The 74th pick in the 1993 NFL draft was a damn good one for the Kansas City Chiefs. They got a guard, Will Shields, who went on to 12 Pro Bowls and started a franchise record 223 consecutive games and at one point had the longest active consecutive games streak behind Brett Favre. It's safe to say the Chiefs got their money's worth with him.
But there was more with Shields. He was among the league's elite in the community as well. Shields brought home the 2003 Walter Payton Man Of The Year award and has been repeatedly recognized for his work in the community, particularly Kansas City.
The latest for him: 2010 Walter Camp Football Foundation Man Of The Year. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt commented on the news:
"On behalf of my family and the entire Chiefs organization, we congratulate Will on receiving this prestigious honor," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "We are very proud of Will’s hall-of-fame achievements during his 14-year NFL playing career – all of which were with the Chiefs – but we are just as proud of the character and integrity with which he continues to conduct himself off the field. It is a tremendous honor, and Will is a deserving recipient."
Nice addition there by the Chiefs owner connecting Shields with Hall of Fame credentials. I'm sure those of us in Kansas City would have a hard time disagreeing.
By the way, Shields may remember the 2009 winner -- John Elway.
Check out the KC Star for Shields' reaction to the news.