Chiefs Support Rookie Missing Week 1 After Parents’ Accident

Kansas City, MO — Kansas City Chiefs rookie center Hunter Nourzad has requested to miss the 2025 NFL season opener (Week 1) to care for his parents, who were injured in a serious car accident. The team, however, denied the request, while pledging comprehensive support to ensure Nourzad can focus on football and continue developing as part of Kansas City’s offensive line depth.

Nourzad, a versatile lineman out of Penn State and former Cornell transfer, was selected by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his intelligence and grit, he grew up in Marietta, Georgia, where his parents played a central role in supporting both his Ivy League education and Big Ten career.

“Hunter has always been a family-first guy. He wants to be there for his parents when they need him most,” a family friend said.

Drafted as developmental depth behind All-Pro center Creed Humphrey and guard Trey Smith, Nourzad had asked to sit out Week 1 to be with his family. However, with offensive line coach Andy Heck seeing him as an important long-term piece, the Chiefs opted to keep him in the lineup.

At a recent press conference, Nourzad expressed his gratitude through tears:

“The Chiefs aren’t just a team — they’re my second family. When my parents’ accident happened, they stepped up with everything from medical support to constant check-ins. I’m going to give my all on the field, for my family and for Kansas City.”

In a statement, the Chiefs praised Nourzad’s devotion to his family but underscored his importance to their depth on the offensive line, especially as Kansas City begins its quest for a historic three-peat in 2025.

Though his request to miss Week 1 was denied, the Chiefs arranged for his parents’ transfer to The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, where they now occupy a specialized rehabilitation unit with 24-hour monitoring. The team is covering all related expenses and assigned a care coordinator to keep Nourzad updated.

They also arranged family housing and travel, ensuring his relatives can remain close without financial burden.

“My parents are in the best hands possible, and the Chiefs are checking in every day. They’ve given me the strength to fight for Kansas City on the field, knowing my family is cared for,” Nourzad said.

At Penn State in 2024, Nourzad started all 13 games at center, allowing just two sacks in over 800 snaps and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. In the 2025 preseason, he impressed coaches with his adaptability and leadership, drawing praise from offensive line coach Andy Heck for his potential.

“You can see Hunter’s toughness and smarts every time he steps on the field,” head coach Andy Reid said after a preseason matchup.

Still, as a late-round rookie, his technique remains a work in progress, raising questions about his readiness to step in immediately.

The Chiefs’ 2025 opener looms as both a test and an opportunity, with Nourzad expected to contribute as part of the depth rotation. With the team’s backing, he can take the field with confidence, balancing his family’s recovery with his professional dream.

Nourzad’s story goes beyond football — it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the challenge of carrying both family responsibility and the weight of championship expectations. By standing with him, the Chiefs prove they are not only building a dynasty, but also a community.