Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The team that would eventually take the Kansas City Chiefs back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years was under construction long before general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid finally laid the cornerstone. That came in the form of Patrick Mahomes, their record-setting quarterback. Once they drafted him a couple of years ago, it was a matter of adding a couple of pieces around him on offense and then overhauling an inept defense that kept holding Kansas City back.

UNDATED (AP) — It has been a while since a Super Bowl has appeared to be such a toss-up. This one between the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and the AFC champ Kansas City Chiefs is a difficult game to judge. The 49ers have gone from the No. 2 pick in the draft last April to the verge of another championship. The Chiefs were in the AFC title contest last year and fell in overtime. In 2019, both teams were dynamic and won a bunch of big games. Now they meet in the biggest one.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Pérez took the oath of U.S. citizenship during the team’s annual FanFest on Friday. Pérez is a six-time All Star and a five-time Gold Glove winner who missed last season after Tommy John surgery, His return will be key for the Royals following back-to-back 100-loss seasons. New manager Mike Matheny is excited to have Pérez back behind the plate. Matheny is also glad that left fielder Alex Gordon decided to return for one more season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alex Gordon has agreed to consent to a trade by the Kansas City Royals starting June 16, an unusual provision in the outfielder’s new $4 million, one-year contract. Gordon has spent his entire career with the Royals and has the right to block trades under baseball’s labor contract because his has at least 10 years of major league service, including five or more with his current team. If he is traded, he would receive a $500,000 assignment bonus each time he is dealt. In addition, if he is traded he would be eligible for $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.