WATCH: Chiefs Wire Podcast Video Interview: Ben Utecht
On the Chiefs Wire Podcast, we look back at one of the best interviews from the 2024 season! This week, we're reflecting on the Week 12 episode.
Watch as Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Super Bowl champion and former Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht about his inspiration for developing the Shower Sockᵀᴹ after dealing with a painful condition and his thoughts on Patrick Mahomes' and Travis Kelce's success in the Chiefs offense.
The former First-team All-Big Ten tight end has appreciated the position's growth since retiring in 2009. Utecht acknowledged the greatness of two Chiefs legends at the position and how it's evolved over the years. He expressed his appreciation for Chiefs quarterback Mahomes' ability to use his feet on the field as part of his exceptional skill set.
Advertisement
Utecht partnered with global med-tech executives Mario Nozzarella and Heinrich von Solms to further develop the product. They secured US and international patents and trademarks and developed the manufacturing and chemical application process for what has now become the Shower Sockᵀᴹ.
Check out the link to listen to the full episode!
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs Wire Podcast Video Playback Interview: Ben Utecht
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LeBron Shuts Down The 'No Bag' Talk: "I'm Sitting Here With 50 Billion Points"
LeBron Shuts Down The 'No Bag' Talk: "I'm Sitting Here With 50 Billion Points" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James is done listening to people claim he has 'no bag.' On the latest episode of Mind The Game, the all-time NBA scoring king finally addressed the long-running internet narrative questioning his creativity and dribble package. In true LeBron fashion, he didn't raise his voice, he raised the bar. Advertisement "When I was growing up, it wasn't talked about it. The least amount of dribbles to get where you need to get to was what I grew up on." "Michael Jordan wasn't out there dribbling 1,000 times, you know, to get to the spot. He'd get to a spot and raise. Isiah Thomas, as great of a handle that Isiah Thomas had, Isiah would get to a spot and raise." "All these guys that I grew up on, Grant Hill, get to a spot, I'm bigger than you. Big Dog Robinson, I'm bigger than you. Allen Houston, all these great players, that I grew up watching and admiring." "Penny Hardaway, they could dribble the basketball, but there's no... Tracy McGrady, even as great as Tracy's handle was, it was, I'm bigger than you, I'm gonna get to the spot and the least amount of dribbles." Advertisement "Kevin Garnett... Just good footwork, get over the top. If I'm bigger than you and I get you on my shoulder, I get you on my hip, I'm gonna use my size." "I see it all the time. It's like, you know, I'll be on social media, like, LeBron has no bag. LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting over here with 50 billion points." That's not hyperbole. LeBron James has amassed 52,243 career points, a mind-boggling number that includes 42,184 in the regular season and 8,289 in the playoffs. That's over 50,000 points in the NBA alone. Add in his points for Team USA, All-Star Games, the In-Season Tournament, and various exhibition and international games, and the total vaults well beyond the 52K mark. To put it simply, if LeBron has no bag, then basketball doesn't need one. Advertisement What triggered LeBron's subtle roast of the internet critics was a deeper discussion about how offensive basketball was taught and understood in his generation. He pointed out that players he admired growing up like Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady, all emphasized efficiency over flash. He mentioned legends like Allen Houston and 'Big Dog' Glenn Robinson, who dominated their matchups by using size, footwork, and precision, not a flurry of crossovers or highlight-reel ankle breakers. Even someone like Isiah Thomas, known for his handle, played within a framework that emphasized getting to a spot with purpose. In that context, LeBron sees himself not as lacking a bag, but simply operating from a different philosophy. Advertisement The comments are a timely reminder that "bag" talk — especially the internet's obsession with flashy dribbling and aesthetic shot creation — often ignores the actual results. LeBron didn't need to dance with the ball. He bulldozed, he glided, he orchestrated, and he dominated. From post fades to downhill drives, from bullet passes to chase-down blocks, LeBron's game is built on control, versatility, and overwhelming impact. And while social media might be fixated on who has the deepest handle or slickest combo, LeBron is focused on the scoreboard and history. Whether or not someone wants to call it a 'bag,' LeBron's point is simple: the man with over 50,000 points, four championships, and a two-decade run of dominance doesn't need to prove his artistry. He is the canvas. Related: Dominique Wilkins Says LeBron James Is A Sidekick For The Lakers After Luka Doncic Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Shams Charania Hints LeBron James Will Retire Next Season: "Year 23 For No. 23"
Shams Charania Hints LeBron James Will Retire Next Season: "Year 23 For No. 23" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James is coming off another inspiring season, bringing up his tally to 22. Now on the verge of entering Year 23, ESPN's Shams Charania hints that it might be James' final one. While discussing the likelihood of James opting in to his contract this season, he said: Advertisement "I'm told he's likely to opt in. He's got a player-option about $54-$57 million. He's got a massive player option. That's likely. That's the plan." Charania then adds why the offer was so lucrative for the Los Angeles Lakers forward. However, he also said that James' decision to keep playing would depend on how competitive the team would be going forward. On this note, Charania added why this could be the final year for the 40-year-old by saying, "Year 23 for No. 23. They have the All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. So, to me, it's very storybook if that's the way it goes. But that's a decision that he's gotta make." The ESPN insider added a very important point before concluding. He highlighted that the key, in this scenario, would be whether the Lakers would be able to acquire a "true center" in the offseason. Advertisement The Lakers' need for a center was highlighted almost immediately after the team was eliminated from the playoffs. Although the star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic looked competitive enough while closing out the regular season, the Lakers and their shortcomings were put on full display against the Minnesota Timberwolves. A 4-1 series loss in the first round reflected the abject lack of depth in the frontcourt. With only Jaxson Hayes holding the fort, it was not enough to hold off the Wolves' frontcourt. Regardless, the Purple and Gold have been very active thus far. Appearing in virtually all offseason trade chatter, the organization has made its intention of pursuing a legitimate center known, pursuing the likes of Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford, among many others. The team would benefit from having James back on the roster next season. Although his contract is a major hit on the team's salary cap, it pales in comparison to the value he brings on the court, even at this age. Advertisement In the 2024-25 season, the Lakers forward recorded an average of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. Even at 40 years old, James was considered among the best players in the league, rightfully earning a spot in the All-NBA Second-Team as well as finishing sixth in the MVP race. James' ability to do everything is not going to be easy to replicate. But Doncic emerges as an ideal replacement to emulate most of his contributions. A short stint together showcased what they were capable of. An entire season, with the right pieces surrounding them, could see them transform the Lakers into title contenders. Related: LeBron James Reveals His Extreme Diet: First Meal At 2 PM; No Creatine Or Unnatural Supplements This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic On Playing With LeBron James: "He Shows Up Like 10 Hours Before The Game"
Luka Doncic On Playing With LeBron James: "He Shows Up Like 10 Hours Before The Game" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Luka Doncic hasn't been shy about expressing his awe at teaming up with LeBron James, and for good reason. The generational Dallas Mavericks talent, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster move last offseason, is now sharing the floor with one of the most legendary figures in NBA history. And for Doncic, even after years of dominating the league himself, the experience has been eye-opening. Advertisement In a recent interview with on Mind The Game, Doncic reflected on what it has meant to play alongside LeBron. "I mean, it's great. You see, I've never played with a guy like this. And, you know, just being traded to here, to L.A., I mean, it was different. But just to play with guys like him, like, it's unbelievable." "Like, I could learn so many stuff, you know. First of all, off the court, you know, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously on the court, everybody knows what kind of player he is." That readiness, according to Luka, is part of what sets LeBron apart. When asked by Nash for a specific example, Doncic laughed and said: Advertisement "Well, first of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game. So that was really the main, like, I was, what? I came to the arena. He was already done working out. I was like, what?" While the duo's chemistry is still developing, Doncic sees it trending upward. 'I think it's a work in progress,' he said: "I think I still think it's a work in progress. When we two are out there, and AR, you know, he's been playing unbelievable. And I think it's just still a work in progress. You know, I think we're getting better and better every day." Despite flashes of brilliance, the Lakers' 2024-25 season ended in disappointment. Advertisement The team's glaring roster flaw, the absence of a true center, proved fatal in the playoffs, especially against the physicality of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Davis had left in the blockbuster trade and the Lakers never found a proper replacement. The Lakers were bounced in five games, leaving both Luka and LeBron frustrated. This offseason, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has acknowledged that failure and made it clear that getting a center is priority number one. He also emphasized the importance of meeting LeBron James' expectations in what could be his final season. LeBron is expected to opt into his player option for his 23rd NBA season, and with Doncic now locked in as the franchise's future, the Lakers are in win-now and win-later mode. Advertisement Austin Reaves remains a key part of that vision. While rumors swirl about his trade availability, the Lakers have made it clear they won't move him unless it's for an All-Star talent. His agent has also come out publicly denying that Reaves is getting traded, reinforcing that he's still part of L.A.'s long-term core. Among the centers linked to the Lakers this summer are Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, and Brook Lopez. The team also holds valuable trade assets, including Dalton Knecht and a future first-round pick. With those chips in play, expect the Lakers to be aggressive in finding a center who can anchor the defense and complement both Luka Doncic's pick-and-roll mastery and LeBron James' all-around brilliance. Related: Luka Doncic Reveals How He Fell In Love With Basketball This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
