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Sunday, July 30, 2006, Trent Green Press Conference
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

In this afternoon’s press conference with quarterback Trent Green, he expressed the worry surrounding the retirement of guard Willie Roaf and how his retirement will affect the offense. Green said, “There is obviously some worry when from last year’s offensive line three of the five guys aren’t here right now. This is a great opportunity for some guys to get experience, so hopefully they will take advantage of it and give us the depth we’ve talked about it. We have to develop depth on the offensive side of the ball because we are an older group.

 “It won’t be much of an adjustment because the first half of my career was spent with that type of philosophy.”

Though Green and some other players have tried to send Roaf text messages and left phone messages and haven’t heard back, Green believes that Roaf is trying to avoid them so he can make a decision on his own without that extra influence. Nonetheless, Green said, “We definitely want him back, but we’ve got to prepare like he’s not coming back because he’s already issued his papers.”

There was obvious tension between guard Will Shields and Roaf upon his retirement because as Green explains, “Willie was the main guy who talked Will into coming back. They had talked about retiring together or both coming back for one more year when Coach Edwards was brought in and when Mike Solari was promoted to offensive coordinator. There were a lot of things that they both liked, and for him to decide to go the other way, well I know Will is not happy about it.”

Since the Dick Vermeil era is now over with the departure of former offensive coordinator Al Saunders, Tony Richardson’s trade to Minnesota, Priest Holmes’ injury, and the retirement of Roaf, Green sees the opportunities for new players and coaches to come in and make an impact: “We could potentially have five new starters on offense. We have a whole new group to start our own run.”

Green also shared his thoughts on the development of some of his teammates and coaches: wide receiver Sammie Parker, running back Larry Johnson, cornerback Ty Law and offensive coordinator Mike Solari.

“Sammie’s big thing is staying healthy. What makes him special is that he is not afraid to go over the middle or into traffic to make catches. I see no reason that he couldn’t be a 1,000-yard receiver.”

“Now that Larry is in a position of being one of the team leaders, he’s a lot more vocal, is practicing a different tempo and is much more prepared both mentally and physically for the season.”

“I hope Ty is a great addition to the other guys we’ve brought in. Ty understands what Herm is going to want so he can take over a leadership role and express to those guys where Herm is coming from.”

“Mike Solari is doing well. Nobody prepares harder than Mike. He puts in more hours than anybody and is a football junkie. I know he will be prepared.”

Green realizes that a year in the league is not promised to anybody. “You never know what may happen so you must approach every season with a sense of urgency. Coach Vermeil told us in his first meeting when he was head coach at Kansas City that ‘You don’t own these seats you are sitting in right now; you’re just using them until the next guy comes along. Don’t save yourself in terms of long term goals. Concentrate on right now.’ ”

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.