Kansas City, Missouri – January 13, 2026 — For years, he was one of the most trusted and beloved role players to wear a Kansas City Chiefs uniform — a steady, selfless veteran whose toughness, versatility, and clutch performances made him a quiet hero in the franchise’s championship era.

That player is Jerick McKinnon.

McKinnon’s NFL journey with the Kansas City Chiefs was never about headlines or volume stats. Signed in 2021, he became the definition of reliability in Andy Reid’s offense — a third-down back, pass protector, and postseason contributor who delivered when moments mattered most. His 10-yard run in Super Bowl LVII remains etched in Chiefs lore, a play that embodied poise under pressure.

Across three seasons in Kansas City (2021–2023), McKinnon helped the Chiefs capture two Super Bowl titles. While injuries limited his availability — including missing the 2023 postseason — his impact on winning was undeniable. Teammates consistently praised his professionalism, preparation, and willingness to do the unseen work that championship teams require.

Then reality set in.

After landing on injured reserve in 2023, McKinnon went unsigned throughout the 2024 season. By mid-2025, with no teams pursuing a return and years of wear finally taking their toll, his playing career had effectively reached its end. In December 2025, McKinnon quietly announced his retirement, closing the book on an NFL journey defined by resilience more than longevity.

But walking away from football didn’t mean walking away from Kansas City.

This week, McKinnon officially began a new chapter, joining the Kansas City Fire Department — choosing service, teamwork, and community impact over chasing a late-career comeback.

Explaining the decision, McKinnon shared:
“Football gave me purpose, but this city gave me family. I’ve been part of championship teams built on trust and sacrifice. The fire department represents those same values. I’m proud to serve Kansas City in a new way.”

Those close to McKinnon say the transition feels natural. Known throughout his career for calm under pressure and unwavering discipline, he has long been respected as a locker-room stabilizer — the same traits essential to first responders.

Now trading shoulder pads for turnout gear, McKinnon is expected to assist with community response initiatives and public safety operations throughout the Kansas City area, remaining present in the same city where fans once chanted his name on winter playoff nights.

For Chiefs fans, Jerick McKinnon will always be remembered as a champion, a professional, and a teammate who delivered when it counted. And now, Kansas City will see him again — not lining up in the backfield, but standing ready to protect the city he helped bring championships to.

In every way that matters, Jerick McKinnon never left Kansas City.

Intriguing Cowboys defensive staff addition rises after Mike Tomlin-Steelers news-vdt

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The Dallas Cowboys could now eye an intriguing addition to the coaching staff after Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Dallas Cowboys are in search of a new defensive coordinator, and while there are some high-profile names who have surfaced for the opening, there is another intriguing name to keep an eye on when it comes to rebuilding the defensive staff.

On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin informed the team that he was stepping down as head coach. With the news, there will likely be a staff shake-up in Pittsburgh.

That opens up an option for the Cowboys, with a person familiar with the current staff.

Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander is someone to keep in mind, as pointed out by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander smiles on the sideline during the second half against the Chicago Bears | Jon Durr-Imagn Images

“With Mike Tomlin stepping down and the Steelers out of the playoffs, I’d be curious if Steelers [defensive backs] coach Gerald Alexander gets a look in Dallas for a potential spot on staff,” Harris wrote on X.

“Played at Boise State when Klayton Adams was a [graduate assistant] and played with the Jets in 2011 under Brian Schottenheimer. Was Brian Flores’ [defensive backs] coach in Miami, too.”

Alexander was a second-round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2007 NFL Draft, also having stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets before beginning his coaching career as a student assistant at Arkansas State. He continued coaching in the college ranks, before joining Flores’ Dolphins staff. He also served as a safeties coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, before returning to Pittsburgh for a second stint.

It is certainly a name to watch, especially with Flores being linked to the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator vacancy over the past few weeks. And, as we all know, the Cowboys need desperate help in the secondary, and Schottenheimer is a man who would love to bring in some familiarity.

Whether anything between Alexander and the Cowboys develops remains to be seen, but it is certainly an exciting option for the team.

Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 defensive rankings

A view of Dallas Cowboys players’ helmets on the bench against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Total Defense: The Dallas Cowboys ranked No. 30 in the league in total defense, allowing 377 total yards per game, including what is, unfortunately, a league-high 60 touchdowns.

Pass Defense: The Dallas Cowboys ranked dead last in the NFL in passing defense, No. 32, allowing 251.5 yards per game and a 35 passing touchdowns, ranking as the second-most behind the New York Jets, who failed to get an interception in 2025.

Rush Defense: The Dallas Cowboys ranked No. 23 in the league, allowing 125.5 yards per game and a league-high 24 rushing touchdowns.