FEATURE STORIES

July 31, 2006

By John Hepokoski
UW-RF Public Affairs

Joining a NFL team as an undrafted rookie is never an easy task, but tight end

Bob Docherty's goal is to come out of this summer's training camp with a roster spot.

Docherty signed with the Kansas City Chiefs following the NFL draft and was penciled in fifth on the depth chart. The Chiefs already have All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez a solid veteran back-up in Jason Dunn which makes Docherty's goal that much harder.

Docherty played college football at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to UW-Oshkosh. At Oshkosh, Docherty was a standout player and consistently blocked and made plays when needed.   For his efforts he was named to the second Division III All-West Region team and the first All-WIAC unit.

In his senior season, Docherty caught 18 passes for 167 yards and two scores. He was most known for his blocking skills.

Following the season, Docherty participated in both the Hula Bowl and the Aztec Bowl. He was the first UW-Oshkosh player to play in the Hula Bowl.

Docherty is a native of Oshkosh where he played football for North High School. At North, Docherty helped lead his team to a Division I State Championship.

Docherty joins the likes of other recent players from the WIAC to go into the NFL. Former Chief middle linebacker Mike Maslowski attended UW-La Crosse, UW-Stout cornerback Tony Beckham was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2002, and UW-La Crosse wide receiver Bill Schroeder played nine seasons in the NFL including six seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Oshkosh also produced another tight end in Tony Church who signed an NFL contract in 1998.

"They were the first ones to call," responded Docherty after being asked why he signed with the Chiefs. "I'm just trying to do everything I can out there and hopefully make this team."

So far at camp, Docherty has gotten substantial playing time due to Tony Gonzalez and Jason Dunn sitting out a practice. Not only has the Oshkosh graduate seen action at tight end, he also has been playing on special teams.

Docherty suits up in the No. 47 jersey and has made great strides throughout camp.

"I pretty much have to work on everything," said Docherty.  "It's so early in camp, I just want to get on tape."

It is hard to tell where Docherty will fit into the Chiefs arsenal but he is making the effort to be put somewhere.

The road is tough going from a college to the NFL, let alone a Div. III college to the NFL. Docherty looks as though he has the hard nose attitude and football smarts it takes to make an NFL roster.