Logo

“Lost 20 Pounds in Silence — Now Chiefs' Defender Is Ready to Win Back the Kingdom”

0 views

Article image

Throughout the offseason, whispers of change swept through Arrowhead Stadium. After a tough year, questions arose about whether this linebacker could still keep pace with the AFC’s elite speed. In 2024, his struggles in coverage became more apparent—despite notching 59 tackles and 3 sacks, problems in man-to-man situations led to his PFF grade dropping to 65.2, with critics saying he was simply “too heavy for today’s NFL.”

But this spring, Chiefs insiders at OTAs noticed something different. The linebacker showed up to camp nearly 20 pounds lighter, quietly overhauling his body and mindset with a clear determination to rewrite his story.

Nick Bolton, previously listed at 237 pounds, now comes in at a lean 217. This offseason, he focused on improving lateral agility, quick changes of direction, and sharper football instincts—skills that could mean the difference between a game-saving tackle and a costly miss against the league’s top tight ends.

Bolton explained:

“I watched the film, and I saw the truth I wasn’t who I said I’d be. So I stopped talking, dropped 20 pounds, and did the work in silence. This year, I’m earning back the name on my jersey — and the trust of Chiefs Kingdom.”

Article image

Coaches believe Bolton’s transformation could unlock a whole new level for Kansas City’s defense. His renewed quickness and burst have already stood out at camp, promising tighter coverage on running backs and tight ends alike.

With a fresh contract through 2028, expectations for Bolton remain sky-high. He knows he’ll face the best in the AFC, but this year, he’s embracing the challenge with lighter feet and greater hunger.

As camp battles heat up and the season draws near, Chiefs fans are watching closely for signs of a real comeback. Once labeled as “too slow,” Bolton has returned—faster, more driven, and ready to win back the trust of the Kingdom.

Stay tuned to ESPN!

Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side