When Jeffrey Bassa stepped onto the field for the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie, he brought more than just athleticism—he carried the lessons of a college coach who shaped his football IQ. In a recent interview with Big Ten Network's Chris Clayton, the Chiefs linebacker opened up about how his time at Oregon prepared him for the NFL's biggest stage.

"I think it prepared me tremendously, especially playing in Coach Lanning's defense," Bassa said, reflecting on his college days. "That's a defense that not a lot of people are running nowadays. And I feel like that defense really prepared me, especially for me going from here to the Chiefs, you know, with Coach Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) and the Chiefs running a complex defense. I feel like I was really prepared when it came to the mental aspect of the game."

Bassa, who earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference honors in his final season with the Ducks, credits his college coaching for his seamless transition into Kansas City's intricate defensive scheme. It's a testament to the foundation built at Oregon, where versatility and mental sharpness are prioritized—qualities that have become Bassa's calling card in the pros.

Selected in the fifth round (156th overall) of this year's NFL Draft, Bassa quickly established himself as a versatile asset. During his rookie season, he made his mark primarily on special teams, but his ability to play both linebacker and secondary roles has the Chiefs' coaching staff buzzing about his potential for increased defensive snaps in 2024. Learning under veteran leaders, Bassa is poised to take on a bigger role as he continues to develop.

"It's always great to come back and show love and support for these boys that have been grinding so hard," Bassa added, speaking about his visit to Oregon's spring game. For fans of the Chiefs and Ducks alike, Bassa's journey is a reminder that success in the NFL often starts with the right mentorship—and a whole lot of preparation.