Kansas City, MO – March 16, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is beaming with pride over his team’s emerging young talent, signaling a bold vision for the franchise’s future. In a press conference Sunday, Veach highlighted the Chiefs’ under-25 brigade as the key to keeping Kansas City in the Super Bowl hunt for the next half-decade and beyond, even as the team navigates roster turnover after a Super Bowl LIX loss.
A Youthful Foundation
“We’ve got a special group of young guys who are ready to step up,” Veach told reporters. “Xavier Worthy, Bryan Cook, Isiah Pacheco—these kids are the heartbeat of our future. Add in Felix [Anudike-Uzomah], Chamarri [Conner], Wanya [Morris], and others, and I’m confident we’ll be competing for Super Bowls for the next five to seven years.”
The Chiefs’ GM pointed to standout performances: Worthy, 21, with his blazing 379 yards as a rookie; Cook, 25, locking down the secondary with three picks; and Pacheco, 25, bulldozing for 1,074 yards in 2024. Even unproven names like Jaden Hicks (22) and BJ Thompson (24) drew praise for their potential. “This isn’t a rebuild—it’s a reload,” Veach said, nodding to the $49.4 million in cap space (ESPN) he’s leveraged to sign Jerry Tillery and Kristian Fulton while re-signing Marquise Brown.
Building Around Mahomes
With Patrick Mahomes, 29, signed through 2031 and coming off a restructure that freed up millions, Veach sees a seamless bridge from the Chiefs’ veteran core—Chris Jones (30), Travis Kelce (35)—to its youth movement. “Patrick’s the best in the game, and we’re surrounding him with hungry, talented kids,” he said. “Losing guys like Justin Reid, DeAndre Hopkins, and Joe Thuney stings, but it’s opened doors for our young players to shine.”
Veach’s faith isn’t blind. Cook’s emergence as a top-10 safety (PFF grade 80.2) and Pacheco’s bruising style have already paid dividends, while Worthy’s speed hints at a Tyreek Hill-esque ceiling. Even if Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Wanya Morris haven’t hit their stride, Veach trusts Steve Spagnuolo and Andy Reid to mold them into contributors. “We’ve got the coaches, the system, and the culture,” he added. “This group will keep us in the fight.”
A Super Bowl Promise
Despite the Eagles’ 40-22 rout in Super Bowl LIX, Veach isn’t wavering. “We’re not a one-and-done team,” he declared. “With this young core and our draft picks—like that fourth-rounder from the Bears—we’re built to contend every year.” Fans on X echoed his optimism: “Veach knows what he’s doing—Worthy and Pacheco are the future!” one wrote.
The Chiefs’ GM doubled down, promising Chiefs Kingdom a sustained run. “Five to seven years of Super Bowl windows? That’s our goal, and these young guys are why I believe we’ll get there,” he said. With Mahomes at the helm and a reloaded roster, Veach’s confidence might just turn doubters into believers.