Arrowhead Pride
Kansas City’s defensive lineman discusses what it means to play in his third consecutive Super Bowl with his fellow 2022 NFL Draft classmates.
For Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman George Karlaftis and the rest of his 2022 NFL Draft classmates, playing in the Super Bowl has become the norm. They have never experienced a season that didn’t end with a trip to the NFL’s biggest stage.
This achievement isn’t lost on the team’s veterans, who remind the younger players to appreciate this rare level of success.
“Just talking to the other guys or like talking to Travis [Kelce], he’s like, ‘Do you realize how lucky you are to be in this situation?’” Karlaftis told reporters during his media availability this week. “You just can’t take that stuff for granted.”
While the Chiefs have a chance to make history in Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles — potentially becoming the first NFL team to win three straight championships in the Super Bowl era — their journey to this unprecedented feat began in April of 2022 with their standout rookie draft class.
Of the 10 players selected by Kansas City in 2022, nine remain with the team: Karlaftis, defensive backs Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson, Joshua Williams, Bryan Cook, linebacker Leo Chenal, running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver Skyy Moore. The only exception is fifth-round tackle Darian Kinnard, who signed with the Eagles this past offseason. This means every member of that draft class will be present in this Sunday’s game.
“We came in with one goal, just to grow and learn,” Karlaftis noted. “I think that’s what we’ve done. Obviously, now, even though we’re in year three, a lot of us are feeling more like veterans just because of all the experience we’ve had. It’s a great relationship that we’ve had, very close to a lot of us, and it’s been amazing.”
The Chiefs’ 2022 draft class was heavily focused on defense, with seven of the 10 picks dedicated to that side of the ball. Each of these players played a key role for the team this season — coming a long way in their development from where they were during their rookie year.
“There was no pressure — or no expectation at least — that was immediately placed on us, but we knew that we had a chance to help this team,” Karlaftis explained about the expectations during his rookie season. “We came in just trying to learn at first. That’s what you do as a rookie. We had great veterans and great leadership from the coaches and all that stuff, too.
“So, it just kind of started with that, and then, we were all hungry just to get to where we want to get to, and so it’s been great.”
Karlaftis understands how fortunate he is to have begun his career with such sustained success, and he has no plans to slow down.
“It’s a blessing,” Karlaftis reiterated about making the Super Bowl every year of his...
