Lisa Foxx
The Kansas City Chiefs are known for their high-flying offense. Well, they usually are. Since Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs starting quarterback, the team has been wowing NFL fans with their offensive creativity and execution. The Chiefs defense has been serviceable over the past decade, but were rarely, if ever, called upon to win a game for the team. It was the team’s defense, however, that led the last year to its second Super Bowl Championship in as many years.
One of the standout defensive performances from last year came from the 2nd-year edge rusher George Karlaftis. The number 30th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft seems determined to live up to his first-round pick status. Karlaftis was the second of two 1st-round draft picks the Chiefs had that year.
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“Furious George”, as he is affectionately referred to by Chiefs fans, grew up in Greece and was a standout polo player. He didn’t begin playing football until he moved to the United States after the death of his father. He learned how to play football while going to middle school in West Lafayette, Indiana. He ended up being a four-star recruit out of high school.
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Despite having a high draft score going into the 2022 draft, not everyone believed Karlaftis was a good pick for the Chiefs. Some had questions about his flexibility and bend while others wondered about the 23-year-old’s ability to change direction quickly. Others wondered if he would be an effective run stuffer.
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With the main defensive focus being on tackle Chris Jones, and the emergence of the Chiefs young defensive backs, Karlaftis doesn’t get talked about as much as some of the other defensive players. That could also be the edge rusher’s superpower.
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Karlaftis’ play-making ability can sneak up on opponents. Just ask San Francisco’s George Kittle. The 49’er’s tight end engaged Karlaftis in conversation during the Super Bowl. Kittle thought the play was over but Karlaftis, had his mind fixed on the game. Karlaftis was able to recover a loose ball fumble while Kittle was talking. It was a ball Kittle never saw until it was too late (see Tweet far below).
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Karlaftis has proven that he wants to improve his game. He’s shown he wants to be a major player on the Chiefs defense by putting in the work and being dedicated to the game. George befriended former Chiefs defensive standout Tamba Hali and their relationship has morphed into a mentor/student relationship.
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After Karlaftis’ rookie season with the Chiefs he spent time working with Hali and learning how to perfect his craft. The extra work paid off because Karlaftis was a beast last season! His numbers jumped significantly from year one to year two.
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Karlaftis had a slow start to his rookie season, as most rookies do, totaling 33 tackles, six sacks and seven passes defended. Last year, he ended the season with 47 total tackles; 29 of them solo, 10.5 of them sacks (tied with Chris Jones) and he had one forced fumble.
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He also had an outstanding post-season last year. He came away with 19 tackles (10 of them solo), three sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and one pass defended.
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One of those fumble recoveries includes the aforementioned FR in Super Bowl LVIII.
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Karlaftis has continued to work with Hali during this past off-season. Will he have another big jump going into year three? My guess is yes!
The 23-year-old Athens, Greece, native has shown a work ethic and determination that is unquestionable by any standard. Reports out of OTAs last week say Karlaftis has gotten faster and stronger in the off-season.
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They also say his skills have improved. He is certainly becoming more vocal both on the field and on the sideline, all characteristics of a leader.
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Karlaftis has won over the fans and his teammates with his effort, his humility and his performance on the field. Big things are expected of him in the coming years. Chiefs Kingdom has nothing to worry about because all signs point to George living up to those expectations.
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Lisa Foxx — ArrowheadOne
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