We've noted that multiple Kansas City Chiefs players have said via Twitter that they're either in Kansas City or on their way there this week. We've assumed that's for a series of player-only workouts, as QB Matt Cassel and some of the offensive guys have done this offseason, and while that's still likely the case, we know of another item on the agenda -- a trip to Joplin.
Indeed, the Chiefs organization will be heading south on Thursday, June 23 to assist in the Joplin tornado relief efforts. A team spokesperson confirms that every player that was on the roster at the end of the season, and the 2011 draft picks, have been invited to come along with them.
Also making the trip will be all the non-player members of the organization including owner Clark Hunt, GM Scott Pioli and team president Mark Donovan.
One of the biggest areas in need concerning the rebuilding of Joplin is the removal of debris and that's where the Chiefs will start their efforts as they put their stamp on a rebuilding process of a different kind. As important as the physical help they'll provide by doing things like removing debris, their presence will also be raising more awareness for the situation, which can be just as important.
We're in the middle of the lockout where players and front office folks aren't allowed to be communicating but both the Chiefs and the league recognized that this is a unique situation in which the greatest impact will be felt if both the players and the other employees of the organization were involved.
I think Chiefs LB Andy Studebaker said it best (via Twitter): "Coming together to serve people is more important than business!" Well done, Chiefs, for recognizing the need for continued help in the area and for the realization that the rebuild in Joplin has really only just started.