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Local briefs: Chiefs sign 3rd round pick

info — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:15:39 +0000

[unable to retrieve full-text content]CHIEFS SIGN THIRD-ROUND PICK: The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a contract with third-round pick (74th overall) Donald Stephenson. Stephenson (6-6, 312) appeared in 30 games (27 starts) on the offensive line at Oklahoma.

There is the quick update of the day.

Kansas City Chiefs Add Offensive Lineman of the…

info — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:37:00 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs took a step toward protecting quarterback Matt Cassel in the upcoming NFL season by signing the Arena Football League’s reigning Offensive Lineman of the Year, Rich Ranglin, on May 16.

Ranglin is a 6-foot-3, 315-pounder out of Central Connecticut State, which also happens to be the alma mater of Chiefs GM Scott Pioli. Prior to his senior year with the Blue Devils, the four-year letterman was named preseason All-American, and he earned second team All-Northeast Conference honors at the conclusion of the season.

Ranglin began his professional career with the Manchester Wolves of the now-defunct af2–the Arena Football League’s former developmental league. After two seasons with the Wolves, Ranglin made the jump to the AFL in 2010 with the Milwaukee Iron–now known as the Milwaukee Mustangs–and was part of an offensive line that allowed just one sack all season long. The Mustangs led the league in several offensive categories that year and advanced to the National Conference championship game.

Kansas City is familiar territory for Ranglin, as he spent his 2011 season with the AFL’s Kansas City Command. He proved both durable and talented, as he was one of the few offensive linemen to start each of the Command’s 18 regular season games, and he was named first team All-Arena and the Arena Football League’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. He also caught four passes for 67 yards, adding another threat for a team that averaged over 300 yards of offense per game on the AFL’s 50-yard field.

Ranglin signed with the AFL’s San Jose SaberCats for the 2012 season and has played an important role in the ‘Cats leading the league in total offense per game. Again, he has shown his versatility as a receiver, too, catching four passes for 48 yards in nine games this season.

“We are very happy for Rich that he has earned this opportunity,” said SaberCats owner and head coach Darren Arbet through a press release. “He has done so well for us on the offensive line, and I believe he has the ability to succeed in the National Football League.”

After finishing a dismal 7-11 in 2011, San Jose currently boasts a 7-2 record and is the No. 1 team in the league, according to the AFL’s coaches. Meanwhile, without Ranglin, the Command’s offense has plummeted to a league-worst 241.5 yards per game, and Kansas City quarterbacks have been sacked 14 times in eight games. The Command are currently 0-8 on the season.

The Arena Football League has already provided the NFL with several players over the years, including offensive linemen. Cliff Louis of the Arizona Cardinals played for the AFL’s Cleveland Gladiators in 2011, and Martin Parker of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants played for the AFL’s Chicago Rush last season.

The author is a Featured Contributor in Sports for the Yahoo! Contributor Network and frequently contributes to Yahoo! Sports’ coverage of the Arena Football League. You can follow him on Twitter at @RedZoneWriting and on Facebook.

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Chiefs owner talks about first and next 50 years

info — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:55:51 +0000

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Unlike their in-state NFL counterpart, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs said there should be no uncertainty about where his team will play in the future.

That’s all the news for today.

Rucker Signs with Kansas City Chiefs

info — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:04:19 +0000

(Kansas City, MO) St. Joseph native Martin Rucker had two days to convince the Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff he belonged on the roster, and the staff ruled in favor Rucker.

“Went and took physicals, passed those, and shortly after signed the contract,” Rucker said. “And I’m as exatic as ever. It’s just really great to be home.”

The tight end out of Mizzou signs a one year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs for the NFL veteran’s minimum. He will report to practice on May 21st wearing the Number 83. Barring any injuries or snags, Rucker will report to training camp in late July in his hometown of St. J0seph, MO.

“This summer I’m going to try and move up here to Kansas City. I still have my place in Dallas, but I’ll probably get rid of that and come up here.”

Kansas City is Rucker’s fifth NFL team since being drafted to the Cleveland Browns in 2008. He battled a severe hamstring injury in Philadelphia and a nagging back injury with Dallas and Jacksonville. After four different teams in four years, Rucker acknowledged the Chiefs could be his last stop.

“It’s in the back of my mind, but I wouldn’t say I’m worried about it. God has a plan for everyone’s life and I’m just waiting for his timing and my timing to line up. “

What are your opinions.

Special and Crucial Tryout for Rucker

info — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:15:07 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO) The opportunity to tryout for the Kansas City Chiefs is certainly special for T. Rucker.

“This was definitely special,” Rucker said. “Growing up 47 miles north, watching these guys every Sunday and coming to a couple games every year.”

The opportunity is special, but it could be crucial to his career. Since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2008, the tight end’s bounced around the NFL, playing on four different teams in four years.

The 27-year old knows the clock is ticking on his time in the NFL.

“I try to get better every place I go to. I feel that I have, but for whatever reason it just hasn’t quite worked out. But God’s got a plan and this might be the end of the road.”

First year Chiefs’ head coach Romeo Crennel was a bridge on the road to Kansas City. The two worked together when Crennel was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. The former Missouri Tiger’s battled injuries in Philadelphia, Dallas, and Jacksonville, but Crennel says Rucker’s piece simply hasn’t fit the puzzle of an NFL squad.

“He made a good effort with us when he was in Cleveland, but he wasn’t able to make an impact,” Crennel said. “As this tight end position in colleges and the NFL transition, sometimes guys kind of get caught in between. He was one of those big tight ends who was flexed out quite a bit. I think sometimes the team you get with playing that position makes a difference.”

Rucker has two days to make the case that he belongs on the 90-man roster. Should the Chiefs offer him a contract, he would have the chance to report to training camp in his hometown of St. Joseph, MO.

“I’ve got a lot of tread, but I use it as experience. I feel real good.”

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Sports briefs: Chiefs sign 4 draft picks

info — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:39:36 +0000

[unable to retrieve full-text content]The Kansas City Chiefs have signed four of their eight draft picks, including fourth-round pick wideout Devon Wylie, the team announced Friday.

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Chiefs sign former New York Jets DE Pitoitua

info — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:41:30 +0000

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have signed former Jets defensive end Ropati Pitoitua.

The team announced the move Tuesday. Pitoitua was a free agent after playing in 22 games over the past two seasons with the Jets.

The former Washington State defensive end joined New York as an undrafted free agent in 2008, spending his first season in the league on the team’s practice squad. Pitoitua played in eight games in 2009 before playing in 14 games last season.

He has 22 tackles and one sack in his career.

Not much else going on in the NFL world today.

Chiefs sign ex-Jets DE Pitoitua

info — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:43:37 +0000

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs have signed former Jets defensive end Ropati Pitoitua.

The team announced the move Tuesday. Pitoitua was a free agent after playing in 22 games over the past two seasons with the Jets.

He has 22 tackles and one sack in his career.

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Religion: Chiefs' McGraw set for WRHS…

info — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:18:52 +0000

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jon McGraw will be the featured speaker at the Washburn Rural High School Baccalaureate ceremony at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6, in the school's auditorium, 5900 S.W. 61st.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Peyton Hillis open to any role to help Kansas City…

info — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:24:16 +0000

Peyton Hillis signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs almost two months ago, and although he’s still unsure what his role will be, he recently said he’d be willing to do whatever is asked, according to the Kansas City Star.

“I have an open mind and I’m willing to do whatever,” Hillis said. “You know, for the past seven years I’ve had seven different head coaches and seven different playbooks.”

Hillis began his NFL career as a fullback with the Denver Broncos in 2008. Injuries to several other runners forced the Broncos to make him their featured back — and he played well. He later was traded to the Cleveland Browns, for whom he briefly starred at running back.

The Chiefs apparently like his versatility — he was the first free agent they signed — and could have him share time at featured back with Jamaal Charles. He also is an option at fullback.

“You’ve got to have an open mind. That’s what I’m going to do, and whatever role they’re going to give me, I’m going to try to be good at it and try to succeed.”

One reason Hillis signed with the Chiefs was to be reunited with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Hillis had his best NFL season in 2010 for the Browns with Daboll calling the plays. He rushed for 1,177 yards, caught 61 passes and scored 13 touchdowns that year.

“I know what his scheme presents, what he can bring, and I know he can use me in a lot of different situations,” Hillis said. “I also know we have another great back here in Jamaal Charles, and you know, having a complementary back like me come in there and help him, it’s not as fun when you take all the beating and all the pounding. So when you have a guy in there that you know is just as good, if not a lot better than you are, that’s really good, too.”

Hillis entered the 2011 season in the final year of his previous contract. But injuries limited him to 10 games, and he was ineffective when he was in the lineup. The Browns did not renew his contract.

“Whenever you’re having a down year, it’s always tough, especially when you expect a lot from yourself,” Hillis said. “Some bad things happened, but you move on from it. That’s what I’m taking for my mind-set this year — to come out here and do the best I can and help this team win.”

Not much else going on in the NFL world today.

Kansas City Chiefs extend invite to mini-camp to…

info — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:24:35 +0000

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Montana State kicker Jason Cunningham, a Tascosa graduate, has been invited to the Kansas City Chiefs mini-camp, which begins Thursday.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Kansas City Chiefs Reportedly Sign Free Agent QB…

info — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:24:32 +0000

By BryanCrawford

Kansas City Chiefs Reportedly Sign Hampton Free Agent QB David Legree

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May 3, 2012 – According to a story on the New York Daily News website, the Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed quarterback David Legree from Hampton University to a free agent contract.

Legree, who is from New York City, played collegiately at Syracuse in upstate New York before transferring to Hampton University in Virginia. NYDailyNews.com has more on this story:

Legree completed 61% of his passes during his senior season at Hampton, throwing 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. He averaged 7.1 yards per attempt while leading the Pirates to a 7-4 season.

According to the Daily News, Legree was a standout quarterback at South Shore High School in Brooklyn, NY and he still holds all of the schools passing records as well.

Read more news and analysis on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. For additional news and notes around the league, check out the SB Nation NFL hub page.

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Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Chiefs Pick 'Bama CB De'Quan Menzie in…

info — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:26:20 +0000

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have selected Alabama cornerback De’Quan Menzie with their fifth-round pick, making good on coach Romeo Crennel’s promise to add depth in the defensive backfield.

Menzie was the seventh player drafted from the national champion Crimson Tide, and the fifth player from the defense. His fellow cornerback, Dre Kirkpatrick, went 17th overall to Cincinnati.

The Chiefs added wide receiver Devon Wylie out of Fresno State with their fourth-round pick earlier Saturday. That came after picking Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe in the first round and a pair of offensive linemen in the second and third rounds.

Menzie has the physical tools to transition to safety, where Kansas City was in dire need of depth, or he could stay at cornerback behind Brandon Flowers and Stanford Routt.

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Chiefs Add Five More Players on Final Day of NFL…

info — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:01:57 +0000

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Fresno State wide receiver Devon Wylie with their fourth-round pick in the NFL draft on Saturday.

The Chiefs plugged a gaping hole at defensive tackle with Dontari Poe in the first round, and went for offensive line depth with their second- and third-round picks Friday night.

There were several wide receivers still available Saturday, but the Chiefs went with the 5-foot-9 Wylie, who should fit nicely at the slot position. Kansas City managed with a patchwork group that included Keary Colbert and Jerheme Urban last season.

Wylie dealt with numerous injuries at Fresno State, but he reminds many scouts of New England’s Wes Welker, both in stature and his ability to catch passes over the middle. He had 56 catches for 716 yards last season.

Kansas City selected Alabama cornerback De’Quan Menzie with their fifth-round pick, making good on coach Romeo Crennel’s promise to add depth in the defensive backfield.

Menzie was the seventh player drafted from the national champion Crimson Tide, and the fifth player from the defense. His fellow cornerback, Dre Kirkpatrick, went 17th overall to Cincinnati.

He has the physical tools to transition to safety, where Kansas City was in dire need of depth, or he could stay at cornerback behind Brandon Flowers and Stanford Routt.

The Chiefs added running back Cyrus Gray of Texas A&M with their sixth-round pick in the NFL draft. Gray provides valuable depth behind Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis, especially with Charles coming off a torn left ACL that ended his season in Week 2.

The 5-foot-10, 206-pound Gray ran for 1,045 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Aggies last season. He finished with 3,298 yards rushing in his college career.

With their first seventh-round draft pick, Kansas City selected San Diego State defensive tackle Jerome Long.

The Chiefs addressed the most pressing need on their defense by picking Memphis tackle Dontari Poe with the No. 11 pick on Thursday night. They added some depth along the line with Long, who started three years on the line for San Diego State.

Long said he worked out for the Chiefs and knew they were interested.

The Kansas City Chiefs picked Junior Hemingway of Michigan going with a wide receiver for the second time on the final day of the NFL draft.

Hemingway managed 34 catches for 699 yards and four touchdowns his senior season with the Wolverines. His stock rose at the scouting combine, where the 6-foot-1, 225-pound receiver posted the best numbers at his position in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.

Gotta run!.

Kansas City Chiefs pick DeQuan Menzie in 5th…

info — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:43:28 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — DeQuan Menzie made the most of his two years at Alabama, enough to become the Crimson Tide’s seventh player selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Menzie went to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 11th pick in the fifth round, 146th overall. He’s the third Alabama defensive back to be selected, joining Mark Barron (Tampa Bay) and Dre Kirkpatrick (Cincinnati),
both of whom were selected in Thursday’s first round.

Menzie spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College. He signed with Alabama in 2010 and made an immediate impact, playing in 12 games and starting seven.

As a senior this past season, Menzie was a full-time starter at cornerback opposite Kirkpatrick while also moving inside to play the “star” or nickel back position. He was the team leader with 11 pass break-ups and 12 passes defended. He intercepted one pass and was fifth on the Tide with 41 tackles.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said Menzie, who grew up in Columbus, Ga., could project as a safety in the NFL because of a lack of “catch-up ability.”

“Good football player, though,” Kiper said. “He’ll
make a team and he’ll get helped by playing for Nick Saban at Alabama.”

Will Menzie be the last Alabama player selected today? Stay tuned to al.com for more draft coverage throughout the day.

Looking for up-to-the-second Alabama updates? Follow Andrew Gribble on Twitter.

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