Chief Concerns

I hope you had a happy Independence Day! I think we have a great country, not perfect, but I call it home.

There’s a lot to be grateful for as an American.

As a Chiefs fan there’s plenty to be thankful for too. A few things I’m appreciative of are its not 2007, 2008, or 2009. I’m also grateful that 2011 is over. This year looks a whole lot more promising than the last several. It’s been a while since Arrowhead has been this bright.

Arrowhead and the fans that make its parking lot home are super enthusiastic. Stability actually looks possible. Winning and making success a habit seems obtainable.

Not sure how many thought of the Chiefs between the firecrackers, barbecuing, and hanging out but knowing Chief fans I’m sure many had their jerseys on.

Training camp starts July 28th in St. Joseph. That’s three weeks and some change. What are you pleased with before training camp starts?

Arrowhead fixing to regain reputation?

I have some…

Romeo Crennel. I didn’t know what to think about Kansas City hiring Crennel, not at first. I was thinking younger, maybe somebody new, but older? The more I heard about Crennel from the players the further I understood just how much the players respect him. How much the players want to win for him.

I trust the ones playing the game. So I too have bought into Crennel.

Despite his age Crennel brings decades of experience, know-how, patience, and respect. Crennel isn’t a blowhard, egomaniac, showoff, poser, or pretender. Crennel has shown with this defense and places he’s been that he gets men to follow.

Crennel won’t be the one catching the ball, running the ball, intercepting the ball, or rallying his teammates on the field, but it starts with Crennel. Before training camp begins I’m excited for Crennel.

I’m pleased with the leadership that’s developed on the team. I’ve seen the growth and how certain players have taken their place. Derrick Johnson is one; Johnson has evolved into a leader.

One reason Scott Pioli acquired Mike Vrabel from the New England Patriots was to bring actual player experience to the Chiefs, familiarity with winning. Vrabel influenced Johnson. The Chiefs had talented players but lacked that knowledge and tested leaders.

A leader has to be confident in self. Others will follow because they believe in that person too. It’s not about showing off or creating a new nickname, but leaders honestly see the bigger picture. It’s about the team.

In 2010 I saw signs of a team that believed in itself.

There was a synergy and chemistry brewing in 2010. Not complete or 100 percent sure, Jamaal Charles said there was doubt even against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead in the playoffs.

Today though because of Johnson and players like Tamba Hali there’s more salt-and-pepper to the roster. Leadership is present where it was missing before.

I’m pleased with Scott Pioli. I brag on Pioli, but I see what he’s doing. I don’t hold 2009 against him like some. Just like the players Pioli has gotten his legs under him and good things are happening because of it. I see success coming. Positive change is happening.

Lastly, I thought a lot about Chief fans on the fourth of July.

I’m thankful for Chief fans. I’m beholden to a fan base that hasn’t quit. Most teams that haven’t won a Super Bowl in over 40 years don’t have this sort of devoted following. It’s rare what you see in K.C. and I include the Royals. Fans don’t vacate in Kansas City.

At times the spirit in the parking lot is separate from what’s really happening with the Chiefs or the season. Fans don’t let the “process” change their thinking. Fans are at the heart of the matter in Kansas City, at Arrowhead the 12th man is the X-factor.

Kansas City fans are the best fans in the NFL. I’m partial but if I looked hard enough I know I could find the stats to back me up.

I’m hopeful for 2012. Something about this season tells me it’ll make the wait worth it. That hanging on as a Chief fan isn’t in vain.

Enjoy the rest of your Fourth of July weekend. Camps fast approaching and so is the 2012 season. Get your game face on!

Good day, Chiefs fans!