Arrowhead Report

Rookie DT Practicing Against Superior Chiefs Offensive Line

Omarr-Norman-Lott, a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been learning a lot from fellow defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to media after training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to media after training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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Rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott spoke the gospel on Friday at the Kansas City Chiefs' practice when a reporter asked what it was like to go against Creed Humphrey, one of the league's best interior offensive linemen.

“Humphrey is a brick wall,” said Norman-Lott, matter-of-factly. “No, no, I’m not laughing.”

After he regained his composure, he paid a compliment to Humphrey, a player he definitely looks up to and admires.

Omarr Norman-Lott, Kansas City Chiefs
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott walks down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“I’ll tell you this,” Norman-Lott said. “We had a rep and he was like running the outside zone play. I was trying to move with him, and I was like, ‘Damn,’ like mid rep. I’m like, ‘Damn, this dude — he’s a brick wall.’ He’s solid and he’s a great athlete.”

Norman-Lott learning by going up against the best

Norman-Lott has been going up against Humphrey in practice on some downs. He also went up against Chiefs guard Trey Smith. Norman-Lott said it is "astronomical" to play against the two superstars and that it will only make him a better player.

“These are some of the best guys in this league, so it’s helped me take my level to the next step," Norman-Lott said.

Norman-Lott was asked what he focuses on in practice when he goes up against the two studs and he thought about his answer carefully and was methodical in his delivery.

Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chief
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) and center Hunter Nourzad (60) and guard C.J. Hanson (61) walk down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“Probably just working my second move in pass rush and staying low in the run game,” he said.

Chris Jones has been lending the rookie a helping hand

He also said Chris Jones, his partner on the interior defensive line, has been a tremendous help in holding him to a higher standard. He makes sure he knows his place.

“He’s a great leader. He’s hard on the rookies, and he’s unforgivable with us,” said Norman-Lott, “But that’s only going to make us grow.”

Norman-Lott has been working a lot with the first-team defense and is looking to earn one of the defensive tackle positions on Sundays. He considers it an honor that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo gives him reps with the first team.

“I just got to use them the right way,” he said. “I’m working on not messing up and just playing hard.”

Norman-Lott knows he is not a freshman, but he is a rookie. This is not college, it is the National Football League. He said the urgency is different in the NFL than it is in college. He is ready for the challenge.

Trey Smith, Kansas City Chief
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith waves to fans while walking down the hill to the fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“This is a job now. These guys’ jobs, my job is all on the line, so it’s a different tempo and intensity with it.”

Norman-Lott said he is solidly focused on making the most of every repetition. Further, If he’s not in meetings or on the field, he will either be sleeping or studying.

“There’s no more time for nothing else.”

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Alan Salomon, J.D., earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law and his bachelor's in Communications from Miami University. He brings years of experience as a General Sports Writer On SI and is a gifted communicator. He has worked for the Tribune Company, Fan Sided, and now serves in his capacity On SI.