Check out our exclusive interview with Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII Champion breakout rookie star George Karlaftis.
The Greek-born, first round draft pick for the Chiefs was born and raised in Athens, before moving to the United State in 2014. Taking after his late father Μathiós Karlaftis, George was an all-around athlete growing up paying football, track & field, basketball as well as water polo and would even go on to play with the Greek National team. Once moving to the United States with his mother and siblings after the passing of his father from a heart attack in 2014, George would finish out high school at West Lafayette High School, joining the football team and achieving 41 sacks during his high school career. George was also competing in track and field at the time for West Lafayette HS and brought home back-to-back state championships in shout put. He would then go on to graduate from high school early and enroll at Purdue University in 2019 where he started all 12 games his freshmen year. 2019 was also the year he played in the U.S. Army All-American Game where he was named “Defensive Player of the Year.” Throughout his career at Purdue caught the eye of many recruits as one to watch, and following the 2021 season with Purdue University, George became a first round draft pick for the 2022 NFL season, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Follow George on IG @georgekarlaftis & Twitter @thegk3
Hi George, describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, loving and passionate
Who is your role model?
My dad
How and at what age did you get started into the football life?
14
Big congrats on the Super Bowl championship! How amazing is that and more as a rookie! What a way to start your career! Please tell us about it!
It was an amazing experience that goes to show dedication, hard-work and togetherness pays off in the game of football.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for an event like this?
Keep “the main” the main thing, don’t get distracted. Focus on playing the game.
You are part of a great organization and great players all around the team. Why do you think the Kansas City Chiefs have been in the conference finals and super bowls so many times in the last few years?
It starts at the top with Clark Hunt, Andy Reid, and Brett Veach and the culture trickles down to the cultures and the players. That is the biggest part of it.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Winning!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Always trust your gut!
What motivates you to keep going and push harder?
My family and my teammates.
What do you believe to be one of your weaknesses and what are you doing to improve it?
Inexperience at the professional level. I am improving on myself by having conversations with seasoned players and asking them for advice in addition to watching a lot of film.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gained from your coaches?
If you don’t like where you are at. Do something about it. – Mark Hagen
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
Cooking, health and wellness, and watching tv.
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
Bruce Lee
Name one your strengths?
My legs
How would your best friend describe you?
Dedicated, hardworking and loving.
What’s next for George Karlaftis in 2023?
Stay tuned!
How do you keep in shape during the offseason?
Workout 5 times a week
What does your diet and nutrition plan look like when you’re bulking up or getting in shape during training?
High protein, 0 processed foods
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
Morning Routine, watch film, workout, watch more film, and massage.
As a popular NFL Football player and Super Bowl Champion you are followed by so many people, including little kids. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
It doesn’t feel like pressure. I always just try to do the right thing no matter who is watching.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Live in the moment because you can’t go back.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
C’est la vie
What is your own definition of happiness?
Freedom
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Alexander the Great
Best advice ever given?
I don’t know, I have gotten a lot of good advice.
Do you support any charities or want to get involved with any charitable organizations?
Canine Companions & American Heart Association
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs!
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Hells Bells
Where can we follow you on socials?
IG @georgekarlaftis
Twitter @TheGK3
Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs – @Chiefs
