Kansas City Chiefs star says he is a top player thanks to San Francisco 49ers

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In order to place all their bets on the three-peat, the Kansas City Chiefs had to give up some players to secure others financially.

Chris Jones received a huge contract worth $60 million guaranteed over five years.

But he’s not alone: KC’s defensive line still includes Charles Omenihu, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna… plenty of talent.

Charles Omenihu played his first season with the Chiefs in 2023 and had a great season, especially in the game against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship. Unfortunately he got injured in that game and had to sit out the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.

Omenihu’s journey to Kansas City

Drafted in 2019 by the Houston Texans, the defensive end saw the end of JJ Watt’s career with the franchise up close.

Watt is considered one of the best DEs in NFL history and was able to share some of his experience with Omenihu.

On Love You Bro podcast, the Chiefs defender said that JJ Watt was his greatest mentor at the start of his career.

“He’s been my biggest mentor – him, Whitney Mercilus, DeAndre Hopkins, those guys, like as far as older guys, they kind of brought me in and showed me like… When you’re a rookie, you have to prove yourself.”

He then added with gratitude: “I’m glad that he was the way he was towards me.”

In 2002, Charles was traded to the 49ers for a 2023 sixth-round pick.

Omenihu recognises the importance of the 49ers in who he is now as a player

Although he values the team he’s in now, Omenihu is humble and grateful enough to appreciate the other teams he’s played for and recognise that they were responsible for developing his talent.

“I dedicate where I’m at now in football to my time in San Fran. I would say that it definitely molded me to how I play, and playing alongside with Eric Armstead and Bosa and Samso and Javon Kinlay…Oh, boy,” noted.

“I’ve played with the best of the best, truly.”

The step change in becoming a Chief

After signing with KC, you could say that his vision of American football took a leap forward.

In his first year as a member of the team, he won a Super Bowl, despite having torn his ACL in the AFC Championship after sacking Lamar Jackson.

Omenihu explained that when he arrived at the Chiefs, his confidence seemed to have peaked.

“I got to the point where I just knew it was a matter of time when I sacked the quarterback in the run game, I don’t think I could be f_____ with that at all,” said. “Tight ends weren’t gonna mess with me, wish to perform I was gonna set the edge.”

He even mentioned Chris Jones: “I truly, truly, felt like I was probably behind Chris like the second best D-Line.”

The defender didn’t want to reveal it, but he did say that he already has a date for his 100 per cent return to training and for publishing the final episode of his rehabilitation process on his YouTube channel.