Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), appeared on KCMO’s Mundo in The Morning from the Kansas City Chiefs training camp to share his thoughts on the team and upcoming Senate business.

Marshall described attending the Chiefs’ camp as a significant experience. “This is a boyhood dream coming true to be here at the Chiefs practice camp. I got to say hi to Coach Reid. He’s looking really good. He looks very healthy. He’s excited and very positive. He’s just so committed, just bragging how hard the guys are working here as well. Mitch Holthus is around. He’s a fellow Western Kansaner, so it’s great to see him. He’s optimistic. I think we got a great season ahead of us.”

Discussing Coach Andy Reid, Marshall commented on his leadership and health: “Well, he just [I] think he looks really, really good. And you know, the stress of this job must be tremendous, but he leads us. As a doctor. I’m telling you, he looks great, and we’re happy with that. We got Patrick Mahomes out here punting. Did you know that Pete, Patrick Mahomes, is out here punting the ball around?”

When asked about the team’s outlook for 2025, Marshall noted high energy among players: “Yeah, I think [I] just notice people’s hop in their step. And that’s what I saw when I went down to visit the military and the border, the ICE officers, the border patrol officers, the military all had a hop in their step – and that’s what I see here at Chiefs camp. I see a hop in their step. I think that they’re excited about the season. You know, Travis Kelce looks like he’s a Greek god again. He’s talking about the MAHA movement. He’s out here, just in great shape and determined.” Marshall added praise for quarterback Patrick Mahomes: “I’m proud of Patrick Mahomes, his leadership, his values, [and] the culture that they’ve created.”

Marshall also described interactions between fans and players during training camp: “You know, first of all, there’s barbecue going on. So they’re out here tailgating. I can smell the barbecue going. These are the Chiefs’ faithful... These are the base... Well these are the Chiefs base fans that they love... The Chiefs.” According to Marshall's observations at camp practice starts early enough for attendees to avoid heat issues.

Turning attention to Senate business for Republicans returning to Washington D.C., Marshall discussed government funding efforts: “We need to get the government funded... So there’s 12 buckets of funding for the federal government... we just control about 20% of budget... So we’re going to get three maybe four of those buckets done this week...” He pointed out bipartisan committee support for certain appropriations bills.

The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their 2025 NFL season following preparations at training camp attended by fans and local leaders such as Senator Marshall.