Kansas City Chiefs Players and Coaches with Louisiana Roots

The New Orleans Saints are not playing in NFC Championship, but we recognize several players and coaches with ties to New Orleans and Louisiana who are members of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Author:
Kyle T. Mosley
Updated:
Jan 24, 2021 10:46 AM EST
Original:
Jan 24, 2021

The New Orleans Saints are not playing in NFC Championship, but we recognize several players and coaches with ties to New Orleans and Louisiana who are members of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy Reid and the Chiefs have an affinity for LSU and players from Louisiana. LSU products are All-Pro S Tyrann Mathieu, running backs Clyde Edward-Helaire and Darrell Williams. Last season the team had former LSU running back Spencer Ware on the team.

Former NFL WR Willie Davis is the Southwest Area Scout for the Chiefs. Chiefs Wire's Charles Goldman wrote about Davis and the Chiefs organization attraction to players from Louisiana:

“If you go watch these kids practice, I think first off it starts with how they practice,” Davis said. “They really work those kids down in Louisiana. They understand what it takes before game time, the preparation and everything that needs to go into preparing before playing the game. I’ve watched LSU and Louisiana Tech and I’ve watched them for 13 years now, nothing’s really changed. They practice hard, they prepare and they understand how to be professionals before game time.”

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WITH LOUISIANA ROOTS

Safety Tyrann Mathieu — Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) is introduced before an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrann Mathieu - Safety, Kansas City Chiefs

Mathieu is a native of New Orleans. He was a star in football and track at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans' 7th Ward. LSU recruited Mathieu, where he quickly became a star for the Tigers' football program. Tyrann was nicknamed "The Honey Badger" and had a great sophomore year. That year, Mathieu became a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Mathieu was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2013 and played one year with the Houston Texans before joining the Kansas Chiefs in 2019 and won Super Bowl 54. He completed his eighth season in the NFL.

Chiefs Running Back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire — Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) scores a touchdown against Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Clyde Edwards-Helaire - Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs selected the National Championship winning LSU running back as the 32nd pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The 5-7 Baton Rouge native played at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. The Doak Walker Award semi-finalist was an important figure on the LSU CFP National Championship team. In his first season with the Chiefs, Edwards-Helaire rushed for 803 yards and 4 touchdowns and caught 36 passes for 297 yards and 1 touchdown.

Eric Bieniemy is coaching in Super Bowl 54 — Jan 29, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy at Super Bowl LIV press conference at JW Marriott Turnberry. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Bieniemy - Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs

Bieniemy was born in New Orleans, LA, and still considers New Orleans as his home town. His college career was with the University of Colorado Buffaloes. In 1990, Bieniemy was 2nd in the nation for rushing, and he was 3rd in Heisman Trophy voting. After playing running back in the NFL for the Chargers, Bengals, and Eagles, Bieniemy joined the Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff as their running backs coach. He became the Chiefs offensive coordinator after stints with the Vikings and Colorado Buffaloes' coaching staff.

Bieniemy has been interviewing for several head coaching positions in the NFL.

Barry Rubin - Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

Rubin was born in Monroe, LA, and lettered for Neville High School in football, track, basketball, and baseball. He was the Strength Coach with N.E. Louisiana University and LSU. His previous NFL coaching experience was with the Packers and Eagles.

Darrell Williams - Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs

Williams is from Marrero, LA, and played high school football at John Ehret High School. He was LSU's running back and went undrafted before signing with the Chiefs in 2018. He is a backup in his 3rd season in Kansas City.

Alex Okafor - Defensive End, Kansas City Chiefs

Okafor played for the New Orleans Saints for two seasons before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. The edge rusher from UT finished his eighth year in Kansas City.

USATSI_15341048_168388561_lowres — Dec 20, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; The Kansas City Chiefs bench reacts as Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) intercepts a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

L'Jarius Sneed - Defensive Back, Kansas City Chiefs

The Minden, LA native was a 4th round (138 overall) pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team with 30 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 passes defended. The 6-1 cornerback played collegiate football at Louisiana Tech.