Kansas City Chiefs receiver Hollywood Brown was only on a one-year deal with KC last season.
And yet, he admits, it never felt that way.
“I knew all along I wanted to be back,” Brown told reporters Thursday. “They voiced their opinions of wanting me back. We had some unfinished business.”
The 27-year-old Brown left no doubt two weeks ago: He’s ready to be part of a 2025 reunion — with hopes that things will go a bit differently this time.
On March 8, Brown agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Chiefs just before free agency began. His deal this time is identical to last season’s pact: $6.5 million in guaranteed money, with the potential to get to $11 million with incentives.
Brown wants to resolve two storylines from 2024. First, the Chiefs came just short of their ultimate goal, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) takes questions from the press during a team media availability at New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Hannah Ruhoff Sun Herald
Secondly, though, he’d like to see what happens if he has a healthy season. Brown’s production was limited last year after he injured his shoulder in the first preseason game and could only return in late December.
The sixth-year pro had five catches for 45 yards against the Houston Texans in the Chiefs’ 27-19 home win during his Week 16 return. After that, however, he had limited impact, with nine combined catches for 96 yards in his final four contests.
“The few games I played, I was there and I was able to open things up for the offense a lot, but wasn’t really involved that much (personally),” Brown said. “And I just know the impression that I left (with coaches and teammates) is something that I want to show the whole Chiefs Kingdom and really show what I can do.”
Some flashes of his potential came through during training camp.
Brown was one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets then, showing a strong ability to track deep balls while also frequently creating separation on intermediate routes.
The shoulder injury — and subsequent surgery — kept Brown from preserving that chemistry with Mahomes into the regular season.
“That’s my guy,” Brown said of Mahomes. “We talked about me being here, so definitely, we had to make (a new contract) happen. And I’m glad we did.”
Other teammates were also involved in recruiting Brown back to KC. They felt the same way he did last season, believing it wasn’t his final run with the Chiefs.
“Everyone was just always, ‘We’re gonna be back next year. We’re gonna do it right next year,’” Brown said. “And even before I got cleared to even come back, I could feel people wanted me around. And so that was good for me while I was rehabbing, kept me always in good spirits.”
Brown said the thought of coming back to Kansas City was compelling for another reason.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) talks with the media during the players availability for the team on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in New Orleans. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
While playing for his third NFL team, Brown said he’s come to appreciate the atmosphere around the Chiefs locker room and facility.
“It felt like, for the first time in my career, I was getting where I wanted to be every day coming to work, getting better and getting better,” Brown said. “So I knew that was the place and environment I wanted to stay in.”
Brown’s return also means he could be part of a dangerous receiver trio.
Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, meaning he never played a regular-season game alongside both Brown and speedy rookie Xavier Worthy.
Brown said the three were looking forward to seeing what they could do together next season.
“Those are my guys. The sky’s the limit,” Brown said. “ ... We’re trying to push each other to be the best, because ultimately, I do feel like we could do something that’s never been done before.”
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Jesse Newell — he’s won an EPPY for best sports blog and previously has been named top beat writer in his circulation by AP’s Sports Editors — covers the Chiefs for The Star. His interest in sports analytics comes from his math teacher father, who handed out rulers to Trick-or-Treaters each year.