The tale of ‘Furious George’ could easily be mistaken as a modern instance of Greek mythology.
George Karlaftis is the unlikely hero of this story, but he hasn’t slain any cyclops or minotaurs, nor did he go through 12 trials. At least, he didn’t disclose as such. The powerful defensive end probably could if he wanted to.
Karlaftis was born in Athens, the capital city of Greece home to over three million people. Naturally gifted with athleticism, Karlaftis took after his father Μathiós - an all-round athlete. He later used his talent to compete in basketball, shot put and water polo, even playing for the Greek national team in the discipline.
Μathiós sadly died in 2014, and Karlaftis’ American mother Amy decided to move back home to West Lafayette in Indiana. It was there that Karlaftis discovered football.
“We moved from Greece when I was 13, after my father passed away,” Karlaftis exclusively told Mirror Sport in Arizona. “We moved to be closer to my mum’s family and the support system that exists over here. It was probably something that was going to happen either way because there are more opportunities here. Life is a little easier in Indiana than in a big city like Athens.
“Football started for me once we moved. I didn’t want to play at first; I was a little hesitant because a lot of things happened but I had coaches and teammates who kind of convinced me to do it more for the social aspect. I started to think I was bigger, stronger and faster than these guys and figured I couldn’t be bad at this game. I just kept getting better from there.”
The 21-year-old hasn’t looked back since getting stuck into the sport. He is a confident man - who wouldn’t be in his 6’4 frame? - and Karlaftis became acutely aware he could make it to the NFL as a junior in high school.
“I would go to camps with kids from all over the country and they were supposed to be the top guys but I thought I was doing pretty well," he continued. "I was still pretty new to the game so I knew if I put my all into it, I would have a good chance of the NFL - and that’s what happened.”
Karlaftis impressed in college at Purdue, tallying 14 sacks during his three years before declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. His heralded power moves are reminiscent of successful NFL stars by design, as Karlaftis learned from the likes of Von Miller, Ryan Kerrigan and J.J. Watt to mould his own unique and dominant style.
With the 30th pick in the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Karlaftis to work under Steve Spagnolo and beef up their defensive line with one eye on the future - although he wasn’t exactly thrilled with having to wait until the end of the first round. Karlaftis said: “I thought I was going to go a little higher, so I was a little peeled by that, but to come to an organisation like this? I don’t care where I got picked.
“To come to an organisation with the success, the championship mindset and mentality like the Chiefs, it’s better than almost anything else. I understood I was joining a team with a couple of great players on the defensive line in Chris Jones and Frank [Clark], so I knew I wouldn’t face a whole lot of double teams. To be in the position to play in the Super Bowl, that throws everything else out the window.”
Karlaftis - who tallied six sacks in an impressive rookie season - cannot speak highly enough of the culture embedded within the Chiefs franchise. He knew from the minute he stepped into the building that the team, already enjoying a period of dynastic success, was destined for great things.
Part of that stems from the ‘special personalities’ throughout the organisation, be it staff, coaches or players. Karlaftis named Carlos Dunlap as something of a mentor for the rookie, helping him hone his skill and talent to translate to production on the field. Dunlap is a huge fan of the Greek star, suggesting ‘the sky is the limit’ for Karlaftis given his tireless work ethic. In fact, the Chiefs star believes the rookie is only scratching the surface of his potential.
While he conceded not many fans back in his native Greece will follow the Chiefs’ clash with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, 'Furious George' is ready for the occasion. He wants to be the NFL’s equivalent to two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo - and his path to greatness could become a whole lot smoother should he win on Sunday.
“My life has had ups and downs, just like everyone, but to be in this position now is a blessing,” Karlaftis added. “Not just [flying the flag for Greece], but cementing this team’s legacy, cementing my legacy and doing my family proud would be huge. It would be an incredible honour. Life has been crazy - it’s been a lot - but I’m fortunate to be here, in this situation to be doing what I do. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Karlaftis is just getting started. His tale is yet to be written - but if he wins Super Bowl LVII and becomes a champion as a rookie, it could be told thousands of years in the future akin to the myths that define his homeland. Only his story will be very real.
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