The Tennessee Titans spent a whole lot of money last offseason, addressing both sides of the ball in a free-agent frenzy.

One of the Titans’ signees was linebacker Kenneth Murray, who was viewed as a rather questionable addition from the start.

Well, now here we are in late 2024, and the Murray acquisition is largely considered a disaster.

As a result, Tennessee could stand to add another inside linebacker heading into the offseason, so why not pursue Kansas City Chiefs star Nick Bolton?

Bolton is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL and has registered 106 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, a couple of fumble recoveries and six passes defended this season.

However, due to the Chiefs’ rather tenuous financial situation, it may prove difficult for Kansas City to bring the experienced defender back into the fold.

That opens the door for the Titans, who are set to enter free agency with solid cap room and can certainly afford to add Bolton.

Remember: inside linebackers are no longer valued like they once were, so they don’t typically make big money on the open market. That means Tennessee may be able to land Bolton on a palatable multi-year deal, and that would be a significant boon to the Titans’ defense.

Bolton joined the professional ranks as a second-round pick of the Chiefs in 2021 and immediately established himself as a force, posting 112 tackles during his rookie campaign.

The following year, the 24-year-old was even better, racking up 180 tackles, a pair of sacks and two interceptions.

Bolton has also been a member of two Super Bowl-winning Kansas City squads, so he brings ample big-game experience to the table.

While offense is certainly a bigger issue for Tennessee, it needs to address its defense, as well, and Bolton would represent a major get.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas alongside local Jewish leaders Thursday night illuminated the City Hall Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.

“We are reminded that we all have beloved traditions and even share cultural themes and values in common,” said Neta Meltzer, the interim executive director for the American Jewish Committee. “We all share this community and each of our thriving is tied to, and dependent on the thriving of others.”

Across the globe, 15.7 million Jews are celebrating Hanukkah, known as the “Festival of Lights.” In Hebrew, Hanukkah translates to “dedication.” The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

In 164 BC, a group of Jewish fighters, Maccabees, at the command of Judah of Maccabees engaged in battle with the Greek army, which captured the city of Jerusalem in 200 BC.

Judah and his fighters took back the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They attempted to re-light their menorah, a then oil-based candelabra, used in Jewish worship.

The fighters found there was only enough oil to hold light for one day. In a miracle, the menorah remained lit for eight days.

Jews commemorate ancestral efforts in the annual Hanukkah holiday, celebrating freedom from injustice.

Jack McCormick/KSHB

Advertisement

“The Jews have absolutely become a resilient people. Certainly back in the times of Hanukkah but so many different times during our history,” explained Jay Lewis, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. “Now today and in the post-October 7th world, there is rising anti-semitism. Our resilience gets tested again and Hanukkah is a good reminder we are resilient, we are a strong people, and we prevailed many times and we’ll prevail again this year.”

Jack McCormick/KSHB

The 2024 Menorah Lighting celebration at Kansas City’s City Hall has only taken place a handful of times. This year, it symbolizes the Jewish community’s presence in the Metro.

“We started it to make sure everybody knew they were welcome, from all faith communities in Kansas City. But certainly for our Jewish sisters and brothers, that you knew you always have a home here at City Hall,” Mayor Lucas told those in attendance.

Jack McCormick/KSHB

Advertisement

For the first time since 2005, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Since 1900, the holiday’s first night has fallen on Christmas five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and now 2024.

Judaism follows the 354-day-long lunar calendar, following the length of time it takes for the moon to revolve around the sun.

Hanukkah lasts eight nights. The shorter lunar calendar means each year, the holiday starts 11 days earlier and can begin as early as Thanksgiving.

Jack McCormick/KSHB

“It’s a beautiful metaphor that Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all right here at the same time. They’re all about light, warmth, and bringing more light into the world. The Jewish community feels totally integrated in the Kansas City Community,” added Lewis. “It’s not this way in every city. In Kansas City, we have multiple religions and cultures that can all be intertwined the way Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are. The fact we can be inside City Hall having this kind of celebration, I don’t think it gets any better than that.”

Jack McCormick/KSHB

Lewis says Jewish communities have remained safe in history during times of strife through their healthy relationship with elected officials and the government.

Thursday night’s display offered Marcee Levin, an Overland Park native, the chance to become more connected in her hometown.

“I just moved back home after being gone for 40 years,” Levin said. “This ceremony shows strength. Having city hall sponsor this shows the Jewish community in Kansas City is so strong and tight-knit.”

Jack McCormick/KSHB

Advertisement

The first night of Hanukkah was Dec. 25 and the final night is Jan. 2. The 12-foot blue menorah located outside City Hall will illuminate a new candle each night of Hanukkah at 7 p.m.

—

KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.

The Kansas State Wildcats decided to switch things up a bit by wearing alternate uniforms for Thursday’s Rate Bowl against Rutgers in Phoenix.

The biggest difference was trading in silver for a white helmet. While most fans liked the look, there were some who weren’t impressed. They felt the Wildcats unis were fine as they were.

Many were more concerned with the Wildcats’ bad luck wearing new digs. They entered having lost the previous four games in a different uniform. It didn’t help K-State trailed 27-17 at halftime to make more fans dislike the new look.

Here are some first-half highlights:

RUTGERS 27 – WILDCATS 17

Rutgers added to their lead with a field goal after picking off Wildcats quarterback Johnson.

RUTGERS 24 – WILDCATS 17

Raymond rushes for another touchdown with a 24-yard run to regain the lead.

RUTGERS 17 – WILDCATS 17

Jayce Brown’s 34-yard rush set up a Dylan Edwards touchdown reception. The offense gets creative utilizing receivers in the run game and the backs coming out the backfield.

RUTGERS 17 – WILDCATS 10

Running back Raymond’s 65-yard run sets up the score by Ja’shon Benjamin.

RUTGERS 10 – WILDCATS 10

The Scarlet Knight failed to capitalize on Ian Strong’s 60-yard reception, and instead have to settle for a field goal to start the second quarter.

RUTGERS 7 – WILDCATS 10

Avery Johnson caps off a Wildcats touchdown drive with a red zone rush. He connected with top receiver Jayce Brown.

RUTGERS 7 – WILDCATS 3

Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond put the Scarlet Knights up 7-3 midway through the first quarter. A few big runs by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis highlighted the touchdown drive.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

Follow our updates on Facebook

X: @KStateOnSI