Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City Chiefs (Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
A heartwarming story has surfaced about how a former crime boss and ex-convict turned his life around and served as inspiration for the Kansas City Chiefs this past offseason.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs were humiliated 40-22 by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, a sour end to their bid for the first Super Bowl three-peat. Mahomes threw two interceptions (including a game-changing pick-six to Cooper DeJean), lost a fumble and was sacked six times in the loss.

Chiefs players are humans like the rest of us, and it’s natural to need support and motivation from external resources following a loss as crushing as Super Bowl 59. So this past offseason, head coach Andy Reid brought in a renowned motivational speaker to inspire his team ahead of 2025.

Damon West, a former crime boss, m3th addict and leader of a burglary ring, spent seven years in prison before being released in November 2015. He has made the most of his second chance, becoming a keynote speaker, bestselling author and college professor.

As detailed by Daniel Matthews of the Daily Mail, Andy Reid reached out to West and asked him to speak to his players. West delivered the heartwarming and inspiring message the team needed to hear before beginning the quest for another Super Bowl:

“He spoke to the Chiefs for around 45 minutes – no props, no presentation. ‘You have an incredible story,’ (tight end Travis) Kelce later told him. ‘I got a lot out of it.’ Many other players echoed those thoughts. ‘(They) really absorbed the message of the coffee bean.’

Over 12 hours with the Chiefs, he watched practice, ate with the team and talked them through his journey. ‘One of the greatest honors I’ve ever had,’ West says.

Reid offered to put him in touch with every other coach in the NFL. He also allowed the ex-quarterback to sit in on an offensive meeting. Then? ‘Travis Kelce came up to me,’ West says. ‘We’re all going to watch ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ the tight end explained. Kelce had a cameo role and it was a day before the movie premiered. ‘Do you want to stay and watch?’ he asked.

West jumped at the chance. So did every player and every member of Chiefs staff. ‘I don’t know that I’ll ever see another moment like that again,’ he says.”

Another reminder that it’s not how you start, but how you finish.

Kansas City Chiefs Get A Shot At Revenge On Sunday

Patrick Mahomes throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles (Credit: Stephen Lew/Imagn Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs fell 27-21 to the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers in their season opener on Friday. Looking to avoid a disastrous 0-2 start, they’ll have to clean some things up if they’re to emerge victorious against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

It’s been seven long months since the Chiefs last played the Eagles, but they get the chance to get the ultimate revenge at Arrowhead Stadium when Jalen Hurts and company come to town on Sunday (4:25 p.m. EST) in a marquee matchup.

Mahomes is 2-2 against Hurts, with each side claiming one Super Bowl victory plus a regular-season win in the other’s barn (Mahomes won at Philly in 2021, Hurts won at Kansas City in 2022).

If the Chiefs can secure a victory against Philadelphia, it’ll go a long way toward strengthening their confidence for another Super Bowl run.

All About the NCIS Spinoff Tony & Ziva , Including One Detail That Calls Back to the Early Tiva Days

What’s the Buzz About the New Tony & Ziva Spinoff?

If you’ve been part of the NCIS fandom for more than a hot minute, you already know that Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David—affectionately known as Tiva—were the heart and soul of the show for years. And now? They’re back with their own spinoff. Yep, it’s real, and it’s happening. Fans have waited over a decade for closure, and this spinoff promises not just that but so much more.

A Quick Refresher: Who Are Tony and Ziva?

Before we dive into the juicy spinoff details, let’s hit rewind for a sec. Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) was the charming, wise-cracking NCIS Special Agent. Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) was the badass Mossad operative turned NCIS agent. Their chemistry? Off the charts. For years, fans watched as the two danced around their feelings, forming one of TV’s most slow-burn, emotionally charged romances.

Why Did They Leave NCIS in the First Place?

Both characters exited the original show years ago. Ziva was presumed dead, and Tony left the agency to raise their daughter, Tali. It wasn’t until seasons later that Ziva returned—very much alive—and fans got a glimmer of hope for a proper reunion. But it never quite happened… until now.

The NCIS Spinoff: A Long-Awaited Love Letter to Tiva Fans

What’s the Title of the Spinoff?

The show’s working title is NCIS: Europe (subject to change), and it’s more than just a crime drama. It’s an emotional, globe-trotting journey that picks up with Tony and Ziva raising Tali while running a private security firm. Think: crime-solving meets co-parenting with some unresolved romantic tension on the side.

Who’s Behind the Series?

Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are not just reprising their roles—they’re also executive producers. That means they’re hands-on with the storytelling. This isn’t just fan service—it’s fan respect.

Where and When Will the Show Air?

CBS Studios has confirmed that the spinoff will stream exclusively on Paramount+. As of now, filming is expected to begin later this year, with a release window likely in early-to-mid 2026. Yep, it’s still a bit of a wait, but judging by the buzz? Totally worth it.

What Makes This Spinoff Different from Other NCIS Series?

Unlike traditional NCIS shows that stick closely to U.S.-based military crimes, this spinoff stretches across Europe. Expect international espionage, fast-paced action, and intimate character moments. It’s a spy thriller and a family drama all rolled into one.

Ziva and Tony’s Relationship: Where Do They Stand?

The show picks up with the pair co-parenting Tali, but not necessarily as a couple. There’s love there—clearly—but also a ton of unresolved tension. Expect some fireworks, both emotional and literal.

One Heartwarming Throwback to Early Tiva Days

Now, let’s talk about that one subtle detail that’s got old-school fans absolutely freaking out: Tony still carries Ziva’s Star of David pendant. In one behind-the-scenes tease, Weatherly was spotted wearing it under his shirt. For longtime fans, this tiny symbol carries huge weight—it’s the same necklace Ziva wore during her early NCIS days, symbolizing faith, identity, and connection. The fact that Tony now wears it? Chills.

Character Evolution: Tiva Then vs. Now

 Ziva’s Transformation

Once the stone-cold assassin with a heart guarded by barbed wire, Ziva is now a mother, a businesswoman, and a protector. She still kicks ass, but with a new layer of vulnerability.

 Tony’s Growth

Tony has always been the joker, but being a dad and losing Ziva changed him. He’s more introspective, thoughtful, but still that same lovable rogue underneath.

Tali DiNozzo: More Than Just Their Daughter

Meet Tali

The spinoff finally gives Tali the screen time she deserves. Now a pre-teen, she’s witty, sharp, and already showing signs of being both her parents’ child. Expect moments of levity, heart, and a few “chip-off-the-old-block” lines that’ll make you smile.

New Characters, New Dynamics

The show will also introduce a new supporting cast:

A tech genius who’s way too into Tony’s movie references

A mysterious Mossad contact from Ziva’s past

And a rival security firm with secrets of its own

Easter Eggs and Callbacks Galore

Fans can expect more than just the pendant callback. Showrunners have hinted at throwbacks like:

An updated version of Tony’s movie lists

Old NCIS photos on Ziva’s desk

Mentions of Abby, McGee, and even Gibbs (sigh, we miss you, boss)

Will Other NCIS Cast Members Appear?

There’s buzz—but nothing confirmed—about possible cameos. Rumors swirl around McGee making an appearance, and fans are hoping for a surprise visit from Gibbs. If we know anything about NCIS, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Fan Reaction So Far

From Reddit threads to Twitter (okay, X), the fandom is on fire. Memes, fan art, rewatches of old Tiva scenes—this spinoff has reignited the NCIS flame in a big way. And honestly? It’s long overdue.

Why This Spinoff Matters

It’s more than just content for content’s sake. This show is about closure, growth, and legacy. It honors long-term fans while building something new. And most importantly—it brings Tiva back where they belong: together, complicated, and beautifully messy.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Tiva, but the Same Heartbeat

After years of “what ifs” and “maybes,” we’re finally getting the story we deserve. The Tony & Ziva spinoff isn’t just a continuation; it’s a celebration. Whether you’ve been shipping Tiva since Season 3 or just jumped on the NCIS train, this show is poised to deliver action, heart, and a whole lot of feels. Buckle up—because it’s gonna be one hell of a ride.