SportsBeat KC podcast: Just how did the Chiefs pull off the Super Bowl triumph?
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Episodes
SportsBeat KC
A podcast about the biggest sports stories in and around Kansas City. Covering Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, University of Kansas, University of Missouri, Kansas State University and more. Hosted by Blair Kerkhoff.
Episodes
Here’s how the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII against Philadelphia Eagles
The interviews for players and coaches at Super Bowl LVII have ended but the conversation continues on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell plus beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope broke down the game and discussed the storylines for the Chiefs’ third Super Bowl appearance in the past four years. We made the case for the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that matches top seeds from the AFC and NFC for the first time since 20...
Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and more on final day of Super Bowl interviews
Whew! The Super Bowl media sessions are over. Chiefs and Eagles spent part of the past four days chatting it up with reporters and now that obligation is out of the way. It will soon be about playing Super Bowl LVII instead of talking about it. On today’s SportsBeat KC we caught up with a handful of Chiefs, starting with Travis Kelce. He spoke about redefining the tight end position and how his brother Jason, the Eagles center, was his lifeline in college. Next up is defensive coordinator Steve ...
Podcast: How the NFL’s top quarterback remains motivated & more from Patrick Mahomes
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How is a Super Bowl organization built? Chiefs CEO shares his blueprint
Chiefs CEO and owner Clark Hunt said he learned some big lessons some 12-15 years ago, when things weren’t going well for the Chiefs, that led him to make some philosophical changes that led to the success the organization now enjoys. “I think about that period frequently,” Hunt said. “I knew we were going to have a tough time. When I took over we have a very old roster and had not drafted well.” Hunt shared that idea and many others on Tuesday at the Super Bowl with a small group of reporters. ...
Breaking down this Super Bowl with Joe Valerio, Philly guy + ex-Chiefs center
Like the Kelce family, with brothers competing on each side of Super Bowl LVII, former Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Valerio has flags planted in both Kansas City and Philadelphia. Valerio spent five of his six NFL seasons playing center with the Chiefs. Among his claims to fame: He caught four touchdown passes. Valerio grew up in Philly, was the Chiefs’ second-round draft pick in 1991 and now lives in Philadelphia. He also co-hosts the Bleav in Chiefs podcast. Few have better perspective on both...
Podcast: Chiefs, Eagles took different playoff paths to Super Bowl. Who has the edge?
The Chiefs have been here before and recently. They’re preparing to play in the third Super Bowl in three years when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Ariz. So, this week, and not next, is the heavy lifting with the game plan. We talk about what the Chiefs looked to get done this week and several other topics on today’s SportsBeat KC, the Star’s daily sports podcast, with columnist Sam McDowell and beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope. Also discussed: Does either...
Hear what Reid, Mahomes and other Chiefs had to say about the Super Bowl
The Chiefs spoke to reporters for the first time since qualifying for Super Bowl LVII, which means they’re speaking to you on SportsBeat KC. You’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, Frank Clark and Nick Bolton on today’s show. Reid provided the update on injuries. The Chiefs had to deal with several during the game against the Bengals. Who does Reid expect to play against the Philadelphia Eagles Mahomes provided an update on his high ankle sprain. Clark spoke about his special relationship w...
Considering the legacy stakes for Chiefs, Mahomes, Reid at Super Bowl LVII
The Chiefs’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game meant a Super Bowl berth for Kansas City but there is deeper meaning to the organization, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss these topics on today’s SportsBeat KC. How much did the Chiefs need to win to continue to claim they’re the top dogs in AFC, and same for Mahomes as the league’s top quarterback. Losing to the Bengals and Joe Burrow for a second straight year wou...
Hear from Butker, Cook more inside the Chiefs’ AFC title game locker room
Today is the locker room show podcast. SportsBeat KC goes into the Chiefs’ locker room and the interview room and you’ll hear from several of the key players in the team’s victory over the Cinicinnati Bengals for the AFC Championship. From the locker room, you’ll hear from kicker Harrison Butker, who booted a 45-yard game-winning field goal with three seconds remaining; also, from safety Bryan Cook, one of ten rookies who played in the game and among the many who made an impact. Cook’s pass brea...
A podcast about the Chiefs’ dramatic victory that sends them to Super Bowl LVII
For the third time in four years, the Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl. And we couldn’t wait to discuss it. On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell broke down the Chiefs’ 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game. Along the way, we focus on heroes that were expected, like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, and some that weren’t, like rookie Skyy Moore. The game came down to big plays by all three units: the ...
Who wins Chiefs-Bengals, what are the keys and what does it all mean?
For the second straight year the Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals will meet in the AFC Championship Game, and it’s time to get in the final words. On today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear two conversations with The Star’s coverage team. Beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope break down the key factors from both sides, and what the Chiefs must do differently to end a three-game losing streak to Cincinnati. Also, much will Patrick Mahomes be limited with his high ankle sprain? Then, columnists Sam M...
SportsBeat KC podcast: High ankle sprain drama. Hear from Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid
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First update on Mahomes’ availability stops short of full endorsement
The first report on Patrick Mahomes’ high ankle sprain and availability for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals came from Mahomes himself through Andy Reid, who referred to a Mahomes’ line after the Chiefs defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round. “He told you guys, I mean, he mentioned to you that’s he’s going to play,” Reid said. “That’s his mindset, and then we’ll just take it day by day and see how he does.” But Reid cautioned that he wouldn’t ...
SportsBeat KC podcast: Taking time to appreciate Chiefs’ playoff victory over Jaguars
The AFC Championship Game is set and it’s on repeat. The Chiefs will play host to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday with the winner headed to the Super Bowl. The meetings between these teams over the past two seasons have been close, all decided by a field goal. The problem for the Chiefs is they’ve lost all of them, even after holding a lead in the fourth quarter in every game. Patrick Mahomes vs. Joe Burrow is the headliner, but there are plenty of other intriguing matchups in this one, and we ...
Podcast: Our speculation became reality with Royals signing of Aroldis Chapman
From a roster standpoint, it had been a mostly quiet off-season for the Royals, but the team made a splash by signing left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman to a 1-year deal. Maybe the change of scenery will serve Chapman well. He had been a dominant closer for much of his time with the Yankees and the Reds, Blue Jays and Cubs before that, winning a World Series ring in Chicago. But he missed a mandatory team workout before a playoff series and was left off the team’s roster. On today’s show...
How the Chiefs get it done against the Jacksonville Jaguars in playoffs
Some players are in line for firsts when the Chiefs meet the Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead. Chris Jones seeks his first playoff sack. Trevor Lawrence has never lost a Saturday game, in high school, college or pro football (37-0), Isiah Pacheco has never won a postseason football game. We discuss all of that and much more on SportsBeat KC, the Star’s daily sports podcast, with Chiefs beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope. More talking points: The ...
Former Jags tight end Clay Harbor breaks down Chiefs-Jacksonville
Playoff time has arrived in Kansas City. It’s Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round on Saturday in GEHA Field at Arrowhead, 3:30 p.m., kickoff. Plan accordingly. On today’s SportsBeat KC, we get perspective from both sides. Clay Harbor is a former NFL tight end, who started his career with Andy Reid’s Philadelphia Eagles and played four seasons with the Jags. He co-hosts the Bleav In Jaguars podcast and broke down Jacksonville’s amazing run to finish the regular season and ...
K-State’s Jerome Tang wants to tip the fan love/hate balance in KU rivalry
The Sunflower Showdown, Part I, is tonight when Kansas visits Kansas State and it’s everything you’d want in a Big 12 game: a pair of ranked teams–KU is No. 2, K-State No. 13–ESPN coverage, what should be incredible atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, first-year Wildcats Coach Jerome Tang would like to see things toned down a bit at Bramlage Coliseum. Show love for Kansas State more than hate for Kansas, is the message. You’ll hear that suggestion on today’s SportsBeat KC with beat writer Kellis...
This isn’t the same Jaguars team that came to Kansas City earlier in season
The Chiefs know their playoff opponent and it’s time to gear up for the game. Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m., and it’s a rematch of a regular-season meeting. On today’s SportsBeat KC, we look ahead to the game and back at the Chiefs’ 27-17 victory in Week 10 with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnists Sam McDowell at Vahe Gregorian. How have Coach Doug Pederson’s Jaguars improved since the game, when ...
Podcast: Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State on a collision course in Big 12 hoops
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AFC playoffs will produce Chiefs’ next opponent. Who should they want?
It’s a TV remote weekend for the Chiefs as the NFL playoffs commence. As the top seed in the AFC bracket, the Chiefs will watch games instead of playing in one. That happens in the Divisional Round the following weekend. So as the Chiefs flip around the games, who would they want to play next week? That’s our primary topic on today’s SportsBeat KC with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, along with columnists Vahe Gregorian. We also discuss the rise of running back Jerick McKinnon and wh...
Bad night for TCU, great news for Michael Bishop, Jeremy Maclin & ex-Chiefs
About the College Football Playoff Championship Game on Monday...oof. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses Georgia’s dominance over TCU and how the Big 12’s first appearance in the title game became a debacle. Before the game there was other college football news. Announced as College Football Hall of Fame members were former Kansas State quarterback Michael Bishop and Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Joining Maclin in the Hall will be fellow former Chiefs Eric Be...
By winning, Chiefs clinch playoff bye and everything that goes with it
The NFL playoff field is set, the games are scheduled and the Chiefs get a week off. Those developments were set in motion when the Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 31-13 on Saturday. By winning, the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the first-round bye. Because the Buffalo Bills won on Sunday, the road to the AFC Championship won’t necessarily run through Kansas City. if the Chiefs and Bills meet for the AFC title, the game will be played at a neutral site. Those topics and oth...
Is it true that life’s not always fair at end of close games when playing KU? A podcast
The final seconds tick away in a close game against Kansas. The opponent it taking the ball to the basket, and there’s contact with the defender. Foul or no? For the past two games the answer has been no, and the Jayhawks survived both times. On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, college basketball beat writers Gary Bedore, Kellis Robinett and Shreyas Laddha discuss the late no-calls and whether KU gets more than its share of those calls, or non-calls. Also, we discuss the arri...
Chiefs, NFL final weekend arrives with uncertainty about how to finish
It’s a regular-season finish like no other in the NFL. As the Chiefs prepare to kick off Week 18 with a Saturday afternoon game at the Las Vegas Raiders, there is uncertainty about how to end the season. The Bills at Bengals game on Monday was suspended after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest in the first quarter. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star beat writers and columnists break down not only the Chiefs-Raiders game but the NFL’s options for the regular-season and playoff ...
Game of the year, NCAA champs, World Cup call. Can ’23 top ’22 in KC sports?
Sure, we could have rolled out a SportsBeat KC podcast review of 2022 sports in and round Kansas City in, you know, 2022. But what if Kansas State had won the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve? That would have made anyone’s yearly sports highlight list. So Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell joined host Blair Kerkhoff and did the prudent thing by waiting. The Wildcats did not reward our patience, but their winning the Big 12 championship was one of the area’s biggest stories in a year ful...
Beats the alternative of Chiefs playing well and losing. Another close call
With their 27-24 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs made it 15 straight over their AFC West rival, improved to 5-0 in the division and 13-3 overall. What’s not to like about the outcome? Well, if the Super Bowl is the objective, it was a bit discomforting to see the Chiefs continue their special teams problems and for Patrick Mahomes to be off his game early in the second half. We discuss those issues on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s first sports podcast of 2023. The show with columnists Va...
SportsBeat KC podcast: What are Kansas State’s chances against Alabama in Sugar Bowl?
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As the AFC West (and Chiefs’ next 2 opponents) turns, KC marches on
It’s Chiefs vs. Broncos on Sunday and Denver has a new coach: Jerry Rosburg, a longtime special teams coach in the NFL and the team’s director of game management operations, was elevated earlier this week when Nathaniel Hackett was fired. What should the Chiefs expect from an interim regime? That’s a topic on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell. The Broncos aren’t the only AFC West team that made a big ...