Jake Briningstool is healthy, back on the field, and absolutely climbing the Kansas City Chiefs’ depth chart in his second training camp. After an entire rookie season stuck on the sidelines, the former Clemson tight end is finally getting his shot to prove why the Chiefs gave him a solid $264,000 guaranteed as an undrafted free agent back in 2025. This kid was making waves immediately after getting drafted, even linking up with starters for some crucial plays, until a hamstring injury shut him down before he even put on pads for real. He hit the Reserve/Injured list at the final cutdown, and his 2025 season never actually happened. Brutal, right?
The Sideline Masterclass of a Rookie Year
Missing his rookie year had to be incredibly frustrating for Briningstool, but he’s turned that setback into a serious learning opportunity. He told reporters after Monday’s practice, “Last year for me, as frustrating as it was, I think it was a way God showed me just to be able to take a step back and do what it takes to be a pro.” Talk about perspective! He got an “up-close view” of how the veteran guys attack every single day, seeing firsthand how their off-field prep translates onto the field. That’s invaluable, especially when you’re watching arguably the greatest to ever play the position. Briningstool himself said being close to “Travis Kelce” and his “Hall of Fame career” has been a blessing. Imagine getting to study and play alongside that legend daily. What a masterclass!
Pads On, Game On for Briningstool
Now, a year later, Briningstool’s finally getting further in the process than he ever did as a rookie. He’s got the pads on, he’s competing, and he’s showcasing what he can do. “It feels great to be able to be out here and compete,” he said, “and actually put the pads on… Just being able to come out here and learn a lot from the other guys and be able to showcase what I can do, it’s been great. I’ve been excited to be back out here.” You can hear the excitement in his voice. The guy is hungry. He spent a year observing, learning, and getting his body right, and now it’s time to translate that into action.
He’ll finally get to play in front of Chiefs fans this Saturday in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Briningstool is pumped, and he’s expecting a strong showing from the entire tight ends room. He noted, “I think the biggest thing is we’ve had a super competitive camp. Guys have been working hard. I think we have a talented team, so we’re just excited to go out there and showcase what we’ve been working on.” Get ready for a show, because Briningstool and the Chiefs are ready to let it all hang out this weekend.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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