Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen expressed excitement about joining the team alongside fellow Cincinnati Bearcat Jeff Caldwell. Allen shared his enthusiasm for connecting with veteran Travis Kelce and adapting to the Chiefs' playbook during rookie minicamp.
Key points
Cyrus Allen is a rookie wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Travis Kelce reached out to Allen, highlighting their Cincinnati connection.
Jeff Caldwell, another Cincinnati Bearcat, signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
Allen finds the Chiefs' playbook challenging but is eager to learn.
The Chiefs' rookie minicamp continues before a break for OTAs.
Mentioned in this story
Cincinnati Bearcats
Kansas City ChiefsCyrus AllenTravis KelceJeff Caldwell
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 18: Wide receiver Cyrus Allen #4 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrates his third touchdown of the game on a 12-yard catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on 3rd-and-1 in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The score was Allen's third touchdown of the game. Cincinnati won 49-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) | Getty Images
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 18: Wide receiver Cyrus Allen #4 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrates his third touchdown of the game on a 12-yard catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on 3rd-and-1 in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The score was Allen's third touchdown of the game. Cincinnati won 49-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Kansas City Chiefs started rookie minicamp on Friday, which means that this was the first time media members had a chance to speak with the newest members of the Chiefs since immediately after they were selected by Kansas City.
Fifth-round draft pick, wide receiver and former Cincinnati Bearcat Cyrus Allen told media members during his presser that veteran tight end, and former Bearcat, Travis Kelce was one of the first guys on the team to “hit him up.”
“He said, ‘let’s f’ing go,‘” laughed Allen.
When he was asked what it was like to talk to such an iconic and legendary player from his school, Allen said, “He’s a Cincinnati guy, so that was exciting to really chop it up with him for real.”
Allen went on to talk about the lasting impact Kelce has had on his alma mater, saying, “Man, it’s crazy. I ain’t going to lie. I think he got a lot of stuff named after him. I think the hotel that we were at, I think our key card is a picture of him on it.
“I’m like, ‘this is Travis Kelce.’ I’m like, ‘That’s crazy. I wish I could get that treatment.‘”
Allen isn’t the only Cincinnati receiver to join the Chiefs ranks; his college teammate, Jeff Caldwell, signed with the team last week as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Caldwell, who is a raw and elite athlete, needs to refine his route running and the finer aspects of the game, but has some of the biggest upside of any player in the 2026 rookie class. Caldwell is most well-known for posting the second-best relative athletic score (RAS) of any receiver over the last 20 years.
When he was asked about his teammate, Allen raved about his friend, “Man, Jeff [is] a dog. I ain’t going to lie to you. Jeff [is] a dog. He’s 6 feet 5, 6 feet 6 inches tall, one of them heights,” he joked.
“He’s talented. I was amazed that he got signed here,” Allen admitted. “I’m like, ‘bro, let’s go back to work.‘”
In addition to having a friendly face in a new place, Allen said the Caldwell will help him learn the Chiefs’ playbook and get acclimated to the offense, “I worked with him before, and us learning the plays and stuff together is going to be good for both of us.”
Still, even with having Caldwell as a study buddy, Allen said learning the Chiefs offense is a little overwhelming at the moment, “I’m swimming a little bit. I can’t lie to you. But, it’s good.”
But even if he’s up to his neck in learning the playbook, he’s not drowning, “I’m learning everything. Learning different positions, learning what everybody got. That’s kind of how I like to learn. So, it’ll probably be a little harder for me. But it’s good. I’ve been learning everything.”
The Chiefs continue their rookie minicamp throughout the weekend, before breaking until later this month when the team will reconvene for Voluntary OTAs (Organized Team Activities).
It’s going to be fun to keep tabs on the Chiefs’ newest Cincinnati product this offseason as we watch his development unfold.
Q&A
What did Cyrus Allen say about Travis Kelce?
Cyrus Allen mentioned that Travis Kelce was one of the first players to reach out to him, expressing excitement about their connection as fellow Cincinnati alumni.
Who is Jeff Caldwell and why is he significant to the Chiefs?
Jeff Caldwell is a former Cincinnati Bearcat and undrafted rookie free agent who recently signed with the Chiefs, known for his impressive athleticism and potential.
How is Cyrus Allen adjusting to the Chiefs' playbook?
Cyrus Allen described learning the Chiefs' playbook as overwhelming but is committed to understanding various positions and plays.
What is the timeline for the Chiefs' rookie minicamp and OTAs?
The Chiefs' rookie minicamp is ongoing throughout the weekend, followed by a break until later this month for Voluntary OTAs.
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