Kansas City Chiefs defensive end R Mason Thomas addressed reporters in a press conference for the first time shortly after being selected 40th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He shared his admiration and connection to a standout player from an AFC West rival."Nik Bonitto, that's the number one reason why I went to Oklahoma. So that was a big thing," said Thomas, "I wasn't recruited by him because he was going to the league around this time, when I was just coming to be a freshman.
He was a part of the Lincoln (Riley) staff, so he didn't necessarily know BV (Brent Venables), but yeah, I definitely talked to him. My first time meeting him was around this time last year for their spring game, and yeah, I've been in contact. Text him about different things to get better."Safe to say @thomss_r flipped out 🤣 pic.twitter.com/S8TjBAbN9h— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 25, 2026Thomas started 10 games last season, finishing with 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss with 6.5 sacks, a pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles, and a safety.Bonitto is a two-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. He had a career-high 14 sacks last season, and at 6 ft 3, 248 pounds, he shares similar physical traits with Thomas.During four seasons at Oklahoma, Thomas played in 42 games, collecting 65 total tackles and 17 sacks, earning AP second-team All-American honors.This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: R Mason Thomas reveals connection to Chiefs' Pro Bowl AFC West rival