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Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson: "I'm itching to get back" from The Mothership
The days are long and the weather is typically hot.
That's a simple picture of what Kansas City Chiefs players have to look forward to at training camp.
Sure, it's one of the most important times of the year in the development of the team and building upon the success they want to have, but that doesn't mean it isn't a grind for the guys putting it on the line every day.
So for an 11-year NFL veteran like
Derrick Johnson to genuinely look forward to that grind, that's a passion for the game manifesting itself through the lack of on-field time a season ago, when Johnson was put on IR after rupturing his Achilles in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans.
Justin Houston: Chiefs have best pass-rushing duo from NFL.com
Houston is a vital cog for a Chiefs team that relies on pressuring the quarterback with a stout front seven. There have been no indications a deal will get done by Wednesday's deadline, but coach Andy Reid was hopeful last month Houston wouldn't sit out training camp without a deal.
The 26-year-old has earned a long-term deal -- and coming off a league-leading season -- is smart to try and leverage the most money he can. If that number dipped to, say, 12 or so in 2015, the Chiefs would surely use that in negotiations.
Countdown to Chiefs Camp: Primetime Playmaker from Warpaint Illustrated
Kansas City has had a long history of outstanding Tight End play throughout franchise history. Kelce, has a chance to be one of the very best.
The good news for Kelce the young man has the skill set, mindset and more than enough swagger to take on all comers defensively in 2015. The hard part will be to learn to control the urge to fight for an extra yard and take what the defense concedes.
I'm all for fighting for every inch of turf on the football field that one can gain. However, Kelce has to learn that it's best to get down to the ground with the ball securely cradled in his arms, then search for another yard or two.