Smith, Karlaftis stepping up in leadership roles

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Kansas City Chiefs are getting closer to their first preseason game on Aug. 15. While getting further into training camp, two players are stepping up in their roles as leaders.

Chiefs Guard Trey Smith and Defensive End George Karlaftis are both taking a step further in their leadership positions. Smith is now entering his sixth season and takes accountability for the younger players.

"I think my responsibility is to pick up young guys and help my team everywhere I can," said Smith. "I'm just here to help my team. It's not about me. I'm just a soldier here on a mission to help my army get where it needs to go."

Karlaftis is entering his fifth season with the team and has been mentored by other pass rushers during his time in Kansas City. He gave credit to those before him and wants to mentor younger players in his own way.

"I'm taking things from what I've learned from all of those guys and trying to lead in my own way," said Karlaftis. "I'm just trying to help in any way I can."

The Chiefs could have these two leaders for the foreseeable future. Smith's contract runs through the 2028 season, while Karlaftis's deal runs through the 2030 season.