SportsBeat KC

The NFL Combine is over and it’s on to the next NFL off-season thing, free agency. Star beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell spent last week in Indianapolis talking to prospects, team personnel and agents and share their thoughts on SportsBeat KC. Also, Kansas City hosted the annual Committee of 101 Awards on Saturday. It’s the city’s salute to pro football and brought such stars as Lamar Jackson, Stephon Gilmore and Michael Thomas to town. The 50th annual event also saluted the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, and hear what Jackson and Ravens Coach John Harbaugh had to say about their AFC rival.Story links:If Chiefs seek an every down linebacker in draft, NFL combine has mid-round optionsAn Olathe North grad is on the verge of becoming a top 10 pick in the NFL DraftA night to celebrate pro football in Kansas City, Chiefs and Mahomes drew bulk of the praise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nation’s top-ranked team returns to action on Saturday when Kansas visits Kansas State in the 293rd Sunflower Showdown. Although KU is tied for first in the Big 12 and the Wildcats are buried in last place, emotions run high for this game, evidenced by the brawl that punctuated their meeting last month in Lawrence. KU beat writers Jesse Newel and Gary Bedore talk about the contest and other topics with host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:Kansas Coach Bill Self expects K-State crowd to be “turned up” for Saturday’s rematchIf KU basketball gets an overall No. 1 seed, Bill Self would have a choice to makeK-State basketball on the verge of making history for all the wrong reasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a busy SportsBeat KC episode. Star columnist Sam Mellinger joins host Blair Kerkhoff to look ahead of Saturday’s Sunflower Showdown from a Kansas State perspective. The WIldcats are in last place a year after winning the Big 12. What does that mean for K-State Coach Bruce Weber.Mellinger is fresh off a trip to spring training, where he scored an exclusive interview with Royals catcher Salvador Perez. The perennial Gold Glover had some surprising things to say about his future in Kansas City.Also, you’ll hear from Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons. His stock is soaring as an NFL prospect and he played his high school football at Olathe North. SImmons was lightly recruited by area schools. How did that happen? Star reporter Sam McDowell was part of the interview group looking for answers.Story links:Royals catcher Salvador Perez is back, and different: “Having seen him this focused.”K-State basketball on the verge of making history for all the wrong reasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Combine is underway and that means Chiefs are stepping to the podium. General manager Brett Veach addressed the contract decisions involving Chris Jones, Sammy Watkins and others. Also, with a handful of spring training games in the books, the Royals have gotten looks from former star reliever Greg Holland and outfield prospect Khalil Lee. How did they perform? Beat writer Lynn Worthy checks in from Surprise, Arizona, on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Here’s what Chiefs’ Brett Veach said about Chris Jones’ contract, other mattersChiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not need knee surgery, Andy Reid saysGreg Holland has solid first outing in return to Royals as KC faces Hosmer’s PadresThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri has steadied the ship in basketball. The Tigers are 3-2 in their past five games, a run that includes their first successive SEC triumphs. Is it enough for Mizzou to begin thinking about a postseason appearance? Beat writer Souichi Terada and columnists Vahe Gregorian discuss coach Cuonzo Martin’s group and take an early look ahead to spring football, which begins in less than two weeks, on SportsBeat KC.Story links:What must Mizzou do to win on the road? Tigers need to get over the humpDespite loss, Missouri’s Kobe Brown turns in career day at ArkansasMissouri basketball buried by three-pointers in streak-snapping loss to ArkansasThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Scouting Combine is like speed dating. Teams get to know prospects quickly through scouting and interviews and have to make a decision about a relationship over the next few weeks.The Super Bowl champion Chiefs join 31 other teams at the event in Indianapolis, some of which will be televised by the NFL in primetime, and covering the combine are The Star’s Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell. Before heading out, they joined Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Action away from NFL Scouting Combine workouts essential for Chiefs in draft processChiefs offensive line rated well in one area, could use improvement in anotherNFL dynasties start somewhere. We look back at five to see if Chiefs can join themThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Third-ranked Kansas has won 11 straight games and stands 12-1 in the Big 12. But that’s not good enough to lead the league. Top-ranked Baylor rides a 23-game winning streak into Saturday’s game against the Jayhawks in Waco, Texas. They’re two of the nation’s top defensive teams, and Baylor has already won in Lawrence. What are the factors that will decide this college basketball game of the year? KU beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the game with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Versatile KU forward David McCormick explains efficiency with both handshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240383141.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s one thing to watch a college basketball game but if your team is having a good season, you want to know where it might stand in the NCAA Tournament selection pecking order. That’s where Joe Lunardi comes in. Lunardi has been projecting brackets since the mid-1990s and has helped turn bracketology into its own sport for ESPN. Many project brackets. No one is more popular than Lunardi, How does he do it? What are his concerns? And how did bracketology come up during a golf outing in Ireland?Story links:Joe Lunardi on the slice of March Madness he helped create, bracketologyESPN’s bracketology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Tuesday’s heart-stopping triumph against Mississippi, Missouri has won three of four and is playing its best basketball of the season. Reasons for the improvement? Start with the terrific play of point guard Xavier Pinson, who has scored 60 in the previous two games.On the opposite track is Kansas State, which can’t buy a victory these days. The Wildcats take a five-game losing streak into Wednesday’s game at Texas Tech.Beat writers Souichi Terada and Kellis Robinett check in to talk about their teams on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:“I felt untouchable:” How Mizzou’s Xavier Pinson dominated MississippiAs Mizzou hoops heat up, Tigers enter critical stretch with SEC standing at stakeWhy K-State Coach Bruce Weber is considering a new starting five against Texas TechWhy Bruce Weber thinks Kansas State is due for some good luck after latest Big 12 lossThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Herbie Teope likes to call it, “speculation season” in the NFL as commenced. As Sam McDowell responds, “When is it not speculation season?” But free agency for the Chiefs has been a popular topic since their Super Bowl victory, and the Chiefs beat writers join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff and discussing the futures of players like Chris Jones, Bashaud Breeland, Sammy Watkins, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Kendall Fuller, Mike Pennel and more.Story links:Without much salary cap space, Chiefs will need creativity to manage 2020 rosterDefensive line stood tall in playoff run, specially with sacks, but changes loomThe Chiefs good Chris Jones problem and what KC can do about this off seasonThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest AP basketball poll is out with no change at the top. Baylor is first, Kansas is third, meaning their meeting on Saturday in Waco will be the biggest game of the college basketball season. The Bears are bidding to become the first 18-0 team in Big 12 history, while the Jayhawks also are having a FInal Four-type season. How did they get here, and what does their success mean for the Big 12?Story links:Kansas Jayhawks having a top-seed type of season but chasing Baylor in Big 12https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/article240354226.htmlMarcus Morris No. 22 jersey to be retired in KU rafters Monday nighthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240324576.htmlWith old friend Svi in the stands, Marcus Garrett sparks Kansas Jayhawks’ big win over OUhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240244676.htmlBaylor Bears’ men’s basketballhttps://baylorbears.com/sports/mens-basketballThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A baseball milestone birthday was celebrated this week. The Negro Leagues turned 100, and the occasion was recognized in the place of its birth. On Feb. 13, 1920 the Negro National League was formed at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, and this week that’s where baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, Royals owner John Sherman and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick joined others to celebrate the birthday. SportsBeat KC was there to record their tributes.Story links:Negro Leagues at 100: A story of resiliency, courage and America to be shared foreverA year with the Negro Leagues: Players visit iconic KC museum to connect past, presentThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After trailing for most of the game, Kansas picked up a huge victory on Wednesday, defeating West Virginia 58-49. The Jayhawks dominated down the stretch getting get play from Marcus Garrett, Isaiah Moss and Devon Dotson. KU beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the game and discusses the Marcus Morris jersey retirement on Monday on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:KU’s defense has been stellar, especially in last two Big 12 road victoriesA pretty good guess what went into Marcus Garrett’s best steal vs. WVUKU basketball will retire Marcus Morris’ jersey this month, Bill Self announcesThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs are the topic for Star sports columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian. Last week’s Super Bowl championship held deeper meaning for the city than just a championship celebration, and is there a way for the Chiefs to be financially creative and not only sign quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the NFL’s most lucrative contract but also find a way to give defensive lineman Chris Jones a deal he’s earned?Story links:Mellinger Minutes: Time for wasp? Keeping the Chiefs together...and the Royals?Pelosi pays up on Super Bowl bet as Cleaver predicts championship repeatChiefs fans left a reminder of Super Bowl LIV victory at Hank Stram’s graveThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting KC finds itself in an odd position, entering the season as the hunter and not the hunted. For the first time in nine seasons, the club missed the postseason and finished with more losses than victories. A new season dawns and Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes sat down with The Star’s Sam McDowell for a revealing conversation about what went right and wrong last season and prospects for 2020.Story links:After arriving in KC, new Sporting striker Alan Pulido soaked up Chiefs playoff winSporting KC adds midfielder Gida Kinda on 1-year loan from Isreali Preimer League teamSporting KC’s second jersey for 2020 pays homage to Children’s Mercy ParkThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball’s moment of full confidence arrives this week with the opening of spring training camps. Everybody has pennant hopes in the spring. Royals’ pitchers and catchers arrive on Wednesday and the full squad is scheduled to report to Surprise, Ariz., on Feb. 17. Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy breaks down the known (most of the lineup and batting order) and unknown (starting pitching spots) for the team that has lost 207 games over the previous two seasons. Is 2020 a turning point season for the Royals?Story links:Are the Royals ready for a win-now mentality under Mike Matheny?Royals betting former top prospect Maikel Franco still has substantial upsideRoyals must consider taking training wheels off top pitching prospects this springWhat are the similarities between the 2015 Royals and 2019 Chiefs?Thanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What goes into planning a Super Bowl parade? We get insight from Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. Her office helped put together the show through downtown Kansas City on Wednesday, three days after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers. Where did Kansas City get those double-decker buses, and where were they parked before the parade? Were other dates and parade routes considered? Nelson dishes out details and speaks to the other events that made this the busiest week of her career on SportsBeat KC presented by Big O Tires.Story links:Patrick Mahomes had the time of his life at the Chiefs Super Bowl paradeKC police video of car chase before celebration parade shows crowd scramblingWant the paper the Chiefs held up during the Super Bowl celebration? Here’s how to get itThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One place that is not accessible to media during a game is the field itself, and the sidelines. But there’s no escaping NFL Productions’ microphones, and this week a wonderful 40-minute program — Super Bowl 54 Mic’d Up — was released on Youtube. You hear what players and coaches think about plays, big moments, winning and losing during Super Bowl LIV Feb. 2 in Miami. We bring you some of the best of those sounds on this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday, Kansas City and the Chiefs let loose. The Super Bowl parade motored down Grand. According to the schedule players were supposed to ride in busses. But that didn’t last long. Soon they were on the streets, greeting fans, and in the case of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tossing footballs. When the Chiefs got to Union Station, Travis Kelce stole the show. Here’s the recap, plus discussion by Vahe Gregornia, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Patrick Mahomes had time of his life at Super Bowl paradeRed Storm: Thousands brave the cold to fight for their right to partyChiefs players ditched the buses during parade to greet fans, dance on the streetsVideo shows police chase unfold along Super Bowl parade route in downtown Kansas CityThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s keep talking Super Bowl shall we? Yahoo Sports reporter Terez Paylor, who used to cover the Chiefs for The Star, joined his old friends for some late night Chiefs chatter. Paylor joined Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff talking the victory over the 49ers, Patrick Mahomes and even how the Chiefs might shape up for 2020. We keep the Chiefs coversation alive between victory and parade.Story links:Chiefs Super Bowl parade map shows street closures, bathrooms and lost child centersUpdate: How to get copies of Chiefs Super Bowl Kansas City Star newspapers, reprintsChiefs Coach Andy Reid stole a play from 1948 and used it in the Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Chiefs do it? How did they for the third straight playoff game overcome a double-digit deficit to win the game, this time the Super Bowl? The Star’s Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in a breakdown of the Chiefs’ amazing 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. There were plenty of heroes, starting with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and football and sports fans across the country were thrilled for Coach Andy Reid.Story links:Mellinger: A Chiefs story 50 years coming: “Like a fantasy, and it all came true”https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article239895868.htmlGregorian: Chiefs had to suffer through dark moments before finally winning it all Sundayhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article239871683.htmlHere’s how to get copies of Chiefs Super Bowl Kansas City Star newspapers, reprintshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article239871683.htmlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Bowl 54 edges closer and the A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger breaks down the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. What to look for, who to watch, Patrick Mahomes vs. Jimmy Garapollo, what are the X-factors? We discuss it all on our pregame show, which began as a Facebook Live and now presented as a SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Patrick Mahomes’ resolve is his second weapon. It’s been that way since childhoodThe story of the Chiefs’ transformed defense is the story of the franchise’s riseNot developing a sweet tooth is critical to Chiefs’ defensive strategy in Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City Chiefs broadcasters bring voice to the team, and those voices shared in the celebration of the franchise’s first AFC championship in half a century.In this daily episode of the SportsBeat KC podcast, current Chiefs play-by-play man Mitch Holthus, national broadcaster and former Chiefs voice Kevin Harlan and Tom Hedrick, who called Chiefs games in the 1960s and was the national radio broadcaster for Super Bowls I and IV, share their feelings about these Super Bowl Chiefs.You’ll hear some of their most memorable calls. Also, Andy Reid shares insight as the Sunday showcase nears, and Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner offers some thoughts on Patrick Mahomes.Story links:Voice of the Chiefs through the years are enjoying this long awaited Super Bowl ridePower of putting the others first made Tyrann Mathieu critical to Chiefs’ Super Bowl berthRoyals’ Dayton Moore: Kansas City fans are why the Chiefs made it to the Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Chiefs defense come together this season? General manager Brett Veach explains on SportsBeat KC at the Super Bowl. Also, Patrick Mahomes meets the media and expresses his desire to play his entire career in Kansas City. And can the Chiefs become the most popular team in North America? They’re off to a good start in Mexico and Canada with a quarterback who ranks among the game’s best, and offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, who has his hometown of Montreal pulling for him.Story links:With an internationally known QB and a Canadian doctor, are the Chiefs North America’s team?Mahomes wants to play whole career in KC, plus other things Chiefs said at Super BowlWhy we love the Chiefs: Famous Kansas Citians share their passionChiefs fans in Florida suffered in solitude. The Super Bowl brought the world to themThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s get to the questions. The Star’s KCQ has hooked up with SportsBeat KC to answer your Chiefs questions from the Super Bowl. We cover Chiefs topics past and present, like handling the hoopla, what’s happened to LeSean McCoy and Patrick Mahomes’ odds of being the game’s MVP. After a break, Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, who doesn’t often speak publicly, opens up to a small group of reporters about many subjects.Story links:Here’s the path the Chiefs’ Clark Hunt took to reach the best week of his public lifeTravis Kelce, George Kittle set for “some good football for tight ends” in Super BowlOn forgiving Dee Ford, who had dual roles in this Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl matchupAndy Reid says Patrick Mahomes “couldn’t pay Alex (Smith) enough” for sharing his experience49ers Elijah Lee had a security job at Chiefs camp. Now he faces them in the Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening Night at the Super Bowl was quite the spectacle. The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers met the media and others with credentials with fans looking at Marlins Park. The A-team discusses what they hear and saw, and you’ll hear some of the best comments from such Chiefs as Frank Clark, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.Story links:“That one hurt:” Super Bowl approaches but Chiefs still dealing with Kobe Bryant newsSix weird sights from the Chiefs portion of the Super Bowl’s opening night in MiamiCameras click, questions fly as Chiefs officially kick off Super Bowl at Opening NightThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Party in the city where the heat is on ... Welcome to Miami.”The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have arrived at the Super Bowl host city, and we get a jump on the conversation with The Star’s former Chiefs beat writer Terez Paylor, now a national football reporter for Yahoo Sports.Oh, and no chat with Terez would be compete without Terez’s own bagging on his hometown Lions.Also, news of Kobe Bryant’s death Sunday was stunning. Host Blair Kerkhoff remembers one of the NBA’s greatest.Story links:Patrick Mahomes, other Chiefs join KC celebrities past and present in mourning KobeRoad to the Super Bowl: How the Chiefs made it to MiamiThe Yahoo Sports NFL PodcastThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some trivia: Between Len Dawson’s last start and Patrick Mahomes’ first, there have been 29 starting quarterbacks for the Chiefs. Taking a team to the Super Bowl is such a rare thing, and we get Mahomes’ first thoughts on the task ahead since winning the AFC Championship. Also, two defensive players who will play critical roles in the Super Bowl, lineman Chris Jones and defensive back Kendall Fuller, tell us about playing in the biggest game of their lives.Will Chiefs’ Chris Jones be full for the Super Bowl: “1,000-percent,” he saysFrom Montana to Smith and plenty in between, Chiefs enjoyed some San Francisco treats at QBPatrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl run began with his longtime trainer building a better bodyThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The San Francisco 49ers rolled through the NFC playoffs to reach the Super Bowl meeting with the Chiefs. They did it with a powerful running game and great defense, and The Star’s Herbie Teope and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff in a first look at the Niners on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Strange by true: Chiefs’ Coach Andy Reid’s future was shaped at San Francisco StateChiefs improved defense preparing for 49ers dynamic run game in Super Bowl LIVMitchell Schwartz: No grudge against Dee Ford, who Chiefs will see in Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 39 minutes and 59 seconds, Kansas’ 81-60 victory over Kansas State was about the outstanding play of KU freshman guard Christian Braun. Then the last second happened. A benches clearing brawl ended the action. The fight spilled into spectators who sit in the end zones, including some in wheelchairs. Beat writers Jesse Newell, Gary Bedore and Kellis Robinett discuss what went wrong.KU, K-State players brawl in seating area behind basket at end of Jayhawks’ victory.Bill Self calls fight with Kansas State an “embarrassment,” promises quick action“It should have been avoided:” K-State’s Bruce Weber laments final seconds before brawlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Royals outfielder Alex Gordon is closing in on a one-year deal with the club. The seven-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star is a rarity in today’s game, playing his entire career with one MLB team. Also, the Royals re-signed Jorge Soler to a one-year deal. But what does that mean for the home run champion after 2020? And we remember the late Royals owner David Glass with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian.Links to stories we discussed on today’s show:David Glass’ life in Kansas City started rocky and then it go so much betterRoyals and AL home run champ Jorge Soler sign one-year deal to avoid arbitrationRoyals appear poised to bring Alex Gordon back for 2020 seasonThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Super Bowl is set and for the first time in five decades it includes the Kansas City Chiefs. Confetti was still on the field when the A-team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian broke down the Chiefs’ 35-24 victory in the AFC Championship Game and take a first look at the Super Bowl foe, the San Francisco 49ers.Story links:Super Bowl-bound Chiefs return to football’s biggest stage for first time in 50 yearsPatrick Mahomes and the moment that sent Chiefs to first Super Bowl in 50 yearsPatrick Mahomes, 24-year-old face of the Chiefs, is now face of the Super BowlYou knew Mahomes and the offense would be good. Defense made the difference for ChiefsTravis Kelce stole the show in Chiefs’ trophy presentation. Here’s how and whyThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the final day of workouts before the AFC Championship game, we hear from three assistant coaches who will develop the Chiefs game plan against the Titans: special teams coordinator Dave Toub, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Hear what they say about the game, the Titans and head coach Andy Reid.Story links:Why “I’d probably hug him forever” speaks for many rooting for Andy Reid nowThe Chiefs special teams made amends last week. Now they must do same agianst the Titans“People are making something out of nothing” Bieniemy says of calling playsThanks to our sponsor Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to handle Derrick Henry … The impact of the previous meeting … Patrick Mahomes … Chiefs experience in this spot were all topics addressed by the A-Team at Big O Tires in Lee’s Summit. Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian break down the AFC Championship Game between the Chiefs and Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.Story links:Chiefs have spark plug in Mecole Hardman who has energized teams in back to back gamesHow will this Chiefs-Titans game different from the first? Start with the quarterbackNo team has bumfuzzled Chiefs’ Andy Reid like the Titans. He’s out to change thatThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs met the media for the first time as they prepare for the AFC Championship Game against the Tennessee Titans, and you’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, Tyrann Mathieu, Andy Reid, Anthony Hitchens and Mitchell Schwartz on their playoff path and Super Bowl dreams.Story links:Chiefs keys vs. Titans in AFC Championship Game? The mission is simple: Stop HenryChiefs-Titans players to watch: You know about Mahomes, Henry. Here are othersChiefs share stirring highlight video from playoff victory over TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AFC Championship Game week is here with the Chiefs taking on the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The Chiefs seek to end a 50-year drought of reaching the Super Bowl, and we ask, did last weekend’s wild victory over the Houston Texans, where the Chiefs erased a 24-point deficit to win by 20, make bad playoff karma a thing of the past? Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian weigh in.Story links:AFC Championship Game preview: Five things to know about the Tennessee TitansChiefs history comeback isn’t enough nowWith three touchdown catches, Travis Kelce played a huge part in Chiefs’ record comebackThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The craziest Chiefs playoff victory? It has to be. Trailing 24-0 in the second quarter, the Chiefs rallied back for a 51-31 victory over the Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round game at Arrowhead Stadium. Patrick Mahomes was spectacular with five touchdown pass, three to Travis Kelce and the defense came up big. It’s on to the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year and a meeting with the Tennessee Titans. We’ll have you covered all week on SportsBeat KC.Story links:“Let’s do something special:” A Patrick Mahomes speech spark Chiefs’ big comebackChiefs historic comeback isn’t enough nowChiefs safety Sorensen personifies what enabled the Chiefs to come back, beat TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not all Chiefs playoff talk this week, not when the nation’s third and fourth ranked college basketball teams meet. That happens in Lawrence on Saturday when No. 3 Kansas takes on fourth-ranked Baylor. Jesse Newell breaks down the Big 12 mega matchup. Also, the Chiefs coverage A-team gets tackles the topic of Eric Bieniemy who apparently will not get an NFL coaching job this year. We ask why, and try to provide an answer.Story links:The two words Bill Self used to spark his team...After KU’s first plan didn’t workChiefs’ Eric Bieniemy is ready for an NFL head coaching job, now more than ever beforeThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get a preview of The Star’s special section in Sunday’s print editions and currently on the kansascity.com website from columnists Vahe Gregorian, Sam Mellinger and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell. They talked about the stories - Patrick Mahomes flying under the radar, a Royals championship feeling for the Chiefs, getting to know Chris Jones and the importance of secondary play - that help define the team’s playoff push.Story links:Chiefs’ Eric Bieniemy is ready for an NFL head coaching job, now more than ever before“Like flying bullets:” A year later, Chiefs are better prepared for speed of playoffs“Spectacular:” Former Chiefs photographer recalls covering the Super BowlChiefs are a heavy betting favorite against the Texans. Uh ohThanks our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a different Chiefs team that will take the field than the one that started the playoffs a year ago. For one thing, Patrick Mahomes has a year of postseason experience under his belt. He and Chiefs Coach Andy Reid spoke to the advantage of having been there, done that and many other topics that are part of the SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Chiefs-Texans prediction: Great QB battle will go to the Chiefs, Patrick MahomesThese were seven of the Chiefs most electrifying plays from the 2019 seasonChiefs-Texans players to watch: Look beyond the stars for possible difference-makersThanks to our sponsor: Big O TIres Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, what about these Houston Texans, the Chiefs playoff opponent on Sunday? They’ve already won at Arrowhead Stadium this season and now Deshaun Watson, JJ Watt and company look to pull off the upset in the AFC Divisional Round. Aaron Reiss, a former Star reporter who now covers the Texans, provides the latest on Houston. Later, we’ll hear from Texans Coach Bill O’Brien, who spoke with media members who regularly cover the Chiefs.Mellinger MInutes: How the Chiefs might exploit the Texans, a bit about the Royals and moreThis Chiefs-Texans game will be different than the first. Here are five reasons whyEverybody will practice: Chiefs in good shape ahead of playoff game vs. TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Mahomes vs. Deshaun Watson in the AFC Divisional Round is the featured matchup when the Chiefs play host to the Texans on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Texans hope muscle memory kicks in. They defeated the Chiefs 31-24 in Kansas City in Week 6. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teople and Sam McDowell speak to the impact of that game on this one.Story links:Sam Mellinger: Chiefs lose 31-24 at home to Houston Texans, insta-reaction!Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is part of the changing of the guard in AFC playoffsFive things to know about Chiefs’ playoff opponent: Houston TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conference basketball season has arrived in the Big 12 and SEC and Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri all face difficult challenges in their openers. Beat writers Jesse Newell, Kellis Robinett and Souichi Terada break down their teams and look ahead to league play while taking a quick look back at the previous decade.Story links:What are KU basketball’s odds to win the Big 12? Here’s what two projection sites sayK-State Q&A: Chris Klieman’s first four-star recruit, Liberty Bowl, Big 12 basketballMissouri’s depth adds layer of strength as SEC hoops opener at Kentucky approachesThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like their fans, the Chiefs will be watching the AFC Wild Card round playoff games on Saturday. The playoffs start the following week for the Chiefs. Which opponent would provide the best matchup among the Patriots, Texans or Bills. Star columnist Sam Mellinger and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell discuss that and other Chiefs topics on a SportsBeat KC podcast that originated as a Facebook Live. Also, if you can take a former Chiefs player from the 2010s and add him to the current roster, who would that be?The three priorities that guided Chiefs GM Brett Veach in making a good situation even betterSnap counts vs. Chargers: Thronhill’s injury increases Watts’ playing timePanthers, Giants ask to interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy for head coaching jobsIs Arrowhead jinxed? Chiefs struggles in playoffs lead some to wonderThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs are the first topic of 2020. Patrick Mahomes met the media this week and discussed the team’s approach to the playoff bye week among other topics. Later, a couple of huge Chiefs fans, actors David Koechner and Rob Riggle chatted with Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff about their fandom and the Big Slick events that benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital. Big Slick returns to Kansas City for the 11th time in June. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2010s brought incredible coaching stability to Kansas City pro sports teams and area college teams. In the second part of The Star’s decade-in-review, columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff discussing Andy Reid, Ned Yost, Peter Vermes, Bill Self, Bill Snyder and Gary Pinkel. Also, what’s in store for the 2020s? The panel offers its predictions.Story links:Chiefs Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes were meant for each otherHow Ned Yost and the Royals brought out the best in each otherPeter Vermes will be back, but Sporting KC will enact changes. Among them? SpendingFrom Naismith to Self: How eight coaches in 120 years of KU hoops got their jobsThe 18th choice for the job: Bill Snyder’s legacy via former K-State president Jon WefaldGary Pinkel transformed Mizzou football programThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No Wild Card round playoff game for the Chiefs, who felt like they won twice Sunday. They won their way out next week’s schedule with a victory over the Chargers and the Patriots upset loss to the Miami Dolphins. Star reporters Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell joined columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger in breaking down the 31-21 victory over the LA Chargers and prospects in the postseason, which now begins for the Chiefs on Jan. 11 or 12.Story links:Chiefs handle own business against the Chargers, get gift win via Dolphins to claim No. 2 seed - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238803193.html‘You know we’re living right.’ Chiefs take AFC No. 2 seed to begin quest in earnest - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article238801948.htmlThe Chiefs win and get a bye, but it’s not all good news. On the change now required - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article238801788.htmlJust like last season, Chiefs running back Damien Williams rounding into playoff mode - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238813158.htmlThe Chiefs stole the AFC’s No. 2 seed and their sideline erupted in chaos - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238813348.htmlThanks to our sponsor Big O Tires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college football bowl season is in full swing and Kansas State’s postseason game approaches. Beat writer Kellis Robinett tells us what’s in store for the Wildcats when they take on Navy, the nation’s top rushing year, in the Liberty Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Also, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes met with reporters to break down Sunday’s regular-season finale against the LA Chargers and the team’s prospects heading into the playoffs.Story links:Chris Klieman losing sleep over Navy’s offense as K-State prepares for Liberty BowlChiefs’ keys vs. Chargers: Win game you should win, don’t let Austin Ekeler run wildWhy Tyrann Mathieu and the “Honey Badger” were at odds and how they came to co-existThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs conclude the 2019 season against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium with playoff seeding uncertainty. But some potential matchups are better than others. Sam Mellinger, Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope discuss the playoff possibilities on Facebook Live, now a SportsBeat KC podcast presented by Big O Tires. Also, who is the Chiefs MVP? The panel and viewers weigh in.Story links:Chiefs place running back Spencer Ware on injured reserve, activate Xavier Williams - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238710293.html“You never know in this business:” Why Chiefs will play their starters in Week 17 - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238702263.htmlMellinger Minutes: So much Chiefs, plus playoff stuff and KC’s best football players - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article238659753.htmlThanks to our sponsor Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2010s are closing. What were the biggest stories on the Kansas City sports scene in the decade? The Star’s Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff identified the news that shaped the sports and the region’s scene. The Chiefs, Royals and colleges are represented in this SportsBeat KC podcast, the first of two conversations about the decade. The second will be posted next Tuesday.Story links:Royals are World Series champsFor the first time since ‘83. Chiefs draft quarterback in the first round, Patrick MahomesGame on: KU, Mizzou agree to six-year resumption of men’s basketball rivalry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices