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Chiefs Rookie TE Savors First Touchdown and Sets Sights on More

It was just a preseason game — but for one Kansas City Chiefs tight end, the moment felt like the start of something real.

The Chiefs were inside the red zone early in the second quarter against the Cardinals, when the play was called. A simple drag route, a clean break upfield, and a dart from the quarterback. Seven yards later, Jake Briningstool had the ball in his hands—and in the end zone.

For an undrafted rookie who had to earn every second of this opportunity, that touchdown meant far more than the box score. It was validation.

“The moment I crossed that goal line, it felt like every hour of work, every setback, every sacrifice was worth it. First touchdown down — now it’s time to chase many more for this team,” Briningstool said, catching his breath and savoring a moment years in the making.

The score capped a well-executed drive behind backup quarterback Pat Mahomes, showcasing KC’s depth and Briningstool’s readiness to contribute. His impressive frame—6'6" with fluid movement—and reliable hands stood out in the red zone, giving a glimpse into the red-zone weapon Chiefs coaches have quietly tracked since rookie minicamp 

At Clemson, Briningstool was a steady contributor over multiple seasons, notching over 1,300 career yards and 17 touchdowns. His blend of size, athleticism, and consistency made him an attractive UDFA pickup after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Now, competing behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Robert Tonyan, Jake isn’t expected to see the field yet—but he’s earned a look.

Chiefs coaches have lauded his understanding of the playbook, his willingness to learn, and his contributions on special teams.

With the first touchdown now under his belt, Briningstool’s focus shifts to consistency. For the Chiefs, it’s about building reliable depth. For Jake Briningstool, proving he belongs in this uniform may be his greatest challenge yet—and he’s just getting started.

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Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."