I Hate Saying GOOD-BYES!
By Matt DeLucia
Everyone and anyone that truly knows me as a person can say this one important thing about me. I hate saying GOOD-BYES! I know it’s a part of life but they still SUCK, always have and always will in my book. So instead of saying it to Mike Vrabel, I’ve come up with this instead, a welcome letter to all the fans in KC. I hope that you enjoy it and I’ll have the same thing for Matt Cassel posted on Monday. Please feel free to add your comments or thoughts about either Vrabel or Cassel in the comment section.
To All Fans Of The Chiefs,
Watch out fans of the mighty Kansas City Chiefs, your favorite team and their fortunes are turning around! Quite quickly I might add with your recent acquisitions of QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel to the club. As a Patriots fan my entire life, I’ve seen many players come and go over the years. Some I’ll miss, others I could care less about, but in the case of Mike Vrabel, there MAY never be another like him.
Vrabel, is the type of player that YOU want on your club. He’s versatile on the field and WILL help you no matter what the situation is or where it calls for him being on it. If it the defensive side of the ball he’ll make the play, whether it’s getting pressure on the quarterback, stuffing the runner, defending the pass or just disrupting the rhythm of the opposing teams offense. On the offensive side of the ball over the years in New England he’s become a great go to receiver on the goal line. Or a great player for any running back to follow through an opening he’s made into the end-zone.
You need him on special teams, he’s there. If your looking for someone with sure hands to grab that on-side kick, put him on that front line. If it’s kicked near him most likely he’s on the bottom of that pile clutching it in his hands. You want a team leader, YOU’VE GOT THAT also! He’s not one to take a play off, or cry over making a mistake. He gets right back into it and will do whatever needs to be done.
You want someone to motivate and pump up the crowd, we’ll sit back and enjoy it. Numerous times he’s seen on the sidelines energizing the crowds at home. Pumping up his teammates and getting them ready for action. You want a player that’s also a coaches favorite and will do whatever it takes to win and succeed (legal things I mean), you have that also.
No matter if it’s on or off the field he supports his team, the fans, the players and most importantly the community regardless of what’s needed. Yes, he’s getting older in age, but to me or other fans he hasn’t lost a step. Health problems have not been a question with Vrabel either, go check his stats throughout his time in (It’s OK, I’ll wait as you check) New England. In his eight years with us he’s played in 125 of 128 possible regular season games and started 110 of them.
So he’s 34 years old, big freak-in deal. He’ll outplay most younger players with his heart, determination and his pride. I’ll miss him as will so many others that have grown to love the man and his passion for the game. Fans in KC, sit back and enjoy the Vrabel ride for the time your graced with him. For the Chiefs younger players take him aside, talk to him, learn from him and watch what he does on and off the field. He won’t misguide you in the least!
P.S. Thought fans in KC would enjoy seeing Vrabel sacking a rival QB from the AFC West! Now twice a season you’ll get to witness it live and in person.