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Who Will the Chiefs Name Team Captains?

Houston Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter (83) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays (51) after a catch during the first quarter of an exhibition NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

3 months ago: Houston Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter (83) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays (51) after a catch during the first quarter of an exhibition NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

This is a question that hasn't come up around here very often.  Very soon, possibly tomorrow, the Kansas City Chiefs name their team captains.  Last year, the Chiefs announced the captains on the Thursday leading up to the season opener.

Many times they're done via a player vote.  Last year the Patriots had eight team captains while the Cardinals had five.

The captains on the 2008 Chiefs were Brian Waters, Patrick Surtain, Pat Thomas and Jon McGraw.  Each represented their side of the ball.

Suffice to say, this year's set will be a lot different.  Patrick Surtain and Pat Thomas are not on the team anymore.

There's an argument there that Waters will remain a team captain.  Despite his reported run-in with Todd Haley prior to offseason workouts, he's been one of the players that the rest of the team looks up to.  Though he reported out to mandatory workouts in June a little out of shape according to Haley, he's now in game mode and by all accounts in great shape for the season.

I could also see Jon McGraw leading the special teams unit.  He's a well-spoken and respected member of the team and apparently on Haley's good side as evidenced by his appearance on the first team defense.

Make the jump for a possible list of candidates for the Chiefs '09 team captains.

Star-divide

Mike Vrabel: He didn't sound enthused to be in Kansas City when reports first surfaced of a trade but, by many accounts, is quickly becoming a leader on the defense.  Just this week Tank Tyler talked about Vrabel's on-the-field presence.

"It’s not often you hear guys speak up and talk out there," he said of Vrabel. "It’s great having him with us. You have to listen to what he has to say."

Mike Brown: He's a player in a similar mold as Vrabel in terms of being a veteran, who reportedly works hard and has been around success before.  His future with the Chiefs has been optimistically compared to Rodney Harrison with the Patriots.  Another leader on the defense at the safety position.

Corey Mays: I have no idea how Mays acts on the field with the rest of his teammates.  I don't know how vocal he is or whether he's got the playbook down better than anyone else.  But I do know his story is unique and, just a guess, probably a Haley favorite. 

He's one of the off-the-street guys who came in and gave the Chiefs reason to part ways with Zach Thomas.  From an outsider's perspective, he's the epitome of Haley's 'I go by what i see' mantra.

Brandon Albert: I think Albert deserves serious consideration because of the way he reacted to the new regime.  He first came into offseason workouts weighing as high as 340 pounds.  After a, ahem, talking-to from coach Haley, he'll start the season around 305.

He bought into the system and appears to be someone Haley is counting on.

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Captains

Cassel, Vrabel, Flowers, Waters

by AlanSimpson on Sep 9, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree with all

also think Mcgraw will remian Special teams captain

by saskwatch on Sep 9, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dont think flowers will be yet. And after Waters bitched…well captains just dont do that. Plus he even showed up to Camp out of shape.
I think Cassel, Albert, Brown, and McGraw.

by Wrestler189s on Sep 9, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Contradiction

You said you don’t think Waters will be captain because he bitched and showed up out of shape, then you claim Albert will be a captain, although he showed up to camp out of shape too? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Albert, but not this year. I think Waters needs to retain the reigns for one last hoo-rah…

Put this in your pipe and smoke it:
1. Chiefs will be at least 8-8 and vie for division champs
2. DJ will break out and finally have his year
3. LJ returns to form
4. DBowe drops will reduce

by kcchiefsfan72 on Sep 9, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alberts didnt show up to camp out of shape...

he showed up to OTA’s out of shape. Like pretty much the whole rest of the team. They were praising how much weight he lost between OTA’s and the start of camp.

"Whenever you go to a live sporting event, always bring a seeing eye dog and cane, just incase the refs forgot their's at home."

by Chiefsuntilidie on Sep 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I Stand Corrected...

Good catch, er, um, Mr. Die!! My apologies to Wresterl. Even still, I firmly believe Waters is back to where he needs to be, has bought into the whole organizational movement and will be a tremendous asset this year. Although, the whole getting an agent thing is starting to worry me a little….

Put this in your pipe and smoke it:
1. Chiefs will be at least 8-8 and vie for division champs
2. DJ will break out and finally have his year
3. LJ returns to form
4. DBowe drops will reduce

by kcchiefsfan72 on Sep 9, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll be surprised if Cassell is not one.

They are paying him to be a leader and it appears they liked what they were seeing.

by Helmets on Sep 9, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't think of many QBs

Who are captains.

by Scaryclouds on Sep 9, 2009 4:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

Brady, both Mannings, Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan... among many others...

hope you meant aren’t captains

Desperately hoping for Desperate Measures

by averagegatsby on Sep 9, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely Mays

The guy is all heart. Plus he nearly sent Favre to the glue factory. What is not to like?!

by Scaryclouds on Sep 9, 2009 4:41 PM CDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

wow

after what marshall did in that denver practice, now they want to give him an extension…just…wow.

as for the captains…mays cant be there yet right? One would think Cassel, Vrabel,Brown,Mcgraw

by SDChief on Sep 9, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Just a guess on Mays

Pat Thomas was a captain last year, apparently based off of effort, and he was only there for one year. Of course, two completely different regimes.

by Joel Thorman on Sep 9, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cassel vrabel larry johnson waters

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Sep 9, 2009 4:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agree

Larry would probably keel over to be named a Captain. In a good way:)

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 9, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the fun part about this

There are so many players that could be considered.

So, state your case for Hali :)

by Joel Thorman on Sep 9, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanks Joel

I think I will=] Hali has really stepped up in a pos he’s not familiar with and become one of the stand outs on D; Flacco said in a recent interview that Hali’s the guy they are the most worried about on our D. of course leaderships at least as important.
Besides him, I’d say maybe Vrabel, Johnson, cassel and not sure on ST, maybe colquitt

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good case

And Hali makes sense because he was asked to do a completely different job and he did it, and apparently did it well, without speaking to the media.

by Joel Thorman on Sep 9, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Joel

I think I will=] Hali has really stepped up in a pos he’s not familiar with and become one of the stand outs on D; Flacco said in a recent interview that Hali’s the guy they are the most worried about on our D. of course leaderships at least as important.
Besides him, I’d say maybe Vrabel, Johnson, cassel and not sure on ST, maybe colquitt

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cassel mcgraw vrabel waters

Before you build yourself up, you must tear somebody else down.

by Zennedy on Sep 9, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I read a quote the other day

about someone saying Cassel was their leader.

He has got to be one.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 9, 2009 4:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Being a leader and a Captain are two different roles

"Hell yes I love my truck, but I want you to know, honey I love your love the most" - Eric Church

by Matt_Grbac on Sep 9, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are QB's not captains cause they are usually on the Sideline with HC

While the Captain is with the Zebras?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 9, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can believe

Albert slimmed down and is only gonna be about 3-5 pounds lol sorry I had to be that guy….or I could be the dumbass that read it wrong lol

Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships

by DT58forever on Sep 9, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Difference Makers and Leaders

LJ, Waters, McGraw, Vrabel, Brown

by TXChiefan on Sep 9, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

+ 1

2009 AFC West champs....... KC Chiefs!

by Jay 23 on Sep 9, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd say

Cassel, Hali, Vrabell, Johnson (if his attitude really has changed) and maybe Colquitt

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I like Colquitt but if a punter is a captain i will laugh.

Same way when he was doing the Sunday show about the Chiefs, they couldn’t find anyone else. I guess it’s like Haley said We do have a good punter.

Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!

by bringbacktheglory on Sep 9, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know

was thinking something along those lines when I was typing that

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously though

Cassel
Bradley – completely based on his block last game
Page
Mays
Colquitt

by MTCHIEF on Sep 9, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah maybe brown

not sure D Bowe’s ready yet, but like the man says “Who knows tho”

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Captains

Brandon Albert – New force on the OLine….he came in to a bad situation with a terrible offense and did a stand up job. Has a great attitude and will lead the OLine for years to come.

Bobby Engram – A veteran of the game and is well respected in the locker room……“I see how hard these young guys work, and I know how hard it is,” he said of helping other players learn the game. “I never really had anyone come and take me under their wing. I had to come in and learn on the run. If I can make the transition smoother, and help us win games, then everybody wins.”

Mike Vrabel – For obvious reasons….most vocal on the field. Solid defensive player who knows the 3-4 like the back of his hand.

Jon McGraw – Seasoned vet. A Herm guy who actually made it through all the cuts with the new regime. He knows Special Teams and Safety. Can manage the game from his standpoint.

Wildcards….Matt Cassel, Mike Cox, Corey Mays, Mike Brown, Dustin Colquitt.

"Hell yes I love my truck, but I want you to know, honey I love your love the most" - Eric Church

by Matt_Grbac on Sep 9, 2009 5:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Why Mike Cox?

He hasn’t shown all that much

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well

He has survived the cuts…that means a lot. Another Herm guy….he must be showing something to the new coaches.

"Hell yes I love my truck, but I want you to know, honey I love your love the most" - Eric Church

by Matt_Grbac on Sep 9, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a lot of guys

survived the cuts…for now, but that doesn’t mean they should be captains. but he might be one of the leaders right now, who knows.

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That is why he was a Wildcard selection....not one of my main guys

"Hell yes I love my truck, but I want you to know, honey I love your love the most" - Eric Church

by Matt_Grbac on Sep 9, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mike Cox played for Gailey at Georgia Tech...

I would imagine the loyalty to him is about gone

Desperately hoping for Desperate Measures

by averagegatsby on Sep 9, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

If Haley and Pioli are picking players for the team based on who they played for in college, how much they are paid, or what the draft position was…we are truly in deep shit. They better be going off what they see.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Sep 9, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cox was on the team last year...

He was an undrafted FA and it was probably worth the pick up since he already knew Gailey’s system. If you dont think coaches don’t pick up their friends players you are kidding yourself. I imagine a lot of Belichicks undrafted FA’s are products of Saban or Ferentz.

Desperately hoping for Desperate Measures

by averagegatsby on Sep 9, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He never said that.....

besides you should know that Carl Peterson, Herm, and Gailey signed Cox, not Haley and Pioli. What he is saying is Cox may be on a shorter leash with this regime.

by dougritchey on Sep 9, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Johnson, Bowe, Colquitt, Dorsey

Larry-hopefully with this position he will help the younger backs in our stable

Bowe-went down to third team for 2 weeks and didn’t complain. not once. Doubt I would have stayed quiet. Like Mays, he climbed through the ranks (although there was little doubt he wouldn’t)

Colquitt-duh

Dorsey-the best LB’s throughout the preseason have been lined up behind him. He has been EATING UP linemen on his side.

+1 Haley guy (brown or mays most likely)

by 1kmilesfromkc on Sep 9, 2009 5:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I like Brown

But I don’t know about Dorsey. I like him and think he’s gonna be a force in this league and he has done wonders for the LB’s behind him, but not sure if he’s a leader yet or not

by E.C. on Sep 9, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Personally Im not a fan of players in their second year being a team captain (QB's excluded)

Cassell
Waters
Vrabel
Page
Colquitt

2 for each side of the ball and one Special teamer.

Desperately hoping for Desperate Measures

by averagegatsby on Sep 9, 2009 6:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

US for captains

how bout dem fans? I know this will never happen but we have had to put up with this chit for a long time. I have supported losing football teams my whole life, born in New Orleans and then moved to Tampa and now I am here. Wait…maybe I am the problem. Sorry guys, my fault.

by nurthys on Sep 9, 2009 6:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Haley has talked a lot about Albert being a leader on this offense

possible new team captain?

My captains:
Cassel
Vrabel
Brown
Beisel
(anyone notice a trend here?) ps. This is what I think Haley would pick. Not my exact preference

I don't want no Yo-Yos

by AK_47 on Sep 9, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

for what it's worth

i watched the players play around and drill for about an hour before the Seahawks game. Hali and Vrabel were the obvious leaders on Defense. At the and they did an organized team stretch which at the beginning was led by Hali. After the first stretch Hali said “anyone from the offense?” at that point the guys in the back turned and looked at LJ. Johnson hopped up, jogged up to the front, and led the rest of the stretch session with Hali.

Johnson had a flattered look on his face when everyone turned to him

by SillyHatDay on Sep 9, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that's too cool

That might be just the thing LJ needs to keep his mind right and try harder than he ever has.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Sep 9, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seasons about to kick off... Time to get back on the blog.

I would have said Pollard, but… HA!

I’ll go with Vrabel, McGraw, Albert, and Cassel

I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin.
'09, a new era begins in Kansas City.

by ROC 27 on Sep 9, 2009 7:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Mr. Irrelevant & Turtle

will not be….lol

but maybe these will:
Cassle
Waters
Brown
Vrabel

"The receivers are an integral part of the passing game." - Hank Stram

by kcfansinceakid on Sep 9, 2009 9:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

let's see...

Cassel
Vrabel
Brown
McGraw

maybe Engram

by BIG_CHIEF18 on Sep 9, 2009 9:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Need guys who can handle the responsibility without being distracted.

1. As much as people seem down on McGraw around here I’m glad he’s on this team. Not an everydown safety but showed resiliency and survived as a Herm guy and is a great special teams player.

2. Albert is the face of the Chiefs O-line now. To me he reminds me a bit of Will Shields and I think that has alot to do with Brian Waters who has taken him under his wing on and off the field the same as Shields did with him.

3. The face of the franchise now is Cassel and he has the money to prove it. Beyond the money though he has the respect of his teammates. Hes strong in the weightroom, on the field and in the huddle.

4. I have to lean to a front seven guy here. The obvious choice is Vrabel and he’s the defensive captain whether he has a C on his chest or not. He makes the right plays every play and when he’s on the sideline he seems to be constantly revving up his teammates and teaching. Like Tank said when he talks people listen.

Wouldnt shock me to see Beisel be a special teams representative in the captain ranks in place of McGraw but either way I think we finally have a strong bunch of core players.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Sep 10, 2009 12:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Team Captains...

Casssel, Waters, Vbrael, Brown, McGraw N Special Teamer…Unknown…represents BOTH sides of the ball…Leaders, ON n OFF the Field…despite what the media may report….WAIT N SEE!

by CHIEFSFANNATIC on Sep 11, 2009 2:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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