The last few years have been a challenge for teams opening training camps in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The uncertainty prompted the decision to be cautious at training camp, making locations adjust for safety. That was the case at Missouri Western State University for the Kansas City Chiefs, who canceled things like post-practice autograph sessions last season due to the virus.
The Chiefs will report for their 12th training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri at the Missouri Western State campus starting later this week. In preparation for this year’s camp, the Griffons’ new Director of Athletics, Andrew Carter, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with News-Press NOW. He addressed the campus atmosphere heading into camp and expects it to return to pre-pandemic conditions.
“I think what I hear the most is the return to normal,” said Carter. “I think it’s going to look like what I’ve been told 2019 looked like, and that’s pretty good buzz.”
The return to normalcy is a positive step in the right direction for the University in its relationship with the Chiefs. The two sides have worked smoothly for years and appreciate the support both have supplied in the partnership.
“Its exposure and connection is difficult to buy,” said Carter. “I mean, I don’t know if you could put a dollar amount on it. The chance to not only expose our athletic facilities, but to expose our campus and our people, and hopefully they come away with just a tremendous sense of community, and that’s part of one of our core values.”
Kansas City has two option years remaining on its contract with the school and could seek to extend for more years. The Chiefs are one of seven NFL teams to travel away from their home facilities for training camp. Carter appears to be on board with keeping things that way and maintaining the partnership long-term.
