Hurts So Good … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs
From River Falls, Wisconsin
His body hurts. His body aches. The bumps, bruises and stingers of training camp are an everyday issue for a 31-year old in his 10th season of professional football.
And Mike Brown loves every single ache, bump, bruise and stinger. He doesn’t really enjoy pain.
But it means he’s practicing football. He’s not rehabbing. He’s not watching from afar. Mike Brown is right in the middle of the mix of the Chiefs defense.
And, that feels good.
“I love playing football,” is Brown answer the question of why he’s putting his body through another training camp. “This is really the only place that wanted me to come in and try to find a role on this team.”
Brown has to love football to still be putting his body through another season of preparation. The second half of his career has been marked by injuries that wiped out three seasons in a four-year span. The man that was called the leader of the Bears defense by LB Brian Urlacher, couldn’t stay on the field. He hasn’t a full 16-game season since 2003.
But last year, Brown was able to play and start 15 games for the Bears, accounting for 73 total tackles, one sack and a pair of interceptions.
That wasn’t enough to continue his time with the Bears. Chicago GM Jerry Angelo made it clear Brown was no longer in the team’s plan after last season. They have a talented young player in Danieal Manning that they wanted to get on the field in a full-time basis. So Brown was released.
That didn’t make teammates like DL Tommie Harris very happy.
“Mike Brown is a special person, a special player, and a special friend,” Harris told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s going to be different, seeing him leave, but I know he will be productive wherever he goes and with whatever he does. He will always be remembered in my book as one of the toughest guys to play this game.”
There’s no bitterness from Brown on being divorced by the Bears.
“I was surprised they kept me around that long, to be honest with you,” he said. “Jerry Angelo has a deal where if you get hurt, you get put on warning. If you get hurt again, you are gone. They kept me around after all my injuries.
“I have nothing but respect for that team, that city and the franchise. I’m a Chief now. I bleed red and gold.”
Brown’s tale of woe is heartbreaking for anyone who understands how much work goes into being a pro football player and how much work goes into rehabbing:
2004 – Brown started the first two games of the season at strong safety before suffering an Achilles tendon injury that ended his year. He had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery for a TD. Games missed: 14.
2005 – He got back on the field for a dozen starts and was selected for the Pro Bowl. He opened the first 12 games, but then suffered a calf injury that cost him the rest of the season. He got back in time for the playoffs. Games missed: 4.
2006 – Brown started the first six games of the season, before suffering torn ligaments in his right foot, an injury that sent him to the injured reserve list for the rest of the year. Games missed 10.
2007 – Started the season opener at free safety, but in the fourth quarter suffered a left knee injury when he was hit by San Diego’s Lorenzo Neal. That ended his season. Games missed 15.
Total games missed due to injury: 43. That’s the equivalent of nearly 2.5 seasons.
“Every year someone gets hurt, someone has a serious, serious injury,” Brown said. “It just happened to be me all the time. The first injury I had in 2004 with the Achilles I was devastated. That was the first injury I had in football where I couldn’t come back and play.
“After all of them, I felt like I could still play and all I needed was an opportunity. Now my opportunity comes here with the Chiefs.”
And just what is that opportunity? The Chiefs seem solid at the safety position with returning starters Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard.
“I was signed for depth reasons,” Brown said. “There are two really good young safeties here and I feel like I was brought here to provide depth and to play on some special teams. I feel like my role as an older player is to help those guys out with the mental game, if they needed it. I’ll answer any questions they might have. I’m here to bounce ideas off those guys and be someone they can lean on if they have any troubles.
“It’s not like I’m not going to compete with those guys. I’m here to compete for a job. But I know it’s going to be extremely difficult to bump one of those guys out of those positions. I’m here for depth. Injuries due happen, I know that.”
Todd Haley is not a stranger to Brown, as the Chiefs head coach spent three seasons (2001-03) with the Bears as an assistant coach.
“I like his style of coaching and I want to be part of something special and I really think Coach Haley is building that,” said Brown. “There are good players here. I really think this team is going to win some football games this year. ”
Haley’s style includes having a very physical training camp, and that’s what has gone down here in the northwoods for almost two weeks now.
“It is very physical, no doubt,” said Brown. “Football is a physical game. I like it; that’s the part of football that I enjoy, the contact. He told us early on that there was going to be a lot of work done. He wants tough football players. This type of camp will weed out the guys that don’t like contact.
“By the end of this camp we will have a solid squad.”
And Brown hopes to be in one piece.
“I feel good,” Brown said. “Let me amend that – I feel good for training camp. It does feel good to hurt a little. That’s what football is about.”
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
BENGALS – released RB Kenny Watson.
DOLPHINS – signed K Connor Barth; FB Matt Quillen has left the team.
EAGLES – QB Matt Nagy; released WR Brandon Robinson.
LIONS – lost DL Jared DeVries because of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
SAINTS – signed first-round draft choice DB Michael Jenkins.
STEELERS – signed C Alex Stepanovich (Falcons).
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On August 11, 1962 the Dallas Texans lost a pre-season game to the Chargers 17-0 at Balboa Stadium in San Diego. It was the first time in franchise history the team had failed to score. The closest the Texans got to the end zone during the game was the Chargers 9-yard line. San Diego QB Jack Kemp picked them apart in the first half, hitting 12 of 17 for 194 yards as he threw to WRS Lance Alworth, Jerry Robinson and Jerry Richardson. The Chiefs couldn’t score despite good field position with returns of 36 yards on a punt return by Jim Saxton, 27 on a punt return by Frank Jackson and 49 yards on a Henry Cambridge kickoff return. Rookie Curtis McClinton had a strong second half, carrying 10 times for 44 yards. Abner Haynes caught four passes for 57 yards. Len Dawson was 8 of 13 for 87 yards and Cotton Davidson was 2 of 10 for 28 yards.
On August 11, 1990 the Chiefs fell to the Los Angeles Rams 19-3 in a pre-season American Bowl Game at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany (left). Before a crowd of 55,429 fans in the memorable old stadium where the 1936 Summer Olympic Games were held, the Chiefs offense couldn’t muster much of an attack, with just 176 offensive yards. The only Kansas City points came on a 19-yard FG by K Bjorn Nittmo. QBs Mike Elkins and Steve Pelluer were sacked seven times and threw four interceptions, including one that was returned for a L.A. touchdown.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on August 11, 1942 in Houston was WR Otis Taylor (right). He came to the Chiefs as a fourth-round choice in the 1965 AFL Draft out of Prairie View A&M. Taylor played 11 seasons with the team (1965-75) before he was traded to Houston before the 1976 season; a knee injury kept him off the field with the Oilers and ended his career. Otis played in 130 games, catching 410 passes for 7,306 yards and 57 touchdowns. He ran the ball 30 times for 161 yards and 3 TDs.
Born on August 11, 1949 in Little Rock was WR Larry Brunson. He joined the Chiefs in 1974 and played four seasons for the team (1974-77), appearing in 53 games with 43 starting assignments. Brunson caught 95 passes for 1,723 yards and 5 TDs. He finished his career with two seasons in Oakland and one in Denver.
Born on August 11, 1955 in Memphis was CB Eric Harris. He was a fourth-round choice by the Chiefs in the 1977 NFL Draft out of Memphis State. But Harris signed and played in the Canadian Football League for three seasons. He joined the Chiefs in the 1980 season and played three seasons in the red and gold (1980-82), appearing and starting 39 games. Harris had 17 interceptions, including one in the 1982 season that he returned 56 yards for a TD. He finished his career with three seasons playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
Born on August 11, 1962 in South Fayette, Pennsylvania was TE Jonathan Hayes. He joined the Chiefs as a second-round choice in the 1985 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa. Hayes played 9 seasons with the Chiefs (1985-93), appearing in 136 games with 96 starts. He caught 135 passes for 1,541 yards and 12 TDs. Hayes finished his career playing three seasons with the Steelers. He’s now part of Marvin Lewis’ coaching staff with the Cincinnati Bengals.
I think Mike Brown will be great for the D, however they can get him on the field. He’s a great hitter and ballhawk, and he will help Page and Pollard tremendously.
Also, the Chiefs finally have their depth chart up on their website. Well, they almost do; for some reason only part of the defense is shown. Maybe still working on getting it up on the site. Wow, Bowe really pissed Haley off; he’s listed number three right now. Don’t think that will stick; Bowe is the best WR on the team and he will step it up. Interesting, though.
Check that…they just got the rest of the depth chart up; it’s all there now.
Take a look and see what you think. Darling and Copper as first wideouts. Thigpen behind Croyle. Charles as NO. 1 KR. No other real suprises to me. Now we’ll get to see who is moving up, and who is moving down.
Ok, I don’t know if this has been done before, if it has I am sorry in advance….Ok, here goes….
Rin is definatly a smart guy. He uses words that a normal “Joe” off the street would not. Rin likes to stir the pot. He gets all of our juices flowing and stimulates these blogs. Seemingly everyone, with the exclusion of Bob, wants Rin out. Some warn just to scroll by his comments and others just want him gone period. Still, I think we all read at least half of what he types on here. We are now comming to my conclusion. Again, I am sorry if I have made a false accusation here, especially to you Bob…..Ready, here goes……………Rin is………….Mr Gretz himself!!!! Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!!!! That’s it……that’s all I’ve got. The end.
One of the interesting things about the site are all of the different points of view people bring. People have different opinions and some aren’t shy about barking their views out. That’s the beauty of this type of discourse. One man’s opinion is as good or bad as the next and everybody’s entitled to their own. None of us are forced to read or agree with the dissenting views of others. One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes you can learn something if you wade through the muck. No real surprises in training camp so far. Brown is the type of football player Haley and Pioli are putting together as a team. Hopefully he will stay healthy and get back on the field for us. If he’s healthy he’s as good as anybody we have on the team.
Annonymous
GET REAL
Stick to the subject for once!!
Interesting thought, RTT2W is Bob? Carl? Rufus?
He is funny, I still can not get upset with him, one post usually goes against the prev.. Except for his distain for the new power structure that is constant.
He learned how to make smiley faces and spruce up his posts, I appreciate that, makes them easier to find and laugh with\at.
First preseason game this week, should be fun to see how Haley prepares.
Football is almost ready to start. Are we all still so bored that we have to wonder who Rin is?
I hope Mr. Brown can have a complete productive season with us this year. I think we indeed can win some games this year. I had a dream the other night that we went 8-8….and yet won our division.
Some of you would feel more at home on Facebook or My Space if you want to discuss identities and personally attack each other. I thought this was for Chiefs/football discussion…
Good article on Brown. Always admired him in college and with the Bears. It seems his personality is just as impressive as his athletic abilities. I think our team is a good fit for him since he can’t really take a full season pounding and Dujuan Morgan can’t get on the field. Any veteran of his stature that understands he will be on special teams and has no problem with that is great for the Chiefs.
Harold C. said
“Are we all still so bored that we have to wonder who Rin is?”
- the immortal words ‘nother great communicator (as Rin) our times, Duane Thomas – “Evidently.”
daddy-o
One thing that has stuck out to me is Jackie Battle as the gunner – not really surprising just promising, as I like the player and feel he has good athletic talent. I like versatile players like that , you never know when you are going to need an emergency type player and he can fit that role.
And yea on the Rin thing, I have been reading this site since it came out last year, and so has Rin. Most of the time he doesn’t even make sense nor do I care to even read them, just scroll past if you don’t want to read the ramblings of a bored individual, but every now and again he might throw a jewel out there for ya.
JB
[...] Hurts So Good … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs : BobGretz.com [...]
Mike Brown is old – really old… even older in a football sense than a calendar. Yet, he is on the field – ‘available’ as it were, bless his rickety old heart (and knees, back, elbow, neck, sternum, etc. etc., ad nauseam.)
If MB makes the team lieu of a DuJuan Morgan, not sure if it’s more a result what the former brings than what the latter doesn’t/hasn’t to date 2009.
DM…you can’t make the team riding a bicycle in ‘No Man’s Land’.
Will it be let youth be served or shuffleboard?
‘Potential?’ or ’sag, you’re it, Mike.’
B in SC said
“I thought this was for Chiefs/football discussion.”
- hah! Custer thought he was going to be home in time for Buffalo wings…
daddy-o
Sounds like Brown is our Pros Pro. Good additude and he has good perspective on his ability, his role, our team, and the coach. Even if he isnt a starter, he definately will make his presence known!
Wish we could say the same about our crybaby B Waters!
With tony gone, its agood thing we brought in ALOT of GOOD veterans to help lead this team. Because if we didnt, well, we might as well just bring herm the worm back, roll over, and call it a season. ha! But now, we dont!
[...] Hurts So Good … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs : BobGretz.com [...]
“Taylor played 11 seasons”
- techincally he did, but in reality only 10 (he was hurt on the 3rd offensive play of the season in the opening game of 1975 @Denver.
“Otis played in 130 games, catching 410 passes for 7,306 yards and 57 touchdowns.”
- a bit more realistic gauge of how Taylor/Chiefs did things. That averages out to about 3 catches & 56 yards yet almost half a TD per game – shows just how underutilized he was by the club nee how running the ball was en vogue.
Affirmation why the rule-changes aided offenses the last some 30 years makes largely irrelevant nee skews ’stats’ when an era & a team’s style are not understood.
Another reason why tho his talent deserves to get him in Taylor will likely ne’er make the NFL Hall of Fame.
Otis in his prime? Think Derrick Thomas first step – and more.
daddy-o
“our crybaby”
- is wearing a whistle though he forgets to blow by his own admission – probably because he’s too busy blowing his own…horn.
Right. ‘check’
Rin Tin Tin, the talking dog! Of course- Mr. Ed!
Mike Brown is certainly no dummy. He is a Pro and he knows how to say all the right things. I hope that he has something to offer our team and is not just hanging on for his NFL life.
Hey Rin, I’m with you all the way on Otis, one of my favorite Chiefs of all time, along with Lanier, Bell, Gonzo and DT. I feel sorry for the kids born after the Chiefs glory years; they don’t know what they missed.
Yes I have been waging the dogs tail . It is time to get back to the chiefs sorry for my weakness . Sometimes the sh!! gets too deep …….it needs shoveling. There is more than 1 anom & this is my 1st post today . Signed PufnStuf new handle
It’s insulting to Bob to say he is in his daughter/son-in-law’s basement in a Depends typing all that Chief hating/ raider loving garbage.
Bob is a fantastic professional journalist. Rint-tint-toot is not.
Keep up the great blogging Rin and if I might use some of your lingo you can almost sense the green tinge of some of these bloggers.
Looks like Rin has an admirer.
Said it once on a fit of wild fantasy, Bowe gets traded because he does not/will not fit into the new system. Haley needs his own type of players not want-a-be super stars without supporting credentional. May not happen but the lower on the depth chart Bowe drops, the more possible the impossible becomes.
Just saw the Chiefs depth chart, while it is still early in camp, we need some of the draft picks to start to step up. By the start of the season we need more than the K and LS positions be filled by rookies.
tm1946
I dont think there is anyway in hell he would be traded.
He has great talent, Haley, since we have a real coach now, will make him learn his system and fit in. IMO
Step back and take a look at the A.F.C West. Broncos, brand new head coach, who has already alienated fans, and the franchise qb, all b4 the first practice. Raiders, still have Al, and drafted a reciever in the first round who reminds some of Reberto “Hands of Stone” Duran. The Chargers who should win the west, still have Norv as head coach, no matter that he did play football in college, nothing he has done as HEAD coach has impressed me much. So maybe facing a season with a fresh start, new G.M., and Headcoach is not the worst fate around. This league turns around fast, so give them time and watch what happens. If nothing else with Todd, as RTT2W will remind everyone, they could have a good golf tournament in the off season.
Be careful with throwing “stones”. We seem to have Roberto Duran’s offspring in our WR group…
touche’, or however it is spelled I will wait for the correction to appear later.
I admit, I was the first Anonymous post about Rin. It wasn’t the real Anonymous.
Thumbs down Anonymous!
Thumbs down Anonymous!
Oh, and by the way I love our coach. I am sick of million dollar crybabies! There is one thing for sure, well actually two, these guys will be tough and in shape come start of the season or they wont be on the team or able to play! Haley is challenging Bowe, he did the same thing to Fitzgerald. He sees something great in Bowe and he is going to bring it out. Bowe could be a superstar if he applies himself completely.
Haley needs Bowe to succeed, if not his offense isn’t going to go, just like in Arizona… If not for Fitzy they are dead birds…
I love how Haley/Pioli use the depth chart. To send messages, to say FU to the NFL for even requiring one, and to show respect to veteran players over rookies at this stage. EVERY Rookie is running 3rd string except for Tyson, and that’s only becuse there’s only one vet ahead of him. That’s no accident. Like everything else, it’s showing that you have to earn your spot, it’s not handed out. The funniest thing is that some fans actually take the depth chart seriously right now. It only counts on opening day at Baltimore, and Dwayne Bowe WILL NOT, REPEAT WILL NOT be our 3rd string WR.