Jesse Newell
@jessenewell.bsky.social
Chiefs beat writer for The Athletic. jnewell@theathletic.com
5 offseason questions for the Chiefs ... and a priority they should have on Day 1 of free agency: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
February 9, 2026 at 4:51 PM
5 offseason questions for the Chiefs ... and a priority they should have on Day 1 of free agency: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Reposted by Jesse Newell
Lots of Seahawks logos in our graphic of The Athletic staff's Super Bowl picks. I went the other way because underdogs are 4-1 straight up in the last five Super Bowls.
Either way, a coach named Mike will hoist the Lombardi Trophy tonight. Gotta love that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Either way, a coach named Mike will hoist the Lombardi Trophy tonight. Gotta love that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
February 8, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Lots of Seahawks logos in our graphic of The Athletic staff's Super Bowl picks. I went the other way because underdogs are 4-1 straight up in the last five Super Bowls.
Either way, a coach named Mike will hoist the Lombardi Trophy tonight. Gotta love that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Either way, a coach named Mike will hoist the Lombardi Trophy tonight. Gotta love that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Reposted by Jesse Newell
This story from @bymccullough.bsky.social about Terrance Gore's death, and life, is really great.
"He crackled with life, first as the kid brother of those Royals teams, and later as a journeyman bouncing from contender to contender in search of a base to steal."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
"He crackled with life, first as the kid brother of those Royals teams, and later as a journeyman bouncing from contender to contender in search of a base to steal."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Terrance Gore embraced his role to become a 3-time World Series champion
For Royals fans, Gore represents a connection to an era where the team made consecutive World Series and won a championship.
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:14 AM
This story from @bymccullough.bsky.social about Terrance Gore's death, and life, is really great.
"He crackled with life, first as the kid brother of those Royals teams, and later as a journeyman bouncing from contender to contender in search of a base to steal."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
"He crackled with life, first as the kid brother of those Royals teams, and later as a journeyman bouncing from contender to contender in search of a base to steal."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
A deep dive into the Chiefs' special teams — and a big-picture question for 2026: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Why Chiefs special teams struggled in 2025 — and a big-picture question ahead
The Chiefs have to feel good about two areas of their special teams — while also facing a big-picture decision ahead.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
A deep dive into the Chiefs' special teams — and a big-picture question for 2026: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
A deep dive into the Chiefs defense offers 3 areas that need improvement ... but also lots of reasons for hope.
More on what held the Chiefs back in 2025 — and also the 35-point swing that shouldn't happen again in '26: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
More on what held the Chiefs back in 2025 — and also the 35-point swing that shouldn't happen again in '26: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
January 30, 2026 at 4:40 PM
A deep dive into the Chiefs defense offers 3 areas that need improvement ... but also lots of reasons for hope.
More on what held the Chiefs back in 2025 — and also the 35-point swing that shouldn't happen again in '26: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
More on what held the Chiefs back in 2025 — and also the 35-point swing that shouldn't happen again in '26: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Why Chiefs' Andy Reid was fired up today about Eric Bieniemy's return — and Matt Nagy, too: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Chiefs’ Andy Reid fired up about returning OC Eric Bieniemy — and Matt Nagy
Reid was animated with reporters during a Monday news conference. Here's what fired him up.
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Why Chiefs' Andy Reid was fired up today about Eric Bieniemy's return — and Matt Nagy, too: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
A deep dive into the Chiefs 2025 offense:
• What went wrong
• Where KC was better than you probably think
• One way Mahomes changed through the season
• How the stats compare to 2024
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
• What went wrong
• Where KC was better than you probably think
• One way Mahomes changed through the season
• How the stats compare to 2024
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Chiefs 2025 offense: What needs to be fixed (and what doesn’t) after disappointing year
The Chiefs aren't likely to reinvent the offense this offseason after a disappointing 6-11 season. But they still need these fixes.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:56 PM
A deep dive into the Chiefs 2025 offense:
• What went wrong
• Where KC was better than you probably think
• One way Mahomes changed through the season
• How the stats compare to 2024
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
• What went wrong
• Where KC was better than you probably think
• One way Mahomes changed through the season
• How the stats compare to 2024
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Our latest @theathletic.com mock draft had KC taking a safety in the first round. Why I think the Chiefs would choose someone else: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Chiefs mock draft reaction: Caleb Downs a ‘difference-maker’ — but not a great fit
The Athletic's Dane Brugler has the Chiefs taking safety Caleb Downs in his latest mock draft. Here are the pros and cons for that choice.
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Our latest @theathletic.com mock draft had KC taking a safety in the first round. Why I think the Chiefs would choose someone else: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
A look back at 3 small things that became big things during an unexpected Chiefs season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
As Chiefs struggled to unexpected season, these 3 small things became a big deal
These moments created butterfly-effect ripples on the Chiefs' season. Here's a look at three events that didn't help Kansas City.
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:05 PM
A look back at 3 small things that became big things during an unexpected Chiefs season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
What went wrong for the Chiefs in 2025 — and the team's biggest regrets from a lost year: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
What went wrong for the Chiefs in 2025 — and the biggest regrets from a lost year
The Chiefs' 6-11 record didn't match up with their underlying statistics. Here are the reasons for that — and the team's path ahead.
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:07 PM
What went wrong for the Chiefs in 2025 — and the team's biggest regrets from a lost year: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Reposted by Jesse Newell
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will be interviewing with both the Titans and Raiders tomorrow, and the Cardinals on Friday, per source.
January 7, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will be interviewing with both the Titans and Raiders tomorrow, and the Cardinals on Friday, per source.
A corner locker turned into a receiving line of sorts, with Travis Kelce welcoming his coach's boss and a famous singer alike.
Was this actually his last NFL game?
Scenes from Sunday's locker room — and why one teammate isn't convinced this is the end: www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Was this actually his last NFL game?
Scenes from Sunday's locker room — and why one teammate isn't convinced this is the end: www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
January 5, 2026 at 4:59 AM
A corner locker turned into a receiving line of sorts, with Travis Kelce welcoming his coach's boss and a famous singer alike.
Was this actually his last NFL game?
Scenes from Sunday's locker room — and why one teammate isn't convinced this is the end: www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Was this actually his last NFL game?
Scenes from Sunday's locker room — and why one teammate isn't convinced this is the end: www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Chiefs' Bryan Cook is in the midst of a career year. Here are his thoughts about KC — and also the upcoming offseason where he'll hit free agency: www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
What’s next for Chiefs’ Bryan Cook? After career year in Kansas City, he discusses his future
Cook, a Kansas City Chiefs safety, will be a free agent. He talks about what K.C. has meant to him and whether he's open to coming back.
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Chiefs' Bryan Cook is in the midst of a career year. Here are his thoughts about KC — and also the upcoming offseason where he'll hit free agency: www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
A look ahead to next year's NFL Draft — and the value the Chiefs will gain from an off year: www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
December 31, 2025 at 5:35 PM
A look ahead to next year's NFL Draft — and the value the Chiefs will gain from an off year: www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
The game was treated like a home swan song for Travis Kelce.
But then something funny happened on the offense's final snap — the Chiefs' last chance to beat the Broncos on Christmas.
“That’s the story of his career."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
But then something funny happened on the offense's final snap — the Chiefs' last chance to beat the Broncos on Christmas.
“That’s the story of his career."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
Travis Kelce’s final Chiefs home game? His last play Thursday tells us something
Netflix broadcast cameras followed Kelce closely for his potential final game at Arrowhead Stadium. But will it be?
www.nytimes.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The game was treated like a home swan song for Travis Kelce.
But then something funny happened on the offense's final snap — the Chiefs' last chance to beat the Broncos on Christmas.
“That’s the story of his career."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
But then something funny happened on the offense's final snap — the Chiefs' last chance to beat the Broncos on Christmas.
“That’s the story of his career."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
Talked one-on-one with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday. She spoke about:
• Her notable recent meeting with the Chiefs
• Her response to critics who say this is taxpayer welfare for team ownership
• The text she'll remember most from this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
• Her notable recent meeting with the Chiefs
• Her response to critics who say this is taxpayer welfare for team ownership
• The text she'll remember most from this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
What Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly wants you to know about Chiefs’ new stadium deal
Kelly said Chiefs' stadium negotiations took a notable turn during a meeting in Kansas City earlier in the month.
www.nytimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Talked one-on-one with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday. She spoke about:
• Her notable recent meeting with the Chiefs
• Her response to critics who say this is taxpayer welfare for team ownership
• The text she'll remember most from this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
• Her notable recent meeting with the Chiefs
• Her response to critics who say this is taxpayer welfare for team ownership
• The text she'll remember most from this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
• Why did the Chiefs move to KS?
• What will be the new stadium's capacity?
• Will KC host a Super Bowl now?
• Will the Arrowhead name follow?
Some stadium questions you might be wondering about … and answers from those who spoke Monday in Topeka.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
• What will be the new stadium's capacity?
• Will KC host a Super Bowl now?
• Will the Arrowhead name follow?
Some stadium questions you might be wondering about … and answers from those who spoke Monday in Topeka.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
Chiefs’ new stadium Q&A: Here’s what you need to know about team’s move to Kansas
Why did Chiefs move from Missouri to Kansas? Will the stadium's name change? And what will the cost be? Your questions answered here.
www.nytimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
• Why did the Chiefs move to KS?
• What will be the new stadium's capacity?
• Will KC host a Super Bowl now?
• Will the Arrowhead name follow?
Some stadium questions you might be wondering about … and answers from those who spoke Monday in Topeka.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
• What will be the new stadium's capacity?
• Will KC host a Super Bowl now?
• Will the Arrowhead name follow?
Some stadium questions you might be wondering about … and answers from those who spoke Monday in Topeka.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
One sideline exchange, caught by CBS cameras, became the lead image of the Chiefs' latest loss on Sunday.
More on a KC team — playing without Patrick Mahomes — that showed a bit of fire.
Even if it lacked the rest:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
More on a KC team — playing without Patrick Mahomes — that showed a bit of fire.
Even if it lacked the rest:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
The lasting image from the Chiefs’ latest loss — this one without Patrick Mahomes
A moment from the second quarter brought out the pride and anger of a couple of Chiefs veterans in their fourth straight loss.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:45 AM
One sideline exchange, caught by CBS cameras, became the lead image of the Chiefs' latest loss on Sunday.
More on a KC team — playing without Patrick Mahomes — that showed a bit of fire.
Even if it lacked the rest:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
More on a KC team — playing without Patrick Mahomes — that showed a bit of fire.
Even if it lacked the rest:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Chiefs’ breakthrough draft class faces emotional end: ‘I would love to stay here’ www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Chiefs’ breakthrough draft class faces emotional end: ‘I would love to stay here’
Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson is a pending free agent but says he would return to Chiefs if things turned out.
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Chiefs’ breakthrough draft class faces emotional end: ‘I would love to stay here’ www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder outlined the next steps for QB Patrick Mahomes in the recovery from his knee injury — and also a tentative timeline: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Chiefs lay out next steps for Patrick Mahomes, won’t rule out return for 2026 opener
The Chiefs' head athletic trainer said nine months is the standard recovery time for an injury like Mahomes', give or take a month or two.
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder outlined the next steps for QB Patrick Mahomes in the recovery from his knee injury — and also a tentative timeline: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Will Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes be a quick healer from injury? Why Andy Reid thinks so: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Chiefs’ Andy Reid expects Patrick Mahomes to recover quickly from injury
Mahomes will get a second opinion on his knee from Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys team physician and a well-known orthopedic surgeon.
www.nytimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Will Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes be a quick healer from injury? Why Andy Reid thinks so: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Chris Jones — truthfully, honestly — didn’t know the answer when he asked.
Here's more on his words (and emotions) following the Chiefs' latest loss, as he spoke for a team whose season came apart: www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Here's more on his words (and emotions) following the Chiefs' latest loss, as he spoke for a team whose season came apart: www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
December 15, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Chris Jones — truthfully, honestly — didn’t know the answer when he asked.
Here's more on his words (and emotions) following the Chiefs' latest loss, as he spoke for a team whose season came apart: www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Here's more on his words (and emotions) following the Chiefs' latest loss, as he spoke for a team whose season came apart: www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The Chiefs are 6-7, yet they're still 5 1/2-point favorites against the 9-4 Chargers.
Why is that?
I spoke to an oddsmaker to explain that number — and also to get his take on the Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Why is that?
I spoke to an oddsmaker to explain that number — and also to get his take on the Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Why are 6-7 Chiefs still betting favorites over 9-4 Chargers? An oddsmaker explains
Despite a disappointing 6-7 record and losses in four of their last five games, the Chiefs are still respected in Las Vegas. Here's why.
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The Chiefs are 6-7, yet they're still 5 1/2-point favorites against the 9-4 Chargers.
Why is that?
I spoke to an oddsmaker to explain that number — and also to get his take on the Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Why is that?
I spoke to an oddsmaker to explain that number — and also to get his take on the Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The Chiefs' playoff odds are not good — but they're also not dead.
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Why Chiefs’ best playoff path would require a cruel twist: Cheering on the Broncos
Here's how The Athletic's Playoff Simulator handicaps the Chiefs' current odds of making the postseason.
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Chiefs' playoff odds are not good — but they're also not dead.
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
More on the Chiefs' fourth-and-1 call vs. the Texans:
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Why Chiefs’ fourth-and-1 play didn’t work — and what Andy Reid thinks about it now
The Chiefs had everything they could've wanted on a late fourth-and-1 play call. Here's why it still went wrong.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:23 PM
More on the Chiefs' fourth-and-1 call vs. the Texans:
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...