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“I’M HERE TO REWRITE HISTORY” — Former 49ers Bulldozer Aims to Form a “Perfect Duo” with Isiah Pacheco

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Kansas City, MO — The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t merely hunting for a stop-gap behind Isiah Pacheco. Since signing Elijah Mitchell in March, the vision of a two-headed backfield built on speed + grit has taken shape: Pacheco remains the engine, while Mitchell is the plug-and-play piece to steady tempo, grind yards, and close games in the fourth quarter. (Mitchell signed as a free agent on March 10, 2025; the team later confirmed it in the new-player availability.)

Right before Week 1, Mitchell fired off a hard line:

“I’M HERE TO REWRITE HISTORY.”

He expanded on it with his trademark competitive tone.

I’m a competitor. I came here to compete,” Mitchell said: “My job is to complement Isiah as best I can—and we’re going to be the best duo in the league. But beyond that, I came to Kansas City to rewrite history: to change how people talk about the Chiefs’ run game, about durability in December, and about what this backfield stands for in January.

In the meeting room, Mitchell’s presence lets the Chiefs diversify 21/12 personnel, use motion to pull defenders toward Pacheco’s orbit, then hammer light boxes—or punish heavy fronts off play-action. Mitchell isn’t flowery about it: “I’ve been running the ball my whole life—let me do my job,” he said in spirit during his first availability.

 

Kansas City enters with a Pacheco–Mitchell core, plus Kareem Hunt’s experience and Brashard Smith’s juice for specialized roles (returns/situational packages). That’s the foundation to turn Mitchell’s declaration into a plan—not just a pregame slogan.

To cap his pre-opener availability, Mitchell summed it up:

“We’re not here to split carries; we’re here to set a standard. With Isiah, every touch is a statement — and in Kansas City, we’re rewriting the backfield script.”

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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."