Chiefs celebrate ‘rebuilding’ in city rally
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs made one thing abundantly clear when talking at the giant rally that culminated their Super Bowl parade on Wednesday.
They had heard the people who doubted them in the offseason. And they responded to those critics with Sunday’s 38-35 Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale, Ariz.
The Chiefs gathered on a stage at Union Station following Wednesday morning’s noon parade through downtown Kansas City.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the crowd with a message that was prevalent among others’ turn at the microphone.
“The AFC West said we were rebuilding. I’m going to be honest with you: I don’t know what rebuilding means,” Mahomes said, before the crowd roared its approval. “In our rebuilding year, we’re world champs!”
Tight end Travis Kelce, during his speech, also referred to some national views about the Chiefs before the season.
“The haters were saying that the Chiefs would never make the playoffs. Pppuh,” Kelce said, flapping his lips together in disgust. “The haters were saying the Chiefs were done. Pppphhuh!”
A number of Chiefs players spoke to fans at Union Station following the march through downtown in cool conditions, with temperatures in the high-30s with slight winds out of the north. Many players waved while riding in red double-decker buses, while others walked the route to interact with fans and sign autographs.
That led to the final speeches, with Chiefs radio play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus emceeing on stage.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was one of the first to speak, and he, too, referenced the Chiefs accomplishing their greatest goal even after an offseason trade sent star receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami.
“In Kansas City, this is what a rebuilding year looks like right here,” Veach said, grabbing the Lombardi Trophy and holding it up to the crowd.
Hamlin is sorry for wearing jacket
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin said Wednesday he never intended to offend anyone for attending the Super Bowl wearing a jacket that critics deemed to feature an offensive depiction of Jesus.
“After talking with my parents I understand how my coat could have offended some people,” Hamlin wrote in a note posted on his Twitter account. “It was never my intentions to hurt or disrespect anyone, the coat is abstract art to me.”
Hamlin closed his two-post thread by saying he will continue to learn from the situation while adding: “My beliefs and Relationship with God is not tied to symbolic images.”
The second-year player continues recovering after having to be resuscitated on the field after going into cardiac arrest during a game in Cincinnati six weeks ago.
Steelers assistant calls it a career
Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach John Mitchell retired on Wednesday after nearly three decades with the club.
The 71-year-old Mitchell won two Super Bowl rings in 29 seasons with the Steelers after first joining Bill Cowher's staff in 1994 as a defensive line coach. Mike Tomlin retained Mitchell when he replaced Cowher in 2007 then promoted Mitchell to assistant head coach in 2017.
Mitchell played an integral role in putting together defensive fronts that helped the Steelers win four AFC championships and a pair of Super Bowl titles in 2005 and 2008.
Mitchell, a native of Mobile, Ala., made history when he became the first Black player to play in a game at the University of Alabama in 1971.
Bears secure spot for new stadium
The Bears on Wednesday purchased the property that they’ve been sizing up for a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights.
The Bears announced that they bought the 326-acre property for $197.2 million.
The team cautioned, however, that the purchase doesn’t mean plans for a domed stadium and an entertainment district will come to fruition.
Odds and ends
The Saints hired Joe Woods as defensive coordinator and Todd Grantham as defensive line coach. Saints coach Dennis Allen also added secondary coach Marcus Robertson, tight ends coach Clancy Barone and assistant offensive line coach Kevin Carberry . ... The Panthers have hired Parks Frazier as their passing game coordinator. The 31-year-old Frazier was part of Frank Reich’s staff with the Colts since 2018.