Jesse Newell
@jessenewell.bsky.social
Chiefs beat writer for The Athletic. [email protected]
More on a "challenging" start to the season for the Chiefs' Chris Jones — and why he got philosophical Thursday talking about what he hopes is next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Chris Jones’ production is down for Chiefs. Why he says 2025 start has been ‘challenging’
The Chiefs' star defensive tackle is in the second season of a five-year extension. Here's where his stats are down from normal.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
More on a "challenging" start to the season for the Chiefs' Chris Jones — and why he got philosophical Thursday talking about what he hopes is next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Chiefs have a streak that predates Patrick Mahomes.
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Patrick Mahomes faces rare pressure: Chiefs’ AFC West reign hangs in balance vs. Broncos
Why the Chiefs' odds of keeping a 10-year streak going will plummet if they lose to the Broncos on Sunday.
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The Chiefs have a streak that predates Patrick Mahomes.
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
If a new varsity sport pops up in KS and MO soon, the Kansas City Chiefs will be to thank.
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Chiefs pushing to create a new varsity sport in Kansas and Missouri. An April vote looms
The Chiefs have started a movement to start local girls flag football teams. But will it pass a big April test?
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:53 PM
If a new varsity sport pops up in KS and MO soon, the Kansas City Chiefs will be to thank.
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
3 Chiefs predictions for the second half of the season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Chiefs at the bye: 3 predictions for the second half of the season
What will the Chiefs' final record be? And who will break out in the second half? Here are our predictions at midseason.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
3 Chiefs predictions for the second half of the season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL ... and also 5-4.
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-4 — and probably still the NFL’s best team
The Chiefs enter their bye week as one of the most confounding teams in the NFL. Here's what they said after their loss to the Bills.
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL ... and also 5-4.
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
3 things to watch for ahead of Chiefs-Bills on Sunday
October 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
3 things to watch for ahead of Chiefs-Bills on Sunday
Chiefs trade deadline primer: Why this year could be different than others ... and some positions to watch: www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Chiefs trade deadline primer: Here are the positions K.C. is most likely to target
The Chiefs, for a change, might not be active before the NFL trade deadline. But they're most likely to listen on two positions.
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Chiefs trade deadline primer: Why this year could be different than others ... and some positions to watch: www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
This was the scene inside a celebratory Chiefs locker room, where Rashee Rice got Andy Reid to smile, then supported Patrick Mahomes a few minutes later.
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Chiefs were 15-2 and made the Super Bowl last year. But are they having more fun now?
This was the scene inside a celebratory Chiefs locker room after a third straight dominant win — this one against the Washington Commanders.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:49 PM
This was the scene inside a celebratory Chiefs locker room, where Rashee Rice got Andy Reid to smile, then supported Patrick Mahomes a few minutes later.
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Walk through the Chiefs' locker room, and it’s impossible to miss the team’s newest fashion statement.
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
These 3 letters in Chiefs’ facility have sparked Patrick Mahomes — and K.C.’s offense
The Chiefs have worn new "AAF" shirts the last few weeks. Here's how the acronym has helped the team unlock more from Mahomes.
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Walk through the Chiefs' locker room, and it’s impossible to miss the team’s newest fashion statement.
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More on an encouraging update from Chiefs coach Andy Reid about LT Josh Simmons: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Chiefs provide encouraging update on left tackle Josh Simmons
Andy Reid said Simmons is "taking care of family" and in communication with the team. The rookie could return at some point this season.
www.nytimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:42 PM
More on an encouraging update from Chiefs coach Andy Reid about LT Josh Simmons: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Where does Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes think he’s improved from a year ago? Here’s what he says — with a specific example: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
October 23, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Where does Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes think he’s improved from a year ago? Here’s what he says — with a specific example: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice said his 2nd TD against the Raiders was the product of the work he and Patrick Mahomes put in this offseason: www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
October 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice said his 2nd TD against the Raiders was the product of the work he and Patrick Mahomes put in this offseason: www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
It turns out Patrick Mahomes' trick play vs. the Raiders required practice time. And communication. Oh, and a teammate stopping himself from laughing.
Here's the backstory of Mahomes going Hollywood — and the 6 words everyone heard on CBS's broadcast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
Here's the backstory of Mahomes going Hollywood — and the 6 words everyone heard on CBS's broadcast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
The backstory of Patrick Mahomes’ trick play vs. Raiders: ‘That was hilarious’
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes faked out the Raiders — and CBS broadcasters — with his acting skills. Here's what happened.
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:17 AM
It turns out Patrick Mahomes' trick play vs. the Raiders required practice time. And communication. Oh, and a teammate stopping himself from laughing.
Here's the backstory of Mahomes going Hollywood — and the 6 words everyone heard on CBS's broadcast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
Here's the backstory of Mahomes going Hollywood — and the 6 words everyone heard on CBS's broadcast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
What Chiefs' Rashee Rice said today about his impending return this weekend: www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Chiefs’ Rashee Rice on what he’s learned as he returns from suspension, injury
Rice is set to make his return to the lineup against the Las Vegas Raiders following a six-game NFL suspension to start the season.
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:16 PM
What Chiefs' Rashee Rice said today about his impending return this weekend: www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Head into the Chiefs' locker room, and one thing stands out immediately about the team's WR group.
Coaches say it's hard to miss as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Coaches say it's hard to miss as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Why Chiefs’ receivers room is different this season: ‘It’s something that’s special’
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says part of the team's offensive success can be traced to his receivers' unselfishness.
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Head into the Chiefs' locker room, and one thing stands out immediately about the team's WR group.
Coaches say it's hard to miss as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Coaches say it's hard to miss as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
One (non-fight) topic dominated talk in the Chiefs’ locker room — with Patrick Mahomes tweeting about it as well.
It’s time to stretch the imagination for what’s possible with these Chiefs.
“Everybody’s been waiting for it. It’s what the hype is about.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
It’s time to stretch the imagination for what’s possible with these Chiefs.
“Everybody’s been waiting for it. It’s what the hype is about.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
October 13, 2025 at 12:55 PM
One (non-fight) topic dominated talk in the Chiefs’ locker room — with Patrick Mahomes tweeting about it as well.
It’s time to stretch the imagination for what’s possible with these Chiefs.
“Everybody’s been waiting for it. It’s what the hype is about.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
It’s time to stretch the imagination for what’s possible with these Chiefs.
“Everybody’s been waiting for it. It’s what the hype is about.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
Chiefs' Chris Jones didn’t hustle on final play vs. Jaguars. He addressed it head-on Thursday: www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Chiefs’ Chris Jones loafed on final play vs. Jaguars. He addressed it head-on Thursday
Jones said he thought Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was down on the game-winning play. The teaching lesson he'll take away is "Don't stop."
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Chiefs' Chris Jones didn’t hustle on final play vs. Jaguars. He addressed it head-on Thursday: www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
The Chiefs are 2-3. And they're not interested in moral victories, either.
But look under the hood, and the advanced numbers are screaming a few things about a KC team still trying to find its way:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
But look under the hood, and the advanced numbers are screaming a few things about a KC team still trying to find its way:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-3. Here are the signs they’ll turn it around
Sportsbooks still love the Chiefs. That's just one reason to think better days could be ahead for Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the team.
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The Chiefs are 2-3. And they're not interested in moral victories, either.
But look under the hood, and the advanced numbers are screaming a few things about a KC team still trying to find its way:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
But look under the hood, and the advanced numbers are screaming a few things about a KC team still trying to find its way:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Some context for Chris Jones’ final play vs. Jaguars: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Why wasn’t Chiefs’ Chris Jones hustling on Jaguars’ final TD? His words provide some clues
Jones deactivated his social media accounts Tuesday after drawing criticism for "standing and watching" on the game-deciding play.
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Some context for Chris Jones’ final play vs. Jaguars: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Here's what Chiefs' Chamarri Conner said about a late flag against him — and what the Chiefs believe has been missing during a 2-3 start that's beginning to defy the odds: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
What Chiefs said after loss to Jaguars — and what’s been missing during 2-3 start
Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner described his viewpoint of a late defensive pass-interference call, one of 13 K.C. penalties.
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Here's what Chiefs' Chamarri Conner said about a late flag against him — and what the Chiefs believe has been missing during a 2-3 start that's beginning to defy the odds: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Andy Reid says one of his offensive linemen was "on fire" last week against the Ravens.
Here's more on his development, and the reason — from a year ago — he says he's fueled to continue his rise:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Here's more on his development, and the reason — from a year ago — he says he's fueled to continue his rise:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Chiefs say Kingsley Suamataia was ‘on fire.’ It’s one of K.C.’s best developments
The Chiefs' second-year offensive lineman says memories from a challenging rookie season have been the fuel for his quick rise in 2025.
www.nytimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Andy Reid says one of his offensive linemen was "on fire" last week against the Ravens.
Here's more on his development, and the reason — from a year ago — he says he's fueled to continue his rise:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Here's more on his development, and the reason — from a year ago — he says he's fueled to continue his rise:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Patrick Mahomes is pulling off a rare feat: He's playing riskier while avoiding the typical consequences.
More on a Mahomes offseason vow to his WRs — and how the Chiefs QB has followed through:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
More on a Mahomes offseason vow to his WRs — and how the Chiefs QB has followed through:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is playing riskier football. Here’s why it’s working
Here's how the Chiefs are playing with more fire on offense — while still avoiding the burn.
www.nytimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Patrick Mahomes is pulling off a rare feat: He's playing riskier while avoiding the typical consequences.
More on a Mahomes offseason vow to his WRs — and how the Chiefs QB has followed through:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
More on a Mahomes offseason vow to his WRs — and how the Chiefs QB has followed through:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
It's time to take stock of the Chiefs through 4 weeks:
• Is KC better or worse than expected?
• Best development
• Updated playoff and Super Bowl odds
• What Andy Reid has learned about his team:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
• Is KC better or worse than expected?
• Best development
• Updated playoff and Super Bowl odds
• What Andy Reid has learned about his team:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
Chiefs’ outlook after 4 games: Breakout player, best development and updated odds
The Kansas City Chiefs' playoff and Super Bowl chances have shifted over the first four weeks.
www.nytimes.com
October 1, 2025 at 1:55 PM
It's time to take stock of the Chiefs through 4 weeks:
• Is KC better or worse than expected?
• Best development
• Updated playoff and Super Bowl odds
• What Andy Reid has learned about his team:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
• Is KC better or worse than expected?
• Best development
• Updated playoff and Super Bowl odds
• What Andy Reid has learned about his team:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
This felt different. And Chiefs players in the postgame locker room could sense it as well.
More on a breakthrough offensive effort for the Chiefs — and how 2 players returning this week (including one who didn't play) helped change all the vibes.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
More on a breakthrough offensive effort for the Chiefs — and how 2 players returning this week (including one who didn't play) helped change all the vibes.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
Why Chiefs’ win vs. Ravens felt different. And how 2 players changed the vibe
Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had the best kind of flashback after Sunday's win because the offense was humming.
www.nytimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
This felt different. And Chiefs players in the postgame locker room could sense it as well.
More on a breakthrough offensive effort for the Chiefs — and how 2 players returning this week (including one who didn't play) helped change all the vibes.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
More on a breakthrough offensive effort for the Chiefs — and how 2 players returning this week (including one who didn't play) helped change all the vibes.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
Chiefs' Travis Kelce spoke today about the sideline incident between him and Andy Reid: "I love that guy, man." www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce says heated exchange with Andy Reid vs. Giants is no big deal: ‘I love that guy’
"I love that guy, man," Kelce said about the confrontation with Reid on the sidelines of Sunday's game versus the Giants.
www.nytimes.com
September 26, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Chiefs' Travis Kelce spoke today about the sideline incident between him and Andy Reid: "I love that guy, man." www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...