New Chiefs safety Alohi Gilman credits Mahomes with helping his career trajectory
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Alohi Gilman credits a 2021 interception at Arrowhead for boosting his confidence
- Gilman studies Chiefs schemes and coach Steve Spagnuolo to refine his defensive play
- Gilman joins Chiefs aiming to grow, embrace winning culture and pursue championships
New Chiefs safety Alohi Gilman has spent a little time at the team’s practice facility, chatting briefly with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
But Gilman didn’t bring up one of his career highlights: an interception during the Chargers’ 30-24 win over the Chiefs in 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
“I haven’t talked to him about that yet,” Gilman said. “That was my first pick of my career, too. Played the Chiefs over my first six years, almost 12 times-ish, and it never worked in my favor as much when I was over there, unfortunately.
“But that pick was good. That one worked out. We won the game. It was here in Arrowhead. Obviously, I’m gonna take that ball, tell my kids that that was a Super Bowl pick.”
That drew a laugh during Alohi’s introductory news conference on Thursday at the Chiefs’ facility.
It wasn’t a Super Bowl moment, but Alohi’s interception was a pivotal juncture in that game. The Chiefs and Chargers were tied at 24 on a warm September afternoon.
With 1 minute, 55 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Mahomes tried to hit tight end Travis Kelce on a deep ball. But Mahomes put too much on the pass and Alohi hauled it in for a pick.
“It was a battle that game,” Alohi said. “I was a young player trying to make my way, and that was kind of like the beginning of the ascent for me to take that next step.
“So it really gave me a lot of confidence. Helped me take my game to the next step, competing against guys like that. So excited for it, and shoutout to Pat for the first one.“
The Chargers converted the turnover into a touchdown that won the game.
Alohi, 28, played his first five-plus seasons with the Chargers before he was traded to the Ravens in October. In his career, Alohi has five interceptions, 27 passes defended and 320 tackles.
While with the Chargers, Alohi wasn’t just focused on trying to slow Mahomes and company. He also paid close attention to what Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was doing.
“I’m always trying to find ways to grow and get better. Obviously, Coach Spags, his defense, is a mastermind, a guru,” Alohi said. “I’ve watched all the clips, I’ve watched film, been in the division, so I’m excited to learn and get better myself. This is a constant evolution as a player.
“And then, obviously, just to respect the winning culture, the championship mentality. Winning cures all things, and playing this game you want to play to win. I want to be financially taken care of, all this stuff, but as a competitor, I want to win. So being a part of this and joining up and teaming up to grow, get better and win games, is something that I’m really attracted to.”
This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 2:22 PM.
