After Kansas City’s second training camp practice, the defensive coordinator spoke about some projected 2025 contributors.
On Wednesday, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo held his first press conference of training camp. Head coach Andy Reid speaks every other day, and the coordinators rotate through on the other day.
During the media session, Spagnuolo offered updates on four projected contributors for 2025.
DE George Karlaftis
On Sunday, Kansas City signed defensive end George Karlaftis to a four-year contract extension, evidence of his importance to Spagnuolo’s operation.
“The first thing that sticks out with George is his character,” said Spagnuolo. “The one thing that Brett and Andy do a great job of? We bring in a lot of good character guys. That’s huge — in my opinion — in today’s pro sports, because usually when you’re a high-character guy, you’re unselfish. George has got all of that, and then his ability and his intelligence.
“I can remember when (defensive line coach) Joe [Cullen] and I did the Zoom call with George, because I think he was the COVID draft. You guys would remember better than me, but I just remember that came out in a Zoom interview. All of that: how much he loved football. High-character guy. And Brett does a great job keeping those guys here.”
LB Nick Bolton
While it took until the summer to reach an agreement with Karlaftis, MIKE linebacker Nick Bolton signed his three-year contract in mid-March.
“He’s just about everything,” said Spagnuolo. “He’s Patrick Mahomes for us. I’ve said this before, and we’re pretty multiple defensively, so if you don’t have that guy, it gets really challenging.”
Bolton had been due for unrestricted free agency, and it was unclear if he would return to the club.
“Back when we didn’t know if we were getting Nick, in my mind I was preparing for, ‘If we don’t have Nick, what do we do?’ And it’s just not the same. So thank God he’s here.”
DB Chamarri Conner
Some fans have hoped Conner would slide to a traditional safety role after the club added corner Kristian Fulton — but with Fulton opening camp on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, Conner has stayed at first‑team nickel.
Still, it sounds like Conner’s role will continue to evolve throughout training camp and as he enters Year 3.
“I’m really excited about Chamarri,” noted Spagnuolo. “I just watch him out there. He’s become a little bit of a multiple-position guy, which is a good thing. I think you’re going to see him — you’re certainly going to see him at nickel. You’re gonna see him at safety — and then if we get into some more exotic personnel packages, he’ll be in there. I think he’s an explosive athlete we’ve got to get out on the field.”
CB Nohl Williams
The Chiefs selected cornerback Nohl Williams out of California in the third round of this year’s draft. During organized team activities (OTAs), Spagnuolo said that it seemed Williams was a bit overwhelmed.
But on Wednesday, the defensive coordinator changed his tune on the rookie.
“[He’s] much better,” said Spagnuolo. “I think those guys, when they come in young, the volume gets on them. It’s all new, [so] there’s anxiety. But I thought he came in pretty good shape coming in here. I’m excited to see what he can do right on through. We’re going to get him against some better competition as we go, and we’ll see what he can do.”
Injury report
- Returned to practice: N/A
- Out of practice (due to injury): N/A
- Left practice early (due to injury): N/A
- Non-football injury (NFI) list: DL BJ Thompson
- Physically unable to perform (PUP) list: CB Kristian Fulton (out with knee since 7/22), OL Jawaan Taylor (out with knee since 7/22), TE Tre Watson (out since 7/22)
Post of the day
Our John Dixon compiled all of Wednesday’s posts here. Here is the post of the day:
Seeing Chiefs camp clips just gets the juices flowing, Amped up for a new season. Let’s dominate!!!! #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/4Dhh73fMtj
— John Easthope (@vintagejohnny84) July 23, 2025
The people are excited.
Quote of the day
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, after Steve Spagnuolo told an old embarrassing story about him: “I didn’t know he was going to tell all my business. He’s known for that.”
What’s next?
Wednesday’s practice leads into another workout on Thursday as part of the ramp-up period. That begins at 9:15 a.m. Arrowhead Time. Head coach Andy Reid will address the media following the practice as quarterbacks, running backs and specialists sign autographs.
Here’s the complete 2025 training camp schedule.