New Kansas City Chiefs G Ryan Lilja said he has a soft spot in his heart for the Chiefs because he's been a fan his entire life. Growing up in the area, he spent one offseason with the Chiefs before being claimed by the Colts and heading to Indianapolis.
When he got another shot to sign with the Chiefs, he took it. But it wasn't just because this was his hometown. It was also because of where he feels GM Scott Pioli and coach Todd Haley are leading the team.
"That was huge," he said of Pioli and Haley's influence.
"Like you said," he continued, "there's a lot of things about being back here and playing for this team that were appealing to me because I grew up here. But from a purely objective standpoint, coming in and meeting with those guys and seeing what they've done, their philosophies and what they're doing to make this a better team - from the Xs and Ozs side, that's impressive.
"It got me real excited."
Still, though, it probably didn't hurt that it those guys worked in Kansas City.
"I got a big place in my heart for the Chiefs. I've been a fan my whole life."