🎯 Gridiron Grit & Rookie Grit | The Daily Chief - July 11th

🚀 Trending in the Kingdom

🛡️ Trey Smith: “I lose sleep thinking about protecting Patrick”
The Chiefs guard opened up about his mindset on Up & Adams, showing just how much responsibility he feels for keeping Mahomes upright. That’s the kind of anchor you want in the trenches.

📢 Trey Smith contract buzz
Insider "Rickey" continues to hint that Trey Smith’s extension is nearly finalized — just days before the July 15 deadline. If the Chiefs can get it done, their O-line continuity remains elite.

Other Trending Topics:

• 🧑‍💼 Longtime Chiefs beat writer Nate Taylor has officially joined ESPN as their new Chiefs reporter.

• 🎙️ Xavier Worthy also appeared on Up & Adams this week to talk camp, chemistry, and the offense.

  • Xavier Worthy shared that Coach Andy Reid has been teasing a much more vertical offense in 2025. With burners across the roster, expect KC to let it fly this year.

📚 Daily Fan Education: What Is a “False Start”? 🏃‍♂️💥

A false start is one of the most common penalties in football — especially before the snap. Here's a breakdown:

• What it is: When an offensive player (usually a lineman) moves before the ball is snapped.

• Why it matters: It gives the defense an unfair heads-up and disrupts timing.

• Penalty: 5 yards against the offense and the play is stopped before it begins.

🧠 Imagine this: You're watching the line. Suddenly, a right tackle flinches early. Even if it’s slight, the refs will blow the whistle. It’s a drive killer — and coaches hate it.

🔥 Around the NFL…

🛠️ Jets working to make Sauce Gardner the highest-paid CB
Reports say New York is pushing hard for a deal before the season. Given his elite performance since entering the league, it’s no surprise the Jets want to lock him up long-term.

Other NFL Buzz:

• 🦁 The Lions are closing in on an extension with edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.

• 🟤 Former Raiders QB Derek Carr wants to retire as a Raider.

🗓️ Upcoming Dates

📅 July 15 @ 4 PM ET – Deadline to finalize Trey Smith’s new deal
📸 Ongoing – Chiefs content now live on Instagram @daily_chiefs
🏈 July 22 – Chiefs Training Camp kicks off in St. Joe
🏆 July 31 – NFL returns: Lions vs. Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game

🧠 Did You Know?

Travis Kelce has 178 playoff receptions.
Not just the most among tight ends — the most ever by any player.
Compare that to other active TEs:

• Ertz: 54

• Goedert: 52

• Kittle: 33

That’s not a gap — that’s a canyon. 🏞️ #87 lives in another universe when it matters most. 🛸

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