Arrowhead Pride
Kansas City’s veteran wide receiver addressed reporters after Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp practice.
After joining the team as an unrestricted free agent a year ago, wide receiver Hollywood Brown was expected to be a major contributor to the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs.
But unfortunately, Brown missed most of the campaign while recovering from a preseason shoulder injury. He returned in December, finishing with only nine catches for 91 scoreless yards — and adding five more grabs during the playoffs.
“I was coming back, really, just trying to help whichever way I could,” the wideout said of last season’s return, speaking after Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp practice. “That was my mindset. That helped carry me through the end of last year. So I was just really grateful that I even had the opportunity to come back.”
Since his first season in Kansas City brought frustration for both himself and the team, returning was far from a certainty. But in early March, Brown signed another one-year contract with the Chiefs. He’s spent the offseason continuing to get back into football shape.
“There’s a lot of training, really,” he explained. “Last year was a good transition back into football, but now — being able to train and build my body the way I want to — I’ve been enjoying the process.”
Brown is also looking forward to being part of an offense featuring Rashee Rice — another wide receiver returning from injury — along with second-year speedster Xavier Worthy seeking to build on a strong rookie season and a slimmed-down version of tight end Travis Kelce.
“Best [group] I’ve been a part of, for sure,” he said of Kansas City’s pass-catchers. “We compete like no other. We push each other — and you know we’re excited for the season.”
During last year’s minicamp, Brown and Worthy were still digesting the Chiefs’ playbook. This year, the veteran sees a difference in what the two can do on the practice field.
“We all can go in any spots now,” Brown declared, “Pushing each other, fighting [to be in] certain plays? It’s been fun just competing — and not really having to think about the playbook as much as last year.”
Now entering his seventh season out of Oklahoma, Brown has an appreciation for the importance of the offseason program and minicamp.
“It’s definitely important,” he observed. “I said that today: ‘Let’s set the foundation for everyone’s offseason training and heading into the training camp.’ So it’s very important.”
Brown says he has a 2025 goal that is more important than any stat line.
“God willing, [having] a healthy season,” he said. “It’s my No. 1 goal — just being able to really showcase what I can do. That’s all I’m looking to do.”
