Spagnuolo Opens Up About Kristian Fulton’s Mysterious Chiefs Role — and What Comes Next
Spagnuolo Opens Up About Kristian Fulton’s Mysterious Chiefs Role — and What Comes Next
When the Kansas City Chiefs handed Kristian Fulton a two-year, $20 million deal last spring, the plan was clear: pair him with Jaylen Watson on the outside and shift Trent McDuffie into the slot to anchor one of the NFL’s toughest secondaries. But seven weeks into the season, that vision hasn’t materialized. Fulton has played just 17 defensive snaps over two games and was a healthy scratch for the last two weeks, a stunning fall for one of Kansas City’s marquee offseason additions.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called the situation “a tough one for Kristian.” He noted that the veteran corner has been working back from a lingering ankle injury but has lost valuable practice reps in the process. “He’s getting healthier,” Spagnuolo said, “but it’s hard to make up those missed reps when the other guys are playing well. Nohl [Williams] has done a great job.”
Indeed, rookie cornerback Nohl Williams, signed late last April, has seized the opportunity left by Fulton’s absence. Williams has been a consistent performer across multiple coverages and now sits firmly in the rotation alongside Watson and McDuffie. His emergence has effectively pushed Fulton to the outside looking in — an unexpected twist for a player once projected as a Day 1 starter.
Despite the demotion, Spagnuolo emphasized that Fulton remains part of the team’s long-term defensive plan. “We’ll need all our corners at some point,” he said. He doesn’t yell. He doesn’t preach. Just one gentle sentence, every week — the same sentence. It sounds harmless… until you realize what he’s really saying. “I tell Kristian every week: Be ready.” According to team sources, Fulton has stayed engaged, attending every meeting and putting in extra conditioning work to stay sharp for when his name is called.
Fulton’s ankle issue sidelined him early in the season, but he’s now back to full participation in practice. The challenge, Spagnuolo hinted, isn’t health—it’s rhythm. With a stacked cornerback room and a defense playing at a high level, there’s simply been no space for Fulton to reclaim his spot. Still, coaches value his experience and see him as critical depth for a long season.
As the Chiefs prepare for Monday night’s matchup with the Washington Commanders, Fulton’s role remains uncertain. Spagnuolo wouldn’t commit to his playing time but left the door open: “We’ll see how it plays out.” For now, Kansas City benefits from Williams’ breakout while Fulton bides his time—healthy, motivated, and waiting for his chance to prove his $20 million signing was no mistake.
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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.
