How Former Chiefs Pro Bowler Tamba Hali Became George Karlaftis’ Mentor

Former Chiefs edge rusher Tamba Hali helps current Chiefs edge rusher George Karlaftis with jujitsu … [+] during the offseason.

Tamba Hali

For more than 50 years, the 101 Awards ceremony has served as a celebration of the prior NFL season.

But for George Karlaftis, the 2023 banquet at the Westin at Crown Center in Kansas City helped set the stage for the grind of the pending offseason.

Though Karlaftis, the 2022 first-round pick wasn’t at the 101 Awards dinner in February, Ramzee “Bino” Robinson, the Kansas City Chiefs’ director of player engagement, was and told Tamba Hali, a Chiefs ambassador, that Karlaftis wanted to work with him.

A five-time Pro Bowler with the Chiefs, Hali gave Bino his phone number, and Karlaftis then reached out to him.

“I’ve watched your film,” the second-year Chiefs defensive end told him. “I really want to learn a lot from you.”

Shortly thereafter, Karlaftis, the Chiefs edge rusher drafted 30th overall in 2022, was working out with Hali, the Chiefs edge rusher drafted 20th overall in 2006.

“From a mental perspective, physical perspective, pass rushing, run stopping,” Karlaftis said, “Tamba taught me a lot.”

They trained two-to-three times a week for a month a half, working on hand fighting, pass rush skills and footwork drills to further hone a player, who had five-and-a-half sacks in his last seven games and another in the AFC Championship Game.

“George has all the attributes it takes,” Hali exclusively shared. “He has the right mindset.”

Former Chiefs edge rusher Tamba Hali helps current Chiefs edge rusher George Karlaftis with his pass … [+] rushing moves.

Tamba Hali

A water polo goalie for the under-16 national team in Greece, Karlaftis is open to new sports, and Hali helped introduce him to jujitsu, which he said applies to pass rushing because of its emphasis on leverage and moving your hips.

Karlaftis came to Hali’s Overland Park, Kan. home for 6 a.m. sessions with Hali’s martial arts instructor. They’d often do pass rush drills before or after, sometimes working out at Karlaftis’ gym in Lee’s Summit, Mo.

“I’m grateful for him. He’s been a great friend, a great mentor,” Karlaftis said.” I’m always looking forward to working with him.”

They continued to discuss edge rushing technique during the Chiefs’ organized team activities (OTAs). Hali, who recorded 89.5 sacks during his 12 years in Kansas City, asked how the offensive lineman were setting in their stance, emphasizing the importance in engaging with them before the opposition can make contact.

They also bonded over their immigrant status, discussing what individual success can mean for their native countries. Hali, who has his own record label, wants to create a music festival in America, where Liberians can go to showcase their talents.

Hali was born in Gbarnga, Liberia, before leaving for the Unites States at age 10 to escape civil war in his native country. Karlaftis moved to the United States from Athens in the eighth grade, following his father’s death.

“It’s a little bit different for us,” Hali said. “We have a little bit of a chip on our shoulder.”

Tamba Hali (second from left) helped teach George Karlaftis (third from left) jujitsu at Hali’s home … [+] this offseason.

Tamba Hali

Hali praised his pupil’s work ethic, humility and desire to learn.

But Karlaftis isn’t Hali’s only student.

An All-Big Ten player his senior year at Penn State, Hali had stayed away, following the Jerry Sandusky scandal, but came back to campus in late July to instruct the Penn State defensive linemen on techniques similar to what he taught Karlaftis.

He also reached out to new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Because things are so busy at Colorado, which is in the midst of a major roster and staff overhaul, it didn’t work out for this season, but he hopes to help the Buffaloes in the future.

Perhaps being a pass rush coach is Hali’s future.

“I enjoy sharing wisdom that I’ve gotten over the years,” he said. “If there’s a way I can turn it into a means, for sure, it makes sense.”

Hali said teaching comes naturally since his father, Henry, taught math and science at Teaneck High in New Jersey, where Tamba starred on the football field — and also received a B in his strict father’s class.

While studying under Tamba, Karlaftis has met his children and been welcomed to his home, which is why Tamba considers it more than a mentor/pupil relationship.

“There’s no business relationship there,” he said. “We’re friends.”

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