Heed the Call NFL Podcast with Dan Hanzus & Marc Sessler The Game of the Year + Chiefs at a Crossroads
Dec 18, 2025
Pete Sweeney, beat reporter for the Kansas City Chiefs at The Kansas City Star, dives into the team's shift following Mahomes’ ACL injury. He shares insights on the Chiefs’ locker room mood and their urgent offseason needs, from potential roster overhauls to adapting Andy Reid's offensive strategies. The conversation also covers the significance of their upcoming match against the Rams and Seahawks, painting a picture of playoff implications and emerging narratives in the NFC West.
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How 'Stone Cold' Chris Jones Began
- Pete Sweeney recounts giving Chris Jones the 'Stone Cold' nickname during a 10-question interview.
- The nickname stuck and Jones adopted it across social media and persona.
Chiefs Face Quiet Reset
- Pete Sweeney says the Chiefs locker room felt like it died once playoff hopes slipped and Mahomes was injured.
- That relief gives the team runway to evaluate contracts, coaches, and younger pieces for 2026.
Treat 2026 As Transition Year
- Sweeney recommends treating 2026 as a transition year and using draft capital to rebuild toward 2027.
- He suggests stockpiling picks and targeting the roster depth needed for a return to elite status by 2027.