FEATURE STORIES

Aug. 10, 2006

By John Hepokoski
UW-RF Public Affairs

It takes toughness and attitude to be a defensive lineman in the NFL. Not only does Kansas City Chief defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie teach the art of being a defensive lineman, he lived it.  

Krumrie was born in Menomonie, Wis., not far down the interstate from River Falls which the Chiefs call their summer home.  

The future NFL Pro Bowler grew up in Mondovi, Wis., where he starred on the football team.   After high school, Krumrie moved on to the Division I ranks and played for the Wisconsin Badgers.  

"He is still the toughest guy to ever come out of Wisconsin," Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was heard saying at the recent Family Fun Night.

While at Wisconsin, Krumrie was named to the All-Big Ten team three times as a defensive tackle. Krumrie would later be enshrined in the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. A stellar performer on the field, Krumrie still holds the mark for career solo tackles at 276.  

The NFL and the Cincinnati Bengals called in 1983 and took Krumrie with their 10 th round draft pick. Krumrie proved to be much more valuable than the 10 th round and made the Pro Bowl twice and appeared in Super Bowl XXIII. His toughness was not more obvious when he severely injured his leg in the game, only to return to full form the following year.  

Krumrie recorded over 1,000 tackles in his 12-year NFL career, including 34.5 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles.  

Following his NFL playing career, Krumrie joined the coaching ranks. He first coached the Cincinnati defensive line before going to Buffalo from 2003-05. Krumrie was then brought over to the Chiefs to mold the defensive line into a force.  

Krumrie is an instrumental part of the Chiefs getting the best out of their line that has under-performed in the past couple seasons. He shows a tremendous love and appreciation for the came. His intensity in practice shows and will definitely translate into better play from the defensive line.

"I'm focusing straight up on fundamentals and effort," said Krumrie after an afternoon practice. "Fundamentals, effort and playing fast. The more consistent they can be, playing fast, running to the ball, all that stuff will play out."

Krumrie looks to bring the line to the next level and aid the Chiefs in their title hopes. So far, his tutelage seems to be doing the trick and more push is coming from the defensive line.