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Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII Champion OT Steps Away From the 53-Man Roster to Care for His Ailing Mother

November 27, 2025

KANSAS CITY — Just day before the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Dallas Cowboys in a pivotal Week 13 matchup, offensive lineman Wanya Morris has formally requested to step away from the active 53-man roster. His reason: to return home and care for his mother, who is reportedly dealing with a serious medical condition.

Morris, a 2023 third-round pick from Oklahoma, has been the team’s primary backup swing tackle and was expected to play a crucial role in rotation, especially with Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith sidelined by injury. The 24-year-old appeared in eight games this season, contributing solid protection whenever called upon and earning the trust of the coaching staff.

Last week, fans noticed Morris was unexpectedly inactive despite not being listed on the injury report. At the time, the move puzzled many, particularly with the offensive line dealing with depth issues. On Wednesday, team officials confirmed that Morris personally approached the coaching staff to request a temporary leave due to urgent family matters.
Rapoport] Chiefs to start Wanya Morris at left tackle vs. Falcons; rookie  Kingsley Suamataia benched : r/KansasCityChiefs

Head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation during his press conference. “Wanya’s a high-character guy. When he came to us and explained what was going on with his family, there was no hesitation,” Reid said. “Family always comes first in this organization. He knows he has our full support, and we’ll welcome him back when the time is right.”

To compensate for Morris’s absence, the Chiefs promoted rookie lineman Esa Pole from the practice squad. Pole, an undrafted gem from Utah State, impressed in the preseason with zero sacks allowed in 46 pass protection snaps. But for now, the spotlight shifts off the field, as the Chiefs community rallies behind Morris during this deeply personal moment.

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49ers Owner Jed York Issues Disciplinary Action Against 49ers Fan Following Serious Altercation Outside Levi’s Stadium That Left a Disabled Seahawks Fan Hospitalized
Santa Clara, California – January 5, 2026 The San Francisco 49ers’ hard-fought win over the Seattle Seahawks should have been remembered for its intensity and playoff implications. Instead, the night took a disturbing turn away from the field. As game highlights circulated, so did a troubling video from outside Levi’s Stadium — drawing national attention to an incident that sharply conflicted with the values the franchise claims to uphold. According to authorities, a serious altercation occurred shortly after the game between a 49ers fan and a Seahawks supporter who is reportedly living with Down syndrome. What began as a verbal exchange escalated rapidly before nearby bystanders intervened. The Seahawks fan was later transported to a local hospital after experiencing dizziness and signs of shock. Law enforcement detained the 49ers fan involved, who was taken in for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation. The video spread quickly across social media, prompting widespread condemnation and shifting the conversation from football to accountability. What might have remained a deeply regrettable moment instead became a broader discussion about fan conduct, stadium safety, and responsibility at NFL venues. For an organization that has long promoted a culture of inclusion and respect, the incident stood in stark contrast to the image the 49ers have worked to cultivate. Within hours, 49ers owner Jed York made it clear the situation would not be ignored. After reviewing the incident and confirming the identity of the individual involved, York authorized immediate disciplinary action: the fan has been banned from attending games at Levi’s Stadium for the entirety of next season due to conduct deemed violent and inconsistent with team values. “This behavior is unacceptable and does not represent who we are as an organization,” York said in a statement. “Levi’s Stadium must be a place where every fan feels safe and respected. Football should bring people together — never put anyone in harm’s way.” As the 49ers now turn their focus toward the postseason, the message from ownership was unmistakable. Success on the field carries no meaning if it is not matched by accountability and responsibility beyond the sidelines.