he is doing is&nbsp;pretty difficult. Just seeinghis&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from spring to now has been huge,&nbsp;so I’m excited for him.&nbsp;You know,&nbsp;B&nbsp;(Bryan)&nbsp;Cook, (I)&nbsp;love the energy.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;you miss a guy like that out there that finishes every play. You see him&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;play,&nbsp;running down the field eighty yards to go tackle the ball carrier. (He’s)&nbsp;one of those dudes that can go sideline-to-sideline. He’s a vet,&nbsp;he came with me, you know, (he’s) one of my&nbsp;good friends, so I’m excited for him to have a full-year healthy.”C CREED HUMPHREYQ:&nbsp;What is it like having Joe Thuney back?&nbsp;HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s great. Getting to have him back doing some group install stuff, some&nbsp;indy&nbsp;(individual) stuff, it’s been good.&nbsp;Obviously, he’s a&nbsp;big-time&nbsp;leader for us, he has a ton of experienceand he’s a heck of a player so whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s great.”Q:&nbsp;What are you guys doing to keep yourselves healthy and prevent injuries in this training camp heat?&nbsp;HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s a lot of recovery after practice, a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;rehydration,&nbsp;(and)&nbsp;things like that. The training staff does a great job. (The) strength (and conditioning) staff does a great job. The&nbsp;nutrition staff, everybody,&nbsp;does a great job with us and getting us back to where we need to be for practice the next day.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;What have you learned about this offensive line unit&nbsp;so far&nbsp;with pads now on?&nbsp;

Chiefs Quotes, July 29

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension news service

&nbsp;Technology is ever-present in our world, from cars that warn us when we accidentally drift lanes to watches that monitor our biometrics. Many would agree that these technologies offer beneficial information that keeps us safe and healthy.

Much like these monitoring systems, there are also advancements in home technologies that can improve our efficiency, especially when it comes to reducing water use, said Sedgwick County extension horticulture agent Matthew McKernan.

“There are a lot of water-saving technologies available to the public, such as high-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers,” McKernan said.

He also encourages homeowners to consider installing low-flow sinks and showerheads as well as water-conserving toilets to further reduce household water usage.

For people who pay for water that is sourced through the city or rural water district, that can mean financial savings said McKernan.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/08021e75-1b85-4cde-bd8f-8e837e1f7688">🎙King in the Community: Jason Graves, KSRE horticulturist</a>

Along with exploring new technologies, McKernan said it is also important for homeowners to evaluate the current systems and fix any leaks that are found. And for those who are ready to make home improvements to improve water efficiency, McKernan said people should check to see if funding is available.

“Oftentimes, municipalities will incentivize replacing these indoor and even outdoor water-saving technologies through rebate programs to help people conserve water to benefit the entire community,” McKernan said.

In the past, those interested in conserving water outdoors often set up rain barrels to collect rainwater, and while that can still be an option for folks, McKernan said today there are outdoor watering systems with sensors that can be helpful in using water strategically.

“Two of the technologies that can be used outdoors are rain sensors that will prevent irrigation systems from watering when it is not needed, as well as smart irrigation controller technologies that base the irrigation schedules on weather data and landscape conditions, such as soil moisture, to address the water needs of the plants,” McKernan said.

As with monitoring the house for leaky faucets, McKernan reminds consumers that irrigation systems should also be routinely evaluated.

“It is easy for an irrigation head to get hit by a mower and break off, and if problems go unnoticed, we could have leaks and be wasting water,” McKernan said.

He encourages all Kansans to do their part in helping to conserve water.

“Unfortunately, the Earth’s water is a limited resource and that is not something people always think about when they turn on the faucet or hose, but small changes in how we manage the water can lead to a big impact,” McKernan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722258610947.jpeg" alt="OutdoorWaterDrip.jpg" />
 <figcaption>OutdoorWaterDrip.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;Technology is ever-present in our world, from cars that warn us when we accidentally drift lanes to watches that monitor our biometrics. Many would agree that these technologies offer beneficial information that keeps us safe and healthy.Much like these monitoring systems, there are also advancements in home technologies that can improve our efficiency, especially when it comes to reducing water use, said Sedgwick County extension horticulture agent Matthew McKernan.“There are a lot of water-saving technologies available to the public, such as high-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers,” McKernan said.He also encourages homeowners to consider installing low-flow sinks and showerheads as well as water-conserving toilets to further reduce household water usage.For people who pay for water that is sourced through the city or rural water district, that can mean financial savings said McKernan.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/08021e75-1b85-4cde-bd8f-8e837e1f7688">🎙King in the Community: Jason Graves, KSRE horticulturist</a>Along with exploring new technologies, McKernan said it is also important for homeowners to evaluate the current systems and fix any leaks that are found. And for those who are ready to make home improvements to improve water efficiency, McKernan said people should check to see if funding is available.“Oftentimes, municipalities will incentivize replacing these indoor and even outdoor water-saving technologies through rebate programs to help people conserve water to benefit the entire community,” McKernan said.In the past, those interested in conserving water outdoors often set up rain barrels to collect rainwater, and while that can still be an option for folks, McKernan said today there are outdoor watering systems with sensors that can be helpful in using water strategically.“Two of the technologies that can be used outdoors are rain sensors that will prevent irrigation systems from watering when it is not needed, as well as smart irrigation controller technologies that base the irrigation schedules on weather data and landscape conditions, such as soil moisture, to address the water needs of the plants,” McKernan said.As with monitoring the house for leaky faucets, McKernan reminds consumers that irrigation systems should also be routinely evaluated.“It is easy for an irrigation head to get hit by a mower and break off, and if problems go unnoticed, we could have leaks and be wasting water,” McKernan said.He encourages all Kansans to do their part in helping to conserve water.“Unfortunately, the Earth’s water is a limited resource and that is not something people always think about when they turn on the faucet or hose, but small changes in how we manage the water can lead to a big impact,” McKernan said.

KSRE horticulture agent shares tips to reduce water usage

Chiefs&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid&nbsp;Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright fellas – we got the injuries, Hollywood&nbsp;(Brown)&nbsp;is sick, Clyde&nbsp;(Edwards-Helaire)&nbsp;is sick, Nazeeh&nbsp;(Johnson)&nbsp;just tweaked his knee,&nbsp;the one&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;had surgery on, but we should be okay there&nbsp;– it’s a little bit more&nbsp;the&nbsp;hamstring&nbsp;than&nbsp;the knee.&nbsp;Chris Jones had a groin strain and then&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;(Reid)&nbsp;and&nbsp;(Justin)&nbsp;Watson we’ve&nbsp;already talked about,&nbsp;but they’re&nbsp;making progress.&nbsp;Good practice today,&nbsp;guys challenging each other&nbsp;going back and&nbsp;forth, got a lot of one&nbsp;versus&nbsp;one,&nbsp;and two&nbsp;versus two&nbsp;going today,&nbsp;red zone was a big part of today's practice,&nbsp;which we need. You need to be sharp in these areas,&nbsp;and that’s a big one&nbsp;right&nbsp;there. So,&nbsp;it was good work today – times yours.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you evaluate where&nbsp;Louis-Rees-Zammit&nbsp;is at?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;listen&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;learning,&nbsp;he's&nbsp;learning.&nbsp;This is all new to him,&nbsp;but he’s working his tail off (and) working through it. You can see his athletic ability. He's just got to get used to&nbsp;doing&nbsp;all the different things we’re asking him to do.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you see from the players at left tackle?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like the competition there.&nbsp;They are going – really there&nbsp;are&nbsp;two of them that are working in there and they are doing a nice job, so they kind of go back and forth and&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;challenging each other&nbsp;– they’re&nbsp;also good friends, they’ve developed a friendship,and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;good healthy competition.”

Q:&nbsp;How much do you&nbsp;emphasize&nbsp;turnovers in training camp&nbsp;to the offense and defense?&nbsp;

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;both ways,&nbsp;yeah&nbsp;both ways. You don’t want to turn the ball over,&nbsp;but at the same time I want to let the quarterbacks&nbsp;work and see what they can get away with, without&nbsp;being ridiculous.Defensively&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;always punching the ball out,&nbsp;which is good for the runners and&nbsp;the&nbsp;receivers. It's&nbsp;good there that they&nbsp;can&nbsp;get that work&nbsp;and feel that.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;turnovers&nbsp;end up being a&nbsp;big, big&nbsp;catch in football&nbsp;on the backend defensively,&nbsp;so&nbsp;we can keep working on that.”

Q:&nbsp;What are your impressions of&nbsp;Skyy Moore and how to challenge him?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen he’s a few years into this thing now,&nbsp;so just cut loose and play, and&nbsp;let's&nbsp;not think through it,&nbsp;go play. He’s doing a nice job of that,&nbsp;and he’s&nbsp;actually playing&nbsp;good football right now.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you seeing from Drue Tranquill&nbsp;given he will have an expanded role this year?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like what I see.&nbsp;He’s a competitive kid, very smart. He played on the backend in college,&nbsp;so he’s got that feel there,&nbsp;and then you&nbsp;know he can&nbsp;get in the box there and play like a linebacker.&nbsp;He kind of grew into that position.&nbsp;I liked what I’ve seen, physical player.”

Q:&nbsp;How long will Chris Jones be out?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see, we’ll see.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;I know he was messing with you&nbsp;guys,&nbsp;but he does have a groin there.&nbsp;We all have&nbsp;groins,&nbsp;but he has a sore groin.”

Q:&nbsp;How much is there a concern for Nazeeh&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;considering he just&nbsp;had surgery in the last year?

REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s going to be fine.&nbsp;Yeah, I think he is going to be fine. You go through those things&nbsp;and he’s strong,&nbsp;and his leg’s strong, his knee is solid,&nbsp;all that.&nbsp;He’ll be fine.”

Q:&nbsp;When you look at the new kickoff rules, has there been a change as big as this since you’ve been in the NFL?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably not quite that big, no. That’s a big one. It’s big for the officials,&nbsp;too. We’ve had the officials out here.&nbsp;These guys are working the Thursday game, the Hall of Fame game, so it’s their first time being exposed to that. We’ve been working on it all offseason(and) they’re (the officials) just getting exposed to it. It’s good to listen to them and hear what they’re thinking going through this and the issues that might take place, so it’s been good for our players (to have) that.”

Q:&nbsp;What have the conversations been like with the officials? Did you learn anything specifically from them about the new kickoff rule?

REID:&nbsp;“They go through the new changes,&nbsp;which is important. This is a good&nbsp;(officiating)&nbsp;crew right here. They’re one of the better crews in the NFL. It’s good to get their feedback,&nbsp;and they’re&nbsp;great with our guys. They get in and give our guys feedback. We had a meeting with them last night, (and) they did a nice job there. They had a video to show us, (and) they did a nice job there.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What&nbsp;are some the challenges&nbsp;Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia&nbsp;is working&nbsp;through right now?&nbsp;

REID:&nbsp;“Well, there are a few things. The physical part of it of being out here every day and going full speed against the best players in the world. You’ve got to be able to back-to-back-to-back these&nbsp;things&nbsp;(days), and he’s working his tail off doing that. Then, the mental part –&nbsp;we’re throwing a ton at him. I like the way he’s going about it. I like&nbsp;how&nbsp;he’s fighting in there. He’s going to be okay as we roll here.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;This was a chippier practice and Drue Tranquill was involved in a lot of those.&nbsp;What’s that fine line between wanting a guy to have some fire and wanting to protect your players during a chippier practice?&nbsp;

REID:&nbsp;“Well, you have him (Drue Tranquill), and you have (Isiah) Pacheco.&nbsp;They both have fire, which is great. That’s what makes it go. These are dog-eat-dog practices, man (laughter). Any of that competition like that, a little talk, helps you get through this. For them to get their juices going like that, I love it.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you noticed the&nbsp;upward trend of the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of starting quarterbacks?&nbsp;Why do you think it’s trending upward? Has it changed the way that you think about your&nbsp;quarterback room?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s a vulnerable position. We’ve always tried to keep a veteran guy, just in case, that has a pretty good feel and experience in there&nbsp;– because we know those numbers. That’s what it is. You’re vulnerable. You’re in a vulnerable position right there with some big men that are chasing you – trying to get you.”

Q:&nbsp;How would you assess the whole offseason?&nbsp;

SMITH:&nbsp;“It’s the offseason of change. Obviously, (I’m) just doing things a bit differently. Ultimately, (I’m) just getting prepared for this next season and getting ready for the hardest training camp in the NFL.”

Q:&nbsp;What are your thoughts on Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia?

SMITH:&nbsp;“I love Kingsley (Suamataia), man. He’s like a little brother (to me). He’s an extremely talented player, and we have great coaches. We have an extremely great front office. They saw a lot of ability in the player, obviously, that’s why we drafted him. He’s going to be a great player.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What were the challenges during your rookie year training camp when you were thrown out there for your first rep?

SMITH:&nbsp;“I just think the amount of details in every play – having verbal cues for what can change in your job based on defensive fronts and schemes that they present to you – I just think that the sheer amount of information that they throw at you – it’s tough, man. Then, you got to factor in (that) St. Joe is hot. Our practices are long. It’s a pretty – It’s a tough thing, man. We have one of the hardest training camps for a reason. It prepares us, but it’s a tough situation.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you trying to instill in some of your teammates as far as the attitude in the defensive and linebacker room?

TRANQUILL: “I don’t know that I’m trying to instill anything in anybody else, I’m just trying to be myself. I love this game.&nbsp;I love the opportunity to play for a great organization. I mean, you’re around such great coaches and great players. This is a historic time to be a Kansas City Chief,&nbsp;and I feel grateful to be a part of it. So, I just try to come out here and do my job to the best of my ability, and if I can teach a young guy a thing or two, or you know,&nbsp;help one of our guys who’s tired or something, then it’s a bonus.”

Q: How much is your family inspiring you, especially when you can’t see them in times like camp?

TRANQUILL:&nbsp;“It’s really hard, I mean it’s a credit – I’ll give a shout out to my wife, she’s back home with three children. She’s waking up early with them, she’s putting them down at night, she’s dealing with all the whining (and) the crying, (and) everything in between. She’s having to move here (and) move all of our stuff and, you know, I’m here playing football. So, our families go through a lot to play this game. They don’t get nearly the credit we do.&nbsp;They don’t get to talk to the media (and) the media doesn’t really talk about them, and so the stuff that they do behind the scenes to make this possible is nothing short of amazing. They know how much we love and appreciate them. We love our wives, we love our kids, (and) we love our family.”

Q: On the competition between the offense and defense every day.&nbsp;

Chiefs&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid&nbsp;QuotesJuly 28,&nbsp;2024OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright fellas – we got the injuries, Hollywood&nbsp;(Brown)&nbsp;is sick, Clyde&nbsp;(Edwards-Helaire)&nbsp;is sick, Nazeeh&nbsp;(Johnson)&nbsp;just tweaked his knee,&nbsp;the one&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;had surgery on, but we should be okay there&nbsp;– it’s a little bit more&nbsp;the&nbsp;hamstring&nbsp;than&nbsp;the knee.&nbsp;Chris Jones had a groin strain and then&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;(Reid)&nbsp;and&nbsp;(Justin)&nbsp;Watson we’ve&nbsp;already talked about,&nbsp;but they’re&nbsp;making progress.&nbsp;Good practice today,&nbsp;guys challenging each other&nbsp;going back and&nbsp;forth, got a lot of one&nbsp;versus&nbsp;one,&nbsp;and two&nbsp;versus two&nbsp;going today,&nbsp;red zone was a big part of today's practice,&nbsp;which we need. You need to be sharp in these areas,&nbsp;and that’s a big one&nbsp;right&nbsp;there. So,&nbsp;it was good work today – times yours.”Q:&nbsp;How do you evaluate where&nbsp;Louis-Rees-Zammit&nbsp;is at?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;listen&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;learning,&nbsp;he's&nbsp;learning.&nbsp;This is all new to him,&nbsp;but he’s working his tail off (and) working through it. You can see his athletic ability. He's just got to get used to&nbsp;doing&nbsp;all the different things we’re asking him to do.”Q:&nbsp;What do you see from the players at left tackle?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like the competition there.&nbsp;They are going – really there&nbsp;are&nbsp;two of them that are working in there and they are doing a nice job, so they kind of go back and forth and&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;challenging each other&nbsp;– they’re&nbsp;also good friends, they’ve developed a friendship,and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;good healthy competition.”Q:&nbsp;How much do you&nbsp;emphasize&nbsp;turnovers in training camp&nbsp;to the offense and defense?&nbsp;REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;both ways,&nbsp;yeah&nbsp;both ways. You don’t want to turn the ball over,&nbsp;but at the same time I want to let the quarterbacks&nbsp;work and see what they can get away with, without&nbsp;being ridiculous.Defensively&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;always punching the ball out,&nbsp;which is good for the runners and&nbsp;the&nbsp;receivers. It's&nbsp;good there that they&nbsp;can&nbsp;get that work&nbsp;and feel that.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;turnovers&nbsp;end up being a&nbsp;big, big&nbsp;catch in football&nbsp;on the backend defensively,&nbsp;so&nbsp;we can keep working on that.”Q:&nbsp;What are your impressions of&nbsp;Skyy Moore and how to challenge him?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen he’s a few years into this thing now,&nbsp;so just cut loose and play, and&nbsp;let's&nbsp;not think through it,&nbsp;go play. He’s doing a nice job of that,&nbsp;and he’s&nbsp;actually playing&nbsp;good football right now.”Q:&nbsp;What are you seeing from Drue Tranquill&nbsp;given he will have an expanded role this year?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like what I see.&nbsp;He’s a competitive kid, very smart. He played on the backend in college,&nbsp;so he’s got that feel there,&nbsp;and then you&nbsp;know he can&nbsp;get in the box there and play like a linebacker.&nbsp;He kind of grew into that position.&nbsp;I liked what I’ve seen, physical player.”Q:&nbsp;How long will Chris Jones be out?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see, we’ll see.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;I know he was messing with you&nbsp;guys,&nbsp;but he does have a groin there.&nbsp;We all have&nbsp;groins,&nbsp;but he has a sore groin.”Q:&nbsp;How much is there a concern for Nazeeh&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;considering he just&nbsp;had surgery in the last year?REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s going to be fine.&nbsp;Yeah, I think he is going to be fine. You go through those things&nbsp;and he’s strong,&nbsp;and his leg’s strong, his knee is solid,&nbsp;all that.&nbsp;He’ll be fine.”Q:&nbsp;When you look at the new kickoff rules, has there been a change as big as this since you’ve been in the NFL?REID:&nbsp;“Probably not quite that big, no. That’s a big one. It’s big for the officials,&nbsp;too. We’ve had the officials out here.&nbsp;These guys are working the Thursday game, the Hall of Fame game, so it’s their first time being exposed to that. We’ve been working on it all offseason(and) they’re (the officials) just getting exposed to it. It’s good to listen to them and hear what they’re thinking going through this and the issues that might take place, so it’s been good for our players (to have) that.”Q:&nbsp;What have the conversations been like with the officials? Did you learn anything specifically from them about the new kickoff rule?REID:&nbsp;“They go through the new changes,&nbsp;which is important. This is a good&nbsp;(officiating)&nbsp;crew right here. They’re one of the better crews in the NFL. It’s good to get their feedback,&nbsp;and they’re&nbsp;great with our guys. They get in and give our guys feedback. We had a meeting with them last night, (and) they did a nice job there. They had a video to show us, (and) they did a nice job there.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;What&nbsp;are some the challenges&nbsp;Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia&nbsp;is working&nbsp;through right now?&nbsp;REID:&nbsp;“Well, there are a few things. The physical part of it of being out here every day and going full speed against the best players in the world. You’ve got to be able to back-to-back-to-back these&nbsp;things&nbsp;(days), and he’s working his tail off doing that. Then, the mental part –&nbsp;we’re throwing a ton at him. I like the way he’s going about it. I like&nbsp;how&nbsp;he’s fighting in there. He’s going to be okay as we roll here.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;This was a chippier practice and Drue Tranquill was involved in a lot of those.&nbsp;What’s that fine line between wanting a guy to have some fire and wanting to protect your players during a chippier practice?&nbsp;REID:&nbsp;“Well, you have him (Drue Tranquill), and you have (Isiah) Pacheco.&nbsp;They both have fire, which is great. That’s what makes it go. These are dog-eat-dog practices, man (laughter). Any of that competition like that, a little talk, helps you get through this. For them to get their juices going like that, I love it.”Q:&nbsp;Have you noticed the&nbsp;upward trend of the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of starting quarterbacks?&nbsp;Why do you think it’s trending upward? Has it changed the way that you think about your&nbsp;quarterback room?REID:&nbsp;“It’s a vulnerable position. We’ve always tried to keep a veteran guy, just in case, that has a pretty good feel and experience in there&nbsp;– because we know those numbers. That’s what it is. You’re vulnerable. You’re in a vulnerable position right there with some big men that are chasing you – trying to get you.”Chiefs&nbsp;Player&nbsp;QuotesJuly&nbsp;28,&nbsp;2024G TREY SMITHQ:&nbsp;How would you assess the whole offseason?&nbsp;SMITH:&nbsp;“It’s the offseason of change. Obviously, (I’m) just doing things a bit differently. Ultimately, (I’m) just getting prepared for this next season and getting ready for the hardest training camp in the NFL.”Q:&nbsp;What are your thoughts on Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia?SMITH:&nbsp;“I love Kingsley (Suamataia), man. He’s like a little brother (to me). He’s an extremely talented player, and we have great coaches. We have an extremely great front office. They saw a lot of ability in the player, obviously, that’s why we drafted him. He’s going to be a great player.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;What were the challenges during your rookie year training camp when you were thrown out there for your first rep?SMITH:&nbsp;“I just think the amount of details in every play – having verbal cues for what can change in your job based on defensive fronts and schemes that they present to you – I just think that the sheer amount of information that they throw at you – it’s tough, man. Then, you got to factor in (that) St. Joe is hot. Our practices are long. It’s a pretty – It’s a tough thing, man. We have one of the hardest training camps for a reason. It prepares us, but it’s a tough situation.”LB DRUE TRANQUILLQ:&nbsp;What are you trying to instill in some of your teammates as far as the attitude in the defensive and linebacker room?TRANQUILL: “I don’t know that I’m trying to instill anything in anybody else, I’m just trying to be myself. I love this game.&nbsp;I love the opportunity to play for a great organization. I mean, you’re around such great coaches and great players. This is a historic time to be a Kansas City Chief,&nbsp;and I feel grateful to be a part of it. So, I just try to come out here and do my job to the best of my ability, and if I can teach a young guy a thing or two, or you know,&nbsp;help one of our guys who’s tired or something, then it’s a bonus.”Q: How much is your family inspiring you, especially when you can’t see them in times like camp?TRANQUILL:&nbsp;“It’s really hard, I mean it’s a credit – I’ll give a shout out to my wife, she’s back home with three children. She’s waking up early with them, she’s putting them down at night, she’s dealing with all the whining (and) the crying, (and) everything in between. She’s having to move here (and) move all of our stuff and, you know, I’m here playing football. So, our families go through a lot to play this game. They don’t get nearly the credit we do.&nbsp;They don’t get to talk to the media (and) the media doesn’t really talk about them, and so the stuff that they do behind the scenes to make this possible is nothing short of amazing. They know how much we love and appreciate them. We love our wives, we love our kids, (and) we love our family.”Q: On the competition between the offense and defense every day.&nbsp;