New Chiefs Kenneth Walker III, Khyiris Tonga, and Alohi Gilman all share one thing in common that led them to Kansas City
The newest members of the Chiefs believe in the winning culture in Kansas City despite the down year in 2025.
The Kansas City Chiefs introduced their newest players on Thursday, the day after the official opening of NFL free agency.
RB Kenneth Walker III, DT Khyiris Tonga, and S Alohi Gilman spoke to local Kansas City media for the first time, discussing a wide range of topics. Each of the new players shared one thing in common when explaining why they chose to sign with the Chiefs. That one thing? The desire to be part of a winning culture and win football games.
It might not seem terribly surprising since we’re talking about a team that has been to three of the past four Super Bowls, winning two of them. Yet, it’s also a little surprising given that K.C. is coming off its worst season by record since 2012. What’s painfully apparent? These three players believe in what the Chiefs have built and are continuing to build for the future. 2025 was an aberration in their eyes, and the 2026 NFL season is an opportunity to get things right back on track.
New Chiefs players still believe in the winning culture in Kansas City after a down year
It’s no surprise that Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker still has the big game on his mind. He had 29 touches for 161 yards, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a major victory over the New England Patriots. When asked about why Kansas City was a fit for him, he didn’t hesitate to share his answer.
“It’s a winning culture here,” Walker told reporters. “You know, watching over the years, been to plenty of Super Bowls, and they know how to win. So I feel like it’s a great fit for me.”
Asked about the next driving force for him after winning a ring in 2025, Walker explained that his goals remain the same.
“Just trying to go get another one,” Walker said. “You know, I know we got a lot of great guys on the team. Like I said, I’m ready to get to know them. And, you know, just go out there and do my best.”
Khyiris Tonga was on the losing side of Super Bowl LX and has similar goals to his new teammates. He remains extremely motivated after his experience a season ago, knowing that winning doesn’t come easily in the NFL. Joining a culture familiar with that challenge played a big part in his decision.
“I think just… It’s so hard to win in this league,” Tonga said. “So, I wasn’t really thinking about where it would take me. I was just enjoying the moment and the opportunities that we were given. Because I know I’ve been on teams where we won three games, four games, and so it doesn’t come around a lot. And so for me, last year was just a whole lot of gratefulness and just being excited now I get to be in the culture where they’re used to that.”
As for Alohi Gilman, he’s looking to continue mastering his craft and elevating his game. He’s seen what the Chiefs have been able to accomplish, playing in the AFC West division with the Chargers for most of his career. As much as coming to Kansas City was about a good contract and continuing down the path to become the NFL player he wants to be, it was also about being part of a winning culture and championship mentality.
“Yeah. I mean, I think for me, like as a player, I’m always trying to find ways to grow and get better,” Gilman said. “Obviously, with Coach Spags and his defense, as a mastermind, a guru, I’ve watched all the clips I’ve watched film. I’ve been in the division I’ve, you know, so I’m excited to learn and get better myself. You know, it’s a constant evolution as a player, and then obviously just the respect, the winning culture, the championship mentality. Winning cures all things, and it’s playing this game, you want to play to win. I mean, I want to be financially taken care of, all that stuff, but as a competitor, I want to win. So, being part of this, and joining up and teaming up to grow, get better, and win games is something that I’m really attracted to.”
It remains to be seen if Kansas City can get back to its winning ways in 2026, but the pieces they’ve added through free agency certainly have the right mentality in place to achieve those goals. It’s all about putting it into action when the real work begins, and players get back on the football field later this offseason.
Kansas City Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs bring back two exclusive rights free agents, but one has a greater chance of sticking than the other
The Kansas City Chiefs brought back two of their Exclusive Rights Free Agents, but one feels like more of a lock than the other.
