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Chiefs Rookie’s Heartbreaking Story Before His NFL Breakthrough

Chiefs Fourth-Round Pick Jalen Royals Debuts At Rookie Minicamp

Kansas City, MO – August 21, 2025

In just two preseason games, one young wide receiver has already caught the eye of Chiefs coaches and fans. Against the Cardinals, he hauled in a touchdown pass from Gardner Minshew, showcasing red-zone strength and sharp instincts.

The following week against the Seahawks, he added multiple receptions, flashing crisp route running and the ability to escape press coverage. While no touchdown came this time, analysts called him a “hidden gem” among Kansas City’s crowded receiver group.

Yet behind the early flashes of promise lies a past far heavier than box scores or highlight reels. Long before the NFL spotlight, his childhood was reshaped at age 10, when his parents divorced and left wounds time couldn’t easily heal.

Both moved on to new families, leaving the boy in the care of his grandparents. Football became more than a sport; it became survival, an outlet to turn pain into purpose. Every practice was another chance to fight for something bigger.

That fighter is Jalen Royals, an undrafted rookie receiver trying to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. His on-field resilience mirrors the inner battles he has carried since childhood.

"My parents divorced when I was 10. Both went on to build new families, while I lived a tough but happy life with my grandparents and never saw them again. Now, as I earn my first paycheck, they’ve both returned to congratulate me."

The words reveal a depth beyond football. Royals’ breakout plays aren’t just statistics—they are proof of endurance, proof that heartbreak can sharpen focus, and proof that resilience can outshine abandonment.

With cuts approaching, Royals remains in contention for one of the final receiver slots. For Kansas City, it’s a roster decision. For Royals, it’s a chance to write a new story—this time, one of triumph.

TIME CHANGE: How to Watch 49ERS vs BUCCANEERS in Week 6 - TV, Streaming, Kickoff Info
We are announcing a change in the schedule for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. This game has been flexed by the NFL to optimize the broadcast schedule, ensuring the best experience for fans across the United States and internationally. Reason for the Change Optimized Broadcast Schedule: The NFL has moved this game to a primetime slot to attract a larger audience on national television networks. Team Performance: With both teams boasting an impressive 4-1 record after five weeks, this matchup is considered one of the week's most exciting, deserving a high-viewership time slot. Original schedule (before the flex) Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.  pdated schedule (after the flex) Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 12, 2025 (local time in Tampa, Florida, equivalent to 1:25 PM PT) Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida How to Watch (U.S.) TV: CBS — Late national window (4:25 PM ET)Projected crew: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson Streaming: Paramount+ (with Live TV): Streams your local CBS channel (availability varies by market) YouTube TV / other vMVPDs: Watch via your local CBS affiliate (if carried) Out-of-market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube/YouTube TV for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games Radio Coverage 49ers (English): Flagships (Bay Area): KNBR 680 AM and 107.7 The Bone (KSAN-FM) Also available via the 49ers Radio Network and the 49ers app/website Example local listing: 1:25 PM PT Buccaneers (English): Flagship (Tampa Bay): WXTB 97.9 FM (98 ROCK) — Gene Deckerhoff, Dave Moore, T.J. Rives SiriusXM: Channel 226 (home-team feed) Bucs Radio Network: Statewide and regional affiliates (full frequency list available via team channels) Note: Over-the-air TV/radio coverage varies by location. Share your city/county and we’ll filter the local listings for you. Betting Snapshot (as of Oct 9, 2025 — subject to change) Spread: 49ers −3.5 Over/Under: 42.5 Moneyline: 49ers −165 / Buccaneers +140Check your preferred sportsbook for the latest numbers. Stay Updated For regional broadcast maps, game-week details, and fan events, visit the official team channels and follow on social media. International viewers should confirm local carriage and blackout rules with their providers.   We look forward to your passionate support for this crucial matchup! Let’s cheer on the 49ers as they continue their journey in the 2025 season!