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Sunday, August 2: Matt Cassel Press Conference

Quarterback Matt Cassel met with reporters for about 10 minutes before he went to lunch at the University Center.  First question of the day, an obvious one, was about how the new Chief's first day went. “It was great,” Cassel responded. “Very competitive, we had some competitive sessions.”

Cassel was asked to comment on a statement made by Head Coach Todd Haley Saturday afternoon about how Haley sometimes has to tell Cassel to “shut up.” “No doubt,” Cassel said. “I am not very patient. He might need to tell me to ‘shut up,’ but I am going to keep coming at him [with advice].”

Cassel said leadership comes along with being the quarterback. “If I think they can do it better, I’ll let them know,” he said. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe made a comment Saturday, saying that he didn’t want to be the one to upset the new quarterback because Bowe knows that Cassel will let him hear about it. Later, Cassel was asked to comment on his relationship with Bowe. “It's going well for the first day. So far, so good,” the fourth-year quarterback from USC said.

Cassel seemed pleased to have his contract situation taken care of and processed for the long-term. Cassel said, “This shows the Chiefs commitment to me, and it also shows my commitment to them. I am excited about where this organization is going.” Cassel signed a six-year $63 million contract in July.  When asked if the new contract puts any pressure on Cassel, he responded, “No the contract isn’t pressure; it’s the weekly preparation and the teams you are going to play.”

In a twist of fate, the same team that knocked out New England Patriots starting quarterback Tom Brady and gave Cassel his first job is now the team that employs him. Cassel was asked about this today during a pre-lunch press conference. “Weird, crazy,” he said, “Unfortunately, it was an injury to one of my friends, but I was able to take advantage of the opportunity.”

The question of the day at Cassel's press conference came from Chiefs legend Len Dawson. Dawson asked, “Now that you have this big contract, what are you willing to pay for the No. 16?” This got some laughs from the reporters as well as Cassel. Laughing, he responded, “I am not touching that jersey. Too big of shoes to fill.” Dawson of course wore the No. 16 for the Chiefs team that won Super Bowl IV; the number has since been retired. Cassel wore the No. 16 while in New England.

Cassel was asked to comment on the offensive line and whether or not he is worried about getting sacked too much this year. “Sacks are part of the game,” Cassel said. “It starts with me getting the ball out quicker and taking the pressure off of [the offensive line].”

To end his afternoon press conference, Cassel commented on Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. “I have always respected him as a player,” Cassel said. “Now I am starting to develop a [personal] relationship with him.”

2009 Staff

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year.
Front, left to right: Amanda Kane (Fans, Seniors Day),
Renee Thony (Sidelines), Linda Abel (Fans, Kids' Days),
Jim Thies (Sports Information Director).
Back, left to right: Deb Toftness (Office Manager),
Kevin Harter (University Communications Director),
Steve Linzmeier (Sidelines), J. J. Mosher (Fans, Punt, Pass & Kick),
Jens Gunelson (Photographer). Not picture is
Brenda Bredahl (University Communications Writer/Editor).