SuperBowl LIX: Kansas City Worked for Roughly 75 Minutes Thursday Afternoon
By Luke Johnson, Pro Football Writers of America
NEW ORLEANS, La. — Every time the Kansas City Chiefs ran onto the field for team drills during Thursday’s practice at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium, assistant coaches brought positive energy and reminders of what’s at stake with Super Bowl LIX looming Sunday.
Kansas City worked for roughly 75 minutes Thursday afternoon, with the starting offense and defense each running 24 plays against the scout team units. And while coach Andy Reid has been pleased with his team’s focus this week, he has also appreciated the fun energy Thursday.
At one point, while the starting offense was in a huddle, “The Kids Aren’t Alright” by The Offspring started playing over the speakers. As the song progressed, several players started singing along, yelling, “Whoa-oh!” in time with the song.
“They know that it’s a privilege and an honor to be here, but at the same time they want to make sure they enjoy each day,” Reid said. “That’s the thing you probably see. This group has kind of been that way the whole year; it’s a unique group that way.”
After practicing in just shorts and their uniform tops Wednesday, the Chiefs added helmets to their uniform Thursday. Kansas City once again had perfect practice attendance.
It was another crisp practice session, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing only one incompletion against the scout team defense.
“They’re fired up,” Reid said. “The closer you get here, the more they just want to get out and play. They polished some things up, which was important.”
A light, misty rain fell as Kansas City first took the practice field, but it quickly cleared, leaving a cool breeze in its wake on an otherwise warm 81-degree Thursday.
ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman visited the Chiefs practice at Tulane Thursday, and stuck around after to greet Reid — “I’ve known him forever,” Reid said. Several players also made their way over to greet Berman, including Mahomes, a couple of whom told the broadcaster they grew up watching him.
