New Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Andy Mulumba had a big hill to climb to even make it to the NFL. He'll also have a big hill to climb to contribute to the Chiefs. Mulumba, who had some visa issues (not the credit card), spoke to ESPN and indicated he understands his path to the field is on special teams.
"I'm glad I have the chance to go out there and try to have a new beginning and opportunity to compete, trying to get on the field on special teams, doing things the right way, and hopefully I can get some playing time on defense," Mulumba said. "It's time to go and compete against those guys and make the most of this opportunity."
Note that he says he wants to contribute on special teams. That's where he'll have to make the team. We don't know much at all about Mulumba so we reached out to our Packers blog, Acme Packing Company, for their take on him. Here's what Tex over at Acme Packing Company had to say:
"Mulumba entered the league three years ago with a lot of promise for an undrafted free agent. His rookie year, he was forced into action a lot due to injuries to the Packers' outside linebackers - he was serviceable but unspectacular and a bit better against the run than rushing the passer.
"In 2014 he tore his ACL early, then had trouble cracking Green Bay's deep linebacker rotation in 2015. Perhaps most surprising is that he was not able to carve out a niche on special teams this last year, even though the Packers like players with his body type on those units. He's an effort guy, not an athletic guy, but could still have some use in limited snaps as a rotational player.
"Off the field, he's a terrific person and a great story, so we are very happy to see him sign with another team to help extend his NFL career (and get his work visa renewed!)."
The Chiefs have signed players with unusual backgrounds before. Demetrius Harris played basketball. Tautvydas Kieras was a discus thrower. Efe Obada played football in London. And now we have Mulumba and his visa.