Good morning, AP. A lot of Kansas City Chiefs news today. Updates on the offseason activities of Arenas and Jones. We also have a nice peek into the process of the Chiefs investigating players to bring to camp.
The worries and hope were there weeks ago, and reality is on the horizon. In 11 days, the Chiefs report to training camp — that three-week-plus period in which the truth shows itself after so much waiting.Coach Todd Haley said during offseason practice — which seems like ages ago — that the Chiefs would begin their downtime with several important orders: Stay in shape. Avoid trouble. Remain focused.
The team had about six weeks to wonder how dozens of players would spend their time before camp began. Now it’s time to see how the many variables that an NFL team faces each year will affect this year’s Chiefs.
With camp starting soon, here’s what the Chiefs must do from KC Star
Last week, while athletes with higher profiles flocked to Los Angeles for the ESPY Awards, Thomas Jones taped public-service announcements inside the nondescript United States Department of Labor building here. He arrived an hour early and came alone.For a running back versed in productivity, occupational safety hazards and unstable employment, the setting seemed appropriate. Jones takes a laborious approach to football, one summarized by a tattoo that reads Coal Miner’s Son and runs toward his heart, across his chest.
"That’s my stamp," Jones said. "That’s who I am. That’s how I’m made."
Jones Never Stays Long, but He Always Leaves His Mark from The New York Times
The road to the National Football League isn’t entirely closed for 2003 Rapid City Stevens graduate Dave Olson.
But after reaching an emotional high a week ago, now he believes a two-year-old injury may be blockading most of his avenues to the pros.
The 25-year-old inside linebacker said he had received a call from agent Vincent Calo last Sunday telling him that the Kansas City Chiefs were ready to pull the trigger on an invite to the team’s training camp later this month.
"I was on cloud nine for the longest time," Olson said.
Football: Olson’s journey to NFL suffers setback from The Rapid City Journal
The New Arrowhead Stadium will debut at the end of August when the Chiefs host Philadelphia in a pre-season game......Remaining within the stadium shell are memories of the hundreds of games that have been played there since the summer of 1972...
...Today, it’s the top 20 career passers in Arrowhead Stadium history.
Arrowhead History: Career Passers from Bob Gretz
Some might say Arenas has to prove himself all over again, but he doesn’t see it that way. He’s just trying to be himself.
"It’s not so much trying to prove myself," Arenas said. "It’s just working hard because that’s who I am. I know what I’m capable of. Some people don’t think I’m capable of it, so I just happen to prove them wrong. But it’s not me trying to prove myself. It’s just me being who I am."
He enjoyed being himself during a stop Saturday in Etowah County, appearing at Martin’s Family Clothing to sign autographs and greet fans.
Arenas prepares for next test in NFL from The Gadsden Times
Aired for the first time on September 6th, 2003, the company responsible for bringing you the quintessential sports drink gave us one encouraging sign about the Chiefs’ prospects in the form of a great piece of advertising. Featuring none other than Hall of Famer Len Dawson, Chiefs’ Hall of Famer E.J. Holub, long-time athletic trainer Wayne Rudy, and the Mentor himself, the TV spot described the incursion of the soon-to-be worldwide sensation into the boundaries of pro football.Enrique’s Video Vault: A Moment In Gatorade from BobGretz.com
Starting ILB - Derrick Johnson vs Cory Mays With Demorrio Williams seemingly locking down one ILB spot in the Chiefs 3-4 defense, the other starting position would appear to be a straight battle between Johnson and Mays. Johnson has been an infuriating player to both fans and coaches throughout his Chiefs career. DJ is an exceptionally gifted athlete, and is a player who can make a game changing play on any snap. This was proven in the final game of the 2009 season when Johnson returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns against the Broncos at Mile High Stadium. He is however, susceptible to losing concentration and missing assignments which explains his lack of starts last year. Mays is the polar opposite of Johnson in many ways. He played the entire 2009 season registering 85 tackles, but without a single sack or interception. He is a consistent player, but with Romeo Crennel becoming the Chiefs defensive coordinator for 2010, a premium will be put on play making ability. Predicted winner - Derrick Johnson Training Camp Battles - AFC West from The Go