As anticipated, Foote has been released.
by aPacificChief on May 5, 2009 7:33 AM CDT
63 comments
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'1" / 239lbs
DOB: 6/12/1980
AGE: 28
COLLEGE: Michigan
The defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers put an end to one of the few distractions they've had this offseason. The team granted veteran linebacker Larry Foote his release after he wanted out of Pittsburgh because of a reduced role.
Steelers part ways with unhappy Foote.
| Career Stats | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Fumb. | Misc. | KO Ret | Punt Ret | ||||||||||||||
| Year | Team | G | Solo | Ast | Total | Sack | Yds | Yd/Sk | Int | Yds | IntTD | Rec | TD | Frcd | Pass Def | Sfty | Yds | TD | Yds | TD |
| 2002 | PIT | 6 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | PIT | 14 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | PIT | 16 | 53 | 17 | 70 | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | PIT | 16 | 76 | 26 | 102 | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | PIT | 16 | 62 | 29 | 91 | 4 | 29 | 7.3 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | PIT | 16 | 45 | 36 | 81 | 3 | 21 | 7.0 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | PIT | 16 | 34 | 29 | 63 | 2 | 8 | 5.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The Steelers couldn't get anything for Foote in a trade, but he's only 29 and shouldn't have trouble finding a new home. The Colts and Lions are possible landing spots.
Pioli said that he's always looking to upgrade his roster, so Foote should be a strong consideration in the front office. Whether or not Larry wants to sign with the Chiefs remains to be seen.
The Linebackers currently on the roster:
Jersey # Name Height / Weight Age
50 Mike Vrabel 6-4 261 34
51 Cory Mays 6-1 245 26
52 Monty Beisel 6-3 244 31
53 D. Williams 6-1 232 29
55 Zach Thomas 5-11 242 36
56 D. Johnson 6-3 242 27
57 Weston Dacus 6-1 232 24
98 Darrell Robertson 6-4 246 26
UDFA Rookies
Bobby Abare 6-2 220 Yale
Pierre Walters 6-4 265 E. Illinois
Jovan Belcher 6-1 229 Maine
Cory Smith 5-11 220 Cincinnati
The Chiefs completely ignored the Linebacker position during the 7 rounds of the draft. Strange considering that that was the weakest position we had on defense, and we will be putting 4 on the field instead of 3. The only additions to the LBing corps were older veterans. There must be concern of the availability of the older guys in regards to remaining healthy throughout the whole season.
The only attempt to bring in younger Backers was after the draft. It would seem almost like common sense that Pioli should pursue a veteran linebacker who is younger than Beisel, Vrabel, and Thomas. Especially ones who are experienced in the 3-4 system which should be on the top of his priority list leading up to training camp.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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If he were brought in here
then that would kick Johnson back to the outside, I would guess?
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
by Lanier63 on May 5, 2009 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't want him
Being an average player on a good team doesn’t make you a good player on a bad team. Plus if he wants to go to Detroit, I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t sign him… especially since they have a need at linebacker.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah why would we want an average player on our team
Sure don’t want any of those players who were “average” on a team with defensive stars to come play on our team of “terrible” defensive players. That’s just banannas.
Foote, who wants Footw? Him and his 2 Super Bowl rings. 28 year old that might be able to pla for us for 5 years? Pshaw.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on May 5, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm
“Being an average player on a good team doesn’t make you a good player on a bad team”
No. It makes you an average player on a bad team.
So let’s see.
Bad players = Bad Team.
Avaraage Players = Avarage Team.
Hey! That’s a step in the right direction!
Nah on 2nd thought, never mind. Let’s either only try to get bad players or pro bowlers. Let’s build a team totally of Pro Bowlers. We’ll win the Super Bowl for sure. It shouldn’t be too hard to only sign great players.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on May 5, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
The point I was trying to make is that he’s not as good as everyone thinks he is just because he was on a Super Bowl team. Obviously he was expendable to them and would have had a diminished role this year anyway. If we picked him up I’d imagine he’d be in a rotation with Thomas, Vrabel, and Beisel and not as a primary starter, which I have a feeling he would not be happy with since that’s why he wanted out of Pittsburgh. I think he’d be more of a distraction than a help.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me give an example of what I mean
Mike Jones was a pretty average linebacker for the St. Louis Rams a few years back. When the Rams won the Super Bowl, he was the one that made the game winning tackle on the goal line. But after that, I never heard about Mike Jones again. If the Chiefs had signed him the year after he won the Super Bowl, I doubt he would have helped our defense much, even though our defense clearly wasn’t good. I don’t think Foote is going to make a difference in our defense, and I don’t think we should sign him because he’s not going to want to be a rotational player.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All that aside, the fact remains...
He’s better than Beisel, Williams, Mays and Darcus, and he’s younger with better legs then Vrabel and Thomas.
Improving the team at every position improves the team as a whole.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on May 5, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't want to be "that guy" though
He wants to be the starter… the “every down” type linebacker. Him being better than Beisel, Williams, Mays, and Dacus doesn’t make he and the Chiefs a perfect union.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thomas, Vrabel, DJ, Foote...
Sounds like he can be a starter to me.
Hali is a bust, we just refuse to admit it at this point. Turk McBride is NOT a LBer. Demario Williams was a stop gap that we overpaid, and Beisel is a special teams player.
Why could Foote not be a starter in KC. Who on the roster is going to beat him out for the 4th LB spot?
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on May 5, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if we are in the 4-3 under, who goes where?
I agree that if you just want to pick 4 random LB and say “there you go” then it sounds good. But you have to look at the system and think about who’s going to play where.
Ten sacks in a season! For crying out loud that's what I used to average per game using DT in Tecmo Bowl!
by KCporkchop on May 5, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we are doing a 4-3under
I doubt we will pursue Foote. But DJ and Vrabel coud rotate out with foot and Thomas as the other 2 LBs.
KCporkchop, are you really saying you would not approve of the chiefs signing Foote?
I’d like to hear solid arguments on that.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would love to see him sign with KC
I think we REALLY need more depth at LB. I’m saying if his #1 requirement for a team is that he has a full time, 3 down, starting spot with his name on it, we won’t be the team that signs him. I think it’s safe to say we will be running the 4-3 under at least some of the time based on our D coordinator, Haley’s comments about being in the base defense and calling it an “under” set, and Tank’s quotes about him playing NT and Dorsey lining up next to him as a 3 tech DT.
Ten sacks in a season! For crying out loud that's what I used to average per game using DT in Tecmo Bowl!
by KCporkchop on May 5, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thomas=Mike, DJ=Will, Vrabel=Sam/Pred, Foote=Sam/Pred
Hali can come in on obvious passing downs to play Pred, while Foote shifts to Will, and DJ to Mike.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on May 5, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's pointless now
B/c he signed with Detroit, but I don’t think you’d sign Foote to play Sam/Pred. He’s always been a ILB in the 3-4.
by kcsno56 on May 6, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Texas
As fellow defensive guys, we often see eye to eye.
Who besides Vrabel do you see outside with those 4 LB’s?
I’d love to have Foote as well, but I think his best fit in the 4-3U is the Mike, or in a 3-4 as an ILB, certainly don’t think he can play outside.
I also don’t like DJ outside, so wondering what you’d do?
I think if we brought it Foote, he’d be mostly taking Thomas’ playing time. I’d be totally onboard with that, but doubt we do it.
I think we still need to bring in someone else to play Predator or OLB regardless of whether we sign Foote or not.
by kcsno56 on May 5, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
I want Foote just because he is available and a good player. But it defiantly just addresses depth issues at ILB.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he could play OLB, but I wouldn’t sign him on that chance.
Are there any viable OLB options left for us this year? I think we will almost defiantly play a lot of under if we can’t pick one up.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd offer those second rounders everyone wants to waste on a receiver for Dansby in a heartbeat.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on May 5, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be awesome.
A solid D would take the pressure off cassel so much that it would be more beneficial than an extra ‘star’ WR.
Of course then we must assume that Dansby+the draft+scheme change will give us a solid D.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I
I also don’t like DJ outside
hmmm, I actually think Will is the position for which DJ is best-suited…great sideline to sideline speed, good instincts, but has trouble shedding blockers.
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on May 5, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Will is an ILB in the 4-3 under.
Ten sacks in a season! For crying out loud that's what I used to average per game using DT in Tecmo Bowl!
by KCporkchop on May 5, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vince D...Do you not think that WE have need at LB?
I have watched Foote play quite a bit. He is more than just an average player. He is a TEAM player. Very consistent and brings his A-game on every down. This guy is exactly what the Chiefs need to complete the 3-4.
by Chiefsfan1970 on May 5, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes we have a need at LB
but I see Foote as a rotational player, just as the Steelers were planning on using him this year. That’s not what he wants to be, hence why he asked to be released or traded. He’s not a good fit for our team if he’s gonna whine if he doesn’t get to start and play every down.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's only a rotational player
with Pittsburgh because of their depth chart.
He would not be situational/rotational in KC.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've done that experiment before.
Alphonso Boone is a perfect example… we signed him from the Bears after they won the super bowl and he has been average at best. Hasn’t really made much impact on our defense.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's so wrong with average?
Seriously, there is a chance he will just be an average player. I agree with you on that. But there is a chance he will be great. I would say the odds are just as even.
What’s wrong with another average LB? What happens if Vrabel gets hurt? Or Thomas? Or DJ? Do we really have any depth to say that an Average LB who has the potential to be something special is a bad idea?
ESPECIALLY when we don’t have to trade to get him. It’s just a question of money and we have plenty of that to spend. I have no idea how you can be against picking up foote.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Foote is not Boone
They play different positons #1 and #2 your Super Bowl theory has no weight. We aren’;t signing him because he won the Super Bowl we are signing him becuase he knows how th frikin tackle, something out team hasn’t been able to do in a long time.
I’m sorry but your argument is ridiculous.
Your only arguments are “He will be rotational” which you don’;t know
and
“He will whine if he doesn’t get to play every down” which you also do not know.
Unless you can tell me that all our linebackers are better than Foote then we should sign him because he should make the team better. Period.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on May 5, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got your back Vince...
if Foote came in he would have to start over DJ. I don’t want that because I think DJ has a shot to shine in this under defense. Plus, DJ is in his contract year, this is our last chance to see if he is worth a big contract. Foote can’t play the mike because he isn’t that thumper type. That was more Farrior’s role. I really could care less if we sign Foote. Plus, his argument is that Larry wouldn’t want to come here in the first place. Let him get over paid with another team like the Broncos.
by I_Bleed_Red. on May 5, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you
Basically if Foote comes to KC, he’d have to start over DJ, Vrabel, or Thomas, and none of that is happening. He’s not a predator type of linebacker so he wouldn’t be that either. Therefore there is no place for him in KC unless he decides he wants to be a rotational player.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about for the sake of competition? or depth in case of injury?
Foote has something that the younger backers don’t, experience playing in a 3-4.
Couldn’t we view Foote as a stop gap for 2-3 years until our guys get who are not familiar with the 3-4 get the hang of playing in a new system.
I understand the concern about DJ being in a contract year, but he has yet to prove himself consitently on the field. I say we should resign DJ, but only slightly higher than an average contract.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on May 5, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not ridiculous its just a different opinion than yours
“He will be rotational” – Unless he’s better than DJ, Thomas, or Vrabel, then yes… he will be rotational. He’s not a predator LB.
“He will whine…” – Yes I do know that, because that’s what he did in Pittsburgh.
I appreciate your point of view but I respectfully disagree.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No. He didn't whine in pittsburgh.
They are having cap issues and when faced with the option of going to another team or reworking his salary, he chose going to another team. There were no negatives leaving Pittsburgh, everyone involved was happy.
He is better than DJ and probably just as good as Thomas will be next year.
If the question is if he will want to come to KC, I think you have a point. But if its if we should sign him or not, that’s not even a choice.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NFL.com
says he was unhappy about being taken out on 3rd downs and requested to be released or traded
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and No
He knows that Timmons is stepping up and wants to respect that.
It likely weighed into his decision on reworking versus finding a new team. But it was never a ‘whinning’ situation. Just people making decisions on whats best for them and the team.
Foote is a standup guy. His character really doesn’t deserve to be in this debate.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take your word for it.
But I still don’t think the Chiefs and him would be a good fit.
Oh and I was wrong it wasn’t NFL.com it was yahoo sports.
by Vince D on May 5, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pioli will weigh all these things
Scheme, character, need, and Team.
He will sign him if he wants him and Foote wants KC.
Just another circular arguement IMO.
you don't have to win and you don't need to fight. Supertramp
by Steve_Chiefs on May 5, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sign him
there’s NO reason not to.
He knows the system
he is experienced
he’s a winner
the Chiefs need depth and youth at LB
by stagdsp on May 5, 2009 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I would sign this guy . If he wants to be here and all
Any guy that wants to go to the lions is insane . But he maybe looking just to play more . He can play a lot here so maybe if pioli gets a hold of this guy slaps him up he will see the light.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on May 5, 2009 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Make him an offer he can't refuse.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on May 5, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No shit
We have money to burn!!!
GET OFF YOUR DAMN WALLET SCOTT!
If you go out and you’re looking for the girl to wink at you and she hasn’t winked at you before 12 she isn’t going to. You might as well go home.
by craig in calgary on May 5, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Warp speed, Scotty :)
you don't have to win and you don't need to fight. Supertramp
by Steve_Chiefs on May 5, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've watched Foote quite a bit.
He is fantastic on special teams and does a great job as a 3 down back.
Him playing in Dick’s 3-4 is experience that a saggy defense needs more than anything. I really hope that we pick him up.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He is pretty much the best available he knows the system
He would be another piece to the puzzle . PIoli need to pull some crazy moves offer him something he cant refuse like pat allen is saying. Play hard ball we are on our way up lions are about 60 thousand seasons away from being a 500. team. Foote be smart sign up.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on May 5, 2009 10:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he really wants to go to detriot.
At least I hope he doesn’t.
I have no idea why he would want them over KC.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
That would do it.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
he is also interested in going to a team where he has a good chance of starting. Where better than an 0-16. But I think KC has more upside for him as a player. Espcially with the fact that Vrabel and Thomas are stop gap options.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on May 5, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is from detroit then he is really insane because
he has seen the uglyness first hand all his life. He needs to come to a real team the kc chiefs.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on May 5, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has two rings...
the guy doesn’t give a sh*t. I’ll bet he signs with Detroit.
by I_Bleed_Red. on May 5, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah....he'd be embarrassed playing in front of his family with them constantly losing.
I can hear it now……all the ribbing he’d get at the dinner table by his grandma.
I’d want to play for a team,
Which I would get a lot of playing time.
Has a real chance to get better soon.
Has some already established LBers on roster.
and can GEt handsomely paid while I’m at it.
Pioli where’s the pen?
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on May 5, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we hadn't signed Thomas
I think we’d be making a strong push for Foote. He’s better at this point in his career, and as I’ve said before, he still has a career in front of him, instead of, if we’re lucky, one decent season.
From the quotes I read when we signed Zach, I think he’s pretty much been promised a starting job…this is too bad, b/c I’d still like to bring in Foote, and have Zach play ST and be a backup.
I’m not of the opinion that signing Foote would move DJ outside, I doubt they think DJ can play OLB in a 3-4 or SLB or Predator in the 4-3U.
So the question is Foote or Thomas…I’d choose Foote, but they probably feel they’ve already made thier bed with Thomas, so I doubt we get him…too bad, we need all the help we can get.
by kcsno56 on May 5, 2009 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
100% agree
I think we could use Foote, but he would either come off the bench, bench Thomas, or send DJ to a position where he would be less effective. Would he make our team better, yes, but I don’t know that we will be the right fit if he is looking for a team with a clear hole where he would be the unquestioned starter.
Ten sacks in a season! For crying out loud that's what I used to average per game using DT in Tecmo Bowl!
by KCporkchop on May 5, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Valid points.
But I really feel like if Pioli wants him he can get him here. I can’t imagine going into the season with our LBs.
What happens if 1 or god forbid 2 of our LBs go down with an injury early in the season? It’s not that crazy given how old they are.
I just hope Pioli is interested.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on May 5, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's actually likely
That one or two will get hurt during the year.
I think we’ll be bringing in someone to play outside, for sure…or at least I hope.
Inside, I’m not so sure…and that’s dangerous.
by kcsno56 on May 5, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would say the odds are VERY high
that Brabe; or Thomas or both will miss time due to injury this year. Depth is key.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on May 5, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Foote IMO is a good choice, but I think it all hangs on whether Pioli believes that Larry has the right attitude.
The right 53, not the necessarily the best 53.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on May 5, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ray farmer is probably on the horn right now slapping him in the face. convo is probably something like this
Ray: Hello mr FOote
FOote: Hey ray, LIke i said i want to go home to detroit.
Ray : fuck that they play like chicken shit
foote: Hey rey you know what i woke up this morning with a dead horses head in my bed you know anything about that?
ray: lets just say thats a message from pioli either your brains or your signature on the contract I got to goo…………………………
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on May 5, 2009 11:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on May 5, 2009 11:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Foote
A solid player. Throw great, average, and bad out the window. He is a SOLID player. Consistent. Young. Talented. Smart. I say talk to him. If he wants to be a Chief, offer him a decent contract for 3 years. If not then don’t waste time chasing him. I personally can’t say any against a 2-time super bowl champion and a solid contributor to a contender for the past 7 seasons. He doesn’t want to just be a winner, he wants to contribute to a winner. Lawrence Timmons pushed him out of the starting role.
by xhornetsx on May 5, 2009 12:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was a lot older.
It seems like he has been around forever.
by saskwatch on May 5, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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