Report: Chiefs LB Zach Thomas Will Retire
by Joel Thorman on Aug 31, 2009 6:26 PM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
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| Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Zach Thomas continued his exercise on a Tuesday afternoon with players not practicing with the team due to injury at the team's training camp on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. DAVID EULITT/The Kansas City Star |
Update: 7:10 PM Agent Drew Rosenhaus is denying this report.
On a day jam-packed with stunning Chiefs news, we get another. From Adam Schefter:
Bruschi exited today, Zach Thomas next. He won't play again for Chiefs and, barring unforeseen, is finished in NFL. End for 1 more great LB.
Schefter first announced the move on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown.
As I think about it, this isn't too surprising. Zach Thomas turns 36 years old tomorrow, in fact, and has had a history of concussions.
The Chiefs signed Thomas this offseason to add a veteran presence to a team switching to the 3-4 defense. Todd Haley continually praised Thomas' presence with the younger players.
He played his first 12 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and last year with the Dallas Cowboys.
The final numbers on one of the best to lace 'em up:
- Seven Pro Bowls
- Five time All-Pro
- 184 games (182 starts)
- 1,106 tackles
- 20.5 sacks
- 17 interceptions
We wish Zach Thomas the best of luck in his post-football career and congratulate him on an outstanding 13 year career.
On a roster note, this means that the Kansas City Chiefs are down to 79 players and will only have to release four players by 3:00 PM CST tomorrow.
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I dont think I should've woken up today.
Predictions.
1. Tank Tyler will end up surprising everyone and be the anchor of our line.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Aug 31, 2009 6:27 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
no crap jux i shouldent have woke up i do have a case of the fuckits today but damn
this day sucks coaching change now this damn
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
Let's see, H/Ts....
CT Chief Fan and NJ Chiefs Fan in the FanShots and golfbard on the email. Many thanks!
first h/t. Thanks Joel for an awesome Chiefs site from someone on the east coast
"I will fight you!"
"What is your weapon?"
"My bare hands!"
"That is stupid. I will use a sword and I will cut off your bare hands."
by CT Chief Fan on Aug 31, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you really want to brag about what should have been a FanShot?
lol…
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Dude...
That is ridiculous…
On the bright side, Mays has played very well…
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He's retiring because Haley fired Chan Gailey.
He was worried that Haley was going to try and play inside linebacker next, so he just retired to save himself the embarrassment of being replaced by a head coach who never even played in the NFL.
That, and Chan and him are best friends, and he’s hurt by Chan’s departure.
And those are absolute facts.
by rockchalk on Aug 31, 2009 6:29 PM CDT reply actions 6 recs
Im confused due to lack of sarcasm font...
lol…jaykay mate
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This new sarcasm font will be the death of me
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions
rock chalk jayhawk buddy
You have just received the Amish Virus. Since we do not have electricity or computers, you are on the honor system. Please delete all of your files.
Thank thee
Revised Chiefs 2009 Predictions
Chiefs go 4-12
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions
I know i had them listed at 11-5...
but after Cassel going down and TG letting go AND now this crap…5-11
by Wrestler189s on Aug 31, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I think they will lose early then come together and win at the end: Will it be enough to turn heads? I just can't make myself believe that.
Touchdown
Kan..Sa...CITY
-Mitch Holthus
by 90,32,58,31,16 on Aug 31, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Still one of our best pickups this offseason even without playing a game.
He helped establish the hard working culture that we see on the field now very early in the offseason. Hopefully DJ learned something being on this guys hip for 5 months.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
He's retiring because Haley fired Chan Gailey.
He was worried that Haley was going to try and play inside linebacker next, so he just retired to save himself the embarrassment of being replaced by a head coach who never even played in the NFL.
That, and Chan and him are best friends, and he’s hurt by Chan’s departure.
And those are absolute facts.
I believed it the first time I read it
now that you’ve posted it a second time it kinda sounds suspect
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
ZAch may have had a mild concussion in one of the practices
That might say why he was held out of practice every since. It is nice that both Mays and Beisel have stepped up. We need to continue to add competition to this roster. Our starting LBers aren’t set yet in my opinion.
by cameltoeuchdowns on Aug 31, 2009 6:31 PM CDT reply actions
Let's all share our favorite ZT plays as a Chief
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions
I'd almost forgotten
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
There's what I'm going for
haven’t gotten a “lol” from Lanier in ages. My work for the day is done here
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Remeber the preseason game he sat out, but I'm glad he came to help any way.
Touchdown
Kan..Sa...CITY
-Mitch Holthus
by 90,32,58,31,16 on Aug 31, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions
That was the shit
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
That time the PARADE realized he had main page posting abilities
And broke the news on the front page of AP that he signed.
(Shudders at what could happen with the PARADE and front paging…)
by Joel Thorman on Aug 31, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
He thought he was King of the Castle for a day
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
and the time he appeared
in todd haley’s wired video for about 10 seconds. that was the most action we saw this year i think…thanks zack!
Yea, that was a great cameo
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
seriously hilarious stuff
when do we get to favorite player to wear #55? hes got my vote.
"I will fight you!"
"What is your weapon?"
"My bare hands!"
"That is stupid. I will use a sword and I will cut off your bare hands."
by CT Chief Fan on Aug 31, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
that one time when he made his face look like a square
You have just received the Amish Virus. Since we do not have electricity or computers, you are on the honor system. Please delete all of your files.
Thank thee
Funny!!
Touchdown
Kan..Sa...CITY
-Mitch Holthus
by 90,32,58,31,16 on Aug 31, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Thought
I know Pioli likes to hold onto draft picks, but I mean theres gotta be some young good right-side linemen we can pick up for 2nd, 3rd…if we’re gonna do it next year with unproven rookies may as well take a crack at it this year…like that C from green bay whos supposed to be good..I mean SOMETHING on that right side damn everytime I watch that video just pisses me off how many of em QUIT cuz a play broke down…
Look for us...
to pick up one of the Raven’s ILBs when teams make cuts. They can’t possibly keep all of that talent. I like J Phillips out of TCU and D Ellerbe from Georgia. Zach was one hell of a linebacker, but with Mays playing well this is probably for the best.
Don't know much
about Phillips but their D was pretty solid last year. Ellerbe would be good depth though.
Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...
Lets us keep one more bubble guy and probably opens the door for Belcher
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
Wonder if they'll take a look at Derrick Brooks
Probably too late and likely not a good fit since he’s a 4-3 MLB… just a thought…
I think you answered your own question, there, boss.
I think 5 LBs are currently guaranteed to make the roster:
Vrabel
Hali
D. Johnson
D. Williams
Mays
It’s the other 4ish spots that are up for grabs. Studebaker has looked good, so has Belcher. Walters, maybe. Maybe Turk for the last spot? I don’t know.
I would agree.. hence "just a thought"
I think Belcher is in cuz he can play special teams. Studebaker has done a good job as a pass rusher.
Haven’t noticed Walters alot but he might make it pending other teams cuts. McBride doesn’t seem like a good fit anymore
and cuts dont forget -
im sure there will be a handful of guys that are cut we will have our eyes on…and not just from LB either, hopefully OL and WR
Forgot about Beiseil.
He’s probably in there, as well.
So, it might come down to Walters, Turk and all of the cut/waived LB’s for that last spot. Should be interesting.
I don't think...
D Williams makes this team.
by I_Bleed_Red. on Aug 31, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions
que the linebacker talks now
corey mays is ready to step up, beisel too – beisel showed great defense against he run but the guy cant even cover himself in bed at night let a lone on the football.
At least no one on our squad is begging to be Traded,
That must mean that the players are happy with this new regime.
So what should it be called HaleyBall, or has that one been taken?
Touchdown
Kan..Sa...CITY
-Mitch Holthus
Good luck Zach!
Worth every penny they paid the guy to come in and jumpstart the culture change in our off season. Would have loved to see him play for us, but coming in as he did it was worth it.
whats wrong with paying him to stay around and help coach the LB's?
If he would stay and make a difference, its worth the cool mill we signed him for.
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Whats next?
Clark Hunt being convicted of a ponzi scheme and forced to liquidate all assets? Bill Belichick has a binding contract as part of the cassel trade that gives him first dibs on any liquidated chiefs players? Pioli, you bastard!
All losses in the 2009 season will be Herm and Carls fault.
Cassel, Vrabel, and Pioli take their shirts off
revealing they are part of the NWO
by golfbard on Aug 31, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
That's pretty funny.
Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not a part of our family. Also, he's divorced, so he's really not a part of his family.
HA...
Pioli is the THIRD MAN!!! HE’S THE THIRD MAN!!!!
Anyone? 1996?
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i remember when hulk came out and crossed sides to the NWO
i’ll never forget that moment. what a traitor.
Thats what I was talkin about!!!!
I was a big fan from 98 to 03…
Fun to watch the old tapes…
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No all of the events over the past 2 months have been strategically planed
To destroy the Dolphin fanbase in return Bill Parcels is forced out of town. because of his relationship with the Jets they fall prey knowing their hero is homeless. and finally Kansas City is good enough to beat the Colts come the AFC Divisional Playoffs but lose to the powerhouse, Play stealing Patriots.
Or Zach Thomas just came to help the transition on Defense.
Touchdown
Kan..Sa...CITY
-Mitch Holthus
by 90,32,58,31,16 on Aug 31, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow...
After i read this article i scroll down AP and see that Gailey has been releaved of his duties…Im glad Haley is calling the plays now. Hopefully we get going and put up a fight against these NFC studs. I hope we get a break…….
Why is this a bad day?
We got of the coordinator of an offense that couldn’t score.
We got rid of an old LB that never played for us and ended up giving way to an exciting Corey Mays who is showing real talent and had incredible upside.
We found out our franchise QB will probably be ready to go for the start of the regular season..improving continuity and greatly increasing our slim chances of beating the Ravens.
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
this is true
Cassel playing against the ravens is just the best news…I cant get over it, it has me very happy. I dont believe in sitting him unless he cant run…otherwise, lets get it started.
Cuz he always provides perspective...lol
He does what I am too lazy to do..
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yikes
there goes one of our better ranked madden players…woo hoo more 65’s starting
And we still have Vrabel
Who is leading on the field by example. That is the best kind of vet.
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
Vrabel
he’s been great.
I can’t say enough about how valuable he’s been, especailly for a “throw in” on the Cassel trade
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
I was skeptical during the offseason
But man watching this guy on the field is something else and I dont know how you cant watch him and not love having him on your team. Besides what he does on the field and in the huddle, he’s constantly teaching on the sideline during the game.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 31, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
In hindsight
Thanks Zach for saving us the roster spot and not pulling a Donnie Edwards on us all season
Thank You Carl Peterson for drafting Dustin Colquitt
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 31, 2009 6:57 PM CDT reply actions
Hope he takes Toomer with him.
Aint got a beach and I see no mountains, landlocked loungin' in the City of Fountains.
And Engram
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 31, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
easy now...
Toomer’s very solid…. you’ll see
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
Toomer just needs supplements formulated
specifically for his age. I believe after he ran that button hook out in the flats it took him roughly 23 seconds to return to the line of scrimage during a hurry up offense. Hopefully he can find some one to help him across the street since the cross walk sign will not give him enough time to do it solo.
All losses in the 2009 season will be Herm and Carls fault.
Solid waste of a roster spot.
Aint got a beach and I see no mountains, landlocked loungin' in the City of Fountains.
based on what????
All he’s done is catch everything thrown his way, from what I can see.
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
Yea...
I think he has been runnin 3rd team because they know what he brings…they don’t need to evaluate him…
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that's what I'm sayin.
I think he’s quite possibly the #2 WR on this team, after Bowe.
But, Bradley or Lelie could challenge for that spot
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
2 catches thus far
And couldn’t catch on a with a team with a worse receiver corp than us.
Aint got a beach and I see no mountains, landlocked loungin' in the City of Fountains.
Drew Rosenhaus just tweeted that he's not retiring
“Zach Thomas is not retiring. He is progressing from his injury & he fully expects to have a great season with the Chiefs in 09.”
Take it for what it’s worth. I just threw up a fanshot on it.
I hate hate hate going against what Schefter says
I idolize this man. But if it’s true…
by SoCalChief17 on Aug 31, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Schefter is a God, and always stands by his reports.
But correct me if I’m wrong – he’s the one who went against Chris Mortensen when he said we were getting Shanahan? and wow AP just went 75 yards to the hizzouse. He’s unreal.
Schefter is amazing.
And yep, he’s the one that got on tv and said that Mort had no idea what he was talking about, and that he’d retire if his sources that he’s used in Denver for years were lying to him.
by SoCalChief17 on Aug 31, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
jarrad page showed AP whats good
stuffed him on that 4th and 1 – i think that was the best play by our defense other than the brandon INT return…
Congrats on a GREAT career
I was really looking forward to seeing him play for us this year, but have been wondering what was going on with him not practicing and then not even being in no man’s land lately. Not a surprise I guess. But what an absolute class act of a guy, someone who people said wasn’t big enough to play and worked his ass off for years proving them wrong.
And if what SoCal just posted is true, I’ll be happy. I think Zach could be a force yet this year…but we’ll see.
Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.
You know what we need
A Defensive player to get the team hyped up…example: Ravens- Ray Lewis, Chargers- Shawn Merriman….We need one of those…
Just juice up our LBs and were even
ok—or have someone go out and “allegedly” kill someone. We’ll be even then.
Good points...
Nvm im fine with our LBs lol…
by Wrestler189s on Aug 31, 2009 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow
The Rosenhaus report disputes this, like SoCalChief mentioned earlier.
What a nutty day!
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=P First time on twitter in weeks and I saw that
Thought it might be worth mentioning.
by SoCalChief17 on Aug 31, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Schefter or Rosenhaus
one of them is anne retart
All losses in the 2009 season will be Herm and Carls fault.
If you are wondering where people went....
There is a new post here
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