Derrick Johnson Calls Willie Roaf 'Best Linemen I've Ever Been Around'

Willie Roaf was undoubtedly one of the best offensive linemen ever to wear a Kansas City Chiefs uniform. In fact, you could say the same about Roaf's ability compared to the entire NFL. In just four seasons in Kansas City, Roaf went to four Pro Bowls after a knee injury with the Saints many believed would leave him ineffective or sideline him entirely.

After being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, some current Chiefs reflected back on their time with Roaf, including linebacker Derrick Johnson who had high praise for his former teammate.

"Willie Roaf was the best lineman I've been around, he's probably the biggest lineman I've been around and he's probably one of the fastest linemen I've ever been around," Johnson said. "He's a guy that you can ask any defensive end or outside linebacker and they'll tell you he's the best in the business. You couldn't get around him.

"The way he walked, you wouldn't think he couldn't run," he continued. "He had this old man type of limp when he walked, but when he got on the field he'd pull around that corner so fast. Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes had the time of their lives running behind that man. There's no doubt about it."

Those last sentences tell the story of Roaf's impact, along with the rest of the Chiefs offensive front, in blocking for backs like Holmes and Johnson. Both players enjoyed tremendous impact on the field and the Chiefs running game was celebrated across the NFL. While there was talent all around, no one would deny that Roaf was a cornerstone for all of that production.