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Chiefs thrilled about the return of Travis Kelce, who is ‘training like crazy’

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Chiefs thrilled about the return of Travis Kelce, who is ‘training like crazy’

PALM BEACH, Fla. — One of the first people to learn of Travis Kelce’s decision this offseason was Andy Reid, the only head coach Kelce has played for in his 12-year NFL career.

Kelce, the future Hall of Fame tight end, informed Reid that he wasn’t retiring less than a week after the Kansas City Chiefs’ disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

“I just wanted him to put it out there and not me,” Reid said Monday. “I always like guys to step back (after the season), but he wants to come back and he’s training like crazy, too.”

Ahead of what could be the final season of Kelce’s illustrious career, Reid said at the NFL owners’ meetings that the Chiefs plan to find better ways to support him within the structure of their offense. Last season, Kelce, 35, was forced to carry a lot of the offense along with quarterback Patrick Mahomes after receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown and running back Isiah Pacheco suffered significant injuries. Kelce led the Chiefs with 133 targets, but his 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns were career lows.

Reid acknowledged that one way for the Chiefs to manage Kelce’s effectiveness is by playing him less than the 940 snaps (84 percent of the offense) he had last season, even though he likes taking every snap and practice rep.

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“I’ll see when he comes back and see where he’s at,” Reid said. “He’s learning when to come out when he needs it.

“We were banged up at the (receiver) positions, so that doesn’t help a tight end’s cause at all. The healthier we can be around him, he can still be productive.”

Kelce finished Super Bowl LIX with just four receptions on six targets for 39 yards. It was the first time in his career that he was held without a reception in the first half of a postseason game. Mahomes never got in rhythm against the Eagles, either. The Philadelphia defense dominated the line of scrimmage, exploiting the Chiefs’ biggest weakness: the offensive line. The Eagles’ four-man pass rush generated 16 pressures and sacked Mahomes six times, the most in his career.

Two days after the loss, Kelce revealed on the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother and former Eagles center Jason Kelce, that he was contemplating retirement. In early March, though, Kelce explained his reasons for returning for the upcoming season.

“The biggest thing is that I f—— love playing the game of football,” Kelce said on his podcast. “I still feel like I can play at a high level — and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing. I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them, especially if you look at my track record in how I’ve been in (previous) years.

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“I want to give it a good run. I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth on how I ended the year and how accountable I was for the people around me.”

This offseason, the Chiefs re-signed Brown to a one-year contract. The deal ensured the team’s top three wide receivers — Brown, Rice and Xavier Worthy — will get the chance to play together in 2025, which should help Kelce find more space in the middle of the field. The Chiefs could also select a receiver or a tight end in the NFL Draft later this month, someone who would have the chance to learn from Kelce.

“I’m so excited that he’s going to be back,” club owner Clark Hunt said of Kelce. “I think deep down, (general manager) Brett (Veach), Andy and I felt like he would be back. He loves the game, he loves his teammates and I know Coach Reid is excited to have his energy back in the building for at least one more year.

“He’s not going to tell us which year is going to be his last year. He’s been an important part of the success that we’ve had over the last seven years. He’s already a Hall of Famer and he has a special chemistry with Patrick. I think like every year, it’s going to be fun to see the two of them work their magic again this year.”

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Mahomes back to work

Well ahead of the Chiefs’ offseason program, which will start later this month, Mahomes already looks different. In late February, Mahomes appeared courtside at a home men’s basketball game for Texas Tech, his alma mater, with a new haircut, cutting his Mohawk in favor of a short, more mature drop fade.

Mahomes looks different in the gym, too. Known the past several years for his Dad Bod — a pudgy midsection to go with defined muscles in his arms and legs — he has slimmed down, shedding pounds after several workout sessions with Bobby Stroupe, his longtime performance trainer in Tyler, Texas.

“He’ll come back even better than he was — and that’s the great thing about him,” Reid said of Mahomes. “In your career, you’re always working your game against these brilliant defensive coordinators. The work is never done. He did last offseason, too, but he does a good job of keeping himself in great shape. You can see that after he runs the ball and he’s not completely gassed after the play. He’s played a lot of games and taken a few hits.

“As for the haircut thing, he’s been saying he’s going to do that for the last two years. It’s not like he did it just because of the Super Bowl.”

Mahomes, who will turn 30 in September, is the league’s 13th-highest-paid quarterback, tied with Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) with an average salary of $45 million. Hunt, however, said Monday that the Chiefs don’t plan to adjust his contract again. In September 2023, the Chiefs restructured it, paying him $210.6 million over the next four seasons. At the time, it was the most in NFL history over four years.

“We upgraded his deal within the confines of his original 10-year extension,” Hunt said. “That really put in place a system that I don’t see changing for several years.”

Hunt pleased to retain Smith, Bolton

The Chiefs’ best two moves this offseason, according to Hunt, were Veach retaining right guard Trey Smith and linebacker Nick Bolton.

Before the league’s new year, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Smith, preventing him from becoming a free agent and guaranteeing him a one-year salary of $23.4 million. A couple of weeks later, the Chiefs signed Bolton to a three-year, $45 million deal, including $30 million guaranteed.

Hunt acknowledged Monday that the increase in the league’s salary cap to $279.2 million helped the Chiefs accomplish one of their biggest missions. The Chiefs had been operating under the belief that the salary cap would be around $270 million.

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“We’re delighted to have both of them with us in 2025 — and hopefully for a long time past this season,” Hunt said of Smith and Bolton.

Smith, a Pro Bowl guard who was ranked as the second-best free agent in The Athletic’s top 150, would’ve been the most coveted free-agent offensive lineman this spring.

Known for his athleticism and durability, Smith has started 80 of 81 games, including playoffs. He has been dominant in the running game and has improved in pass protection for Mahomes. Last season, Smith played 655 pass-blocking snaps and didn’t allow a sack.

“Ultimately, man, I can only focus on working out and training,” Smith said last week on “Up & Adams” with host Kay Adams. “I love Kansas City, it’s my home and I love the Chiefs. The fans in Kansas City are some of the best people I’ve ever been around. Ultimately, I would love to stay there. That’s my plan.”

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Smith is projected to command a four-year, $86 million contract, including $52.5 million guaranteed, according to Pro Football Focus. The Chiefs could sign him to a five-year deal with at least $50 million fully guaranteed, which would be the most ever for a guard. The team prefers a five-year deal because it would be better to spread the money over those years while also projecting that the salary cap will continue to increase.

Smith is the lone player in the league still on the franchise tag. The deadline for him and the team to agree to a contract extension is 3 p.m. CT July 15. Hunt is confident the Chiefs will sign Smith to an extension.

“Our desire, and I believe Trey’s as well, is to work out a long-term deal,” Hunt said. “We want to get that done before the deadline.”

(Photo: David Eulitt / Getty Images)

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Jazz Chisholm explains why he still won’t wear a cup after fouling a pitch into his own groin

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Jazz Chisholm explains why he still won’t wear a cup after fouling a pitch into his own groin

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Men around the country are still wincing from the sight of New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. fouling a pitch straight into his own groin.

It was bad enough that Chisholm had to leave the game, and it left many wondering why he wasn’t wearing a cup to protect himself.

Well, now we have an answer.

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New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. took a brutal shot to the groin on Thursday night. (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

Yankees beat writer Gary Philips shared some quotes from Chisholm explaining why he wasn’t a cup guy before taking a foul ball to the cojones, and why he isn’t going to be a cup guy moving forward.

WEEKS AFTER BULLFIGHTER SUFFERED PERFORATED RECTUM, ANOTHER WAS GORED IN GROIN AND REQUIRED EMERGENCY SURGERY

Chisholm said that the pain level was a “million,” and that, “If you ever got hit in the testicles, you would know.”

Most males reading this just nodded at that statement.

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But Chisholm revealed that despite cups being mandatory in the minor leagues, he still skipped them and will continue to because he trusts his own defensive abilities.

“I’ve never worn a cup,” he said. “I’ve never been hit in the balls. That was just unlucky.”

Now, there are times when I wonder why men don’t wear cups all the time just for some peace of mind (I feel that way about helmets too). You wouldn’t regret not wearing a cup until the moment you’re at a cookout and a rogue volleyball puts you in shambles.

But I also like that Chisholm trusts himself to react and protect the boys. I’ve always said that a fairly significant part of a man’s life is devoted to protecting his lower anatomy.

You’re ever vigilant, trying to steer clear of anything that could leave you doubled over on the ground, and spouting off every expletive you know and several others you didn’t realize you knew.

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. says he’ll rely on his defensive abilities instead of wearing a cup moving forward. (David Richard-Imagn Images)

Waist-high branches, table corners, projectiles, bicycle seats, even a pet jumping in your lap when you’re not ready.

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Chisholm is self-aware enough to know where his self-preservation reflexes stand, and I respect that.

But if he takes another foul ball to the lower area of his body, he might want to start rethinking that stance on cups.

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Summer football notebook: Running back AJ McBean transfers to Gardena Serra

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Summer football notebook: Running back AJ McBean transfers to Gardena Serra

There have been dozens of football transfers in Southern California during the offseason, but the one transfer who could make the greatest impact is running back AJ McBean, who announced he was leaving Mira Costa High for Gardena Serra.

McBean, who ran 10.55 seconds in the 100 meters this spring thanks to Mira Costa’s track program and his commitment to getting faster, joins a Serra offense that returns all five starters on the offensive line. He’s got the speed and strength to help the Cavaliers make up for not reaching the Southern Section playoffs last season out of the extremely competitive Mission League.

He’s been a long-time resident of Hermosa Beach, so what would motivate him to leave Mira Costa after recently making a commitment to Stanford? He apparently wants to prepare for college by being used in a more versatile role catching passes out of the backfield to show off his many skills. At least that’s what his family told coach Scott Altenberg. Mira Costa was changing its offense to better feature him, so it’s a tough loss for the Mustangs.

McBean will have to move to become eligible immediately.

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Hope at Whittier

Former Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez, in his first season at Whittier, has already discovered a talent he can’t wait to develop. Offensive and defensive lineman Joseph Medina from the class of 2028 has made quite a first impression on Hernandez.

Medina didn’t play last season, “and in three months that we have been here, he is off the charts,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez calls him “a great technician and amazing leader.”

Agoura QB depth

Never has coach Dustin Croick of Agoura had more quality depth at quarterback than what he will have this season thanks to two newcomers.

Junior Kris Carranza has transferred from Sierra Canyon to Agoura and is a top candidate to start. The Chargers are also adding incoming freshman quarterback Emerson Andrews, whose father, David, played tight end at Ohio State and was a member of the 2002 national championship team. He is director of athletic performance for UCLA’s men’s basketball program. If anyone has a strength and conditioning question, submit it to Emerson, who knows someone.

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Commitments rolling in

With college recruiters headed on vacation, lots of players decided to make commitments to make sure they have a “certain” destination. There’s also a new trend of players announcing on social media posts that they are “shutting down” their recruitment, which is supposed to mean their decision is final. Then how come others keep recruiting them? Because it’s never final in this era of NIL.

Quarterback Chris Fields, the City Section player of the year from Carson, committed to Georgetown. Offensive lineman Micah Butler from Hamilton committed to Sacramento State. Kicker Gabriel Goroyan of Westlake committed to Stanford. Defensive back Wesley Ace from Gardena Serra committed to San Jose State.

Man among boys

USC recruiters deserve praise for identifying the best in Southern California and pursuing them with great intensity. There’s no doubt that Damien safety Gavin Williams, a USC commit, will be the standard for excellence this coming season. He’s fast and strong and players who don’t adjust to his physical skills are in for a surprise.

Damien won the Chaminade seven-on-seven passing tournament on Saturday, beating Crespi in the final. On the first play, Williams caught a long touchdown pass, sprinting well past the defender who had no idea how fast he runs.

First-year coaches galore

It’s going to be fun tracking the progress of first-year football coaches this season because there are so many at well-known programs. The question of who will have the best record should be debated all summer.

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Iggy Porchia became the latest new hire, replacing his mentor, the late Angelo Gasca, at Venice.

There should be a competition on which new private coach will have the best record and which new public school coach will have the best record. There’s so many candidates with new coaches at JSerra, Orange Lutheran, Servite, Los Alamitos, St. Francis, St. Bernard, Bishop Montgomery, Oaks Christian, Whittier Christian, Bishop Alemany, Muir, Pasadena, Long Beach Poly, Arroyo, North Hollywood, Sun Valley Poly and on it goes.

Transfer issues coming

It appears the Southern Section will be busy again this fall after last year’s eligibility scandal when it declared 19 transfer students ineligible at Bishop Montgomery, resulting in the varsity season being ended after one game and forcing the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to clean up what looked like a preventable mess.

This time it could be public schools facing scrutiny. The same rumors that started last summer about schools loading up on transfers are circulating again this summer. Principals who don’t act after multiple transfers seemingly out of nowhere start showing up to play football only have themselves to blame.

And schools that delay submitting transfer paperwork until the last minute thinking investigators will be too busy to spot an error don’t understand the process.

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City Section commissioner Vicky Lagos has a policy that she immediately schedules a meeting with the administration, athletic director, coach and parents when one school receives multiple transfers to review paperwork. The Southern Section deployed AI last fall to help it catch parents submitting false information.

So prepare for more exciting times. It’s like a cat-and-mouse game. And don’t forget about the anonymous emails identifying parents not living at the official address they put on their transfer paperwork.

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Cubs look to build on offensive breakout against struggling Blue Jays starter Patrick Corbin

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Cubs look to build on offensive breakout against struggling Blue Jays starter Patrick Corbin

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I’m glad we didn’t take the run line yesterday in the baseball game. We had the under eight for the game between the White Sox and Tigers, and it ended 4-3. The Tigers did pull off the win, but as I mentioned, it wasn’t justified that Detroit should be -250, even with Tarik Skubal on the mound. Today, we shift to the Chicago National League team as the Cubs host the Blue Jays.

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The Toronto Blue Jays are a team I’ve written about probably more than most squads in the league. That’s not a complaint or anything, it just happens that I see a lot of value in their games. Most of that is because when they are favorites, they aren’t big favorites given their 37-39 record and rash of injuries to their pitching staff. When they are dogs, they are usually pretty small pups, offering little value, but that means the opposing favorite isn’t too high of a price.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Ali Overstreet/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (Ali Overstreet/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Jays were blitzed by the Cubs yesterday, and they will need a strong start today from Patrick Corbin. The once highly touted hurler is just 2-3 with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He had a decent year with the Rangers, but seems to be struggling again, as he did in his time with the Nationals. Corbin is a little more reliable on the road, given that he has pitched 10 more innings and has allowed three fewer runs on the road than at home, leading to a 3.57 ERA. He hasn’t given the Blue Jays much lately, going just 11.2 innings in three starts and allowing 11 runs on 17 hits. Cubs hitters are very strong against him, batting .316 against him.

The Cubs are one of the more frustrating teams to watch this season. Perhaps that is me just saying that as a fan of the team, but they’ve had two 10-game winning streaks, and also a losing streak of 10 games. Since May 9, the team has gone 13-24. Sure, some of that can be attributed to injuries to their pitching staff — they have only two healthy starters from the beginning of the year. But, most of this needs to be placed on the hitting of the club. Nico Hoerner is batting .238, Ian Happ is at .228, and Dansby Swanson is a pathetic .177.

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Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement hits a three-run home run during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles in Toronto on June 6, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)

Still, the Cubs broke out the bats yesterday, and Pete Crow-Armstrong looks like the five-tool player from the first half of last season. If they can get some pitching, maybe they will be the dominant team we saw earlier this year. Today’s starter is Colin Rea, who has not been very good this month. He has made three starts, allowed 19 hits, and 13 earned runs over 14.2 innings pitched. He has, however, been much better at home with a 3.03 ERA in five starts (six appearances). Blue Jays hitters haven’t seen much of him, but are hitting .176 against Rea in 17 at-bats.

There is a clear player prop to play in this one. However, the bad news is that he is not on the list of options, so you might need to request or find him in a different book other than DraftKings. Michael Conforto is 12-for-36 against Corbin with seven extra-base hits, including five homers. I’d play him at 2+ total bases and at one homer as long as you can get +200 or better for the bases, and +700 for the homer prop.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after getting hit by a pitch in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images)

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If you can’t find it, or they never post it (but I have to imagine they will give options once he is added to the lineup, and he absolutely should be, given his history), I still have a play. I’m taking the Cubs at -130 here. Rea isn’t the most reliable, but he should at least be decent here, and the Cubs will have the fresher bullpen. Give me the Cubs to win this one.

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For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 

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