Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII Press Conference Transcript

All right. Again, we get to start the kind of normal week practice today. This would be equivalent to a Wednesday practice back home, so look forward to that.

(00:16)
With that, time’s yours.

Coach.

Where are we at?

Right in front of you, coach. To your left.

Okay, I’m going to follow him.

Hello. Good morning, Coach Reid.

Morning.

You have the opportunity of being on the ultra modern facilities of the Las Vegas Raiders. Is it the best condition you ever had to prepare for the Super Bowl?

I would say yes. I think I understood the question, preparation for this?

Yeah.

Yeah, so it’s great conditions to prepare for this game. I think our guys have been focused in up to this point. And the facilities are great.

Right here to the left, Coach.

Hey Andy. At this point… Hey, right here.

Okay, good.

At this point, Andy, where do you feel like Travis stands among the greatest tight ends in the history of the game? And do you think being the best ever at his position is something that motivates him?

Yeah, so I think all these guys want to do the best they possibly can and to play the best they possibly can. And then I’d tell you Travis’s numbers probably stand up for themselves. I would tell you that he has an opportunity to go down is one of the best, if not the best tight ends to play.

(01:55)
Does he spend a ton of time worrying about that? I don’t think he does. Every game he goes, “Let’s just go win.” That’s kind of his thinking. However, he’s competitive and during crunch time he’s going to be there for you and want the ball to help out the team.

Right here in the middle.

Yep, gotcha.

Andy, there’s been a lot of teams in various sports in your position where players have talked about it’s so taxing to be in this championship or bust mode year after year after year mentally. How do you make sure that there’s still joy for your players in the day-to-day and it doesn’t become a thing where it’s just trying to have the relief of winning?

Yeah, listen, we try to have fun within the intensity of the game during the week. There’s a time to focus in and a time to mess around and they don’t have to come in where they feel they’re uptight into practice. I think some of that is we keep it relatively consistent so they know what they’re coming into every day. The times are the same. They know the drill that’s coming up. They know when they can focus and need to focus. And then they can also know when they can mess around and goof around with each other and kind of let their personalities show.

We’ll go back-to-back-

Coach, in the fall of ’22, Todd Pinkston was coaching in high school and now he’s your running backs coach. What do you think he has brought to the running backs room? And was his background as a receiver helpful for guys like Isiah Pacheco coming out of the backfield?

Yeah, I think that does help as far as knowing how to run routes. They had Greg Lewis last year, so he was in that same… He kind of came up through that same way. Todd and Greg were different personality-wise, but their fundamentals were the same. And I think that’s healthy for the running backs. Porter Ellett also works in there with Todd, and so he could carry over some of the things that we had last year and we’re doing there with EB’s influence and with Greg’s. So I think all of that helped Todd. However, Todd came with… He’s always been, and I saw this when he was a player, he was willing to teach the young guys that were coming up below him, the wide receiver, at the wide receiver position, and he just had a good way about him with that. And I always thought, “Man, he’d be a really good football coach if he ever chose to go that route.” And then he did at the high school level. He’s got a son that’s a phenomenal player that’s coming up through, ended up going to college here, I believe next year.

(05:06)
But anyways, he’s a good teacher.

Andy, staying on the topic of assistant coaches and moving up through the ranks, how much has being in the Super Bowl year after year affected just coaches not being able to do that on your staff?

Say that one more time.

With your season going so long, how much is that a circumstance of coaches not being able to move up and out?

Yeah, so I want to give them all an opportunity to continue to grow, whether it’s on our staff or somewhere else. So sometimes when the season does go a little bit longer like this, the other spots get filled up on other teams, which allows us to have continuity. And continuity is great. It’s great for me, but from a selfish standpoint and for the team.

(06:03)
But at the same time, I like to promote my guys to have an opportunity to do this thing. Sometimes this coaching can be short-lived in one spot. It’s sometimes short-lived in the National Football League, so if you have an opportunity to move up, I think that’s a positive thing.

Coach Reid, Patrick Mahomes up for Man of the Year. What do you see from a guy who’s able to do so much in the Kansas City community? Family man, do the commercials, lead a team to the Super Bowl and do it all with a passion.

Yeah, he’d have my vote. He’s a great one that way. Always willing to give back time. There’s only so much time in a day. He’s going to exhaust that. He’s great with kids, he’s great with his own kids. He is great with kids, period. And he’s a good dad and husband, so that makes him a pretty good man.

Right here, Coach.

Coach, Contessa Brewer with CNBC. Nice to see you.

Hi. Yes.

Can you give me a sense of the kind of conversations that you’ve had with your team and your staff around gambling ahead of the game in Las Vegas?

Yeah, so the league does a great job with that, of talking to our guys. So we had the league security rep come in and talk to the guys right when we got here, literally when we got here. And that was part of the conversation was gambling. He made it very clear, reinstating the rules and regulations and temptations here, obviously in Las Vegas. So that was addressed, yes.

Andy, over here.

Yep.

Morning, Andy.

Hi, [inaudible 00:07:54].

Good, thanks. Eric Bieniemy, have you had a chance to talk to him by chance, and what do you think his coaching future is? And I’ll have a second one as well.

I did. He actually came in and talked to our team before our last game. So he talked to the offensive guys and hung out with us in our meetings. So I have had a chance to talk to him, and he’s still up for a couple jobs. Yeah.

What do you think his future is in coaching, and would there be a spot on your staff if it doesn’t work out for him somewhere else?

Yeah, I can’t answer the last part because I have no spot right now, but I would tell you, I think it is coaching future is great. I’m obviously a big fan of his and I know the things that he can do.

Hey Andy, Steve White, a little bit to your left.

All right, Steve, there you are.

How’s everything going?

No, it’s good.

Good. Playing a team like San Francisco that does so much out of the slot in that area defensively, what does Trent McDuffie add to the defense to be able to combat some of the things that they like to do?

Yeah, so the 49ers have an offense that has a lot of talent, a lot of guys that can do a lot of things. And so you need flexibility within your secondary linebacker positions. Trent gives us that. He can play the inside slot position. He can really play anywhere in the secondary, whether it’s safety, corner. He is one of our starting corners, but he moves all over the place. He can match up guys, so he’s special that way. Yeah.

Right here.

Andy, could you tell us a little bit about why screen passes plays such a vital role in your offense and what the qualities are in your personnel that make it effective?

Yeah, so when you throw the football there, as much as teams do in this league and as much as we do, screen pass helps counter that rush coming. If a team is willing to push the quarterback up the field and rush the passer, this gives you an opportunity to check it down, get the big guys out there in a blocking position. So it’s really just to counter the pass for you.

Right here.

Hey Andy, Kris Pursiainen, I’m here with WFUV from Fordham. You guys had your chairman and CEO, Clark Hunt, go on Good Morning Football this morning. And he talked about how he had some conversations with you this season. You said, “We’re just a play or two away from turning this thing around.” And he singled you out as being the most optimistic, the most bullish on this group. What did you see in this group that made you so confident?

Yeah, well, I felt that way. We had some drops and that’s really where it was related and we were getting better, but we were a play away for that catch. And it seemed like it came down to that catch three or four games. And in some cases, it was guys that I’d seen make the play before that weren’t doing it at that particular time, but I know they had the potential to make it. So those guys ended up picking it up, doing well here, the stretch here.

(11:31)
And then we had a young guy, Rice, who, Rashee, game was getting better every week. And that’s such a key ingredient when you have a Kelce on the other side, that inside slot receiver. And so, he kept getting better and better and better as we went along and then he started making the play. So he had that group of receivers making the play and then Rashee picking things up as a rookie rapidly. So it all worked out well that way.

Right here in the front row, Coach.

Hi Andy.

Hi.

Heather Yako.

Hi.

Can you touch base on the importance of the initials NKH on the player’s jerseys and the legacy that Norma Hunt leaves behind?

Yeah, she leaves a great legacy behind. I think this might be the first Super Bowl that she hasn’t been here. Just that in itself is pretty spectacular, but her heart was the biggest thing. Great person. Yeah.

Right here, Coach.

Good morning, Coach Reid. Dennis Freeman, news4usonline.com. Coach, is there somebody that reminds… When you see Isiah Pacheco run, is there somebody that… Another running back in the past that he reminds you of?

Yeah, he is a violent runner. I hate even mentioning this because he was a 49er, but Roger Craig was a violent runner. He was coming at you with knees, elbows, hips, everything coming at you at one time. And they were built kind of the same way and ran with that violence. Yeah.

In the back, Coach.

Andy in the back here. Aaron Ladd, KSHB 41.

I know you’re back there.

Somewhere. Yeah, over here.

There we go. All right.

There we go. What did you all see from Nick Bolton when you drafted him? He had an up and down year this year with the injuries. What did you see from him this year development-wise?

Yeah, so Nick is kind of the key to that defense. He’s stuck right there in the middle, so he’s got to be the transmitter between the back end, the secondary, and the front end, the defensive line. He’s able to communicate to both and do it accurately, which becomes important.

(13:47)
And then he’s really a great tackler, so you put that into the instinct category. He’s got great instincts. He’s not the biggest guy, not the fastest guy, but he takes great angles to the ball. And then the place he’s probably improved the most is in his past coverage. He’s really worked at that and gotten better every year with that and has done a nice job this year. And he’s done it with a cast on his hand here for about half the season. So he’s worked through that part too.

Last one in the back, Coach.

Yep.

Hi. Hi. Yes, I’m Robert Cobb from Inscriber Magazine. I have a question for you, Coach. What would you say is the biggest difference between this Niners team you’re facing on Sunday versus team that you faced four years ago, Super Bowl-

Do this. Just raise your hand. Where are you? Okay, gotcha. Okay. There’s a light right there, man.

Sorry about that.

All right.

All right. I’ll repeat the question.

Yeah, fire away.

Okay. I was asking what would you say is the biggest difference between the Niners team you’re facing on Sunday versus the team that you faced four years ago?

Yeah, well actually there are quite a few of the same guys and they played a very high level then. I think they’re even better now. So to answer your question, what McCaffrey would be new, I’d say he’s a pretty big ingredient. And the quarterback’s new and he’s a heck of a football player. But the rest of the surrounding cast is very similar to what they had before.

All right. Thank you.

Okay, good, thanks.

Yeah, Patrick, I’m from Denver and the last time you guys were in Denver in late October, you didn’t look like a Super Bowl team that day. What helped you turn around to get here?

Yeah, I think it’s just the process, just continuing to work hard. Obviously, we had some struggles throughout the season, but guys never hung their head; they just continued to grind through. And it caused us to play our best football at the right time. So every season’s different but you have to continue to work in order to be great.

Hey, Patrick, over here, Evan Walker with WXCI. Can you talk a little bit about Rashee Rice’s development over the course of the season and what that’s been like to work with him?

Yeah, no, a ton of talent. I saw that from day one. But with rookies, especially in Coach Reid’s offense, it takes time. It takes time to learn the different ways we run routes and the way you have to read coverage at the same time. And he just continued to get better and better, and that’s why I think you saw his production really get an uptick as the year went on. And I still think he has a long ways to go. He can continue to get better and better and he could be one of the top receivers in this league.

Hi, Patrick. Chris Jones talked about the fact that you guys are now becoming like the villains of the NFL. There’s a growing narrative out there. I know everyone prefers to be liked, but is it a role that you kind of enjoy in a way? Do you feed off of that?

Not necessarily. I think I just like winning. If you win a lot and that causes you to be a villain, then I’m okay with it. But at the end of the day, I’m going to enjoy playing the game and try to win as much as possible.

Pat, here. Andy Sola, Azteca Deportes. As a team having facing San Francisco years ago, what is the big quality to overcome this time?

I think it’s just their intensity. They play hard every single play. They bring energy and we know it’s going to take our best football. And so for us, we used to come in with that intensity to go out there and play our best. And if we don’t, we’ll lose the game.

Right here, Patrick.

Patrick, how do you view the challenge that you and a lot of other great quarterbacks face of trying to get back here every year, knowing that the roster, especially on offense, is going to keep changing?

I think you just got to try to be the best quarterback you can be for your team. I think that’s what you’ve seen with a lot of the great quarterbacks is whatever their team needs, they’ll go out there and do. And the roster’s always going to change. I explain that to every single player that’s here. You never know if you’re going to be back in this game again. And so try to maximize your moment, maximize your opportunity, and see what you can do in order to make a memory that will last forever.

Pat, back left. Aaron Ladd, KSHB 41. You talked about a Super Bowl routine. It’s Wednesday now. Where are you at in your Super Bowl routine?

Yeah, it’s kind of cool. You kind of are going back to installing the base offense. Obviously, we have the whole

… entire game plan in, but you really focus on that like you would do in a normal week. And trying to make sure you’re ready to go. Obviously you have the media and stuff like that you have to do, but at the same time, it’s a normal week now. We’re going to get back to practice and do what we would do for a normal game day.

Pat.

Patrick, a lot of people over the years have had fun with your running style or your running gait. Is that something… How did you develop the way you run and have you ever gone into a lab and done efficiency measurements or anything like that?

I do stuff like that. I think I’ve gotten better in my running form and faster as I’ve been in the NFL, but it doesn’t look the prettiest, so I think people think I’m slow. I think it’s deceptive. Sometimes I think the defense takes bad angles because they think they’re going to catch me faster than they do. And so, maybe that’s the secret to my speed is that I run not the way everybody else runs.

Pat, up in second row. Sammy with NFL France. About 815 days ago in Allegiant Stadium you guys ran a spinning huddle. Can we expect something like that on Sunday? I can expect a cartwheel or something.

Maybe Travis. I don’t know. Yeah. But yeah, no, we will have some game plan plays and Coach Reid likes to have fun and enjoy it. We’ll see what we can do but I think you have to focus on the fundamentals in order to play a defense like this.

Hi. Hi, Patrick. Kelly Singh, player profiler Women of Fantasy Football. And what we would like to know is how do you and Brittany make this special moments for the kids? Do you have any routines you do with the kids to try and create core memories with them?

Yeah, I think you just want them to be there. You want them to be able to see what dad’s doing and what all the work he’s missing time with them is paying off to be. And being able to have them here this week and getting to spend that extra time that I have over at the house and seeing them run around, we treat it like a vacation. Hopefully it can be a memory for them. And I was that kid in the locker room growing up and I know how much impact that’s made on my life and who I am. And so hopefully that me plan will be able to make an impact on theirs.

Pat, over here, [inaudible 00:21:11]. The fact that all the playoff games has been away games this year have changed your approach mentally to the game. And do you think that this thing could help you to play the Super Bowl next Sunday?

Yeah, I mean any new experience is great for you to use as an advantage. I mean, playing on the road in some hostile environments, I think it brought the team together even more. But at the end of the day, it’s just playing football. Obviously the Super Bowl is the biggest stage of them all, but at the same time you go back to just playing the game that you’ve always loved growing up and trying to go out there and win the game.

Hey, Patrick. Coach Reid’s coaching tree well-known. A lot of his coaches are former players that used to play for him. Who do you think on your team would make a good coach down the road? And would you yourself make a good coach you think down the road as well?

I would hope so. I try to help out all the young guys that are around the organization now. I’ve become the old guy even though I still feel young, so I would hope I’d make a good coach. The hours would be tough, but I think eventually Jerick McKinnon would be a great coach because he knows everything. Him and guys like Blake Bell who have been in the league for a while, different systems and bring energy every single day. I think those guys could be coaches if they want to be, but for now, let’s let him keep playing with us.

Hi, Patrick. This Sunday you’re going up against Fred Warner who’s had a tremendous season. How does he impact your game plan?

Yeah, you got to know where he is at on every single play. I think the best thing about Fred is he has the physical ability. He can do everything. He’s tall, he’s fast, he can blitz, he can do whatever you want him to do. But he’s mentally, you can tell how much he studies the film and how he’s able to adjust his coverage based off what the team he plays. And I think you have to know where he’s at on every single play. And if you don’t, he’ll make a play happen. That’ll be negative for us, but positive for them. And so, someone you definitely have to account for

Patrick, over here, Martin Rogers, FOX Sports. When you look back through the history of the league, there’d been many great quarterbacks who never got the chance to play for a Super Bowl, never got the chance to win a Super Bowl. How grateful are you that early in your career still you’ve got two in the bag and chance to win another?

Yeah, I mean very grateful, very blessed. I mean, I understand how lucky I am to be on this team. To come into a team that was already a winning organization with a winning culture with a lot of great players, Hall of Fame players and being able to just jump right in. And get in a year where I can learn and learn under Alex Smith. I was blessed and so I want to maximize these opportunities.

(23:41)
I know that they don’t always come. You’re not going to be in every single Super Bowl. And so, whenever I’m here, I enjoy it. I enjoy the week. And then I just try to go out there and play my best football. And like I said a little bit earlier, make a memory that will last forever with a lot of guys that work extremely hard.

Right here, man. Right here. Patrick, Michael Ferrara with BURG Sports Network. Growing up you were a multi-sport athlete. How has playing in those different atmospheres helped you for the biggest atmosphere of all playing in the Super Bowl?

I think it’s just playing all the sports, it taught me how to compete. It taught me how to learn how to make things happen, to make adjustments on the fly. And then it’s all evolved into the way I play the quarterback position, being able to fill out space and make the pass like a point guard or throw across my body like a shortstop. I mean it just learning how to compete and to adjust on the fly and make things happen is definitely something that’s helped me become the player that I am.

Patrick, what are the things that you as a quarterback have to do well to be effective using the screen pass and what does it do for your offense?

I mean, it helps you have one of the best coaches of all time, knowing when to call him, so with Coach Reid. I think just being to be able to utilize your eyes, utilize your drop, try to make everything look the same so that whenever the screens do happen, you can get that D-line to a track, get that D-line to rush. And then getting into accurate football where the guys can get downhill. Coach Reid’s done a great job, Coach Heck, coach Nagy of teaching them. And the guys that we’ve executed him well. But just more anything, it’s knowing the right time and I mean, I feel like Coach Reid has a great feel for that.

Pat, right here. Hi, Pat. Sean Graney, Midday Reports. Kansas City traded for Mecole Hardman mid-season to bolster the wide receiver room. What has that meant for you guys as an offense to get Mecole back in there? What has his impact been? And what does it mean to have continuity in big games like the Super Bowl?

Yeah, I think, I mean, first off you get that speed, that speed that he has. And being able to stretch to the defense horizontally and vertically whenever he’s on the field, just adding another guy like that. And then I think even more than that, another guy that everybody loved in the locker room being with us the year before and the years previous, everybody had loved Mecole and the way he brings the energy every single day. And I think a lot of times that can be bigger than anything is just having guys in the locker room that want to play hard, that want to come together and go for this common goal. And it’s always great to get those guys in there.

Hi, Pat. Good morning. Federico Roberta from [inaudible 00:26:09]. If you guys win the next Sunday, Coach Reid would equal Coach Bill Walsh by winning their third ring of Super Bowl and you would equal to Troy Aikman. What are your thoughts about this by reaching Troy Aikman about this?

Yeah, no, it’d be extremely humbling. I mean, like I said, I’m extremely grateful just for the situation that I’m in and being able to play in these Super Bowl games. And more than anything, I mean, getting that back to back Super Bowl champs, it just hasn’t been done a lot in history. And it speaks to the whole team of not being satisfied with winning one, being able to come back that next year and continue to work.

(26:48)
A lot of times after winning the Super Bowl, you want to relax and feel like you’re done, but being able to have that mentality to battle through the adversity that we’ve battled through this season and get that Super Bowl ring again, it’d be extremely special.

Patrick, Holly Ocko. If you can take us back to one the lowest moment in your life and to see where you are today, what would you have told yourself back then?

I don’t know exactly when the lowest moment would be, but I think what I’ve always had is just to continue to follow your dreams. I think that’s something that was instilled in me at a young age and I got to see a lot of pro athletes and how hard they worked. And so I knew I had to work hard.

(27:26)
And so even when baseball wasn’t working out in college or football, I wasn’t starting that first year in college, whatever that was, I just knew if I continue to work hard, that stuff would pay off. And that’s the mentality I’ve had and everything I’ve done in my entire life and I still work hard to this day. I know in order to continue to be great and follow my dreams, I have to do that.

Hey, Patrick. Steve Wyche, NFL Network over here. Coach Reid just told us that Eric Bieniemy paid you guys a visit last week and spoke to you guys. When did that take place and what was that like to have him back in the building and feel him a little bit?

Yeah, no, it’s always great to have EB in the building just being there and the energy that he brings and the mentality that he brings. You can just, you can feel just because he has that intensity, but he loves it. He loves being there, he loves being a part of the team and being a part of that culture.

(28:19)
And so just having him back in the building was really cool. And listening to him talk and his energy, I mean, it just got everybody, you could ask guys, man. I think guys had a little bit of chill bumps like, “Hey, we got EB’s back here.” Obviously he didn’t get that head coaching opportunity, but I’m excited for him to continue to coach football and continue to make his impact on the game.

Last one in the back.

Hi, Shera Taylor, New York Beacon. The 49ers were able to stop the Lion’s defense in the third quarter. How do you plan to keep the energy throughout the game after halftime and to get around defense?

Yeah, no. We have to continue to get better. I think that’s at the second half, I mean even looking at the last a FFC championship game, we didn’t execute at a high enough level in the second half. And so, for us, first you have to be able to manage that long halftime break that you have in the Super Bowl, doing that the right way. And I know the coaches have a great plan for that.

(29:08)
And then when you come back out, it’s all about execution and energy. And so you can have that execution and energy at the beginning of the game when everybody’s intense and it’s the adrenaline’s pumping, but being able to bring that again in the second half will be super important and especially against a great defense. And so, definitely something that we have to make sure that we’re ready to do and something that we have to execute at a high level.

Thank you.

How are we doing, guys?

Good, Travis.

Good morning.

Good morning. Jenny here with Xtra. A quick question. You’ve been here before at the Super Bowl. Are you a superstitious guy? What do you need and knowing that you need to be successful in the Super Bowl?

I don’t think I’m superstitious. I think I like like to live my life a certain way in hopes that I get good things to happen to me, but I’m not wearing the same underwear every single game or nothing like that.

I know that you congratulated Taylor after the big Grammy’s night. Has she given you a Super Bowl pep talk?

No. No, she hasn’t. She’s focused on entertaining the crowd out in, I think is it Singapore right now? Or I think that’s in a few weeks. But I know she’s out in Japan, Tokyo maybe. She’s just working on entertaining them, making sure she’s ready for her performances and everything. But the Super Bowl will worry about if she can make it.

I know that you have some waiting in your own room. Do you know there’s an amateur bet that you guys get married at the Super Bowl. What do you say to that?

These bets are crazy.

Travis, if you get a tattoo. I’ve asked a lot of the guys this already. Yes or no, if you get a tattoo of Patrick Mahomes face anywhere on your body.

Patrick Mahomes face?

Or a guaranteed Super Bowl.

I got to lose a bet to get something like that, man.

Would you do it?

No, I’m not a big tattoo guy.

Real quick, who’s the most famous contact in your phone, not in the NFL and not named Taylor Swift?

Man, I got asked this the other day. I say Justin Timberlake again just because he is coming out with a new album. I’m pumped for it.

Do you talk to him often?

He told me and Pat congratulations for getting to the Super Bowl so we got to bring it home for him.

I love it. And then last one, who’s getting a ring first, the Niners or the talent?

I’m hoping I get this ring on Sunday. I know that.

Good answer.

What did Eric Bieniemy say to you guys after this achievement that you think should still apply to this one?

Man, EB was a special coach here for a long, long time, man. And he’s like my uncle or a father figure in the football world for me. And everybody knows how fired up he can get and I definitely share that same passion to come into work every single day and to play this game. And one of my favorite coaches of all time.

(35:44)
I think the biggest thing that we could take away from who he was as a player, as a coach is just his passion and his desire to be ready for every single scenario out there on the field. His football awareness and his understanding of the game was second to none when it comes to football. And I’m hoping for the best for him coming up in his near coaching career. But I think who he is as a person is always going to go with me in life.

With the defenses playing the way that they’re, what does that do for you as an offense?

Man, it fuels us with confidence, but we got to start putting up more and more touchdowns as an offense. And knowing that that’s going to be big playing against the San Fran team is putting up touchdowns instead of field goals. And making sure we make their offense feel the pressure to keep scoring.

Travis [inaudible 00:36:37] Travis. [inaudible 00:36:38].

Yeah, the Eagles baby. I’ll tell you what, man. The Mexico City crowd playing down there at the Azteca was absolutely unbelievable, man. That experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life and hopefully we get another chance to play down there in the future. The crowd down there was so electric and just so open and warm to the game of football or American football. And it was an experience that I absolutely enjoyed.

[inaudible 00:37:08]

I’m pumped that it’s coming to Kansas City, man. It’ll be right there in my backyard and I’ll be able to have some fun going to all the games.

Travis [inaudible 00:37:18].

That’s a question for Taylor.

Travis is there evidence that-

Your a role, for your young teammates, they even say that you’re the best tight end in history of the NFL. And they want to adapt some of your abilities and stuff like that. What do you have to say about that?

About my teammates thinking that I’m a good tight end? It might be a little bias. We have a lot of fun in the building, so hopefully I won over every teammate that I’ve ever had. But I think this team is special because of how close we are and how much we support each other.

The fact that you are the best tight end in history.

I’m trying to be the best tight end on Sunday. I know that.

Travis [inaudible 00:37:57].

I

I never thought it would’ve landed. I didn’t even think it would’ve landed, I would’ve got a response from her.

And how great is it that…

We’re here and we’re all happy. I know that. Just different people, different players, different coaching staff. On both sides, really. So it’s not only are they seeing something different, but we’re seeing something different. One of our corners is over there playing and it looks to seem that he’s liking it over there a little bit more. So hopefully we can get this win and make him miss Kansas City just a little bit.

[inaudible 00:38:37] did you learned about yourself since the start of this whirlwind romance amid this hype and fame?

Being worldwide is way different than just being famous in Kansas City.

Is there anything that you still haven’t quite gotten grasp on, you’re still getting used to?

No, I got it all. I got it all figured out, I think.

[inaudible 00:38:59] how do you stay so grounded [inaudible 00:39:01]?

I just love it. I love it. I love seeing my teammates get to show their personalities, get to tell their stories. Coming up here is a once in a lifetime experience that I’ve been able to go through a few times. And I guess I’m just comfortable in the atmosphere and the chaos that goes around us and you just got to embrace it. The more you fight it, the more pissed off you might get or more negative you might start thinking. I’m a guy that likes to think about things in a positive way. And you know what? For a week, why not go through all this craziness and showcase my story, my family and everybody that has gotten me to this point?

I’ll say the opponents. We love competing. You got to know what’s at stake and you got to leave it all out there.

[inaudible 00:39:53].

We all are. That’s what it’s all about. When you got guys like Clyde, Jet, LP, you got the whole unit, the coaching staff, Porter, TP, you got guys that want it and you got guys that want to win. When you have a whole unit that all want the one goal for each other, most things, success will happen.

What did you take away from what the enemy said to you guys after the championship [inaudible 00:40:14] the championship game to apply to this game?

Just knowing how hard we’ve been working and we’re not here for one reason. We’re here to go out with the victory.

Isaiah, would you rather eat one star meals for the rest of your life or lose an inch every time you lock something?

I lost it. I was confused. I ain’t going to lie. I was trying to put it together. I was confused.

All right. So would you rather eat one star meals for the rest of your life or lose an inch every time you lock [inaudible 00:41:03]?

One star meals.

Isaiah, [inaudible 00:41:03]?

No, it’s just having that determined mindset, knowing that you want to win every game every week, just taking it one day at a time.

When you’re carrying the football, when it’s handed off to you [inaudible 00:41:20]? What’s going on in that moment you get the ball?

Yeah. So at that moment I get the ball, I’m going through my alignment, my assignment, and in my eyes knowing what’s in front of me, tempoing through the whole visualizing and seeing it and then making it happen.

Isaiah, what is the coolest thing about being a running back in [inaudible 00:41:42]?

The coolest thing about being a running back is you get to run as hard as you can, get tackled, get back up as fast as you can, get yelled at by the refs when you throw the ball for celebrating. It’s fun. You got to love it.

You catch the ball a lot of [inaudible 00:41:56]. What are the things you have to do, especially in this [inaudible 00:42:03] game to be effective and play that ball?

Speaking of passing, you got to be able to be in on third down and that comes with being able to pass pro. That will allow you to be in on third down to get the opportunity to get a pass from Pat or whoever it may be, and that comes with practice and knowing the situation and understanding if they have your trust, you’re able to get the job done.

What does a screen pass do for your offense, Chiefs offense in general?

Yes. A screen pass, it allows you to put pressure on the defense. Throw it along, whoever it may be, just understanding the situation, putting your mind and your body on the line. It’s just give it your all and get to the end zone.

What’s it like when you get that ball [inaudible 00:42:50] and you see it lined up in front of you? You’ve got an open space. Take us there.

When you’re down there getting that ball in open space, first you got to see it all the way through. So you catch it, then you got to get vertical and then find a seam and make it happen.

What’s your family connection here in Las Vegas and how much does that impact in how many tickets you got to ask for?

Yes. We’re going to see a lot of my family members down here this weekend. I’m excited. We’re all ready to take on the Super Bowl.

You got family here in town though, right?

Yes, yes. Yeah, I got family in town. Yep.

[inaudible 00:43:35]?

Yes, the determined mindset. Knowing when you get out there on the field, you got to give it your all, every play. Leaving it all out there allows you to see what you done did on the tape. And if you’re going full speed, you see it on tape and knowing that you leave it all out there, if you mess up, it’s okay because you’re going as fast as you can.

Can you tell us about your offensive line and how much credit you [inaudible 00:44:00]?

Yes, the offensive line. My big boys. I love them up front. They’re my hearts. I love them guys and they know when we all work together, good things happen. It starts with them up front.

Isaiah, you’re close with your mom. Has she given you any advice as you go into the game?

Yes, I’m close with my mom. She’s very excited. Take it to them. Give it your all. Have fun.

[inaudible 00:44:27].

Because of these guys, so it’s a blessing to be here and we’re going to finish the mission. Thank you.

Hi.

Hi.

Is it okay if I take a video?

Yeah, yeah.

So with [inaudible 00:44:40] spotlight on the defense [inaudible 00:44:43] that Ravens win, how are you guys dealing with the additional media [inaudible 00:44:45]?

Kind of just handling it one day at a time. We’re continuing to be humble. We’re continuing to be self-critical. We understand that the job’s not finished. Everybody’s been praising us for the last couple of weeks because who we are and what we’ve been doing on tape, but we understand that we got a game on Sunday and we got things we got to get better at and we got to apply the details, the execution. All that stuff is important for this game. So all the past games we did, that stuff’s great, but now we’re looking forward to this Sunday and we got a job to finish.

How has Coach Spags been different with the defense ever since that [inaudible 00:45:28]?

Coach Spags has been great to us. He’s exceptional, phenomenal coach. And the way he coaches his defense to his players, the way he takes care of his players and his coaching staff is second to none, and his game plans and the way he allow us to be ourselves and allow us to execute his game plan, it is great. And just continuously just seeing this defense get better and better over the year. Because this is my fourth year in the system and I’ve seen this defense continually get better and better and it’s exciting to see that because I knew sooner or later this defense is going to be one of the top of the topics of this NFL.

What are some things you took [inaudible 00:46:15] off the field?

Faith. He’s a huge faith driven person and my family is a faith driven family. My parents especially. And he’s always shooting bible verses on slides at the beginning of our meetings every day or he always have an inspirational message to us outside of football, so I have a lot of respect for him as a man. Off the field, he teaches you how to be a man and how to go about certain situations and he’s one coach that I’ll always appreciate and always be grateful for. Thank you.

[inaudible 00:46:49] big.

Oh yeah, it’s huge. It’s so huge. Underrated. Yeah. Thank you.

Two really fast ones.

Uh-oh.

They’re easy. We got one good one [inaudible 00:47:05].

What you want me to do with this? Just hold it?

Just hold it. Yeah.

Do you want me to read the question? Would you rather have hands for feet or feet for hands? Wow. Would you rather have hands for feet or feet for hands? I’m going to say feet for hands.

[inaudible 00:47:35].

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? When you’re going on journeys, don’t worry about the outcome. Kind of just handle it. Be where your feet is. One day at a-

[inaudible 00:47:51] to the season, I’ll be ready for the challenge.

You’ve done a lot of [inaudible 00:48:06] every time you guys play. What are the keys to shutting the players down over the course of the game?

I could say Spags put me in the right position to shut them down. And also mentality. Just go in, have a mindset that nobody’s going to catch a ball on you. If they do catch a ball on you, let’s play. That’s the mentality I’ve been having all season and it worked in my favor.

What do you like about [inaudible 00:48:35], you said that when you go up against [inaudible 00:48:35] game you got to play [inaudible 00:48:36]. What do you like about [inaudible 00:48:39]?

I love it. It brings, it wakes up an animal in me. I just can’t tame it once I be aggressive. Yeah.

[inaudible 00:48:53].

Oh yeah, man. If it’s in God will. If it’s in God will. Whatever happens, happens.

When he says he likes to wear [inaudible 00:49:11] all players who don’t have one, do you see yourself doing that?

Nah, I don’t stunt. I have it put up in a box.

Do you ever wear it anywhere or just?

Yeah, I wear it to my ring ceremony. I wear it to a parade or something they give me. But in and out, out and about, no, I don’t wear it.

What would be your dream artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show?

Say that again?

Your dream artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show?

NBA YoungBoy.

So [inaudible 00:49:39] apparently skipped out on half time with the team to go watch Michael Jackson perform. Would you do that?

Michael Jackson perform? Yeah, I probably would’ve did that.

Thank you.

Yep.

[inaudible 00:49:54] how are you?

I’m good. You?

The Super Bowl is also music and I can see your beats. I have to ask you, which kind of power song do you hear or what kind of music do you hear to keep you going?

I like Raw Wave. I like NBA YoungBoy. I like Future. Who else? I think that’s it.

Yeah. You have to choose one power song.

One power song. I’d say [inaudible 00:50:21]. Yeah. Respect the game.

Great, thanks so much, man.

Yes, sir.

So I know you guys are so [inaudible 00:50:28] early on in the Super Bowl. Have you seen [inaudible 00:50:32], what’s the key to slowing him down a little bit?

Oh, I like Brock. He’s a very good competitor. He’s going to fight until the end and that’s what I love about him.

Obviously they’ve got a pretty high powered [inaudible 00:50:43]. Do you guys plan to key in on a couple of their superstars?

Oh no, they got superstars all over the field. You don’t know where they’re going to line up at. Sometimes they’re in the back field, sometimes they out, they wide receiver. They got a crazy offense, but I think we got something for them too. Yeah.

What has Spags been to this defense? He’s obviously [inaudible 00:51:12] one of the best [inaudible 00:51:15] ever. What does he bring to your guys’ defense?

Oh man, Spags. I love him to death. I’m happy to be part of his defense, happy to be part of his legacy as well.

What is it like to be a captain [inaudible 00:51:26]?

It means a lot. Tell them what the players look up to. They look up to me and I respect that and I like that.

What’s been your biggest take or biggest favorite thing about this [inaudible 00:51:42]?

Oh man, we made it here. And I could say I just got here so it’s my first day in town so I could say I’m just enjoying this moment, just being here.

Can you talk a little bit about the bond the quarterbacks share, just how you [inaudible 00:51:59]?

Oh yeah, man. Since training count, we’ve been bonding, spending time in the word, in the Bible. I said that’s where we started at in training camp and we’ve been tight ever since.

Obviously your [inaudible 00:52:11].

Yeah, I think I’ve just been really fortunate to be a part of some really good teams that just come in week after week and really want to improve regardless of a win or loss, try and improve and get better. And I’ve just been fortunate to be around a lot of guys who are motivated and want to succeed. And I’ve tried to do my part in that too. It’s resulted in some winning seasons and I just try and not listen to the outside noise too much, just trying to control what we can control and keep our minds focused on the season and yeah, just, yeah.

[inaudible 00:52:51] confident that maybe people will get tired of seeing the same team [inaudible 00:52:54]?

Yeah. For sure. Absolutely. We got a lot of great guys in the team. And if you sat down and listened to them, you’d be like, “Those are…” Got to know them. They’re great guys. So just happy to be part of the team. And yeah, proud of it.

Some people were saying this is Andy Reid’s best coaching job, been around a lot of great coaching jobs in your career. Does anything stand out [inaudible 00:53:18]?

Yeah, he’s been awesome. He’s so consistent and he knows what to say in certain situations after certain games and just how to handle practices and the workload. Can’t say enough good things about him and he’s been awesome.

Thank you.

Thank you.

How are you feeling as you’ve been working back after the [inaudible 00:53:40] game? How are you feeling [inaudible 00:53:43]?

Yeah. I feel all right. Just excited to be here, of course, and just trying to control what I can control. It’s one of those things where it’s just taking it a day at a time and seeing how everything feels leading up to the game. And I think we’ll know more as the game gets closer.

What was it like for you to have to sit out that [inaudible 00:54:05]?

Yeah, it was weird, but I couldn’t be happier for Nick Allegretti stepped in and did an amazing job and the offensive line did amazing job as a unit, so it was really special to see that happen. And just so happy for the guys. And I was trying to do what I could from the sideline to help whatever way I can. Yeah.

[inaudible 00:54:28].

Oh, cool.

[inaudible 00:54:35].

Not too much. I don’t think so. I think we just want to try and do our best in every play and yeah. What city in Belgium are you from?

[inaudible 00:54:54]?

What city in Belgium are you from?

[inaudible 00:54:57].

Okay. I was in Antwerp two years ago with my brother, so it was fun.

[inaudible 00:55:04].

Yeah, just a holiday, just visiting. It was awesome. Yeah. It was really good food and drink. It was really fun. Yeah.

[inaudible 00:55:13].

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.

[inaudible 00:55:23] left and right [inaudible 00:55:24]?

Yeah. You never know what’s going to happen back there. We’re not watching what the quarterback’s doing, so we just try and block through the echo of the whistle and sometimes the whistle doesn’t get blown for a while because he’s running back and forth and just try and play as hard as we can, as long as we can and… Yeah. Yeah. Thank you.

[inaudible 00:55:47]?

Yeah, he’s been great. Provided some great leadership, great energy. It was great hearing football from a different perspective. It was great meeting him and he’s been awesome, so I think it’s really good. Yeah.

How [inaudible 00:56:04]?

Yeah. I think credit to those individual guys who have come into the locker room and into the offensive line room, getting in the playbook, learning the language that we use, our techniques and everything. So it’s really a group effort. I think our coaches do a great job of coaching our offense and how to play and so it’s just group effort trying to build that chemistry. Yeah, credit to a lot of those guys for doing their part.

Man, it’s a little uncomfortable to wear at times. Obviously just a blessing to be able to have something like that, but maybe, but I wouldn’t necessarily do it just for that. I’m going to wear it for me just to commemorate and remember the team and the group of guys I did it with. Absolutely. How are we doing?

What’s up? Chris [inaudible 00:57:00]

The first question I wanted to ask you was, you guys, a lot of creative for, whether that’s from Spags or even the media, is your intelligence that you bring to the position. And I think an aspect of that, that’s my favorite personally is that you don’t own much. I think that that’s the quality-

I appreciate you man. You actually studied this. I appreciate that. Okay.

What goes into that? What goes into you saying, all right, I’m going?

With Spags, it’s all about staying disciplined. At the end of the day, I think we pride ourselves in being a very disciplined unit and one that doesn’t allow the quarterback to escape and one that executes our assignment. And I think whatever success we’ve had is based in large part to the defense and to the discipline of our defense and our group to trust in each other. But for me it’s all about discipline. Knowing where you could take a chance, maybe rush a little bit up higher up field for example. Or when you got to go really power and really contain the quarterback, that’s based on game plan, that’s based on the call. And just having that experience really of when and knowing when to do what. Coming as a rookie, you don’t really have that, but now second year, third year, you continue to grow in this league and to have those experiences, I think that’s what helps.

I was talking to Spags earlier, you mentioned the father figure thing. He’s a big influence on you. Can you expand on that a little bit again, just what it’s like to have him out on a day-to-day basis?

Just the love. You could tell that Spags loves each and every one of us so much. We’re his kids man. And I don’t know if there’s a way to convey that necessarily, but you could just tell that he loves us and cares for each person. Whether it’s a guy like Chris Jones, who’s going to be a Hall of Famer or a rookie on the practice squad. He loves each and every person the same. He cares for each person, he wants every person to succeed. And at the end of the day, he runs a program that starts with that faith, that love and that trust in each other. And then everything kind of takes care of itself from there. But I’d just say that, but it’s hard to put into words, but you could feel it when you’re around him and you play for coach.

Last quick one. Your favorite thing about the longer half times and breaks?

The favorite thing? Just you get to settle down just like, huh. You get to process, take a deep breath process, what’s happened. If you need whatever body work done, great. A rollout, then you get longer to do whatever adjustments are necessary. You get the chance to wrestle up a little bit. And I’d say just that.

George, thanks so much.

Absolutely. Thank you man.

Hey George.

How are we doing?

Good. I think we spoke when you were drafted.

Absolutely. Absolutely. I remember you.

Nice to see you. George, I was going to ask you, what is the secret for you to rally [inaudible 00:59:53] towards the end?

I was just talking about this, just being able to stay disciplined. I love Spag’s game plan and the rush plan that him and Joe Cullen put together with Terry Braden. The really disdain discipline, executing our assignment. I think it all starts with that.

George, when you been drafted in Las Vegas [inaudible 01:00:17]the next team?

When I first got drafted, I was just trying to process everything that had gone on really. But the city’s been great to me. I’ve had a lot of success and luck here and I’m looking forward to having hopefully some more on Sunday.

… one real one.

Probably just keep working every day and be consistent with what you do. I had a lot of great coaches over my career and I feel like consistency in your play is what makes you successful in this league for a long time. Thank you.

Thank you.

How are you?

Good, how are you?

Good. Microphone [inaudible 01:00:54] Mind if I ask you a couple questions?

Yeah, no problem.

So you guys are wearing your little reds and what was it like to see you guys wearing the reds and see that Super Bowl patch?

It means a lot, man. When I first seen the jersey with the Super Bowl patch on it, man, my emotions were everywhere. I think it’s a phenomenal moment and a phenomenal opportunity, so I just can’t wait for it.

What’s the team since training camp day one, how has this team chemistry built over time and what’s been your favorite thing about it?

It’s just been the resiliency of the team and how close the players are on this team. Man, we just fight for one another every week and just try to be consistent in our play. So it is been such a fun ride.

And then last, what are you excited most to play against the 49ERs?

I’m going against Nick Bosa most of the tonight, so I’m looking forward to that. He’s a very phenomenal player.

And then last one for you. What does Andy Reid mean to you?

The world man, he’s a phenomenal coach. One of the best in the business and he just the best man. I just can’t say enough great things about him. He’s a phenomenal leader. Phenomenal coach.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you. Oh man. How we doing?

I had to [inaudible 01:01:53].

Good to see you.

Good to see you.

Yes sir.

I have a podcast. We located in Houston. Our motto is don’t get ready to stay ready. You think that’s something that you exemplify?

Absolutely. For sure. I love that motto. Yes sir.

I think it’s important because preparation is the key. I think that’s why you’re all here you are all prepared. I just want to bless you with something.

I appreciate that man. Thank you.

Something that can inspire you.

Absolutely. Thank you man. Yes sir. God bless.

Yes sir.

Yes sir. I appreciate you, man.

Gave you a hat.

Yeah.

That was great stuff for you.

A lot. A lot. How we doing?

I wanted to ask you, what [inaudible 01:03:14].

I mean-

[inaudible 01:03:18] that’s not his primary motivation, but those are the stakes.

I’m not in the situation to be up there with the top quarterbacks because that’s not my position. But in order to get my guy to where he needs to be and I feel like where he wants to be and where he worked to be, obviously it is not an eye thing. It is going to take team and why not? If it is one slither in the fabric that has Clyde on the hall of fame on Aura for Pat out of this whole building, I’m fine with it. I helped him get to a certain pinnacle and I can always say that he made me immortal in the football league. So he helped me win a championship at every level and hopefully it’s another one.

Why do you [inaudible 01:04:12] season? You talking about the screen game, the 49ers [inaudible 01:04:16].

Would you say again? You kind of got quiet in the middle.

Oh, I’m sorry. I just want to ask you about your role this season. You kind of embraced it. Talk about the screen game against 49ers and how you could play [inaudible 01:04:30].

Well yeah, I mean my role this year was whenever your numbers called, you go out there and make it happen. And the screen game has been smooth. It’s been when we were able to attack the screen game, that’s when we were able to, and I can’t necessarily give out game plan, but I don’t know when we rented screens, guess we’ll have to see.

Black, what has been your biggest win this season?

As far as in what aspect? Football life.

[inaudible 01:05:01].

I’ll give you one.

Give me options.

No, I’m giving you one.

I really like the options.

I would say, nah, you gave me the option so you get one. I would say life man. It is certain situations where you can’t be pressurized. You need to know who you are as a person and you need to know that whatever you do it is not necessarily only affecting you, but it can affect the outcome that you want for you. So the thing is personally kind of taking a step back from everything and realizing who I am as a person and then focusing on that and I’m here.

Does being around [inaudible 01:05:47] helped you through the spring? [inaudible 01:05:51] having that sort of anchor helped your mentality [inaudible 01:05:57]?

I wouldn’t necessarily say anger.

Anchor. Not anger.

Yeah, yeah. Oh yeah, most definitely. I’ll say that kept me anchored throughout the process just because who else knows you better than yourself. And it’s as simple as that. You can have other people kind of comment and talk about who you are or talk about whatever, but that’s just opinions. The only way that other person opinion matters, they have to go on their cellular device that they own and type your name in and post it. So if I’m more of a concern, then I’m cool with that. But I learned to stay in my own lane and I realize you only come in this world by yourself, you go out by yourself. And nobody else’s opinion matters when it’s that day. So I do everything that I can to make life enjoyable for not only me but for the next person and the next person and the next person. And that’s why I try to keep a smile on my face and that’s why I feel like that kept me anchored.

And is that how you like to be remembered when all is said done, [inaudible 01:07:12] game day?

Oh, yeah. Most def. I probably say you probably could ask 90% of the chiefs in general, I’m that happy go jolly person that’s always smiling and trying to get things going in the right direction as far as smiles. So that’s what I knew would keep me grounded and obviously it kept some of my teammates grounded also. So it’s been going smooth.

That’s it.

That’s it. That’s it. That’s it. Thank you.

How are you?

Doing good. How are you?

You’re going against a tremendous run defense with San Francisco. How do you embrace that challenge? What’s the game plan looking like for you this week?

It’s not our first time playing, but it is always a good rank defense to face, as far as playing the 49ERs. It’s like any aspect as far as getting ready, like last week, man, we knew it was a physical run defense with Baltimore, you really don’t like to compare teams, but we are on the back end of it and everybody’s kind of giving it their all. So everybody’s going to be running to the ball, everybody’s going to be trying to punch the ball out. Ball security is a must. Other than that man, it’s be yourself and finish. One game left bro. It’s not too much else to talk about. Not too many other things to say. Been in these situations before, know how to get them done and it’s pretty much it.

You just got to know what the guy in front of you is doing. Knowing okay, if he has this beat gap, make sure when the swapper comes, I’m swapping back to this gap or downhill in the air gap. You just got to almost anticipate things happening. And when you can do that, and like I say, anticipate it, you play a lot faster. And when you’ve seen plays, different runs and things of that nature, you’re gone before the ball even snap, because what’s going on and you know you’re assignment. Thank you.

There’s lots of conversations about [inaudible 01:09:21] so I want to know if you have refresh, you do move you [inaudible 01:09:25].

Man, I sent a DM to Paige Heard a while ago, man, she ain’t DM me back, but it’s all good. I’m going to be popping one day. Nah, just playing.

[inaudible 01:09:34] in the locker. And you gave you the 10 out of 10 rating. So can you tell me a little bit about what you play in the locker room?

Anything that’s upbeat, hip hop music that gets us going, gets the blood flowing a little bit and gets you ready to hit somebody.

Travis said this sometimes [inaudible 01:09:53] and he’s been booed?

Oh yeah, I’ve been booed. It’s part of it. It can be too slow. Maybe we all been there though. Maybe you’re feeling something that no one else is feeling, so you got to try to make sure you feed the room.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Why is backing such a tough position to play?

It’s physical. You got to be an athlete for one. You got to be able to cover, you got to be able to come downhill and get off blocks. You got big 300 pounders trying to stop you from getting to the ball and that’s not easy at all. So, every play is literally a dog fight for a linebackers and D linemen. And if it’s not a run play, you got to go out and try to cover guys running four, three, forties, four, four, forties. So you have to be an athlete.

For you. Was there a moment in your career at any time where you said, Hey, I’m a backer, this is what I do?

Yeah man, it’s part of the game. You got to have that dog mindset going into every game.

Was there any moment specifically in your career [inaudible 01:10:53], this is my position?

Yeah, every game. Yeah.

Thank you.

Thank you. Hey, Hey.

[inaudible 01:11:01] From Los Angeles Times.

Yes sir.

Just wanted to get your sense of, I’m doing a story about Brock Purdy as a scrambler. So just from your perspective, what kind of challenge that presents?

Well one thing as a linebacker, when you take the pass lanes away, guys do ask about… Well not ask about. Guys like that do use their legs. So we got to try to keep the passing the scramble lanes closed up and make them beat us through the air.

Does he do anything different than maybe some of the other guys with mobility that you guys have played against?

Nah, he ain’t that fast. He can definitely move. He can make it happen, but we’ve seen better athletes.

What about Christian McCaffrey, anything in particular that makes him a unique challenge?

He can run that football. He can catch it out the back field as well. So when you get guys like that, you got to stop him through the air and on the ground. And he’s a big challenge.

So for you now playing it back to back Super Bowl Finals-

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

… It’s rare for some guys to get even once. If you have an appreciation-

Oh yeah. I’m very blessed and thankful because in reality you hate to think of it this way, but I might not never make it this before again. And to be able to say I did it three times is definitely a great feeling. So I’m going to cherish it because like I say, you never know when it’ll come around again.

But does this start to feel a little bit… Old hat isn’t maybe the right term. But you’ve been through this now three times.

Yes sir.

Do you have an expectation of what’s going to happen?

You don’t have an expectation, you just try to go make things happen. Don’t expect anything, just go make it happen. So win loss or draw, you know you gave your all, and you didn’t expect anything.

Thanks very much.

Thank you.

Much appreciated.

Yes sir.

How are you?

Good. How are you doing?

Having seen the 49ERs come [inaudible 01:13:10] what are you guys doing this time around to make sure they don’t [inaudible 01:13:14]?

Just make sure defense keeps the foot on the pedal. Try to limit them to being one dimensional any way possible. Slowing down 23, Christian. Like I say, he’s the weapon over there, so if you can slow him down and that definitely limits the offense. So just try to keep going.

What’s the game plan against [inaudible 01:13:36].

Just do our job. Just do your job and take the running lanes away.

Obviously it’s your third Super Bowl. How does it feel and what’s different this time than the first time?

You just want to repeat. That’s the best feeling ever. I can only imagine to get two in a row. It’s definitely a big deal.

There’ll always be crazy media stuff. How do you, at least, rest, how do you relax until [inaudible 01:14:01]?

You just stick to your daily routine. Whether it’s reading your Bible like I do, calling your family back home or just keeping the main thing, the main thing, which is football. Don’t think too much on it. Enjoy yourself, but relax. So that’s the main thing for me.

[inaudible 01:14:22].

Who is this? What’s the name?

Tanner.

Tanner. Happy birthday baby. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you guys.