Chiefs’ draft picks acclimate.
“I was sobbing uncontrollably,” one of them remembered. “I was simply striving to hold it all together,” expressed another.
This assembly comprises seven individuals, each with their own unique narrative.
Among them is Xavier Worthy, a wide receiver who topped the Texas Longhorns in receiving yards last season before setting the record for the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Scouting Combine history. Also present is Kingsley Suamataia, continuing a family tradition of professional athletes, including Detroit Lions’ All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.
Worthy received the life-changing call around 10:30 p.m. CT on April 25, when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him as the No. 28 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Less than 24 hours later, Suamataia joined the Chiefs at the end of the second round.
Chiefs’ draft picks acclimate.
Jared Wiley, formerly a high school quarterback turned tight end who led all FBS tight ends in touchdown receptions last year, and Jaden Hicks, a native of Las Vegas ranked by many draft analysts as the top safety in this year’s class, are also part of this cohort. Both Wiley and Hicks were selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round, marking the beginning of Saturday morning with additions on both offensive and defensive fronts.
The group expanded with Hunter Nourzad, a mechanical engineering major at Cornell who became a cornerstone of Penn State’s offensive line over the last two seasons, and cornerback Kamal Hadden, who honed his skills at nearby Independence Community College before leading the Tennessee Volunteers in passes defensed last season. The final addition was C.J. Hanson, a former FCS standout in offensive lineman from Holy Cross, marking the first selection from Holy Cross since 1989.
These seven individuals traversed diverse paths, from competing in the College Football Playoff to gracing the junior college level, yet converged on the same momentous phone call last month. Their journeys collectively spanned 7,565 miles from various origins to find their new home in the City of Fountains.
“You truly have no idea where you’re headed, but once the bus rolled up and we caught sight of the stadium and facilities, it was truly breathtaking,” Nourzad reflected. “It’s been an incredible experience.”
THE DREAM
“My love for football first blossomed during my peewee days,” recounted Kamal Hadden, who grew up on the outskirts of Detroit. Despite facing adversity, Hadden found himself excelling at the sport.
Initially slated for Central Michigan out of high school, a setback redirected Hadden to Independence Community College in southeastern Kansas. Despite the unexpected turn, Hadden embraced the new path.
“The JUCO experience taught me the importance of continuous effort. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, albeit humbling,” Hadden acknowledged. “I cherished the bonds I formed there.”
Hadden indeed made the most of his time, eventually leading Tennessee in both passes defensed and interceptions.
Jaden Hicks, Hadden’s roommate during rookie minicamp, discovered his passion for football at the age of four, while Xavier Worthy realized the game’s transformative potential at age ten.
“That’s when I understood its impact on one’s life and family,” Worthy reflected.
Similarly, Kingsley Suamataia harbored dreams of playing professional football from a young age.
“I’ve nurtured this dream since my childhood in Hawaii,” Suamataia shared. “With mentors like my Hall of Fame grandfather and cousins paving the way, following in their footsteps is special.”
Hunter Nourzad recalled the moment his NFL aspirations crystallized during his junior year at Cornell.
“It was when scouts began attending our practices,” Nourzad recalled. “Coming from humble beginnings in high school, with no assurances of this possibility, that was the moment I believed if I put in the work, I could realize this dream.”
THE CALL
Jaden Hicks received the call from Chiefs’ Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo while at home in Las Vegas on April 27, filling his heart with joy.
“Receiving a call from Coach Spags of the Kansas City Chiefs filled me with immense joy,” Hicks shared, noting that safety Justin Reid reached out soon after.
“There’s no better feeling,” Hicks remarked. “Joining this organization with its winning culture, both on and off the field, is incredible.”
C.J. Hanson, surrounded by loved ones in his local church, received his call a few hours later.
“It’s surreal. Having my friends and family around, witnessing the progress of my 23 years finally pay off—it’s special,” Hanson expressed. “Being the first Holy Cross player drafted since 1989 means the world to me.”
In a serendipitous twist, Hanson’s selection echoed history, with linebacker Rob McGovern, the last Holy Cross player drafted, also chosen by the Chiefs. As emotions swirled, Hunter Nourzad, though outwardly composed, struggled to contain his excitement upon receiving the call.
“I was trying not to cry,” Nourzad admitted.
Kamal Hadden, surrounded by loved ones, including childhood friend and New England Patriots’ wide receiver K.J. Osborn, cherished the emotional moment.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with gratitude,” Hadden recalled. “Sharing it with my family and friends was incredibly moving. I’m thankful for this opportunity with such a great organization.”
Hadden remembered the Chiefs’ coaching staff emphasizing opportunity early in the draft process.
“They emphasized that regardless of draft position, everyone has a chance. Just seize the opportunity,” Hadden recounted.
For these draftees, that opportunity lies with the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
“After being drafted, it hit me—’I’m going to Kansas City. I’m a Chief,'” Jared Wiley mused. “But now, being here, living it—that’s when it truly hit.”
“THIS IS WHERE I BELONG”
Xavier Worthy seemed to manifest his destiny.
“I went where I wanted to go,” Worthy affirmed. “Since my sophomore year at Texas, I’ve been telling people I’m headed to Kansas City.”
Worthy emphasized that it wasn’t mere speculation—it was his truth. He may well be football’s Nostradamus, and when asked what he brought to his prophesied home, his answer was simple:
“My feet and my heart,” Worthy asserted.
Hunter Nourzad, awestruck by his first glimpse of the Chiefs’ facility, humorously noted his appreciation for Kansas City’s barbecue.
“I do love my barbecue,” Nourzad quipped.
Kingsley Suamataia recounted waking up to a message from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Waking up to a message from him still blows my mind,” Suamataia marveled. “I felt the urgency to get to my workout an hour earlier. It’s Patrick Mahomes.”
Jared Wiley finds himself in the enviable position of learning from one of his role models, All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce.
“I’ve been studying him for three or four years,” Wiley shared. “Being in the same room with him now, it’s surreal. I’ve watched him play and tried to emulate him. Being able to absorb information, witness his habits, and learn from him is exciting.”
Amidst myriad stories, one theme resonates among these seven young men: gratitude. Their paths were not easy; their opportunities earned. Now, armed with a once-in-a-lifetime chance,
