Another player who impressed throughout the 2025 campaign was Gillotte, who was named the recipient of the annual “Mack Lee Hill Award” on Saturday. The honor – which is named in remembrance of the late Mack Lee Hill, a tailback for the Chiefs who tragically passed away during his second season with the team – is presented to Kansas City’s top rookie or first-year player.
Gillotte, the No. 66 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded 24 pressures, eight quarterback hits, three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks last season. His 24 pressures, on just 268 pass-rushing snaps, ranked seventh among all rookie edge rushers.
Sticking with the Chiefs’ defensive front, edge-rusher George Karlaftis was named the “Ed Block Courage Award” recipient for 2025. The honor, which is annually awarded to one member of every team, is presented to a player who exemplifies commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.
All three of these awards were voted on by the players themselves, representing a true composite of how the locker room felt about Mahomes, Gillotte and Karlaftis throughout the year.