SportsBeat KC

After the Chiefs won the first Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes, the team made him the game's highest paid player. History has repeated itself. Mahomes, coming off his next Super Bowl triumph, has a restructured deal that pushes him back to the top of the earnings list. On SportsBeat KC, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss the new agreement and its importance to Mahomes and the Chiefs. We also break down the Chiefs' 17-9 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, an effort that was led by the defense, and look ahead to Sunday's home game against the Chicago Bears. Story link: Patrick Mahomes has a restructured deal with the Chiefs. Here are the details https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article279481654.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 2010, Kansas State will visit Missouri on Saturday in a meeting of former Big Eight/Big 12 rivals, and the setting should bring back some happy memories for former Wildcats coach Bill Snyder. His teams won six of nine meetings played on Faurot Field. After engineering one of the greatest program turnarounds in college football history, Snyder stepped down from his Hall of Fame career after the 2018 season. He recently sat down with The Star's Blair Kerkhoff to discuss his life in football, how he came to K-State, some of the remarkable players and games in program history and more. The conversation is presented in a podcast and Q&A. There's another Snyder connection to Saturday's game: He attended Missouri...briefly. Snyder grew up in St. Joseph, and looked to play football for the Tigers. It didn't work out and after a year he enrolled at William Jewell, where the seeds were planted for an incredible coaching tenure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Jones is signed for this season and will be with the Chiefs in practice this week and at their game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His holdout cost him fines and game check and the maximum value of his deal, with incentives, is $25.2 million. But it's not a long-term deal, and it might be challenging for Jones to hit all of his incentives. So, who got the better of the deal? On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down the contract and what it means for the Chiefs and Jones. Also, the crew breaks down the issues in the Chiefs' opening game loss to the Detroit Lions and looks ahead at Sunday's game at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Did missing Travis Kelce make that much difference? Yes it did. Story link: Holdout ends as Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones agrees to contract: details https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article279221469.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs' season has arrived, but not Chris Jones. The Chiefs now face the hard reality of meeting the Detroit Lions in their season opener Thursday without their top defensive player, and the short- and possible long-term impacts of his absence are the focus of SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast. Beat writer Jesse Newell joins columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian in discussing where Jones and the Chiefs go from here. The defense is weakened, but by how much? Who steps up at the position, and who could take on an enhanced leadership role on that side of the ball? Also, the eve of the season opener is projection time. We speculate on such topics as who might lead the Chiefs in receiving yards and which player from the most recent draft class will make the biggest contributions. Story link: Skyy Moore expects this Chiefs role in 2023: 'I'm excited to just show the world' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College football season is back and area colleges should all get off to good starts. Kansas State, Missouri and Kansas each played in a bowl game last season, and returning to the postseason is at least the objective for all of them this season. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, the beat writers check in to preview their teams, offer strengths and weaknesses and provide a projected final record. Kellis Robinett covers the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats, who return quarterback Will Howard. Chris Kwiecinski covers Mizzou for the Columbia Tribune, and Shreyas Laddha follows the Jayhawks. Spoiler alert: All have the teams they cover headed to another bowl game this season. Story links: Kansas State vs. Southeast Missouri: 5 things to know https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article278605079.html Kansas vs. Missouri State: 5 things to know https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article278673024.html Missouri: Game by game predictions, and five bold predictions https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article278419829.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It hasn't been a good few days for the Chiefs. They opened the preseason with a sluggish performance by the starters and a costly turnover by the reserves to seal a loss at New Orleans. Now, injuries are making news. Beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the recent developments on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast. We cover the ups and downs of the game against the Saints and look ahead to Saturday evening's second preseason game, at the Arizona Cardinals (7 p.m. kickoff). And we of course discuss the latest news: The Chiefs on Tuesday announced that they have placed tight end Jody Fortson on IR, effectively ending his season. Three Chiefs receivers left the practice field with injuries Tuesday. All of this, and defensive tackle Chris Jones continues his holdout. Story link: Three Chiefs wide receivers injured at training camp, including Justyn Ross Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach remains confident that a deal will get done with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, he told The Star earlier this week. You'll hear his optimism on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast. Veach sat down with The Star's Chiefs coverage crew, including columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell, and discussed the Jones situation. “For all parties the best resolution would be for (Jones) to end his career here as a Chief,” Veach said. Also hear how the Chiefs had the Jones contract extension in mind when they made the Tyreek Hill trade in 2022, and what Veach has to say about the idea of trading Jones. After a break, we switch to the Royals, who recently rolled up a season-best seven-game winning streak, led by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Through the run came the trade deadline, and Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson shares his thoughts on the Royals moves. Story link: Chris Jones ‘deserves a big contract,' Chiefs' Brett Veach says. Where do things stand? https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article278014703.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs couldn't avoid the injury bug hitting NFL training camps. Defensive back Nazeeh Johnson, who had been rising up the depth chart, suffered a torn ACL and is lost for the season. On today's episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell discusses the impact of that injury and other topics. Johnson was one of five defensive backs selected by the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft. He didn't play a defensive snap last season, but he did see reps this summer with the first-team defense, earning praise from head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Also, although it's only been a few days of practice in pads, it's not too early to offer observations about who has stood out. Among those making a good early impression is undrafted running back Deneric Prince. After a break, we stay with football but switch teams: Kansas State coach Chris Klieman spent time with beat writer Kellis Robinett during Big 12 media days, and today you'll hear that conversation. Klieman discusses this season's prospects for the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats, including how K-State will adjust to losing star running back Deuce Vaughn and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (who's now with the Chiefs). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs road to repeating as NFL champions is off to a bumpy start. A few days into training camp, defensive star Chris Jones has officially become a holdout, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney suffered a knee injury almost as soon as he stepped on the field. We discuss these issues and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, from training camp at Missouri Western. with beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian. Andy Reid and the Chiefs gave the impression talks were going smoothly with Jones' camp and it would be a matter of time before an agreement was reached. What are the team's options, and do they include a trade? Toney, who caught a touchdown pass and set up another with a record-setting punt return in the Super Bowl victory, has been injury prone, and now it's up to others to step up. The Chiefs' wide receiver competition will be among the team's most watched in the preseason. Story link: Here are the Chiefs options with Chris Jones. You might not like them https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article277580888.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Training camp opens for the Chiefs this week and all the questions left unanswered at the end of the off-season activities last month...remain unanswered. But we're a little closer to resolution when it comes to starters, roster moves and the big one, a new contract for Chris Jones. On today's SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell discusses the biggest issues facing the Super Bowl champions as quarterbacks, rookies and others arrive to camp early. The rest of the veterans report later this week. You'll hear from Patrick Mahomes, who met with reporters as he checked into the dorm at Missouri Western in St. Joseph. The Super Bowl and NFL MVP addresses his leadership role and participation in the popular Netflix series, “Quarterbacks.” After a break, we switch gears to the FIFA Women's World Cup, which opens this week in Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. is looking to extend its World Cup winning streak to three and enters this event with a new coach, Kansas City's Vladko Andonovski. Star columnist Vahe Gregorian recently caught up with Andonovski and you'll hear that interview. Story links: Patrick Mahomes hopes Netflix gave you a peek of his life. We learned something else https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article277443638.html Magical dynamic between Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes has room to grow https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article277439118.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where should Kansas State fall in the preseason Big 12 football rankings? After all, the Wildcats are the defending conference champions. On today's episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses how K-State and Big 12 football are about to play the most unique season in the league's history. The Big 12 will be 14 strong with the addition of BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston, and we discuss their impact on the league race. Also, two Wildcats are now looking to make an impact in the NBA. Keyontae Johnson was recently selected No. 50 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Markquis Nowell signed a deal with the Toronto Raptors as soon as the draft concluded. How will they fare at the next level? Story link: Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell signs with NBA team after going undrafted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royals recent series against the Tampa Bay Ray was quite eventful with continued success on the mount for Daniel Lynch, the end of a miserable run for Jordan Lyles and a major league record for Austin Cox. Plus, the Royals split the series against the team with baseball's top record. Beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff broke down the Royals, especially the pitching, and look ahead to this week for the team. Not just the homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers but also where the trade winds could push the team. Aroldis Chapman, Scott Barlow, Nicky Lopez, who else could be wearing a different uniform soon? Story link: A tattoo tale, ‘Ox' & ‘Little Bill': Kansas City Royals' call-ups are living the dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Missouri's quarterback for the 2023 season will be... We look to answer that question and ask more of Chris Kwiecinski and Matt Stahl, who cover the Tigers for the Columbia Daily Tribune on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast. Mizzou's 2024 SEC football schedule, the first without divisions, is explored, and we discuss Kobe Brown's NBA Draft possibilities, along with prospects for Coach Dennis Gates' second season, including a stab at a starting lineup for the 2023-24 season. Brown is looking to become the first Missouri player selected in the NBA Draft since Michael Porter Jr., in 2018. Porter just completed his NBA Championship season with the Denver Nuggets. Story links: Missouri Tigers' 2024 SEC football schedule: let's talk potential (and possible risks) https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article276425821.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The KU basketball season ended with a NCAA Tournament second-round thud. But the news has been mostly good for the Jayhawks since then. The roster has been bolstered by the return of Kevin McCullar and additions like Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson. Former Jayhawks player Christian Braun won an NBA Finals championship ring with the Denver Nuggets, and KU should have two players, Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson, selected in Thursday's NBA Draft. Beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha talk about these topics and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast. How about some observations from open scrimmages and a projected starting lineup for next season? We have those too. Story link: KU basketball's KJ Adams focused on developing jump shot as he prepares for new role https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article276560461.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs entered their short phase of down time with a ring ceremony at Union Station, and the next time we see the Super Bowl champions is when training camp begins at Missouri Western next month. But the work continues in the front office, especially when it comes to the Chris Jones contract negotiation. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the issues involving the extension. Both sides have said they'd like to get a deal done. Why hasn't it happened, and what are the prospects of Jones-who missed off-season activities-holding out once training camp begins? Also, we discuss the roster stability, and whether the Chiefs have their starting 22 set. And did you see those rings? Story link: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce provided input for Chiefs' Super Bowl rings. Here's how https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467056.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs organization gathered for the private celebration at Union Station, and before that we spoke with some Chiefs. On today's show, you'll hear from Patick Mahomes and Andy Reid. This was in the morning before the evening's event but spoke about the meaning of the rings among other topics. We start the show with a voice from the recent past. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy now holds the same position with the Washington Commanders. He joined several other Chiefs, like safety Juan Thornhill, now with the Cleveland Browns, and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, with the New England Patriots, in returning to celebrate the Super Bowl triumph. Bieniemy talks about the Super Bowl triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles and what he hopes to bring to his new job. Story link: Super Bowl ring bonds Chiefs, even those who have moved on from KC https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467931.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One final week of workouts for the Chiefs before they break for a short summer break, and on today's SportsBeat KC podcast you'll hear from three players, starting with tight end Travis Kelce. It's been a busy schedule for Kelce, with the Saturday Night Live hosting duties, White House appearance and, earlier this week, throwing a first pitch at a Royals game. But he's all business when it comes to football. Clyde Edwards-Helaire began last year as the Chiefs' starting running back but he wasn't on the active roster for the Super Bowl. He shares his feelings and motivation for this season. Defensive end George Karlaftis came on strong at the end of his rookie season. He explains how the game slowed down for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A year ago this week, 16 North American sites were announced as hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada and Kansas City made the cut. Less than three years remain before the first games are played and the Kansas City effort has an executive director. Katherine Holland, who headed the city's bid for landing the event, moves into the new role that oversees the Kansas City 2026 preparation. There are plenty of items on Holland's to-do list. How will transportation work for the thousands of visitors expected for games and if Kansas City is selected as a base camp? How and where will the city present fan festivals? On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, Holland discusses these topics and more. The games and the fans will be here before you know it. “Now we have to bring this to life,” Holland said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are several reasons for the Royals last-place position in the AL Central. They've gotten there with inconsistent hitting and pitching, and now they've added another problem: fielding. They rank near the bottom in several fielding categories, and it's not just errors. Poor decisions also have hurt the team and played a big role in Tuesday's loss at the Miami Marlins. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss the defensive woes, and how the Royals can make repairs. Also, trade specuation as started and we discuss the top possibilities for the team that has plenty of holes to fill. Story link: Kansas City Royals bumble to 6-1 loss at Miami Marlins. Here's a look at what went awry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs went where their previous Super Bowl championship teams had not gone before...to the White House. Meeting the President wasn't a thing when they won Super Bowl IV, and the pandemic prevented the visit four years ago. The team made the most of their moment on stage and backstage, touring the White House, then heard words of praise from President Biden. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, we'll hear his comments and those of Andy Reid and team president Mark Donovan, along with the other person who spoke at the podium, Travis Kelce, if only for a few seconds. First, Star columnist Sam McDowell, who covered the event, tells us what he saw–and how he felt–on his first trip to the White House. Story link: From Whitehouse to the White House: How Mahomes, KC Chiefs left their mark in D.C. With Chiefs up next, meaning of White House visit still resonates with past KC honorees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs are closing in on the end of organized team activities and on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, we hear from the coordinators. Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Dave Toub doesn't like the new rule that will allow the ball to be placed at the 25 with a fair catch inside the 25. Also, Toub provides updates on players the Chiefs could use at return positions. Matt Nagy is back at offensive coordinator, a position he held with the Chiefs in 2016 and 2017 before becoming head coach of the Chicago Bears. He tells us what might be different about the offense this season. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo coached up several rookies last season and faces that prospect again. He tells us who has made good early impressions. Story link: The Chiefs want to ‘stay aggressive' after this NFL rule change. Why that's a mistake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May was better than April for the Royals, but not good enough to get the team out of last place in the AL Central. The Royals head into June with a 17-39 record, one of two in baseball to not reach the 20-victory plateau. What were the highlights and low points for the month? On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and editor Scott Chasen break it down and look ahead to June. One thought: As good as Salvador Perez and Zack Greinke were in May, the Royals need some of their younger players to step up in a more consistent way. Also, we start the discussion about the All-Star Game, and, who would be the Royals' representative if they get just one roster slot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With DeAndre Hopkins on the market, how set are the Chiefs at wide receiver with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Rashee Rice and other candidates? The Chiefs would need to clear cap space to sign the three-time All-Pro, but should they? On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, the columnists share their thoughts on the Chiefs and all things sports in Kansas City. Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss White House visits for KC teams, Sporting Kansas City's resurgence, the KC Current's new coach. And, as frequent fliers, we review the new Kansas City airport (!) and provide a suggestion on how to avoid the long line at arrivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DeAndre Hopkins has been among the top NFL wide receivers in his career, and he's available after his release by the Arizona Cardinals last week. What are the chances Hopkins joins the Chiefs? According to beat writer Jesse Newell, the case against landing in Kansas City has more checks than the case for Hopkins joining Patrick Mahomes and company. Newell lays out his reason on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. Also discussed: Why the Chiefs are planning to enter the 2023 season without a fullback for the first time in Andy Reid's tenure. You'll also hear from new left tackle Donovan Smith, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the Chiefs. Smith met with reporters last week during OTAs. Story link: Why new Chiefs free-agent signing believes he'll have a bounce-back season in 2023 https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article275819531.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does Patrick Mahomes think about the NFL's quarterback market, and his place in it? What has Nick Bolton been up to since his Super Bowl scoop-and-score? What does Andy Reid think about his new cast of wide receivers and tackles? The Chiefs spoke to reporters Wednesday and you'll hear what they had to say on today's episode of The Star's SportsBeat KC podcast. Mahomes kicks off off the show. After jet-setting this offseason to the Kentucky Derby and a Formula 1 race in Miami (among other trips), he explains what keeps him grounded. Bolton, meanwhile, says he's been impressed with the energy of safety Bryan Cook, and Reid explains why the Chiefs aren't likely to carry a fullback this season. Story link: Patrick Mahomes not driven to be top-paid QB: ‘I worry about legacy and winning rings' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before losing their fourth straight game, the Royals bid farewell to a player who had been in the organization for 10 years. Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment, and the Royals will eat the remainder of his contract. Dozier signed a four-year extension in 2021 and is owed about $15 million if another team doesn't claim him. Signing a lucrative long-term extension is risk to the club and potentially the player, and as the Royals consider deals to lock up younger talent like Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., Brady Singer or MJ Melendez, the player has to be sure of the timing. Could a younger player sell himself short by signing an extension too early? On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily podcast, columnist Sam McDowell, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss contract extension possibilities, along with other Royals topics, like the holes in the starting rotation and what's happened to the bats lately. Story link: The Royals cut Hunter Dozier. Is there a lesson in his story? Maybe. But ideally not. https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article275685726.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not a good weekend for Kansas City's soccer teams. Sporting KC got trounced in its first game against expansion team Saint Louis City, and the KC Current dropped its fourth straight, and second this week, to Racing Louisville. Both teams have been fighting uphill battles throughout the season, and they've shown signs of solid play. Before Sporting's loss it had going 2-0-1 and the Current posted a three-game winning streak earlier this season. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, beat writer Daniel Sperry drills down on the recent results but also looks at the big picture and examines what needs to happen for both to realize their playoff aspiration. Story link Sporting Kansas City trounced by St. Louis City SC in first game of new MLS rivalry https://www.kansascity.com/sports/soccer/sporting-kc/article275623341.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three years before the games come to Kansas City, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has new logos, a board of directors and some money earmarked from state and city governments. This was part of a press conference at GEHA Field at Arrowhead that included Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Perhaps the biggest reveal of the event came from Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas, who said the city will issue request for proposals on improving transportation from downtown to the airport and the Truman Sports Complex. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. You'll hear from Lucas, and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt who took questions from reporters after their remarks. First up is Star columnist Sam McDowell who attended the event and shared his impressions. Story link: Getting KC prepped for World Cup 2026: Government, team officials outline broad plans https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article275526521.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman sign a coach-for-life contract? Eight years, $44 million is about as long-term as it can get, and with the Wildcats becoming off a Big 12 championship season it seems like a bargain for the Wildcats. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the deal and discusses not only the contract terms but where it ranks among Big 12 coaches and the statement Kansas State and Klieman made with the agreement. Also, Robinett provides the latest on the men's basketball transfer portal. K-State is being considered by former Kansas center Ernest Udeh. Who else do the Wildcats and Coach Jerome Tang have on the radar? Story link: Chris Klieman's massive new Kansas State contract includes many lucrative bonuses https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article275442201.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does the new Chiefs offensive line stack up to last year's? It might be tough to top a group that didn't allow a sack in the Super Bowl victory. But the additions at both tackle spots were well received. That one topic covered by Chiefs beat writer Jesse Newell on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. The other: The Chiefs schedule. At face value it's difficult. That's always the case for first-place teams. We discuss the potential potholes and reveal what Las Vegas oddsmakers say is the most difficult game. After a break, you'll hear from former Kansas State defensive end Wyatt Hubert. The former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick is trying to make his way back to the NFL after a year out of football. Hubert, part of Chiefs' rookie mini-camp, which wrapped up last week, provides an update on his career. Story links: Chiefs schedule analysis: Best game, toughest stretch and most intriguing matchup He worked in medical sales a few months ago. Now he's trying to make an NFL roster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royals head into their longest road trip of the year coming off their best home stand. Their victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday meant they won a series for only the second time this year and first time at home. They went 5-5 on the home stand and that's their record in May, a nice turnaround from a dreadrful April. So, let's talk baseball. First up, meet The Star's new Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson. He previously worked at USA Today and grew up in Atlanta following the Braves. We discuss his baseball interests and an uncle, who is a former major league player. Star columnist Vahe Gregorian is part of the conversation that continues with memory from George Brett. It's the 40th anniversary of the famous Pine Tar game, a day that Brett vividly recalls. He speaks to that moment that provided baseball one of its greatest dugout charges. Story link: On 40th anniversary of Pine Tar Game, George Brett remains proud of principled rampage https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article275293961.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A victory in its last MLS game stopped the spiral for Sporting KC, the final team to win a game this season. It occurred in the 11th league game. The awful start continued a trend from last year when only one team in the Western Conference finished with fewer points. What are the reasons for the slow start and how much responsibility falls on the shoulders of manager and sporting director Peter Vermes? Vermes is the constant with the franchise, which has been among the most success in league history. He's the longest tenured coach in MLS. Some fans chanted, “Vermes out,” at the team's most recent home game. On today's SportsBeat KC, Star columnist and former Sporting beat writer Sam McDowell discusses his recent intereview with Sporting KC principal owner Mike Illig and team president and CEO Jake Reid, and what steps could be taken to improve the team's fortunes. Story link: Sporting KC's sticking with Vermes, but owners say they're not scared to make a change https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article275233231.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jayhawks have largely turned over their men's basketball roster for next season and the biggest addition is Hunter Dickinson, the 7-1 standout from Michigan who is transferring to Bill Self's program. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha discuss how KU could use Dickinson, a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a second-team All-America last year. Dickinson averaged 18.5 points and nine rebounds last season and could be the most accomplished player ever to enter the transfer portal. This much is true: The Jayhawks have had some of their best seasons with a productive post player. Think about David McCormack, Udoka Azubuike, Jeff Withey and others over the past decade. Story link: Roster addition of Hunter Dickinson means rise in early preseason rankings for Kansas https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article275170136.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reporters spoke with Chiefs draft selections in the euphoric moments after they were taken. A week or so later, the same players in a less hectic moment got the interview treatment again at Chiefs rookie mini-camp. You'll hear from some of those players on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. First-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the defensive end from Kansas State and Lee's Summit High, recalled his experiences at the Super Bowl parade after the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV victory. Rashee Rice from SMU spoke of his role on a team that's lost its top wide receiver each of the past two seasons. Tackle Wanya Morris says he feels at home on the offensive line playing along side of former college teammate Trey Smith, and defensive back Chamarri Conner said he's up for any special teams duty the Chiefs ask. After all, he played at Virginia Tech, which emphasizes special teams as much as anyone in college football. Also, Andy Reid provides an update from mini-camp which ended on Monday. Story link: Chiefs' first-round draft pick was limited at rookie minicamp. Andy Reid explained why https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article275199391.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royals celebrated the Kansas City career of Lorenzo Cain over the weekend with a contract-signing ceremony that allowed him to retire as Royal. On today's episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, you'll hear from Cain about his KC career, with an emphasis on the 2014 and 2015 postseasons. The occasion got us wondering about who else might receive such a ceremony with the Royals, and/or eventually join the team's hall of fame. Manager Ned Yost will be the first from the group to enter the hall at a September ceremony. But who else? It's a little tricky for this reason: George Brett, Frank White, Amos Otis, Hal McRae and Willie Wilson played most of (or all of) their respective MLB careers in Kansas City. They're the franchise's top-five players in games played. Cain tweet The second championship stretch for the Royals was populated with players who spent eight or fewer seasons with the Royals: Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar, Wade Davis and Greg Holland, among others. But player movement is more common now and should be taken into account when considering such an honor. Besides, there are Hall of Fame players from the earlier era who weren't Royals lifers (for instance, John Mayberry spent just six of his 15 big-league seasons in Kansas City). Our list of players from the 2014-15 era who should enter the Royals Hall of Fame includes Salvador Perez, Alex Gordon, Cain, Hosmer, Moustakas, Escobar, Kelvin Herrera, Davis and Holland. Maybe the HDH bullpen enters as a trio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is there a Patrick Mahomes effect when it comes to evaluating college prospect quarterbaccks? Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz says he sees more “off schedule” plays from high school and college quarterbacks, similar to the highlight moments from the Chiefs quarterback. Drinkwitz, Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates and wrestling coach Brian Smith spoke to fans and reporters on a recent visit to Kansas City, and you'll hear them all on SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. Gates explains why the Tigers, coming off their best season in more than a decade, are capable of more. Smith explains the value of having the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Kansas City in 2024. Matt Stahl of the Columbia Daily Tribune kick off the latest episode. Story link: The NFL Draft will soon be gone. NCAA Wrestling will be Kansas City's next big sports party https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article274788956.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, we've heard from Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt, general manager Brett Veach, and Kansas City Sports Commission president Kathy Nelson about the NFL Draft in Kansas City. Now, let's hear from The Star's Chiefs coverage crew. Columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian along with beat writer Jesse Newell share their thoughts on the Chiefs' strategy and suggest how the rookie class might fare this season. It has a big task ahead if it's to top last year's rookie class success. After a break, we discuss Kansas City's performance in holding its first NFL Draft. More than 300,000 were estimated to have attended the event at Union Station and the National WW1 Museum and Memorial. We got lucky with the weather. Preparation and hard work did the rest. Story link: NFL Draft in Kansas City ‘exceeded our expectations,' says KC Sports Commission president https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274923316.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs looked to trade up in the first round of NFL Draft but with no takers found they held on to pick No. 31 and selected Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who grew up in Lee's Summit. Then the trading started. The next three players taken by the Chiefs were taken in move-up fashion with SMU wide recevier Rashee Rice in the second round, Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris in the third and Virginia Tech safety Chammari Conner in the fourth. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, general manager Brett Veach explains why the Chiefs traded draft picks to move up in each round. The Chiefs started the draft with 10 selections and finished with seven. After a break, you'll hear from Kansas City Sports Commission president Kathy Nelson on the massive undertaking of executing the NFL Draft in Kansas City. She said the event, the largest sports-related specator gather in the city's history “exceeded expectations.” Story links: NFL Draft in Kansas City ‘exceeded our expectations,' says KC Sports Commission president https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274923316.html Why did Chiefs trade up in Rounds 2-4 of NFL Draft? Brett Veach gave this main reason https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274919631.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Draft in Kansas City has passed and evaluations begin. The early returns are positive for the Chiefs, who added seven newcomers to the roster, and for Kansas City. The area entertained an estimated 300,000 fans at Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The Chiefs and the NFL Draft are the topics on SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. First, you'll hear from Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. He met with reporters on Friday, before the second and third rounds, and touched on several topics, including Patrick Mahomes' contract and the recent NFLPA findings that weren't kind to the Chiefs. After Hunt, former Chiefs return specialist Dante Hall spoke about his induction into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. I think you'll be surprised to hear about his favorite play in a Chiefs uniform. We end the show with a conversation with Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope. On his final duty for The Star, he evaluates the Chiefs draft haul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Draft opened before tens of thousands at Union Station, and ended with the Chiefs selecting Kansas State product Felix Anudike-Uzomah in the first round. In all, an amazing day in Kansas City. On today's SportsBeat KC, we'll hear from Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid. We'll hear about Anudike-Uzomah's Chiefs fandom growing up in Lee's Summit, and how Veach and Reid came to identify the K-State defensive lineman as their choice. Also, Veach and Reid explain other options the Chiefs considered in the first round and what trade options may have been on the table. Story link: The remarkable underdog story of Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs first round draft pick https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article274794141.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four years after the announcement of the NFL Draft to Kansas City, the day has arrived. Tens of thousands are expected to watch the event at Union Station from the National WWI Museum and Memorial law and millions more on the broadcast. The first team scheduled to make a selection is the Carolina Panthers. On today's SportsBeat KC, Charlotte Observer columnist Scott Fowler joins Star columnist Sam McDowell in discussing the Panthers' position and how Carolina got the top pick without finishing with the NFL's worst record in 2022. Also on today's show, you'll hear from the player the Panthers are expected to select, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, along with other draft prospects Will Levis, a quarterback from Kentucky and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. They participated in a football clinic at Central High on Wednesday. Story link: No longer on the clock: The NFL Draft has arrived for Kansas City and the Chiefs https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274732606.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Playing host to the NFL Draft is a process that started several years ago, and now we're one day away from the start of the big show. On today's episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and reporter Pete Grathoff weigh on the event and what it means for Kansas City. It's also a big weekend for the Chiefs. The Super Bowl champs used last year's draft to fortify a roster that won the Super Bowl. We discuss their possible first-round direction as they enter the draft with 10 selections. After a break, we change sports and discuss the slow starts by Kansas City's other teams. Why have the Royals and Sporting KC been dreadful? The KC Current have picked up the pace recently after stumbling out of the gate, but the NWSL team that last fall made it to the league's championship game has fired its coach. Story link: No umbrellas, chairs at NFL Draft Experience in KC. Here's what is and isn't allowed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some of the greatest players in Chiefs history were not first-round draft selections, and you'll hear from a few of them on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. Each has an interesting draft experience story, and Bobby Bell, Will Shields and Trey Smith share theirs. Even though they're from different eras, one thing they have in common: Based on performance they were woefully under-drafted with Bell taken in the seventh round, Shields in the third and Smith in the sixth. Bell and Shields are Hall of Famers. Also, you'll hear about the origin of “Chiefs Kingdom.” Chiefs fans are expected to be out in force during the NFL Draft at Union Station this week, and you'll hear Chiefs Kingdom used often. It was the brainchild of longtime radio broadcaster Mitch Holthus, and at Super Bowl LVII he shared the story of how he came up with the description of the fandom.,y Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL will bring 17 draft prospects like Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud to Kansas City for the Draft, but that doesn't mean there won't be other draft prospects in Kansas City for the event. A handful of college football standouts from Kansas City-area high schools could find their way to Union Station and Liberty Memorial to take in the sights and sounds of the NFL Draft. Ikenna Enechukwu, a defensive lineman from Rice University and Ruskin High said he may find his way to the draft. “Maybe take a selfie, to show the grand kids some day that I was there,” he told The Star. If he's selected, Enechukwu would likely hear his name on Saturday, when the final four of seven rounds are announced. Others, like Kansas State lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Lee's Summit High) and Northwestern's Adetomiwa Adebawore (North Kansas City High), are projected to hear their named called on Thursday or Friday in the first three rounds. On today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast, you'll hear from Enechukwu and from PrepsKC.com managing editor Dion Clisso, who covers Kansas City-area high school sports. Clisso discusses the area prospects and their high school careers. Story link: Former Kansas City prep football standouts hope for homefield advantage at NFL Draft https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274004740.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The business of the NFL Draft, when it comes to Kansas City and Union Station next week, won't be focused nationally on the hometown Chiefs. As Super Bowl champions, they own the final selection of the first round, No. 31 overall. By then, it's the drama of when the top quarterbacks will be taken and who will be the top defensive player selected will be resolved. But has any team mastered the draft over the past few seasons better than the Chiefs? Beyond the most obvious big payoff maneuver, moving up in the 2017 draft to select Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have used the draft to strengthen a roster that has produced two Super Bowl victories in the past four seasons. Nine of their 2022 draft picks played in the recent Super Bowl victory. On today's SportsBeat KC, you'll hear from Chiefs draft conductor and general manager Brett Veach. He spoke with reporters about this year's draft, its strengths, and how the Chiefs could once again have a bountiful draft with 10 picks heading into the event that begins its three-day run on Thursday. Story link: How the Chiefs can replicate the success of last year's draft https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article274561076.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The price for success in college sports can be expressed through coaches contracts. Kansas State is happily in the process of paying that price. After a football season led by Chris Klieman that included the first Big 12 championship in a decade, and a men's basketball season that had the Wildcats, picked last in the conference, that extended to the Elite Eight under first-year coach Jerome Tang, it's time for K-State to show its gratitude. Klieman and Tang are in line for extensions and raises that should lift them into the upper half of Big 12 salaries. “If you look at all of our salaries, we've typically been towards the bottom half of the Big 12,” K-State athletic director Gene Taylor told beat writer Kellis Robinett. “And that's where we compare ourselves. We don't really compare ourselves with the Big 10 and how the SEC is doing. How are we salary-wise for coaches and staff within the Big 12? I think from an owner's perspective, we want to be up in the upper half, if not better.” On today's SportsBeat KC, Robinett discusses Kansas State's next moves on the contract and salary front, and other topics relating to the Wildcats, including whether the 2022-23 year in sports was the best in school history. Story link: Kansas State Wildcats working on bigger contracts for Chris Klieman and Jerome Tang https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article274237795.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

His second Super Bowl championship and MVP season behind him, it was time for Patrick Mahomes to begin thinking about the next quest. Turns out, he's as motivated to keep pushing forward as ever. Mahomes shared his thoughts about life after the ultimate achievement and starting the 2023 off-season team activities in a 15-minute interview with reporters that you'll hear on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's daily sports podcast. He talks about his ankle injury, working with receivers in Texas for a second straight year, and getting back to work. He also weighs in on the new deal for Jalen Hurts that makes the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback the NFL's highest paid player on an annual value basis, and has thoughts for Ralph Yarl, the 16-year-old who is recovering after being shot in Kansas City while picking up his brothers. Star columnist Vahe Gregorian kicks off the show with his thoughts on Mahomes and Chiefs. Story link: With chance to be part of elite NFL history, Chiefs and Mahomes have fresh motivation https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article274412725.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL off-season comes in phases, and teams are preparing for the first of those. For the Chiefs, that means plenty of pitching and catching with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. That's happening in Texas, as it did last year. It means meetings and conditioning for the defense, and it's also an opportunity to hear from Andy Reid and players for the first time in several weeks, Reid met with reporters on Monday to preview the beginning of these activities. It was his first time to discuss how the Chiefs will operate with new faces at wide receiver, how he spent his time since the Super Bowl victory and he looks at the NFL Draft for the Chiefs and where the event will take place, Union Station in Kansas City. After a break you'll hear from linebacker NIck Bolton. He's coming off his first Super Bowl triumph and describes how he's handled the short off-season. Story link: Why the Kansas City Chiefs are Zooming through Phase 1 of their offseason program https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274397975.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If the Royals could ignore the opening homestand, they'd look pretty good in the AL Central. On their first road trip of the year, they went 3-3, winning their first two in San Francisco and their final game in Texas. The get away game was their most complete of the season, a 10-1 triumph. But fold in the 1-6 start and the record isn't pretty after two weeks. On today's show, Star reporters Pete Grathoff and Scott Chasen discuss the Royals with an emphasis on the past week. The starting pitching continues to outperform expectations, and the bats came alive in the final two games against the Rangers. Especially encourging in the finale is how well the Royals hit with runners in scoring position. Can they keep it up with the Atlanta Braves and the Rangers in town for the next six games? Story link: KC Royals have struggled in this crucial stat: ‘Little by little, we're feeling better' https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article274279215.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 10 draft picks the possibilities seemingly are endless for the Chiefs. But there are some positions that need to be addressed, and on today's SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell shares his thoughts on what the Chiefs might do when the draft arrives in two weeks. Edge rusher? Wide receiver? RIght tackle? The Chiefs likely will look for answers at those slots, the way they addressed the defensive backfield last season. How did that work out? Three rookies started in the secondary in the Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Even an early trade isn't out of the possibility. The Chiefs have made moves involving their first-round draft selection in every year except one since 2016. We discuss what would entice the Chiefs to make such a move this time. Story link: Kansas City Chiefs 7-round mock draft 2.0: If KC goes offense, this could be the pick https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274028415.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices