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KC Chiefs: Derrick Johnson And Travis Kelce Putting In Work

By Alec Tilson

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The KC Chiefs first preseason game is three days away, and it’s all about preparing for the season for Chiefs players, both on and off the field.

Off the field, linebacker Derrick Johnson and tight end Travis Kelce are staying busy in their own ways.

On a recent day off from training camp, Johnson gave away more than 300 paperback books to Kansas City grade school students at Arrowhead Stadium as part of a program called ‘Gearing Up,’ according to KCChiefs.com’s Pete Sweeney.

Not a bad day for a guy who’s entering a grueling 20-week campaign and probably could have spent his off-day on his own time. Johnson’s Defend the Dream Foundation helps at-risk Kansas City students, and this was just the latest project from his group.

DJ gets it, y’all. It ain’t all about ball.

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Johnson tore his Achilles tendon in the travesty that was the 2014 season opener against the Tennessee Titans. It’s a scary injury for a 32-year-old guy, but this is an 11-year veteran who we have to assume knows how to take care of his body.

If you can’t wait to see Johnson hit something in the 2015 Chiefs season, you’re not alone.

Kelce, meanwhile, spent time this offseason watching perhaps the greatest player in franchise history.

Remember Tony Gonzalez? Well, Kelce apparently had the good sense to study Gonzalez’ film, according to ESPN’s Adam Teicher. The third-year tight end led the Chiefs in receptions and yards last season, and it sounds like he put in the time this offseason to build on that.

The secret is out on Kelce around the league, though. He’s going to see a lot of different looks, a lot of attention and a lot of hands-on defense from opposing teams this season.

Good thing is, Kelce has the physical tools. He’s 6-foot 6-inches, 260 pounds and just 25 years old. Pretty similar measurables to Tony Gonzalez and Kelce realizes what made Gonzalez different, according to Teicher’s article:

"“That guy was an athletic guru,” Kelce said. “He was head over heels more athletic than anybody else on the field. Half the stuff he did was based off his supreme athleticism, but he was a fundamental technician in the run blocking.“You could tell he understood defenses just from how he played, where his eyes were, where his awareness was on the field. Half the time what we do out here on the field as tight ends is predicated on the defense.”"

It’s good to see a talented young player studying other talented players. We all know Travis Kelce can continue his breakout as one of the league’s best at his position.

Next: Top 15 Fantasy Tight Ends for 2015

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