Joe Thuney says all the right things in opening Chiefs presser

New Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney said just about everything right in his opening Zoom press conference on Thursday; even his comments about the barbecue were acceptable.

Thuney and fellow new offensive lineman Kyle Long shared some Q39 on Wednesday night.

“Just amazing,” he described of the food — while not yet announcing a favorite restaurant. “Every bite was better than the last. Really good.”

Thuney agreed to a five-year contract worth up to $80 million with the Chiefs on Monday after spending the first five seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, who won two Super Bowls during his tenure. Thuney can play tackle and center, but he spent almost all of his Patriots career at left guard.

At the time of this writing, Thuney is one of many options the Chiefs have at the guard position. They are less rich at the left and right tackle positions after the team released longtime starters Eric Fisher and Mitch Schwartz earlier in March.

Whether Thuney will kick out to left tackle after the Chiefs missed out on Trent Williams is unclear at this moment, but it is worth noting that the Chiefs have already officially described Long as a guard and Thuney simply an offensive lineman. Thuney was asked during his presser whether the coaching staff had suggested where he might play.

“Not yet,” answered the 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman. “I just want to help the team [in] whatever [way] I can, in any capacity, and just want to contribute to winning, and that’s really my main thing, so wherever that is, that’s fine with me.”

The Chiefs leadership released statements regarding Thuney’s signing in conjunction with the opening presser.

“We’re very excited to add a proven player like Joe to our roster,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “He has a great deal of experience, including championships. He’s been a highly durable, impact player, as both a pass protector and run blocker. He’ll bring leadership and a different perspective to the offensive line group. I’d like to thank Joe and his agent, Mike McCartney, for their effort in getting this deal done. We look forward to welcoming Joe into Chiefs Kingdom.”

“I’d like to congratulate Brett and his team on getting this deal done with Joe and his representatives,” added Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Joe is an impressive player. He’s everything you want in an offensive lineman with his toughness and work ethic. He’s also very intelligent and you can see that translate on the field. I know he’s ready to get to work and we’re happy to have him.”

Thuney explained that as a Patriot, he learned how critical it is to make small improvements to his game each day, a lesson he intends to bring to Kansas City — a town he realizes lives for its football.

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“It’s always been such a great organization,” said Thuney. “Huge fan base, and I just want to be part of this team that’s had so much success recently, and I know there’s a lot of special players here and a lot of special coaches. The whole community seems to rally around KC and just want to do what I can to help the team.”

Thuney has yet to meet 2018 MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but he expressed he looks forward to that moment. With the signing and opening press conference in the books, he instantly becomes part of a very intentional solution to the problems that cost the Chiefs Super Bowl LV:

Protect Mahomes so the offense can do what it does.

“[The Chiefs have] such an explosive offense,” he commented. “Never out of a game, never out of the fight, always got a chance. You can score from anywhere on the field it seems. It’s just a very potent, dangerous offense.

“I just want to come in and help contribute wherever I can and try and help the team.”