Sheffield Released From Hospital

Rookie OLB Cameron Sheffield was released from a Kansas City area hospital Saturday morning after spending the night following a neck injury suffered in the pre-season game Friday night against Philadelphia.

The Chiefs annouced his release and that he “has movement in all of his extremities.”

In the third quarter, Sheffield had a helmet-to-helmet collision with Philly RB Mike Bell and he did not get off the turf afterwards. Doctors and trainers immobilized him on a backboard and had him taken from the field by a cart.

Haley On Cassel: He’s Improving

From St. Joseph, Missouri

A couple hours before the Chiefs hit the field Thursday afternoon for their last practice session at Missouri Western State University, head coach Todd Haley met with the media in his daily press briefing.

And as usually happens during these meeting, the talk turned to quarterback Matt Cassel and where he stands as camp ends in St. Joe and heads back to Kansas City after this weekend’s pre-season game No. 2 in Tampa.

The part of the fan-base that is unhappy with Cassel and his development as the team’s franchise quarterback aren’t going to be happy with what Haley had to say, because he thinks the young man has improved and done so in some very important areas.

“I believe Matt is making progress,” Haley said. “He has found a way to get a little bit better every day. I think as our entire operation improves, he’s going to improve along with it.”

There are duties the starting quarterback must fulfill and Haley said he sees that happening with Cassel. …Read More!

Thomas Jones Warns Of Mine Hazards

Quite a few Chiefs players get involved with charities and public service organizations – for years they’ve had one of the best community relations departments in the league.

Thomas Jones has joined that group of active Chiefs players, and it’s a very different cause.

Jones has become spokesman for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and the agency’s “Stay Out-Stay Alive” campaign. For the last 11 years, the idea has been to warn people of the dangers that can be found on mine properties for outdoor enthusiasts and children.

“Both of my parents were coal miners and they instilled in me a respect for the hazards often encountered while working underground,” Jones said. “If you haven’t been properly trained as a miner, you have no business being anywhere near a quarry, gravel pit or mine.” …Read More!

Chiefs Trim 6 Players

With one more OTA practice session to go, the Chiefs started the process of getting their roster into shape by releasing six players on Monday afternoon.

Leading that group was veteran RB Kolby Smith. The fourth-year back out of Louisville has seen his last two seasons sidetracked by injuries and played in just 11 games in 2008-09. During the team’s weekend mini-camp, he was working behind Thomas Jones, Kestahn Moore and Javarris Williams, with Jamaal Charles on the sidelines.

In three seasons with the Chiefs,  Smith ran 162 times for 540 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 209 yards and contributed nine special teams tackles.

Joining Smith on the waiver wire were fourth-year QB Matt Gutierrez, first-year player OT Jermail Porter and rookies TE Leroy Banks, CB Andre Jones and OL Nick Landry.

Gutierrez had been running behind Tyler Palko in the Chiefs offensive snaps for the team’s No. 3 quarterback. He joined the club last year after he was released by the Patriots and saw action in one game. Porter was a college wrestler trying to make a career for himself  in pro football; he signed  last year with the Patriots and was released.

An undrafted rookie Banks was claimed on waivers at the start of OTAs and had some nice moments. But his lack of size hurt him in the battle for tight end jobs. Landry and Jones were undrafted college free agents signed by the Chiefs after the NFL Draft.

The Chiefs were eventually going to have to make room on their 80-man roster for their seven draft choices who will soon sign contracts. These moves may be an indication the Chiefs have gotten some of those rookies contractually tied up.

Right now, they have 81 players on the roster, including unsigned restricted free agent S Jarrad Page. But of those 81, only 74 are under contract right now. Expect some draft pick signings to be announced fairly soon.

Brady Had No Fatherly Advice for Cassel

From the Truman Sports Complex

About a month ago Chiefs QB Matt Cassel became a father for the first time, as he and his wife Lauren welcomed their daughter Quinn into the world.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” Cassel said on Tuesday. “Fatherhood, I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but what a blessing.”

Cassel talks frequently with Patriots QB Tom Brady, a guy who recently became a father for the second time. Did Brady provide any help for his former backup?

“No, he didn’t give me any advice,” Cassel said. “He let me figure it out on my own.

“It’s been a hard-core experience these last few weeks changing diapers. I’d have to say football is a little easier.”

There was a lot of talk on Tuesday after the team’s OTA session about offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Cassel was asked what was tougher: changing diapers or working with Weis.

“Changing diapers is difficult, but I’d have to say it’s working with Charlie,” Cassel said with a smile. “He’s a competitive son of a gun. If we come out and something doesn’t go right, he wants to win every single period and he’ll let you know that. That is something that has stuck out to me since we been work together.”

Lilja’s Loving His K.C. Return

From the Truman Sports Complex

Every player strives to help his team reach the Super Bowl.

But getting there is not the end-all and be-all. It’s winning the championship that matters.

Ryan Lilja knows. During his six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He was a starter in Super Bowl 41 when the Colts beat the Chicago Bears in the rain in south Florida. It was the highest of highs.

Then earlier this year, Lilja was a starter for the Colts in Super Bowl 44, when the New Orleans Saints walked away with the victory.

“It’s ten times worse to lose one,” Lilja said Thursday. “I can’t believe I even said that. It doesn’t make sense. As good as it is to win one, this last one stung, it stung more.

“I came in here and talked to Mike Clark before I signed. He’s the strength coach and came here from Seattle. The first thing he said to me is what does it feel like to lose a Super Bowl? We sat there and talked for 20 minutes about how miserable it is.” …Read More!

Smashburger with Waters

A new burger joint to Kansas City is teaming up with the NFL Man of the Year to benefit under privileged children.

Smashburger will open its first store on Thursday on 119th Street in Overland Park just east of Metcalf Avenue. They will donate $1 for every Smashburger sold over the first week of operation to Brian Waters and his 54 Foundation.

Since its inception in 2004, the 54 Foundation has awarded 82 college scholarships to low-income students, along with providing all sorts of supplies to thousands of children that had no other way to get a backpack or immunizations and dental care. Waters has also taken part in numerous other charitable actions and organizations. The breadth and depth of his involvement is what led to his winning the 2010 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented back in February at the Super Bowl.

Named for the cooking method used to create the perfect burger, Smashburgers are a one-third or half-pound ball of 100-percent fresh Certified Angus Beef that is smashed on a flat grill to sear in flavor. They are then served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of real cheeses, the freshest produce and top-quality condiments.

“I am proud to partner with Smashburger to raise awareness about the work of The 54 Foundation and join in celebrating Smashburger’s grand opening in Kansas City,” Waters said in a statement.

Flowers Ready to Bloom

From The Truman Sports Complex

The injury occurred at the end of the 2009 pre-season. Brandon Flowers landed badly and what happened in his shoulder was not good. It was messed up, with the exact nature of the mess one of those state secrets around the Chiefs.

It’s safe to say that the pain never went away. Flowers was scratched from the season opener in Baltimore, but then played the final 15 games on the schedule. He did it with a great deal of discomfort, probably a pain killing shot or two, but with the attitude that he had to play. There was never a consideration on his part of shut down his season, even in the second half of the season when the Chiefs were so far out of contention they couldn’t see first place in the AFC West.

“All the guys I went through training camp with and all the off-season workouts, they had been with me the whole time and that would have been selfish of me to sit down and just tell them they’ve got the last few games because I want to rest my shoulder and make sure I’m alright,” Flowers said. “I was going to go out there and spill my blood, sweat and tears with my brothers.” …Read More!

Chambers Glad To Be Back

From the Truman Sports Complex

“It felt so good to come into a locker room that I know.”

That was just part of the excitement WR Chris Chambers experienced on Monday as he joined the rest of his teammates for the first day of the Chiefs off-season strength and conditioning program.

And that was one of the reasons Chambers signed so early in the free agency period. After he injected some life into their offense over the second half of the ’09 season the Chiefs wanted him back. And after being released by the Chargers last year, Chambers wanted to sign with a team that wanted him.

That made the three-year deal for just under $15 million easy to accept for the 31-year old, 10-year NFL veteran.

“I didn’t want to go somewhere I had to start over and learn a different system,” Chambers told the media. “I’m glad to be around the guys again.” …Read More!

Sharing A Story Of Sharing

There is a great story in today’s Chicago Sun-Times about Chiefs OLB Andy Studebaker and one of the things he’s been doing in the months since the end of the 2009 season.

The details about Studebaker’s rise from Division III Wheaton College to the NFL is a story that most Chiefs fans have gotten to know through this site and others in the 22 games that he’s been part of the team’s active roster; he was signed on November 19, 2008 off the Eagles practice squad.

But his effort to help other people is what’s interesting in this story and those efforts didn’t just start when he made the NFL.

Here’s the link if you want to read the story yourself.

And, here’s a brief Cliff Notes version: Studebaker and his wife Mallory led a trip recently to South Africa, where they helped refurbish an orphanage established by a former Wheaton football player. The Studebakers along with 14 current Wheaton players painted and laid concrete during their week in the country.

It’s a continuation of what Studebaker did when he was attending Wheaton. Then, he took spring break trips with his teammates not to a beach in Florida or Mexico, but went to Senegal, South Africa and Romania where they handled similar projects.

It’s a very good story about a very good man.

Getting To Know: Thomas Jones

Full name: Thomas Quinn Jones

Born: August 19, 1978

Hometown: Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a small town in southwest Virginia, just over the mountains from Harland County, Kentucky. It’s an area where Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina come together at various angles. The 2000 Census said the population was 4,856 folks. He also spent time while growing up in Appalachia, Virginia, a town of less than 2,000 which was across the Big Stone Gap from the town of the same name.

Family: Oldest son of Thomas and Betty Jones. Both parents worked in coal mines, as their fathers did before them. His mother spent nearly 20 years working the night shift, retiring 10 years ago with a back injury. He has five sisters: Gwen, Beatrice, Knetris, Knetta and Katrice. His younger brother Julius Jones went to Notre Dame and was drafted in the second round in 2004 by Dallas. He’s played six seasons for the Cowboys and Seahawks. …Read More!

Chiefs Sign Vrabel; Tenders To RFAs

Busy times for all NFL teams as the league sprints towards the start of a new business year at 11 p.m. Central Time.

The Chiefs have worked out a new contract with OLB Mike Vrabel, keeping him from reaching unrestricted free agency. Vrabel, who came to the Chief as part of the deal for QB Matt Cassel, will be playing his 14th NFL season and will turn 35 in August. Last season he was sixth on the team in total tackles with 65, along with two sacks two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Last week during the NFL Combine, head coach Todd Haley said: “I think the world of Mike. I think he’s a heck of a player and he was a heck of a positive influence for me as a first-year head coach in multiple areas. He’s just a tremendous football player that is fun to be around.”

Also, the Chiefs have given tender offers to starting center Rudy Niswanger, starting RT Ryan O’Callaghan, backup tackle Ikechuku Ndukwe and S Jarrad Page; all came with a second-round draft choice as the compensation. For four-year veterans Niswanger, O’Callaghan and Page, that’s one-year deals for $1,759,000 and for three-year player Ndukwe that’s a tender worth $1,684,000.

Plus, the Chiefs have given five-year LB Derrick Johnson a first-round tender offer of $2,621,000.

OL Andy Alleman did not receive a tender offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Reacting To The All-Decade Team

From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

It’s a dreary, rainy day in south Florida, so the trip to the beach was cancelled and now there’s more time to provide dispatches from Super Bowl Land.

The announcement of the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 2000s got lost in the silliness of the Pro Bowl and the hype of Super Bowl week. Or was it the hype of the Pro Bowl and silliness of Super Bowl week? Either way, the best players from the last ten seasons haven’t gotten their just due. My suggestion in the future for the league is to release this information about the middle of the off-week before the Super Bowl. As a story, it would have far more traction at that point on the calendar.

It was amazing that the Chiefs placed four players on the team. Even if someone wants to argue that Willie Roaf’s (above) career was divided between Kansas City and New Orleans, the fact is this: he played more than twice as many games in the 2000s wearing the Chiefs red and gold (58) than he did with the fleur de lis of the Saints (23). …Read More!

The Historic Season of Jamaal Charles

Jamaal Charles had a remarkable run over the last half of the 2009 season. His race to 1,120 yards is all the more remarkable given the fact that nobody with fewer than his 190 carries has ever topped 1,100 yards.

Simply put, nobody in football history gained more yards on less carries than Charles. 

The fewest carries for a 1,000-yard season was done in 1934, as Beattie Feathers of the Chicago Bears ran for 1,004 yards on just 119 carries in 11 games. That was a remarkable performance from the early days of the league, an average of 8.4 yards per carry and 91.3 yards per game.

Seven other runners reached the 1,000-yard mark with fewer than the 190 carries that Charles had during the ’09 season. But none ran for more than 1,071 yards.

That’s what makes Charles performance all the more noteworthy. Before Charles season, the fewest carries any running back had in reaching 1,100 yards or more was the 1966 performance of Leroy Kelly with the Cleveland Browns. In 14 games, Kelly ran 209 times for 1,141, at 5.5 yards per carry.

  …Read More!

Another Transaction Tuesday

Tuesdays have been the busiest day of the week for roster movement around the Chiefs during this 2009 season.

Thus the day has been dubbed Transaction Tuesday.

There was another transaction for the Chiefs on Tuesday as the team released DT Kenny Smith.

Signed on October 21st, after being out of the NFL for several seasons, Smith played in six games with the Chiefs. He was credited with two tackles in those games, where he got just a handful of snaps each week spelling NT Ron Edwards.

The Chiefs did not announce who would fill the open spot on the 53-man active roster. They have three defensive linemen on the practice squad: DT Derek Lokey, DE Dion Gales and DE Bobby Greenwood.