As the Kansas City Chiefs wrap up their mandatory minicamp this week, fourth-year offensive lineman Mike Caliendo is stepping into a pivotal role — both as a competitor for the starting left guard spot and as a mentor in retooling the team’s offensive line.
Caliendo owes a debt to veteran guard Joe Thuney — traded to the Chicago Bears in March — for teaching him how to fill big shoes.
“He meant a lot to me,” Caliendo said of his former teammate. “He taught me so much — and took me from the player I was coming out of Western Michigan to being able to start in an NFL game.
“He was a great, incredible leader. I know that guys are stepping up already trying to fill his role as a leader — and I think the more leaders we have in our room, the better.”
With Thuney gone, the offensive line is reshaping its identity to one built on shared leadership and accountability. In Thuney’s absence, center Creed Humphrey and left guard Trey Smith are continuing to build on their roles as leaders.
“Creed and Trey definitely have stepped up as kind of the veteran presences in our room,” said Caliendo, “and they’ve been doing a great job. They’ve both been leaders since I got here.”
After a rookie season that fell short of high expectations, Caliendo has great respect for tackle-turned-guard Kingsley Suamataia, who is competing for the job Caliendo held at the end of the 2024 season.
“He’s been really focused in on perfecting his craft,” he said, “and it’s been fun to watch him get in there at guard and really do a great job. It’s fun helping him out — and he’s helping me out at the same time — so it’s been good.”
That mentorship extends to rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons. Caliendo noted that the first-round pick’s eagerness to learn (and his natural energy) have allowed him to fit right into the offensive line’s existing culture under position coach Andy Heck.
“We’ve really enjoyed welcoming him into our room,” Caliendo said of his new teammate. “He works really, really hard,” Caliendo said of Simmons. “I know Coach Heck sets a super-high standard — and he’s doing everything he can to get up to that standard.”
The offensive linemen all understand that the only way they’ll succeed is by working as a unit.
“I think that’s the most important thing,” observed Caliendo. “Just continuing to bring everybody up — and continue to get better.”
