Debut Album for Chiefs’ Rookie Already Has Plenty of Hits
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Amon-Ra St. Brown has memorized the 16 wide receivers selected before him in the 2021 NFL draft. Detroit All-Pro wideout handwrites each name in a notebook prior to each game.
Chiefs rookie cornerback Nohl Williams has his own list of wide receivers, and St. Brown might be on it after the Chiefs (2-3) host the Lions (4-1) on Sunday Night Football (7:20 p.m. CT, NBC/KSHB-TV, Channel 41, 96.5 The Fan).
Steve Spagnuolo threw Williams into the fire against DeVonta Smith when the Eagles came to Kansas City in Week 2. The defensive coordinator liked what he saw so much that he left Williams alone the next week against Malik Nabers. A week later, it was three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins.
Just got to win my matchup
“Yeah, it's a pretty good confidence-booster,” said Williams, the Chiefs’ third-round selection in April’s draft out of Cal. “When I'm on the field, you’ve just got them as a regular player. You know they’re good players, and I got respect for them, but I just got to win my matchup, do my assignment.”
And just because Williams wasn’t heavy in the gameplan last week at Jacksonville doesn’t mean he’s lost any of Spagnuolo’s trust. And the Chiefs still love playing Trent McDuffie inside on nickel downs.
“It was really just what we put out there package-wise,” Spagnuolo explained Thursday. “Like, if you guys notice, when Nohl goes in, it's when Trent goes in at nickel. And for various reasons, we went the other way with the pieces, and he didn't end up with as many snaps.
“That could change this week. I think he's doing a really good job for us. It doesn't seem like it's been too big for him. I was really encouraged by that when he played a bunch of snaps the games before, and depending on which way the game goes, in terms of down and distance, we'll see how many plays he gets in this one.”
And how many plays he gets on Sunday he can attribute to the physical nature of his play. Spagnuolo first noticed Williams’ hits during preseason games on special teams. Williams explained his style in terms of survivor mentality.
“Just be able to do the hit and not get hit. That's why you play defense.
"I felt like throughout my career, I had good coaches -- all the way up through little league, high school, college -- that emphasized tackling and just being physical, and I naturally just kept adapting to each level.”
At the highest level in the NFL, he has a home in the Chiefs’ defense. St. Brown and the Lions this week might be his toughest test.
BREAKING: Red Sox Shock MLB with 8-Year, $280 Million Mega-Deal for Trevor Story — Emotional "No-Trade" Clause Ties His Future to Fenway Forever
Fenway Park will soon witness a love story written in gold.
After years of battling injuries, overcoming doubts, and fighting through whispers about his future, Trevor Story has silenced the critics — and the Boston Red Sox have responded with unwavering faith. The Red Sox have reportedly inked the shortstop to a stunning 8-year, $280 million deal, securing his place in Boston for the foreseeable future. The blockbuster contract, which includes a “no-trade” clause, means Story’s future is tied to Fenway Park, where he will leave his legacy.
In an emotional press conference, Story was visibly moved as he reflected on the journey that brought him here. With tears in his eyes, he shared, “I thought they stopped believing in me. But now… I want to stay here forever.”
The contract, which will keep Story with the Red Sox through the 2033 season, is not just a financial commitment; it’s a symbol of the faith the organization has in their star player. Story’s signing signals that the Red Sox are fully invested in their future, with Story playing a central role as they chase championship aspirations in the years to come.
When Story was acquired by Boston in 2022, his debut season was marred by injuries, leading some to question if the Red Sox had made the right move. But despite the setbacks, Story battled back, returning to form in 2023 and silencing the critics with a strong, consistent performance. His ability to hit for power, combined with his elite defense, made him one of the top shortstops in the league once again.
The decision to lock him in for the long term was met with widespread approval. Red Sox President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom, spoke highly of Story’s impact on and off the field. “Trevor has proven time and time again that he’s not only one of the best shortstops in the game but also a leader in our clubhouse,” said Bloom. “This deal is a testament to the commitment we have in bringing sustained success to Boston, and Trevor is at the heart of that vision.”
As one of the game’s most respected shortstops, Story’s leadership extends beyond his athletic ability. His presence on the field and in the locker room has become integral to the Red Sox’s culture, and his new contract solidifies his place as one of the faces of the franchise for the next decade.
For Story, this contract is about more than just money; it’s about redemption and loyalty. After enduring a tough period of recovery and doubt, he is finally getting the validation he’s earned. “I’ve always loved this city, and now, to know that I’ll be a part of it for the rest of my career, it means everything to me,” he said.
The Red Sox have made a bold move, securing one of the game’s premier talents for the long haul. Story’s mega-deal will have major ramifications in the AL East, signaling Boston’s intent to remain competitive at the highest level.
Fenway Park will continue to host the powerful bat and unmatched grit of Trevor Story, and it’s clear: the story isn’t just about a player returning to form, but about his everlasting legacy in one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball.
