This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with retired All-Pro NFL defensive back and Kansas City Chiefs legend Deron Cherry.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Cherry discussed his role as an NFL Alumni ambassador for the ‘GEAR UP Against Cancer’campaign’s fight against lung cancer, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. He also discusses the Chiefs’ offseason plans following a disastrous 2025 season.

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“In my family, not lung cancer, but my dad had stomach cancer that he passed away from, and I’ve had some brothers who have dealt with some cancer situations, not lung cancer, particularly,” said Cherry. “We have a charity event that we put on every year, and we deal with kids who are suffering from cancer. So even though it’s not lung cancer, there are different forms of cancer that we all have to be aware of.”

The 6-11 finish for the 2025 Chiefs fell well short of expectations, and the front office will make changes during the offseason. Cherry weighed in on those adjustments needed before next season.

“Some of these guys have known nothing but the AFC Championship game every year. We reached a couple of playoff rounds but never made the AFC Championship game. These guys, that’s all they’ve known since they’ve been in Kansas City over the last seven years playing for that opportunity, and playing in that game,” said Cherry, “I think it’s the key ingredient, and that’s the quarterback position, and that’s (Patrick) Mahomes. As long as he comes back, I think we’re going to be fine.”

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Patrick Mahomes continues to rehab after ACL and LCL surgery with hopes of returning to start next season. Cherry believes there are other holes on defense and the offensive line that need to be addressed by management.

“This team went on a run because they managed injuries, and this year we weren’t able to when you have your offensive line in disarray for the majority of the season. You’ve got guys out on defense, You’re working with new players, in the secondary and at other positions; it’s difficult, and that’s what I think this team has to adjust to going forward is getting those pieces back in play.” said Cherry, “Having to manage the cap and paying your premium players, huge salaries where you don’t have that ability or flexibility to go out and get what you need, just because of the salary cap issues. So hopefully they can get back to that point, get that incentive back with these players, and get that hunger back into the team, and I think that’ll happen.”

For more information on the ‘GEAR UP Against Cancer’campaign’s fight against lung cancer, visit the National Football League Alumni Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Deron Cherry comments on the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason plans