A college rivalry spilled over into Chiefs training camp that even left Patrick Mahomes confused.
Undrafted rookie free agent safety Xavier Nwankpa delivered a huge blow to fellow rookie running back Emmett Johnson. The brutal clothesline sent Johnson horizontal at impact before he took a hard fall onto his back and was helped up by a teammate.
Former Iowa DB Xavier Nwankpa with a big hit on former Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson at the end of this play.
The college rivalry carrying over to camp #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/oXeeE0nnWj
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) August 10, 2026
According to Arrowhead Pride, Mahomes could be heard across the field shouting from the sideline: ‘What the [expletive] are we doing?’.
Johnson, a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after being named Big Ten Running Back of the Year, went up against Nwankpa and Iowa multiple times during his collegiate carer. He had huge games in his sophomore and junior seasons against the Hawkeyes, including a 217-yard rushing performance last year in a game where Nwankpa registered five tackles.
Both players are fighting to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster during training camp, with three preseason games ahead, starting against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday.
