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Thursday, July 27, 2006
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

The Chiefs Arrive

The Chiefs arrived at UW-River Falls today, at approximately 4:47 p.m. It was mostly clear skies over River Falls, with only the occasional cloud. The temperature was a muggy 90 degrees with a southwest wind blowing at a measly 6 mph, not nearly enough to keep you cool with the 38 percent humidity and scorching sun beating down.

Reporters, staff, and fans waited anxiously on the Rodli Commons lawn for Chiefs players and staff. The players, coaches and personnel arrived on five Laidlaw coach buses. The media swarmed the contingent as the buses unloaded, but most of the players ignored the attention and headed straight to McMillian Hall. The players filed into the dormitory in a single file line. President Carl Peterson and Head Coach Herm Edwards both addressed the media as soon as they stepped off, though. After the players received their room assignments, a handful conversed with the media about contracts and rookie-status.

Interviews with Players and Coaches

As personnel and players unloaded from the bus, the media caught up with Chiefs President, General Manager, and CEO Carl Peterson. Peterson’s main emphasis was on getting all rookies signed into camp.  First round pick Tamba Hali and third round pick Brodie Croyle were both key signings right before the team boarded the plane for camp. Of the 91 players on the Chief roster, 88 players came to camp.  Absent were recently signed cornerback Ty Law, veteran starting right tackle Willie Roaf, and star running back Priest Holmes.  Peterson described their absence as “for personal reasons” and that they were excused. “We expect Ty pretty soon,” said Peterson, “the other two I haven’t set a date on that.  We are going to continue to give them some time.” Peterson was also questioned about the status of number one wide receiver Eddie Kennison’s contract complaints that were made public in recent days. Peterson responded, “I stand just fine with Eddie. Eddie is under contract and he was on the plane.” He showed no concern of Kennison jetting camp and he plans on the wide receiver staying put in River Falls for camp. 

New Head Coach Herm Edwards took the spotlight after Peterson, and met with training camp media for the first time as Kansas City’s coach.  “We are excited as a staff to finally get up to training camp and finally find out what type of team we can become,” said Edwards. Edwards ran down the players schedule to open up, stating that the players have tonight off but have a curfew.  Tomorrow the team will start their meetings and then have practice in the afternoon. “At this point the players are trying to get their cars and to figure out if their beds are soft enough,” Edwards joked. Edwards visited River Falls yesterday before the players arrived and took a tour of campus and the facilities. Edwards said of his tour, “These are great facilities to be practicing in and both I and the players are excited about being here.” Questions were also thrown at Edwards about whether he was concerned about Eddie Kennison. Much like Peterson, Edwards was not worried about the receiver leaving camp and said his main focus was on coaching the players that were put on the field for him. 

On to the players side of things, first round draft pick Tamba Hali was interviewed; he shared his insight on his first training camp. “I’m surprised I’m in camp early,” said the excited defensive end.  “The history has not been too good with guys getting into camp on time.” Hali emphasized wanting to be part of camp. “I just want to be part of this new defensive scheme and not fall behind,” said Hali. His main concern was getting into camp and getting into the scheme of things.

Rookie quarterback Brodie Croyle also shared some thoughts and was happy a deal got done.  “It took a little longer than we had planned,” said Croyle. “I am glad I am here, glad I am on time, and I am ready to get going.”  The Chiefs will be looking towards Croyle to be the future quarterback after Trent Green leaves, and Croyle hopes to learn a lot from the savvy veteran.

Wide receiver Eddie Kennison unearthed new details about the terms of his contract shortly after unloading the bus. He challenged each of the media members to do the research and calculate the salaries that other players in his position acquire each year. "The numbers don't lie," Kennison said. When prompted if he was considering leaving Summer Training Camp if his contract terms weren't met, Kennison sincerely commented that, "I'm here and I'm a Kansas City Chief." Though the discussions between the Chiefs and him will remain confidential, he assured the media that talks about his contract have been developing since March, but now was the "right time" to disclose the situation.

Fans

Brett Moulin, age seven, and his dad, Rick, were the first training camp fans to arrive. They are from Bonner Springs, Kan., and this is their second year at the camp, 2005 being their first. The Moulins arrived earlier today and are staying until Sunday. Brett’s favorite player is quarterback Trent Green and his favorite sport, accordingly, is football. They watched interviews and Brett even got his picture taken with Coach Herm Edwards, President, GM and CEO Carl Peterson, rookie quarterback Brodie Croyle, wide receiver Eddie Kennison and first round draft pick defensive end Tamba Hali. When asked how much he liked the Chiefs, Brett just got a big smile on his face that gave away his answer.

Nick Asmus, 22, of Stillwater, Minn., rode his bike to Rodli Commons and arrived just minutes before the Chiefs. Asmus is in his fifth year at UW-RF. He has been coming to training camp since he started his education at the college four years ago. Usually friends and family attend practices with him, and this year, he says, will be no different. He is looking forward to watching the players in the few weeks to come.

Continuing in the tradition of the Chiefs Summer Training Camp are the fans that travel to UW-River Falls to watch their favorite team in action. Two Chiefs fans, Rich and Lina Poste, traveled to Wisconsin from Olathe, Kan. yesterday and were on campus for the Chiefs arrival today. This is their second year at the camp and they said that they enjoy the cooler weather and relaxing atmosphere that River Falls has to offer. They are also looking forward to the upcoming season with Herm Edwards as the team’s new head coach.

Ben Wilson of Kansas City, Mo. certainly had his timing down tonight. Wilson and 1,000 other bikers ended their five-day, 300-mile trek across Minnesota as part of the MS TRAM cycling adventure, done to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Being from Kansas City, it was very fitting that he was able to get here in time to see his Chiefs arrive at their summer home. He will relax tonight at Glen Park where he and his group of cyclists will unwind and enjoy refreshments. The exhausting trek has resulted in $750,000 in fundraising. To the west of Rodli Commons there was a trailer of cars that were transported from Kansas City. As Wilson was taking pictures of the players’ stylish rides, star running back Larry Johnson got off the bus and immediately came over to get his Mercedes-Benz G-class off the trailer. Trying to escape the media while also trying to get his belongings situated, Johnson seemed in a bit of a hurry. Once the truck driver backed his ritzy Mercedes off the trailer, Johnson was quick to get in, turn on his music and drive off.

Extra, Extra...Read All About It

The Route Inc., provides an alternate mode of transportation for the Chiefs players and coaches, but this year the stock of bikes is more elaborate than ever before. Instead of renting out standard mountain bikes as they have in the past, Adam Schmidt and his crew delivered 44 custom-made bikes. Each bicycle is single-speed, has a pedal brake, and is decorated with the Chiefs logo and colors. Also, a number on the rear of the machine can distinguish each bike. The Route Inc., charges $75 per bicycle and is available to service and repair the bikes if needed. Some players that were spied renting bikes were kicker Lawrence Tynes and linebacker Boomer Grigsby. Following camp, each of the bikes is auctioned off for charity.

Along with the arrival of the Chiefs today was a semi truck, carrying hundreds of pieces of personal luggage for the team. The semi, which arrived on campus shortly after the team entered McMillan dormitory, contained everything from suitcases, bedding and blow-up mattresses to stereos, printers and dehumidifiers. Chiefs players, including running back Larry Johnson, defensive end Jared Allen and corner back Benny Sapp, later came outside to retrieve their luggage and personal belongings. With a red Gatorade bottle in one hand, tight end Jason Dunn retrieved two pieces of luggage from the unloading area.

Defensive end Jared Allen was seen carrying three pieces of luggage and an Ethernet cable to his room in McMillian Hall.

The sign on the McMillian Hall door read: WEIGH IN IN MCMILLIAN BASEMENT.

Sporting a shirt from his ala mater, Iowa, and a pair of American Eagle cargo shorts, center Casey Wiegmann sought out his suitcases from the equipment boys.

First-year Chiefs defensive tackle James Reed was spotted outside Rodli Commons looking for the weight room. Apparently he isn’t wasting any time trying to crack the defensive line rotation. This is his first season with the Chiefs after spending his first five seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets. He was also looking for things to do in a town like River Falls, which is much different than what he is used to in the Big Apple. Reed played his first five seasons for coach Herm Edwards and is looking forward to his opportunity to continue playing for him for years to come.

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Sara Dehn (Senior Day), Amie Eller (Kids' Days), John Hepokoski (sidelines), Holly Sigler (photographs), Jude Harder (fans, Punt, Pass & Kick). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Kat Krtnick (sidelines), Deb Toftness (Office Manager), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jens Gunelson (University Photographer).

Chiefs fans! Make sure you tune in to the 2006 Daily Updates page on a regular basis. We will be posting sidelines and fans information after each practice while the Chiefs are in camp.