Eight months later, the pain of losing a second Super Bowl in five seasons to the Kansas City Chiefs has barely subsided for the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare for a rare regular season rematch.

AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett was voted the top defensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press.

A person familiar with the negotiations says standout pass rusher Josh Allen has signed a five-year contract that maxes out at $150 million and includes up to $88 million guaranteed.

The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the Kansas City Chiefs and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones had agreed on the framework of a five-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed.

Kirk Cousins will be a free agent for the first time since the Vikings gave him the first fully-guaranteed quarterback deal in the NFL.

Another NFL free agency period is about to begin but buyers should beware that signing other teams' veterans comes with plenty of risk.

NFL teams could find a Pro Bowl quarterback, an All-Pro defensive lineman or a future Hall of Fame wide receiver and plenty more star-quality players when the free agency period begins on March 13.

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to a person familiar with the decision.

The Kansas City Chiefs are a dynasty and already are looking to become the first team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

The Super Bowl is the end point to a season for which every franchise strives.

The biggest reason why the Chiefs will beat the 49ers for their third Super Bowl title in four trips over the past five years is quite simple: experience.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones gambled on himself and it has paid off.

The Kansas City Chiefs have become known for big-name stars such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Chiefs’ regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Harrison Butker was a career-best 6 for 6 on field-goal attempts, and Kansas City held the Bengals without a point over their final seven possessions in a 25-17 victory that clinched the Chiefs' eighth straight AFC West title.

Andy Reid was ready to move on from Kansas City's controversial loss to Buffalo last weekend.

University of Virginia officials are further delaying the public release of the findings of an investigation into the events surrounding a 2022 campus shooting that killed three student-athletes and wounded two other students.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he is happy with a reworked contract that makes him the league's highest-paid player over the next four years, but also pleased in the way the deal is structured.

Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes, including one to returning star Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs overcame three early turnovers to beat Jacksonville 17-9 for their third victory against the Jaguars in 10 months.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said Wednesday that he would have changed his approach to his holdout if given another chance.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Chris Jones to a new one-year contract Monday, which should end the All-Pro defensive tackle’s holdout.

The Kansas City Chiefs are optimistic that All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce will be back from a knee injury for Sunday's game at Jacksonville.

The Detroit Lions rallied for a 21-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs to ruin the Super Bowl champions' celebration on the NFL's opening night.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have Patrick Mahomes under center after they raise their championship banner and embark on a quest to become the first team to repeat in nearly two decades.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones says he “just wants a raise” as he threatens to take his holdout into the regular season with Kansas City scheduled to face the Detroit Lions in the NFL's opener Thursday night.

Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is optimistic that All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones will be on the field when the Super Bowl champions kick off the NFL regular-season against Detroit next week.

The Kansas City Chiefs plan to play Patrick Mahomes and the rest of their starters for the first half of their preseason game on Saturday night in Arizona.

The Alleghany Mountaineers and the Covington Cougars merged in the Alleghany Highlands school district.

The Kansas City Chiefs will rely on a pair of new offensive tackles to protect Patrick Mahomes this season.

The weather was hot and pads were on for the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL camps open this week with most of the focus on players who aren’t showing up.

The all-star cast of players in the trenches should decide the Super Bowl champion.

Super Bowl 57 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is rapidly approaching.

The Chiefs have been here before, and on both sides of the outcome, and they know that winning the Super Bowl is a whole lot better than losing it.

Any success that the Kansas City Chiefs have in slowing down Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl probably rests on the shoulders of Chris Jones.

The Kansas City Chiefs are playing in the Super Bowl largely because they refused to give up on anyone, including players that few but their most-passionate fans know about.

Joe Burrow couldn't carry the Cincinnati Bengals to a second consecutive Super Bowl on Sunday night.

The Bengals and Chiefs have become familiar foes.

The Hollywood owners of Wrexham are still learning British soccer vernacular.

2022 NFL All-Pro Team Roster.

Travis Kelce and Justin Jefferson are unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2022 NFL All-Pro Team, and Sauce Gardner is the first rookie cornerback selected in 41 years.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced the selection of the special counsel that will conduct the external review of the events surrounding the deadly shooting on UVA grounds last month.

A University of Virginia spokesperson has confirmed that not only did the school know that the suspect in the tragic shooting possibly had a gun, but when school officials went to take disciplinary action against suspect Chris Jones, the report was never sent.

The University of Virginia community is mourning as new details emerge about both the three football players killed in a campus shooting this week and the criminal charges the suspect faces.

Former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been elected Arkansas governor and will be the first woman to lead the state.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark was suspended two games by the NFL on Tuesday after pleading no contest last month to two counts of misdemeanor possession of an assault weapon in Los Angeles.

Josh Allen threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead toss to Dawson Knox with 1:04 left in the game, and the Buffalo Bills beat the Kansas City Chiefs 24-20 on Sunday to exact a small measure of revenge for their epic overtime loss in last year’s playoffs.

Tom Brady was fined by the NFL on Friday for trying to kick Atlanta’s Grady Jarrett following the play in which the Falcons defensive tackle was flagged for a disputed roughing-the-passer penalty, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

The NFL has looked at Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett’s disputed roughing-the-passer penalty on Tom Brady to determine whether Brady attempted to kick Jarrett and if that warrants a fine, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Defensive players around the NFL are frustrated about roughing-the-passer penalties, questioning what constitutes a legal hit and wondering how far referees will go to protect quarterbacks.

A person with directly knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press that the NFL did not give officials a directive to emphasize roughing-the-passer penalties following Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion, but the topic will be discussed next week when NFL owners meet in New York.

Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdown passes to Travis Kelce, the Chiefs overcame an early 17-point deficit along with a dubious roughing-the-passer penalty, and Kansas City extended its mastery of the Las Vegas Raiders, holding on for a 30-29 victory.

A controversial roughing-the-passer penalty just before halftime of the Las Vegas Raiders’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night delivered another blow to the NFL and its beleaguered officiating crew.

Matt Ryan threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jelani Woods with 24 seconds left to give the Indianapolis Colts a 20-17 comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has won the Republican nomination for governor in Arkansas.

Georgia takes center stage in Tuesday’s primary elections as Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger try to fight back challengers endorsed by Donald Trump.

Dozens of Black Democratic candidates are seeking office in heavily Republican states that former President Donald Trump won easily in 2020.

The Chiefs have won a record six straight AFC West titles and will be hosting their record fourth straight AFC title game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

The last time the Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, Tyreek Hill was a wide-eyed rookie wide receiver, Chris Jones was learning the ropes at defensive tackle and Travis Kelce was just becoming one of the NFL's best tight ends.

Another 21 NFL players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, including Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, cornerback Rashad Fenton and tight end Blake Bell.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been added to the COVID-19 reserve list as the NFL reports 28 more positive tests among players.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 63 yards and a touchdown in his return from injured reserve as the Chiefs beat the Cowboys 19-9.

The two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs are wallowing at 3-4 and already facing an uphill climb just to reach the playoffs as the New York Giants visit Arrowhead Stadium.

Turn on the TV or listen to talk radio and just about everyone has an opinion on why Patrick Mahomes is playing so poorly.

Justin Herbert’s touchdown toss to Mike Williams with 32 seconds to go lifted the Los Angeles Chargers to a 30-24 victory over the Chiefs.

Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu was added to the active roster from the COVID-19 list on Saturday, and the three-time All-Pro was listed as questionable for Kansas City’s regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to touchdowns on his only two chances with the ball as Kansas City beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-24.

The offensive line that the Kansas City Chiefs aggressively overhauled this offseason has taken a hit.

Now, the Chiefs will have to take a much different tact if they want to make their third consecutive Super Bowl. While their core group is signed for the next several years, the Chiefs have a raft of important contributors that are due to hit free agency. Ad“Like all teams, we'll get busy here going down the road,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. “Every year is different because of your cap situation and what you have and what you need,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. WELCOME BACKThe Chiefs should get some help from guys that were injured or opted out of this past season.

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) look on during NFL football practice Wednesday February 2, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)KANSAS CITY, Mo. Based on offense alone, the Kansas City Chiefs are head and shoulders better than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If we stay in that mindset, we give ourselves a chance to win any big game.”None is bigger than the Super Bowl.

(NFL via AP)Someone will make history Sunday in a Super Bowl so filled with storylines it would fill a season of TV programming. Yes, Tampa, Florida, where the Super Bowl is being played this year. Ad“There’s a lot that comes along with the Super Bowl,” says Rob Gronkowski, the three-time champion tight end who came out of retirement to reunite with Brady. Of course, with the week off between the conference title matches and the Super Bowl, each side should be well rested. “You don’t get these opportunities every year in the NFL to be in the Super Bowl and to be in these games,” Mahomes says, thought it sure seems as if Brady has a Super Bowl habit, and Mahomes is developing one.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones celebrates during the second half of an NFL divisional round football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Kansas City. The Chiefs won 22-17. – The Kansas City Chiefs would be the first to tell you that the final score is all that matters. The Chiefs won seven straight games by one possession, two clear of the previous NFL record, including one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — their Super Bowl opponent Sunday. “We won a lot of games this year off different guys making plays, offense, defense or special teams,” Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens said.

Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. It was the second and most impressive of three scores for Hill, who was the star of Kansas City’s 27-24 victory at Tampa Bay in Week 12. Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl next Sunday, the first rematch in the NFL finale in nearly a decade. Davis was burned repeatedly, including on consecutive TD passes from Patrick Mahomes to Hill (75 and 44 yards) in the first quarter. Down three with 4:10 to play, Tampa turned to its defense to get a stop and get Brady the ball back.

The Kansas City Chiefs won their first NFL title since 1970 when they beat San Francisco in last year's Super Bowl. What we get Sunday is a matchup of dynamic offenses and overlooked defenses, the top two teams in the conference. Kansas City (15-2) has the confidence of a reigning champion and a charisma few NFL teams can match. That could provide an edge over Bills rookie Tyler Bass — except that Bass has been very reliable all season. Buffalo punter Corey Bojorquez and Kansas City rookie Johnny Townsend were two of the most dependable in the AFC.

The Chiefs took a 30-10 lead against Miami and held on for a 33-27 victory. The Chiefs clinched their fifth straight AFC West title with the victory and are the unanimous No. “Is there anybody in the NFC that can beat them?”And the surging Buffalo Bills also moved up two places to No. The Packers, who have clinched the NFC North, will host the Carolina Panthers and the Bills will head to Denver to take on the Broncos. The Saints will try to avoid a two-game skid as they host the Chiefs on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Patrick Mahomes took a 30-yard sack before he got the Kansas City Chiefs going in the right direction. The Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit and four turnovers Sunday to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC West title by beating Miami 33-27. But he threw for 393 yards and two scores to help the Chiefs (12-1) earn their eighth consecutive victory. It was the Chiefs’ second consecutive comeback at Hard Rock Stadium, where they won the Super Bowl in February despite Mahomes' two interceptions. He threw an interception, bobbled a snap and took the big sack to set up the Dolphins’ first touchdown.

The Bucs (8-5) bolstered their chances of their first postseason berth in 13 years with Sunday's 26-14 victory over Minnesota. Bailey nearly cost the Vikings the previous week, too, missing two extra points and a potential winning kick before nailing a field goal in overtime to beat Jacksonville. This time, Brady shrugged off a scoreless opening quarter with help from Bailey and a trio of costly of penalties on the Vikings' defense. Brady launched two of Tampa Bay’s three first-half scoring drives after missed field goal attempts. A pass interference call on linebacker Todd Davis gave Tampa a chance to tack on the field goal that made it 17-6 at the break.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Baseball players in the Hill City could still end up playing home games in Cleveland. The Lynchburg Hillcats announced Wednesday that they’ve been formally invited by the Cleveland Indians to become their new Low-A affiliate. “We appreciate Cleveland’s commitment to top-notch player development and working with us to keep professional baseball in Lynchburg for years to come. We can’t wait to host baseball games again at Bank of the James Stadium and do what we do best -- provide affordable family fun to our passionate fans.”The announcement comes as Major League Baseball has altered the minor league structure. Lynchburg was last a Low-A club in 1989 as a Boston Red Sox affiliate.

(AP Photo/John Froschauer)Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay has cleared concussion protocol and will play against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bears: WR Ted Ginn Jr., DB Duke Shelley, RB Artavis Pierce, OL Cody Whitehair, WR Riley Ridley, LB Trevis Gipson. Seahawks: RB Chris Carson, RB Carlos Hyde, DE Benson Mayowa, CB Ugo Amadi, SS Jamal Adams, CB Shaquill Griffin. ___LOS ANGELES RAMS AT MIAMIRams: RB Raymond Calais, OL Brian Allen, WR Trishton Jackson, TE Brycen Hopkins, DL A’Shawn Robinson. Dolphins: RB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr., RB Salvon Ahmed, FB Chandler Cox, CB Jamal Perry, RB Jordan Howard, DE Jason Strowbridge.

File-This Oct. 6, 2019, file photo shows New York Jets' Le'Veon Bell, right, rushing past Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod during the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia. The New York Jets have surprisingly released Bell, ending a disappointing tenure after less than two full seasons. – Le'Veon Bell once carried the ball a league-leading 321 times in a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell has been the focal point of defenses for the majority of his career, whether that was in Pittsburgh or during his short stint with the New York Jets. Bell knew that no matter how involved he would be in the Chiefs offense, he would have a chance to win a championship.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Landover, Md. Smith played his first NFL game 693 days since breaking his right tibia and fibula, entering when new Washington starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured his left arm. “You watch guys like Aaron all the time and as effective as he is, you guys have no idea how impressive it is with all the attention he gets week after week,” Rams linebacker Troy Reeder said. Rivera said if Allen can play next week, Smith would back up and Haskins would again be inactive. UP NEXTThe Rams visit the 49ers next Sunday, while Washington is at the NFC East rival New York Giants.

Jones had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Even so, the winless Falcons’ secondary gets a boost with safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) returning from injuries. ___PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGHEagles: TE Hakeem Butler; RB Jason Huntley, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, QB Nate Sudfeld, DE Casey Toohill. Falcons: S Jaylinn Hawkins, WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Ravens: RB Justice Hill, WR Chris Moore, QB Trace McSorley, DT Broderick Washington, DT Justin Ellis, OL Tyre Phillips.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) celebrates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Kansas City. – It's hard enough to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs under the best of circumstances. It wasn't until Tyrann Mathieu took an interception back for a touchdown in the fourth that Kansas City clinched its 26-10 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Later on Saturday, it came out that Chiefs practice squad QB Jordan Ta'amu also had tested positive, forcing the NFL to postpone the game. Chiefs: Defensive tackle Chris Jones was out with a groin injury that sidelined him in practice last week.

Dallas Cowboys' Chris Jones (6) and others celebrate with kicker Greg Zuerlein (2) after Zuerlein kicked a field goal to help the Cowboys to a 40-39 win against the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dallas Cowboys' Chris Jones (6) and others celebrate with kicker Greg Zuerlein (2) after Zuerlein kicked a field goal to help the Cowboys to a 40-39 win against the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)ARLINGTON, Texas – One gamble after another failed for coach Mike McCarthy in his home debut with the Dallas Cowboys. Greg Zuerlein kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired, and the Cowboys overcame four fumbles and a 20-point deficit in the first quarter to beat the Atlanta Falcons 40-39 on Sunday. The Falcons pushed the lead to 39-24 on Younghoe Koo's fourth field goal with just under eight minutes left. Calvin Ridley was the leader for the Falcons this week with 109 yards and two touchdowns.

Fans watch the Kansas City Chiefs during NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Chiefs coach Andy Reid no longer carries around the heavy and ignominious tag of best coach never to win a championship. This is the best opportunity you can have to start the season.That contract extension is the second largest in NFL history. Very, very dynamic players, Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. They also will miss cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who are suspended for the start of the season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. There's nothing done with the contract right this minute, Reid said, "but I mean, if it happens that way, I'd love it. We're all willing to work, Reid continued before heading out to practice. He's been in Kansas City ever since, leading the Chiefs to four consecutive AFC West titles and back-to-back conference championship games. Reid and Veach aren't the only ones settling into the prospect of long-term stays in Kansas City.

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce smiles before the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal has not been announced. The competition that (Fitzgerald) provided me coming into the league, me coming to Kansas City Travis gives me that same kind of competition day-in and day-out, Mathieu said. Travis still comes to work wanting to get better, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, so you love that part. The rookie broke one of his orbital bones before arriving in Kansas City, Reid said.

Dak Prescott will play whatever becomes of the 2020 season under the one-year franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys and their star quarterback couldn't agree on a long-term contract. Clubs had until Wednesday afternoon to reach multiyear deals with players given the franchise tag. Green and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue of Jacksonville haven't signed the one-year contract that goes with the tag. If so, his fate will be different than the other two QBs who have played under the franchise tag. Anthony Harris of Minnesota and Denver's Justin Simmons are set to play under the $11.4 million tag for a safety.

LYNCHBURG, Va. The Lynchburg Hillcats are just another team in our area that are mourning the loss of the Minor League Baseball season. Were all bummed, Hillcats General Manager Chris Jones said. Obviously they worked so hard, all season, all off-season, putting on a great show that were known for. Not getting to do that is just a real bummer for us.With little to no revenue for some minor league teams this summer, the Hillcats are hopeful baseball will be played next summer. Were a small business, like a lot of small businesses around us, its going to hurt for a long time, Jones said.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Yesterday in Lynchburg, the Carolina League All-Star game was supposed to be played. It would have been the citys first time hosting the game in 25 years. Its really sad for the city. It was our chance to really shine, and show off what weve done here for the last 25 years, General Manager Chris Jones said. Theres been so many ideas thrown around, as you can see, major league baseball and the players association are having their own issues, so I think minor league baseball is down on the totem pole of importance.

PASADENA, Calif. - Thirty years ago, NASA's Voyager 2 mission flew by Neptune, capturing the first close-up images of the blue gas giant. Trina Ray was working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the Neptune flyby of the Voyager 2 mission. "Its been a wonderful experience because there was so much to be learned," Stone said, reflecting on his time with the Voyager mission. Those who worked on the Voyager mission and now assist with Europa Clipper's development know they may not be able to see the mission through. "You only send a robot emissary that exits the solar system for the first time once, and that's Voyager," Ray said.