Underrated DL standout prefers to remain with the Kansas City Chiefs long-term
Underrated DL standout prefers to remain with the Kansas City Chiefs long-term
The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive line has been crucial to the unit's success over the last few seasons. The pass rushers, led by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, have lifted the group in big moments, and Karlaftis hopes to keep that chemistry going well beyond the 2025 season.
"Yeah, I'll let whoever handles that handle that, but I'd like to be here as long as I can," Karlaftis said about contract negotiations during last week's press conference. "My now fiancée and I absolutely love Kansas City and love this organization, so I'll let whoever is to handle that handle that, but I love it here."
Last season, Karlaftis led Kansas City with eight sacks and tallied 61 total pressures. He shared his thoughts on a recent ESPN article labeling him underrated in the league.
"I don't need to prove anything to anybody other than the people in this building; that's how I feel." Said Karlaftis. "Coach Cullen (Joe Cullen), Coach Spags (Steve Spagnuolo), Coach Reid (Andy Reid), my teammates, I got their back just like they got mine, and I try to put my best foot forward every day to get better and do what I can on the field. And whatever recognitions to come, it'll come. Not really worried about that at all."
In April, the Chiefs picked up Karlaftis's and All-Pro teammate Trent McDuffie's fifth-year options.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Cal Raleigh breaks Johnny Bench's record for homers by a catcher before All-Star break
CHICAGO (AP) — Cal Raleigh broke Hall of Famer Johnny Bench's 1970 record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, hitting his major league-leading 28th and 29th in the Seattle Mariners' 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Raleigh put Seattle ahead and moved past Bench in the seventh inning with No. 29 , a drive to the back of the left-field bleachers off Caleb Thielbar. Raleigh sent his first homer just over the basket in the first off Matthew Boyd. Raleigh needed only 73 games to break the record that Bench set in 87 games. The Seattle star shattered the mark with 22 games to spare before the All-Star game. The 28-year-old slugger had three hits in his sixth multi-homer game of the season. He drove in three runs to push his season total to 63. ___ AP MLB:
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Raleigh homers twice, breaks Bench's record in the Mariners' 9-4 victory over the Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — Cal Raleigh broke Johnny Bench's record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, hitting his major league-leading 28th and 29th in the Seattle Mariners' 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Raleigh broke a tie in the seventh with No. 29 to move ahead of Hall of Famer Bench's 1970 mark. Raleigh needed only 73 games to break the record that Bench set in 87 games. The Seattle star shattered the mark with 22 games to spare before the All-Star game. Raleigh had three hits in his sixth multi-homer game of the season. The 28-year-old slugger drove in three runs to push his season total to 63. Mitch Garver also homered twice and drove in five runs, putting it away with a three-run shot in the ninth. Randy Arozarena and Donovan Solano each had three hits to help Seattle win for the fifth time in seven games. The teams combined for six homers with the wind blowing out on a warm day when former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for the first time in over 20 years. Ian Happ homered in Chicago's three-run first inning, and Reese McGuire added a solo shot. Michael Busch had three hits and two RBIs as NL Central-leading Cubs dropped their second straight. Raleigh hit his go-ahead drive to the back of the left-field bleachers off Caleb Thielbar (2-2). Raleigh sent his first homer just over the basket in the first off Matthew Boyd. Eduard Bazardo (2-0) pitched a scoreless sixth for the win. Key moment Boyd made a dramatic catch of J.P. Crawford's comebacker for the final out in the top of the fifth. Boyd snared the liner at the last instant as it was headed for his face. Key stat Chicago's Pete Crow-Armstrong popped out softly three times and struck out a day after going deep and becoming the first player with 20 homers and 20 steals this season. Up next Seattle RHP Emerson Hancock (3-2, 4.48 ERA) was set to face RHP Cade Horton (3-1. 3.47) on Saturday. ___ AP MLB:
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Raleigh homers twice, breaks Bench's record in the Mariners' 9-4 victory over the Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — Cal Raleigh broke Johnny Bench's record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, hitting his major league-leading 28th and 29th in the Seattle Mariners' 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Raleigh broke a tie in the seventh with No. 29 to move ahead of Hall of Famer Bench's 1970 mark. Raleigh needed only 73 games to break the record that Bench set in 87 games. The Seattle star shattered the mark with 22 games to spare before the All-Star game. Raleigh had three hits in his sixth multi-homer game of the season. The 28-year-old slugger drove in three runs to push his season total to 63. Mitch Garver also homered twice and drove in five runs, putting it away with a three-run shot in the ninth. Randy Arozarena and Donovan Solano each had three hits to help Seattle win for the fifth time in seven games. The teams combined for six homers with the wind blowing out on a warm day when former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for the first time in over 20 years. Ian Happ homered in Chicago's three-run first inning, and Reese McGuire added a solo shot. Michael Busch had three hits and two RBIs as NL Central-leading Cubs dropped their second straight. Raleigh hit his go-ahead drive to the back of the left-field bleachers off Caleb Thielbar (2-2). Raleigh sent his first homer just over the basket in the first off Matthew Boyd. Key moment Boyd made a dramatic catch of J.P. Crawford's comebacker for the final out in the top of the fifth. Boyd snared the liner at the last instant as it was headed for his face. Key stat Chicago's Pete Crow-Armstrong popped out softly three times and struck out a day after going deep and becoming the first player with 20 homers and 20 steals this season. ___
