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Chiefs Coach to Rookie From NFL Family: “Your Name Means Nothing Here — Earn It in Kansas City”

Kansas City, MO – July 23, 2025
Legacy and reputation mean little inside the Chiefs’ locker room—where hard work and toughness are the true measures of success. As the Chiefs kicked off training camp, one rookie defender quickly learned that lesson.

DeShawn Johnson, the younger brother of Chiefs legend Derrick Johnson, was selected by Kansas City in the fifth round of the NFL Draft after an impressive collegiate career at Alabama. His arrival generated buzz thanks to his football bloodline and notable college stats, with fans and media speculating that he might have a fast track to playing time.

However, under the scorching sun at Missouri Western State University, head coach Andy Reid made it clear that past achievements are just that—the past.
As Johnson took the field for his first drills, Reid addressed the entire team:

“I don’t care how many stars you had in college, or who your father or brother is. Here in Kansas City, your name means nothing—only effort and heart count. You have to earn your jersey, your snaps, your respect—right here, every single day.”

Although DeShawn posted 42 games, 3 interceptions, and 75 tackles at Alabama, those numbers won’t earn him any favors in Kansas City. This year, his path runs through special teams and a crowded secondary, where he must compete for every opportunity against veterans like Bryan Cook, Justin Reid, and rising talent Jaylen Williams.

The four-year, $4.8 million rookie deal offers only opportunity—not guarantees.
Training camp has only just begun, but the message is clear: in Kansas City, the jersey is never handed out—you have to earn it with sweat and true determination. Family legacy might provide motivation, but it’s up to DeShawn Johnson to decide if he stays.

Stay tuned to ESPN!

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.