NFL Boilers: George Karlaftis Throws Out First Pitch at Kansas City Royals Game
In this story:
George Karlaftis has only been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons, but he's already becoming a fan favorite in the city. On Tuesday night, the two-time Super Bowl champion and former Purdue standout took the mound at Kauffman Stadium to throw out the first pitch prior to the MLB matchup between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees.
Video of Karlaftis's first pitch was captured by Farzin Vousoughian and was posted on social media. The Chiefs star received a loud applause after firing the ball across the plate.
Chiefs DE George Karlaftis throws the first pitch at Kauffman Stadium - #royals #fountainsup #chiefs #chiefskingdom pic.twitter.com/q8eMfnGeii
— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) June 10, 2025
Karlaftis's presence at Kauffman Stadium didn't bring the Royals much luck. The Yankees posted an impressive 10-2 win in the first of a three-game series. The two teams play again on Wednesday at 7:40 p.m. ET.
In his first three NFL seasons, Karlaftis has made quite the impact in Kansas City. He's already piled up 115 total tackles, 24.5 sacks and 15 passes defended. He's won two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs and reached the Super Bowl again last season.
Furious George fires a strike. 😤
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 11, 2025
Thanks for stopping by, George! pic.twitter.com/VKyzsdam61
Prior to his NFL career, Karlaftis was a standout defenseive end at Purdue from 2019-21. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and first-team All-American in 2021. He was also a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection (2019 and 2020).
Karlaftis ended his career at Purdue with 99 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.
Related stories on Purdue football
PURDUE ADDS 2026 DB TO RECRUITING CLASS: Purdue added to its 2026 recruiting class over the weekend, landing a verbal commitment from talented defensive back Emoni Smith out of Galloway, Ohio. CLICK HERE
ODOM TALKS PURDUE'S HIGH TRANSFER TOTAL: Since taking over at Purdue, Barry Odom has brought in 55 players via the transfer portal. What's his recruiting philosophy? How will the Boilers mesh for the 2025 season? CLICK HERE
PURDUE'S FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO FOOTBALL: Purdue coach Barry Odom said he's been "ecstatic" about the school's commitment to rebuilding the football program and turning it into a Big Ten contender. CLICK HERE
Dustin Schutte is the publisher of Purdue Boilermakers on SI and has spent more than a decade working in sports journalism. His career began in 2013, when he covered Big Ten football. He remained in that role for eight years before working at On SI to cover the Boilermakers. Dustin graduated from Manchester University in Indiana in 2010, where he played for the men's tennis team.
Follow SchutteDustin