Note by Joel: I had this scheduled to run earlier today but realized I didn't, you know, actually schedule it. So here is your belated post.
A Kansas City Chiefs executive and two former players were honored today by The Sporting News. GM Scott Pioli was awarded Executive of the Decade for his work with the Patriots from 2000-2008. Former Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez and kick returner Dante Hall also made the all-decade list.
Here is the complete list:
Athlete of the decade: Peyton Manning, Colts QB, over Tom Brady, Patriots QB
Coach of the decade: Bill Belichick, Patriots
Team of the decade: Patriots
Game of the decade: Super Bowl 42: Giants 17, Patriots 14
All-decade team offense: WR Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss; T Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden; G Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson; C Jeff Saturday; TE Tony Gonzalez; QB Peyton Manning; FB Lorenzo Neal; RB LaDainian Tomlinson
All-decade team defense: DE Michael Strahan and Jason Taylor; DT Richard Seymour and Casey Hampton; OLB Derrick Brooks and Joey Porter; MLB Ray Lewis; CB Champ Bailey and Ronde Barber; S Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed.
All-decade team specialists: K Adam Vinatieri; P Shane Lechler; KR Dante Hall; PR Devin Hester
Executive of the decade: Scott Pioli, Patriots/Chiefs
Scott Pioli's success with the Patriots has been well documented so that's not much of a surprise. He's received various other honors as well.
Tony Gonzalez is far and away the best tight end to ever play the game so this is another non-surprise.
Dante Hall was electrifying during his time with the Chiefs in the pre-Devin Hester era. He scored in four consecutive games, an NFL record. Even more impressive, I remember each one of his touchdowns in those games was eventually the difference maker.
Congratulations to Mr. Pioli and these two former Chiefs.